7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers for 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

Related Post: Health Benefits of Cycling: Research Shows that Exercise is a Miracle Cure

Related Post: How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan

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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