Top 5 Indoor Cycling Tips | How To Get The Most Out Of A Smart Trainer

[@bikeradar]

What's your top tips for cycling indoors? Have you already conquered the Alpe Du Zwift? Let us know in the comments!

[@onelastlap9302]

I’m still on basic Kreitler rollers myself, find it’s very engaging and fun to ride, and very smooth/realistic.

[@SignorLuigi]

49 minutes up the Alpe! That is excellent. You are too modest! 👏👏👏 As far as a tip. I have my fan connected to a smart plug (Wemo in my case). I initially set this up because I do occasionally forget to turn on the fan and this allows me to not have to get off the bike to turn it on. So convenient! I have discovered an additional treat of this set-up. I don't turn on the fan for the first 5-10 minutes of a ride so that I can get fully warmed up more quickly. Then all I need to do is say, "Hey Siri (Apple ecosystem here), turn on the fan" and BOOM, instant cooling with no interruptions to my ride.

[@bikeradar]

Thanks - that's very kind. Still over 20mins off the Alpe KOM so it didn't feel very spectacular haha 😅 Great tip re. the smart plug, though, thanks for sharing! I've definitely forgotten to turn on my fan a few times - such a nightmare when it happens. Might have to get one of these myself. Cheers for watching! Simon 🤝

[@simondobos]

Regarding the first tip, isn't the proper terminology an interactive trainer? I always thought that smart trainer meant that it transmits data without the need to buy a sensor and that interactive were the ones that can change the resistance based on gradient

[@rawmancemtb]

Pretty good demonstration of how much even a road bike flexes under load.

[@PeterPutz82]

Tip #1, don't do what these guys do. Don't put your skinny lightweight bike on a static trainer and ride out of the saddle. I've busted two carbon frames on the trainer. Get a cheap alloy dedicated indoor bike, put it on the trainer and leave it there.

[@guitaroidman524]

True. I notice my Allez Sprint, a frame that is incredibly stiff, flex in the trainer under hard efforts.

[@eduardobraga4461]

I have a crappy sprint so I don’t have to worry about that hahaha…to be fair I don’t go all out when sprinting on the trainer, I know it’s not ideal for the bike. Which frames did you bust?!

[@PeterPutz82]

@@eduardobraga4461 Supersix Evo Hi Mod X 2, there is a reason they are called Crackendale. Pretty sure bikes are now heavy due to disc brakes and being beefed up for trainer use.

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

I have recently just got my first smart trainer first go in erg mode I changed to big ring in error, i ended up pedaling like Jars Ullrich 🤣

[@GeeFunk84]

Get a set of rollers so you have a choice between that and a smart trainer. If you switch things up from time to time, it will make training less boring. In my experience, rollers work better on shorter, high-cadence trainings (as bike handling is a lot more focused), while trainers work better on lionger rides perhaps, because you can do other things a lot more easier while pedalling.

[@benhardwick1970]

Looking at splashing some cash and getting a smart trainer. Wondering weather to go tacx neo 2 or wahoo kickr?? Also I’m awful with technology so simple is best for me. Any advice appreciated

[@MirzaPlavcic]

Tacx Neo 2t is amazing. Pull the trigger and you won't regret

[@cyclingthomas826]

Wahoo kickr core is fantastic

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching Ben - check out our Best smart trainer video if you want recommendations; kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHm6o42jaK1pfNE You can also read the full reviews on BikeRadar.com if you want even more details on the performance each trainer; www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-smart-trainer/

[@paulsonjeff]

I got the wahoo kikr snap. It's awesome and mid range price.

[@ClockCutter]

"A smart trainer and Zwift comes admirably close" to riding in actual mountains. Lol. It doesn't come close at all. If you're not racing next season, stop riding and do something else. Weight lifting, for example. Serious core work. Trail running, which is so much easier to do in the rain. You'll be better off in the long run and you'll be especially eager to ride again when the weather turns.

[@bikeradar]

Each to their own, of course, but I really enjoy indoor training during the winter (maybe because I am planning to race next season). I do think there's value in being able to simulate long climbs indoors too, especially if you're training for something with long climbs in the real world - around here (South West of England), there's not really any climbs over 10mins, so being able to do longer climbing efforts on Zwift (or whatever indoor training app you use) is quite cool IMO. But hey, if it's not for you that's ok too! Cheers for watching. Simon ✌

[@SignorLuigi]

Jeeze, I don't know about that, ClockCutter. I dedicated myself to riding routes with substantive climbs on Zwift last winter and found great improvement in my ability to climb IRL this spring and summer. I actually think climbing is now my favorite type of riding and I am not a naturally good climber. But, as Simon said, to reach their own. It's all good!!! 😊

[@paulobrien4794]

You are all wonderful!

[@bikeradar]

Thanks, Paul, so are you! 🥰

[@paulobrien4794]

@@bikeradar Ah thanks! I didn't even make a video.

[@rbstretch100]

Can’t add any tips, but looking for more. Got all the kit as suggested, but still can’t get motivated. Part of the issue is that the setup seems to take longer than getting ready for a real ride (I have to pack away the trainer after use). Generally that means I do it outside and only do indoor training when the weather is truly awful and dark and sometimes waste up to an hour getting everything ready (usually have Bluetooth issues, Zwift needs to update etc. etc.)

[@bikeradar]

It is tricky if you need to set everything up each time - definitely a hurdle on those days when you're feeling tired. Would it be possible to set your kit all up the night before (just before you go to bed) then wake up early to do your session? Then you can wake up and get straight on the turbo, and just have to pack it all away after the session, and hopefully it doesn't impact on other people needing to use the space at the same time. I used to do that before I had the space to keep everything permanently set up. I usually find having a planned session or goal really helpful for motivation too, so maybe consider signing up for a training plan if you haven't already. Cheers for watching and good luck with your training! Simon 👍

[@guitaroidman524]

I thought that I'd be packing away the trainer after every ride when I first bought it, but now my bike stays setup in my room all the time between October and March. If you can find the space to just keep it setup then you'll be laughing.

[@brakesmadly]

Nice BSCC skinsuit placement 😉

[@bikeradar]

Up the South!

[@simoncummins2305]

How do you switch on erg mode? I can't find it in any menu, what am I missing?

[@bikeradar]

On Zwift, ERG mode is only available in workouts - you can find the switch on the page where you select which workout to do. More info here; support.zwift.com/en_us/erg-mode-in-workouts-SkQJC8OEH Cheers for watching! Simon

[@MC57315]

I would like to add "crack open a window in the room", as rooms heat up significantly when on a trainer.

[@kylebrown4293]

that just lowers my heating bill in the winter time!

[@bikeradar]

Yep, that's a really good tip - always good to get some extra cool air in the room! Cheers for watching. Simon ✌

[@jorandxd]

The best tip? Money.

[@bikeradar]

Money certainly helps (when doesn't it!?), but you can get a decent smart trainer for less than £300 / $300 these days - I was very impressed by the performance of the Tacx Flow Smart, for example. You can read my in-depth review here, if you're interested; www.bikeradar.com/reviews/training/indoor-trainers/tacx-flow-smart-review/ Cheers for watching! Simon 👍

[@paulsonjeff]

Nothing's free.

[@jorandxd]

@@paulsonjeff ride my bike its free

[@paulsonjeff]

@@jorandxd nah. My bike is free too. I'll ride it.

[@thegravelman1665]

What average power did you produce for that 49m Aple run? Must have been 300+ surely? wow

[@bikeradar]

262 watts, according to Strava - I'd have weighed around 64kg at the time, IRRC, so that's around 4w/kg... A fair bit off my best ever performances in the real world, but not too bad; www.strava.com/activities/3292821740 Not sure where that puts me on the global Strava leaderboard (I don't have a premium account, so I can't see), but I don't think it's very high up haha 😂 Cheers for watching! Simon 👍

[@Ballacks101]

49:29 - humble brag

[@bikeradar]

😅Wasn't meant to be - doesn't put me anywhere near the top of the Strava leaderboard for that segment, but thanks anyway haha. Cheers for watching! Simon ✌

[@NewPolishScientist]

Always wear a helmet even indoor

[@JogBird]

UK winters are a joke, just go outside

[@bikeradar]

While we may not be snowed under for weeks of the year, we'd argue UK winters are generally cold and damp (usually very damp!) which can make for some challenging conditions for training. Thanks for watching!

[@abedfo88]

yeah try cycling on UK roads in the dark with psychopathic commuters, GG.