What is a basic trainer and who is it best suited for?

A basic trainer is an entry-level indoor cycling device that holds your bike in place so you can ride at home. These trainers are designed for cyclists who are new to indoor training or who want a simple, low-cost way to stay active through winter or poor weather. They focus on straightforward resistance rather than advanced features, making them a great starting point without a steep learning curve.

Do basic trainers work with any bike?

Most basic trainers are compatible with a wide range of bikes, but it is worth checking the axle type and wheel size your trainer supports before purchasing. Some trainers use a skewer system that clamps to your rear axle, while others may require an adapter for certain dropout styles. If you are unsure, checking the trainer specifications against your bike setup will help avoid compatibility issues.

What type of resistance do basic trainers use?

Basic trainers typically use magnetic or fluid resistance to create the feeling of riding against load. Magnetic resistance is common at the entry level and is generally reliable and easy to adjust, though it can feel less smooth than fluid options. Fluid trainers tend to offer a more road-like feel but may sit at a slightly higher price point within the basic category.

Are basic trainers suitable for regular training or just occasional use?

Basic trainers are well suited to regular use for building base fitness, maintaining conditioning through off-season periods, or riding on days when getting outside is not practical. They are not designed for high-intensity structured training with data tracking, but for steady riding sessions they perform reliably. Riders who train frequently and want more detailed performance feedback may eventually want to consider stepping up to a more advanced trainer.

How do basic trainers compare to smart trainers?

Basic trainers provide resistance for indoor riding but do not connect to training apps or automatically adjust resistance based on a workout program. Smart trainers offer app integration, power measurement, and interactive features that simulate real-world terrain. If you are just getting started with indoor training or do not need connectivity, a basic trainer offers a more affordable and straightforward option that covers the essentials.

Basic Indoor Trainers

Trainer Buying Guide

What to consider when shopping for Basic Indoor Trainers

When shopping for a Basic Trainer, the most important thing to consider is what you actually need from your indoor setup. These entry-level trainers are designed for cyclists who want a simple, reliable way to ride at home without the complexity or cost of more advanced systems. If you are new to indoor training, recovering from a break, or just looking to stay active through winter or wet weather, a basic trainer gives you everything you need to get started. Think about how often you plan to train and whether you need any connectivity features, as most basic trainers focus on straightforward resistance rather than app integration. Consider the type of resistance the trainer uses, how stable it feels with your bike, and how easy it is to set up and pack away. A no-fuss option suits riders who value simplicity over data.

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Buying Guides

Indoor Trainers Buying Guide

Indoor bike trainers are an excellent way of ensuring you can get in your daily kilometres no matter what the weather's doing outside. For those who are unfamiliar with indoor trainers, selecting the right type can be a confusing process, so here's an overview of the different varieties available and how to select the right one for your training needs. Indoor Trainers An indoor trainer removes any excuses you can think of for not riding. You can set it up anywhere you like (even in front of the TV) allowing you to continue riding regardless of time of day, nasty weather etc. The less expensive magnetic trainers offer a cost effective option, and are great for riders that just want the occasional 'bail out' option without having to spend too much. Fluid trainers offer a more realistic riding feel due to the way resistance is applied, and are generally preferred by riders intending to use the trainers as a more integral part of their riding. Both Magnetic & Fluid trainers are quieter than wind trainers. Indoor trainers are known by many different names such as turbo trainers, wind trainers or simply bike trainers. See All Indoor Trainers Fluid Trainers As their name suggests, fluid bike trainers employ the use of heat sensitive fluid contained within the flywheel to provide a riding experience which closely mimics that of riding outdoors. As your cadence increases, the fluid thickens due to the increase in temperature which creates resistance which becomes progressively stronger. Fluid trainers are preferred by riders who take their training a little more seriously and generally create less noise than their magnetic counterparts which is great for those who like to exercise before the rest of the household is awake. See All Trainers Rollers Unlike trainers, rollers do not provide any resistance so you won't be able to do sprint or interval training on them. However, rollers do provide a great full body workout as you'll be using your core muscles to maintain your balance. Using rollers requires higher concentration and skill levels as your bike isn't secured to the unit as it would be on a trainers. This will actually improve your balance and spinning technique out on the road as you'll need to maintain a smooth, efficient cadence to keep yourself upright on rollers. See All Rollers

Jul 3, 2025

Gear Up For Ultimate Indoor Cycling Jetblack Cycling Solutions

Indoor cycling has become a popular way to stay fit, especially when weather or other circumstances hinder outdoor rides. To make the most of your indoor cycling sessions, having the right gear and accessories is crucial. The question is often asked, "What gear and accessories do I need for Indoor Cycling?" JetBlack Cycling, a renowned name in the cycling industry, offers a range of innovative solutions that dramatically enhances your indoor cycling experience. In this blog, we'll explore the essential gear and accessories you need for indoor cycling, with a special focus on the cutting-edge products from JetBlack Cycling. 1. Indoor Trainer The Foundation of Your Workout: A high-quality indoor trainer is at the heart of your indoor cycling setup. Look for a model that is certified to use with Zwift and other training apps, and has a heart rate bridge built in so you can pair your heart rate monitor with your trainer. Make sure you choose a trainer that includes a pre-installed cassette, as this is often over looked and adds to the purchase price and is not easily installed at home. The JetBlack VOLT trainer ticks all the boxes and also replicates the feel of a real road while providing a smooth and challenging workout. 2. Riser Blocks and Front Wheel Supports Optimal Positioning: When training indoors the front wheel needs to be level or slightly higher than the back wheel. If it is even a small amount lower, it will be really uncomfortable and puts stress on the arms and shoulders. A wheel block lifts the front wheel to be level. Those models that lift the front wheel AND allow the handlebars to move are best for ergonomic comfort and also protects the bike frame from stress. Steering at the moment it's all the rage on indoor cycling apps, and if your budget allows, purchasing a steering block that allows you to steer within an app will future proof your setup. 3. Display and Device Holders What type of device will you use to display your indoor training app such as Zwift? If you are using a tablet or laptop device, then a good quality indoor training table will enhance your experience. A training table provides a sturdy platform that is easy to reach for your laptop and includes device slots to hold a tablet or phone. Other items that are used whilst indoor cycling such as gels, remotes, towels or bottles can also be placed on the table. For those who want to multitask, an indoor trainer table is a fantastic addition. JetBlack Cycling's tables are designed to hold your laptop, tablet, or book securely, allowing you to catch up on work, entertainment, or reading while you pedal away. They also feature handy device slots for holding a tablet or phone in a secure, upright position. For those using a TV, it is really important not to mount the TV too high. An indoor training TV stand is the perfect solution for keeping the TV nice and low and angling the screen at a 15 degree angle towards the rider. This takes strain off your neck as gives a lovely immersive experience. A trainer tray is also a handy utility device for keeping remotes, phones and snacks handy whilst on the bike. The best trainer tray on the market includes a mount to fit directly into your Garmin or Wahoo computer mount. 4. Keeping your cool An absolute essential for indoor training is a good quality fan . Even when training in colder months your body will heat up within a few minutes of riding and will require airflow to keep it cool for optimum performance. It's important to choose a fan that has strong direct airflow that covers most of the body for evaporative cooling. Many of the indoor training apps have group rides and a common mistake is to join a group ride without changing the fan on and then have to climb off the bike to turn the fan on and get dropped. Try to choose a model that has a remote control so that the fan can be turned on and off without having to get off the bike. 5. Other Essentials Finally, invest in a good quality indoor training mat . This will keep your trainer from slipping on smooth floor and add a layer of protection to the floor from sweat. A heart rate monitor paired to your indoor training app will also help to provide useful data for your sessions and is an important device for those taking their indoor training seriously. Having the right gear and accessories can greatly enhance your experience. JetBlack Cycling's innovative solutions provide a comprehensive range of options to elevate your indoor cycling setup. Whether you're looking for a realistic ride experience, technology integration, or accessories to optimize your comfort and performance, JetBlack Cycling has you covered. Invest in the right gear, and get ready to pedal your way to fitness success without leaving the comfort of your home.

Jul 3, 2025

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What to consider when shopping for Basic Indoor Trainers

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