When the weather turns grim, the days get shorter or life just gets in the way of outdoor rides, a good indoor trainer can keep your cycling goals on track, without leaving the house. Whether you're training for performance, chasing fitness or just looking to stay consistent, indoor cycling is one of the smartest moves a rider can make.
If you’re new to indoor trainers or just wondering whether your setup could use an upgrade this guide breaks it down.
Why Ride Indoors?
Let’s keep it real: indoor cycling might not have the scenery but it’s efficient, controlled and consistent. No traffic lights, no weather tantrums, no punctures (well, hopefully). Just pure, focused riding.
And thanks to tech like smart trainers, training apps and interactive workouts, it’s come a long way from staring at the garage wall.
The Main Types of Indoor Trainers
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Wheel-On Trainers: Affordable and easy to use. Your bike’s rear wheel mounts onto the trainer. Great for casual riders or those just getting started.
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Direct-Drive Trainers: More stable, more accurate and quieter. You remove the rear wheel and attach your bike directly to the trainer. These are the go-to for serious training and Zwift fanatics.
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Smart Trainers: These can connect to apps via Bluetooth or ANT+, adjusting resistance automatically and providing real-time data like power, cadence and speed.
👉 Browse our full range of indoor trainers
Smart Training = Smart Gains
Pair a smart trainer with an app like Zwift, TrainerRoad or Wahoo SYSTM and you’re suddenly racing through virtual worlds, riding structured workouts or joining online group rides all from your lounge room.
These setups are ideal for:
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Power-based training
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Performance tracking
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Motivation during colder months
And let’s face it: nothing beats knocking out a 45-minute workout without leaving the house when the weather’s miserable.
Don’t Forget the Indoor Essentials
To get the most out of your trainer setup, you’ll want a few key accessories:
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Trainer Mats: Protect your floor and dampen noise.
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Sweat Guards: Save your frame and components from salt build-up.
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Front Wheel Risers or Blocks: Keep your bike level and stable.
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Fans: You will get hot. A good fan is your best friend indoors.
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Heart Rate Monitors & Sensors: Add data to your ride for smarter training.
Tips for a Better Indoor Ride
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Dress like it’s summer: Moisture-wicking kit is essential.
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Hydrate: You’ll sweat more indoors so keep a bottle within reach.
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Mix it up: Alternate between endurance rides, intervals and recovery sessions to stay engaged.
- Keep it social: Join virtual group rides or races to keep up the interest levels.
Your Winter Training Starts Here
Whether you're building base miles, sweating through structured intervals or just trying to stay consistent through the colder months, indoor training keeps you riding year-round.
Check out our top-rated indoor trainers, bundles and accessories to upgrade your setup and keep the pedals turning no matter the season.
👉 Shop Indoor Cycling at De Grandi