If you really love your bike, the thought of winter can be scary. But luckily there are indoor trainers that will let you continue your bike training or even take it to a new level. Here you can find all the equipment that will make your training more efficient, more fun or less noisy. We’ll help you pick the accessories you need for your indoor trainer once winter is coming.
The right accessories will not only make your indoor training more efficient. It's more fun, increases your performance even in the worst weather, and most importantly, it ensures that your neighbors don't have to complain about the noise your exercise bike makes.
The most important training accessories for the exercise bike
Carpet pad for the exercise bike: An carpet pad under the ergometer fulfills several functions. It protects the floor from damage that could be caused by the movements of the exercise machine. To prevent the parquet from being scratched or the carpet from getting pressure marks, a protective mat is a useful addition. The mat also ensures that your exercise bike does not slip and it dampens noise that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the floor - and thus to the neighbors.
Special training tires: There are special tires that have been developed for use on the roller trainer. Here, not only does the composition of the casing ensure optimum grip on the rollers, the tires are smooth and thus reduce driving noise to a minimum.
Axle Adapters: If you opt for a direct-drive trainer, you'll need to fix your bike's dropouts into the roller trainer. If the axles do not fit the roller trainer, you can help with adapters. There are sets with quick release axles, thru axle adapters or freewheel bodies with which you can mount different axles on the trainer.
Front wheel support: A roller trainer, in which the rear wheel runs on a roller, brings your bike in an inclined position, it lifts the rear wheel. A front wheel support compensates for the difference in height here. At the same time the front wheel is fixed, so you sit more stable and safer on the bike.
Sweat catcher: On the ergometer you lack the cooling airstream! This can lead to much more sweat than you are used to outdoors. A sweat trap is attached between the saddle and handlebars. It absorbs drops of sweat and protects not only the frame of your bike, but also the ground.
Technical equipment improves your training!
Antennas and cables: A smart trainer is networked with your cell phone or PC. If you use a virtual reality trainer, your TV, router or projector will also come on board. You'll need the right antennas or cables to make the connection work.
Fan: Of course, you can set up any fan next to your exercise bike. It gets more exciting with devices that communicate with a smart trainer and adapt the airflow to your speed and the incline of the training program. This not only provides a good cooling effect, but also creates a natural riding experience.
Gradient simulator: A gradient simulator in combination with a Direct Drive trainer creates a real alpine feeling. The devices can simulate up to 20% incline and 10% decline and thus enable realistic altitude training.
Sports watches or chest straps that measure heart rate can be coupled with smart trainers and then evaluate your training particularly accurately.
What else makes your workout more enjoyable
Dress up! At first glance, fancy cycling clothes don't make much sense for indoor cycling. But even though no one will see you at home, it's still worth getting out your bike kit for your workout! You've read it above, the airstream is missing, so there can be more sweat when you're training at home. Breathable bike jerseys keep your skin comfortable because they wick moisture to the outside and dry quickly. Your cycling shorts can also show all their advantages on the ergometer. You sit in the saddle as well as on the bike, so the flat seams, the cut that allows a seated posture and especially a pad in the seat area make your training sessions much more comfortable.
Special sportswear is also easy to clean, after a wash it dries quickly. High-quality cycling shirts and pants and the corresponding baselayers are also equipped with an odor-reducing coating that prevents the development of unpleasant odors. So especially if you train indoors, it's worth buying!
If you do want to ride your bike outdoors on a nice, clear, cold winter day, be sure to wrap up warm. Thick cycling jackets and thermal pants will protect you from the cold.
You don't need special cycling shoes for the exercise bike. However, it is possible to ride with clickis if you are used to them. On a trainer with a direct drive not much can happen, on a roller trainer there are falls from time to time. Here cycling gloves or even a helmet are safer.
