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However, you can't move your bike training into your living room without making an investment. A few advantages of indoor cycling in a nutshell: precise load control, no danger from road traffic, weather-independent, less laundry.
1. the basis: Smart-Trainer
The centrepiece of your setup is the Smart Trainer. Sure, a high-end smart bike for €3999 is cool, but a simple smart trainer will do just as well. Direct drive trainers are quieter, more realistic and much more durable than old roller trainers. You have to remove the rear wheel and then fit the trainer.
If you're on a budget, the Kickr Core 2 is already a really good device for under 600 euros. It offers a good ride feel, accurate wattage values and works with popular indoor cycling apps.
Under 300 euros: Van Rysel D100 interactive
The D100 can simulate power outputs of up to 600 watts and an incline of up to six per cent with an accuracy of plus/minus five per cent. "Simulate incline" here means that the resistance is adjusted, not that the bike physically tilts. A cadence sensor must be purchased separately. If you want more accuracy or higher inclines, you will have to dig a little deeper into your pocket.
Tip: Check beforehand whether your bike is compatible with the Zwift Cog. It is also important to know that virtual shifting with the Zwift cog and click does not work with all training apps - or only with additional apps.
550 euros: Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog and Click
For 250 euros more, you can get a lot more. The Wahoo Kickr Core 2, also with Zwift Cog, brakes with a maximum of 1800 watts. Why brake? Because braking creates the resistance that you want to pedal during training. Its accuracy is plus/minus two per cent and the simulatable incline is 16 per cent. We recently tested the Wahoo Kickr Core 2. Conclusion: Top entry-level trainer with small compromises.
Alternative for 799 euros: Van Rysel RCR interactive with Zwift Cog and Click, the trainer is also a good choice, like our test has shown.
>> Our recommendation for getting started: Wahoo Kickr Core 2
The tip from above also applies here.
2. the bike: old love rediscovered
You have two options.
- Option one: You use your bike that you also ride outside. Then you'll always have to modify your bike a little and make sure it's clean. Otherwise you'll end up with dirt in your flat.
- Option two: You put your old road bike or gravel bike on the trainer and give it a new lease of life with your start in indoor cycling.
If you want to use the Smart Trainer with several people in rotation, you can consider whether a Smart Bike would be more suitable for you. The Zwift Ride frame costs around 800 euros, in a package with the Kickr Core 2 around 1200 euros - 150 euros less than individually.
3. fan, pad, towel - inconspicuous heroes
A good fan is a must. Without it, you'll turn into a human lava field after ten minutes. A simple rubber mat or old yoga mat under the trainer will protect the floor and absorb sweat. Inexpensive and effective. If you don't want to spend 280 euros on a Wahoo Kickr Headwind and don't have a fan, make sure you find a fan with a remote control. Then you can adjust the air flow during training.
- Mat: 40 Euro (for example Van Rysel protective pad for roller trainers Flanders from Decathlon)
- Fan: The cheapest in our test costs 70 eurosbut maybe you already have one at home. Then use that one.
- Towel: Take a small old towel
4. screen & app - motivation at the touch of a button
Tablet, laptop or smartphone - the main thing is that you can see what you are driving. You're sure to have at least one of these devices. Zwift is probably the best-known app for indoor cycling, Rouvy offers realistic video courses and MyWhoosh is even completely free. If you want to ride together with friends, it's best to all use the same platform.
- Zwift: 20 euros per month
- Rouvy: Single: 20 euros per month; Duo: 30 euros per month; Group: 60 euros per month (up to 5 people)
- MyWhoosh: Free of charge
Tip: If you want to cycle indoors all year round, you can save with an annual subscription instead of a monthly subscription with Zwif and Rouvy.
5. extra nice-to-have: music & light
A small Bluetooth box, a little LED ambience and the mini gym is ready. You want the feeling of "Pain Cave"? Just dim the lights, turn the playlist up and you'll feel like you're on the home straight of a bike race. Just make sure the neighbours don't complain about noise pollution.
Conclusion: train smart instead of poor
A good indoor setup doesn't have to be expensive, we have put together a setup for 700 euros. Well, of course we know that 700 euros is still a lot of money. We also know that it's worth it if it's used regularly.
Editor's recommendation:
- Smart Trainer Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog and Click: 550 Euro
- Flanders roller trainer mat: 40 Euro
- Fan with remote control: 80 Euro
- App: 20 euros per month
- Total: under 700 euros
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
