This post compares 7 of the best budget indoor bike trainers, to help you to quickly choose the best trainer for your needs. An indoor bike trainer is a great way to build your cycling fitness when circumstances make it unpleasant to go outside. Simply set up your regular bike on an indoor bike trainer and pedal away. Then use a cycling app, TV, iPad, or smart phone to provide entertainment and inspiration. We all know that the best way to get fit is to find a way to have fun while exercising. And also, make it easy to do – which is exactly what your own indoor bike trainer achieves. No more venturing out into the icy rain and traffic when it’s the last thing you want to do!
Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
 | People who want a well-rated and sturdy, but very budget, bike trainer to try indoor bike training for the first time | Magnetic resistance. Fits any road or mountain bike with a 26-28" or 700C wheel | Works with all kinds of bikes; ships with a front riser block; quick and easy to load up your existing bike; 8 levels of resistance so you can increase resistance as you get stronger and fitter; control the resistance from your handlebars. Rubber feet will prevent scratching wood floor. Has a wide base and low stance for unshakable balance. Maximum rider weight: 330 lbs | Usually under $100; please click here for SALE price on Amazon Right Now |
 | Serious cyclists who want a premium SMART trainer that is super quiet and comes with access to awesome apps via Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ FE-C | Electronic resistance. Fits 22 inch to 29 inch wheels | Realistic cycling feeling; engages your core; easy on your knees because it moves; you can link it to inspirational, fun apps with Bluetooth or ANT+; automatically adjusts resistance to simulate ride conditions; unconditional lifetime warranty on the frame; also compatible with Garmin | Usually around $630; click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now |
 | People who want a great budget option, in a premium steel trainer for riders up to 265 pounds | Magnetic resistance. Fits any road or mountain bike with a 26-28" or 700c wheel | Simple setup – use the double lock system to quickly lock your bike into place. Steady and stable, with a dual support structure. Adjustable anti-slip rubber feet enable you to set it up on any surface. Front riser included in the budget price. Folds up when not in use. Premium steel construction supports riders up to 265 lb (120 kg) | Usually less than $100; please click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now |
 | People looking for a premium all-in-one indoor trainer with Smart features at a bargain price. This one is different because it does not require you to use your own bike | Magnetic resistance, belt-driven | Equipped with Bluetooth to connect to Zwift; extremely highly rated; quiet magnetic belt-drive; solid and sturdy; rated for people up to 287 pounds; holder for your phone or tablet; water bottle holder; large digital display to show you ride details; very highly rated; transportation wheels to tuck it away when not in use | Usually around $350; click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now, if still available |
 | People looking for a BUDGET indoor bike trainer to try out indoor training | Magnetic resistance. Compatible with any bike with a 26-28" or 700c wheel and with a rear wheel axle between 4.92'-6.57" | Cheap, solid, a bit noisy. Quieter with a road bike than a mountain bike. You can use the 5 adjustable anti-slip rubber feet to even out any uneven flooring. Reasonably easy to assemble. The number 1 best seller in bike resistance trainers. Good option to try indoor trainers without a huge investment | Usually around $120; click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now |
 | People willing to invest a bit more money for a well rated magnetic trainer | Magnetic resistance. Compatible with wheel sizes from 26" x 1" to 29" x 2.3", so it will fit a road, hybrid, or mountain bike. Will be quieter with a road bike | Fully adjustable legs and feet provide stability regardless of the surface; control resistance with a remote control; relatively quiet; has a fast crank mounting system; fully adjustable legs so you can use it on almost any surface; great price for the quality; ships with a mat to reduce noise; lifetime warranty | Usually around $165; click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now |
 | People who want a SMART indoor bike trainer so they can enjoy cycling apps such as Zwift while they train indoor | Electronic magnetic resistance. Fits almost all bikes | Excellent price for a SMART indoor bike trainer. Compact and durable frame design with an updated electronic magnet resistance unit. Ships with ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS and a more accurate and responsive ride. | Usually around $500; click here for exact price on Amazon Right Now |
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Contents of Post
- Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
- How Turbo Indoor Bike Trainers Work
- Related Post: 5 of the Best SMART Indoor Bike Trainers for Effective, Fun Indoor Bike Training
- Smart Indoor Bike Trainers that use Electronically Controlled Resistance
- Budget Indoor Bike Trainers that Use Fluid Resistance
- Budget Indoor Bike Trainers that use Magnetic Resistance
- Indoor Bike Trainers that use Air Resistance
- BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #1: Cheapest Possible Option: Balance Steel Bike Trainer Stand
- BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #2: Most Highly Rated Electronic Smart Indoor Bike Trainer: Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer
- BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #3: A Great Budget Option – the Unisky Bike Trainer
- BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #4: Most Highly Rated Stand-Alone Indoor Bike Trainer: The Snode Magnetic Indoor Exercise Bike
- INDOOR TRAINER #5: Best BUDGET Magnetic Indoor Bike Trainer Option: Sportneer Bike Trainer Stand
- INDOOR TRAINER #6: Most Highly Rated Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike Trainer: Blackburn Tech Mag Race Trainer
- INDOOR BUDGET TRAINER #7: Best BUDGET SMART Indoor Bike Trainer: Kinetic by Kurt Road Machine
- Accessories for Indoor Bike Trainers
At the very top of the range, most smart indoor trainers start at around a thousand dollars, and can cost a lot more. But if you are a beginner at indoor bike training, you can get started with something a whole lot cheaper. In this post we describe the different types of indoor bike trainers available, and list 7 of the best budget indoor bike trainers. The trainers in this post range from less than $100, to around $500. One of the very best of the trainers in this post is this impressive SMART indoor trainer at a budget price.
However, we also have plenty of even more budget options. We also recommend some essential accessories to make your indoor bike training experience more comfortable.
Related Post: How to Get Started with Stationary Biking
How Turbo Indoor Bike Trainers Work
All of the indoor trainers in this post are on the cheaper side because of their design. Basically, they work by applying resistance. With the more expensive trainers, you remove your rear wheel and attach your bike to a direct drive unit, which can be very precisely calibrated.
With the trainers in this post, you place the turbo trainer device under the rear wheel of your bike. In this way, you transform your regular bike into an indoor trainer. The rear wheel of your bike is suspended in an A-frame. And the tire rests on a roller in a resistance unit. Because there will be a lot of wear and tear on your rear tire, we recommend that you buy a trainer tire.
How the Trainers Create Resistance
Indoor trainer devices use a variety of techniques to provide the resistance required to give you a workout. Because you don’t have the resistance that results from propelling your body weight forward.
This includes fluid resistance, magnetic resistance, and electronic resistance. We explain this further below.
Related Post: 5 of the Best SMART Indoor Bike Trainers for Effective, Fun Indoor Bike Training
Smart Indoor Bike Trainers that Use Electronically Controlled Resistance
These trainers are for those who want the best possible indoor bike training experience, and have the money to pay for good quality. They are smart trainers with a load generator that can be electronically controlled. Basically, you connect a smart phone or an iPad or a computer to the device via Bluetooth Smart and/or Ant +. Forget about adjusting resistance by hand.
With these machines, you can choose a simulated bike ride. Say, perhaps, a bracing ride through the Alps. The electronic resistance unit will automatically adjust the resistance for you, to simulate that ride. You will be freed up to watch TV while your ride data streams alongside your show.
Or – even better – you can immerse yourself in a virtual ride using videos from an app like The Sufferfest. You can also choose to set your ERG. The ERG mode is where the trainer adjusts its resistance automatically. This helps you hit a certain target power level without needing to shift.
Related Post: What is a SMART Indoor Trainer?
A Bargain Priced Budget Smart Indoor Trainer
Usually these smart indoor trainers are very high end and cost upwards of $1000. However, we did manage to find a highly rated one, the Kinetic Road Machine, which is around $520. More about that trainer further on in this post.
Budget Indoor Bike Trainers that Use Fluid Resistance
The technology in indoor bike trainers has come a long way, and modern trainers that use fluid resistance are relatively quiet. They are also relatively expensive. But, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
In a fluid resistance trainer, the resistance is created by turning a blade inside a container of fluid. Fluid resistance is progressive. That is, the resistance increases as wheel speed increases, because the fluid becomes thicker as its temperature increases. The fact that the resistance increases in this way means that you will never get so fit that your trainer is useless.
Fluid resistance units are the second quietest indoor bike trainers – just behind electronic resistance indoor trainers.
Budget Indoor Bike Trainers that use Magnetic Resistance
Magnetic indoor bike trainers use adjustable magnetic resistance to create drag against the bike wheel. The unit is driven by a flywheel with rotating magnets that create resistance as they are engaged or disengaged. To adjust the resistance, you usually have to get off your bike and choose a new level on the trainer.
However, some models enable you to change the resistance with a handlebar-mounted cable that you attach to the trainer. The amount of resistance they can generate is finite, so your unit could become useless if your fitness improves substantially.
Magnetic resistance units are noisier than fluid resistance units, but quieter than air resistance units.
Indoor Bike Trainers that use Air Resistance
Turbo trainers using the original air resistance method have a fan that creates wind resistance. They generate resistance by spinning a bladed disk or fan through the air. They can be very loud, but a very good one will generate a fairly realistic cycling feeling with smooth, progressive resistance. Air resistance trainers are the noisiest of all indoor bike trainers.
Related Post: Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cycling Training Plan, Phase 1
BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #1: Cheapest Possible Option: Balance Steel Bike Trainer Stand
This is the one for you if you just want to try indoor cycling to see if it is for you. It will fit almost any bike, and will get you started training indoors! This trainer works with all kinds of bikes, and will fit any road or mountain bike with a 26-28″ or 700C wheel. It uses magnetic resistance, and you get to choose from 8 levels of resistance so you can increase resistance as you get stronger and fitter. Even better, you can control the resistance from your handlebars.
This trainer ships with a front riser block. It is quick and easy to load up your existing bike onto the trainer, instantly turning your outdoor bike into an indoor trainer. In our experience, a fun and exhilarating way to pass a rainy afternoon.
BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #2: Most Highly Rated Electronic SMART Indoor Bike Trainer: Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer
The Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer offers many of the premium features of high-end smart trainers, but at a much lower price point. The primary reason it is cheaper is that it is a tire drive. That is, friction is applied to your own rear tire. With the more expensive trainers, you remove your rear wheel and attach your bike to a direct drive unit.
Related Post: How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Bike Training System on Any Budget
Video Showing the Kinetic Rock and Roll
This video gives you more information about this highly rated smart trainer:
Features of the Kinetic Rock and Roll Smart Trainer
Despite the comparatively low price, this smart indoor bike trainer offers all of the following features:
Smart Features
- It is set up for Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ connectivity. This gives you access to all kinds of cool cycling apps, such as Kinetic Fit, Zwift, TrainerRoad and Fit. These apps allow you to control the resistance and record your progress. To do this, you use apps on your phone, tablet, or computer. These apps enable you to create much more enjoyable training sessions. For example, you can simulate alpine climbs. The resistance will automatically adjust to simulate terrain changes.
- It is also compatible with Garmin.
- It is set up to offer an immersive experience, coupled with efficient, targeted workouts and ride simulations that will get you hammering those cranks and getting fitter.
- You have complete data access and control with the Kinetic Fit App. This app gives you a wide range of training plans, and lets you stream your workout data to your chosen device, right next to the content you are watching. If you buy it from Amazon, you get the app free for a month, to try it out.
- The Kinetic Fit app is compatible with AirPlay, Chromecast, Apple Watch, Google Wear, Mio Heart Rate Sensors, and the Kinetic Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Strap, among others.
- With the Kinetic Fit app you can stream your workout data to your TV or device alongside your favorite movie, video or YouTube content directly through the app.
- You can also chose to stream The Sufferfest, which has premium cycling videos, and synchronize to your own personal workout (a subscription is required). This app was voted App of the Year by Bikes Etc.
Other Features
- The frame lets your bike move from side to side. So, you have a more realistic cycling experience, and your core muscles get a workout too.
- It has a large flywheel (6.2 pounds) to provide a realistic road feel.
- Fits 22 inch to 29 inch wheels.
- It’s very quiet.
- It comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty on the frame and frame parts. The electronic resistance unit is covered by a two-year warranty.
Related Post: Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #3: A Great Budget Option – the Unisky Bike Trainer
Simple setup – just use the double lock system to quickly lock your bike into place. Steady and stable, this trainer supports a dual support structure. It ships with adjustable anti-slip rubber feet that enable you to set it up on any surface. A front riser is also included in the budget price.
When not in use, you can fold this trainer up for storage. The premium steel construction supports riders up to 265 lb (120 kg).
Related Post: 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
BUDGET INDOOR TRAINER #4: Most Highly Rated Stand-Alone Indoor Bike Trainer: The Snode Magnetic Indoor Exercise Bike
This is a stand-alone stationary exercise bike. It uses magnetic resistance and is belt-driven. It is sturdy and stable, and will support a rider up to 287 pounds. Enjoy your workout by putting your phone or tablet on the holder to amuse yourself while exercising. Even better, connect the bike to Zwift via the included Bluetooth and compete against yourself or others in a safe, virutal world. A large digital display helps to keep you on track with your workout.
The flywheel weighs in at 35 pounds to ensure a more realistic ride. This bike is backed by strong 24-hour customer service, and is extremely well rated by users.
The bike includes a water bottle holder for longer workouts. When you are done with your workout, the bike has transportation wheels so you can tuck it back in a corner of the room.
Related Post: How Many Calories do You Burn Cycling?
INDOOR TRAINER #5: Best BUDGET Magnetic Indoor Bike Trainer Option: Sportneer Bike Trainer Stand
The Sportneer Bike Trainer Stand is a budget option in magnetic resistance indoor bike trainers. It is somewhat noisy, but is reasonably easy to assemble and has many satisfied users. At this price point, it is not going to offer you high-end features of any kind, but it will provide a basic workout indoors. It’s the number 1 best seller in bike resistance trainers on Amazon – so it could be that this is a good way to test the waters, and see if indoor trainers will work for you, without laying out the big bucks!
INDOOR TRAINER #6: Most Highly Rated Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bike Trainer: Blackburn Tech Mag Race Trainer
The Blackburn Tech Mag Race Trainer is the most highly rated magnetic indoor trainer on Amazon.
Key Features of the Blackburn Tech Mag Race Trainer
- It is not very noisy.
- It has a Fast Crank mounting system and fully adjustable legs so that you can use it on pretty much any surface.
- Great price for the quality.
- It ships with a resistance remote that you can attach to your handlebars and remotely change your level of resistance as you warm up.
- It ships with a mat to protect your floor and reduce noise.
INDOOR BUDGET TRAINER #7: Best BUDGET SMART Indoor Bike Trainer: Kinetic by Kurt Road Machine
If you want a budget price but still want all the advantages of a SMART trainer, this one would be a good choice. The advantages of a Smart trainer are legend. Compared to the boring monotony of just pedaling, a Smart trainer can place you virtually in the real world, actually participating in real group rides or races. It’s a no-brainer that this will make you more likely to train more often.
Although this is a budget priced Smart trainer, it is from a respected manufacturer, backed by excellent customer service, and very highly rated by users. This indoor bike trainer could be the investment that finally gets you doing some serious indoor training – and enjoying it too.
Related Post: Best SMART Indoor Bike Trainers Compared
Related Post: What is a Smart Indoor Trainer?
Accessories for Indoor Bike Trainers
Front Risers
Almost all of these trainers will require a front riser to keep the bike level. These are cheap and essential, because the trainer raises the back wheel, and you need your bike level to feel comfortable. You may be able to manage if you still have an old phone book lying around! If not, this CycleOps Riser will fit any indoor trainer, and is so completely adjustable that you can simulate cycling uphill (although, I am not sure I would ever want to do that!)
Training Tires
Also, it is essential to purchase a training tire for your rear wheel. Otherwise, you will wear out your regular tire at an alarming rate, which is just a waste of money. Training tires help to make the turbo slightly quieter, and are made from a slightly harder compound of rubber so they will not wear down so quickly. Click here for an entire selection of training tires.
A Mat to Reduce Noise
Next, unless you live alone in a large, empty palace, you will probably want to minimize the noise you generate. The best way to do this is by spending more money for a quieter machine. But whatever you end up buying, a good way to minimize noise is to place your training setup on a yoga mat or similar mat. This will soak up some of the noise, and also catch the sweat that is gong to be dripping off of you! If you want something tougher than a yoga mat, it is possible to buy a mat that is designed for indoor trainers to stand on, such as this very highly rated and affordable mat.
A Fan to Keep You Cool
If you don’t already have one, a decent fan is highly recommended. When cycling outdoors, the wind helps to keep you cool, but indoors you don’t have this. So, you are going to be able to keep going a whole lot longer if you have a fan to cool you down.
See our post, “Study Shows that Interval Training on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging”
Good luck – we hope you find the perfect indoor bike trainer and have a lot of fun with it. If there is a great one we have missed, please let us know in the comments and we will try to add it in!
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