Smart trainers and roller trainers for winter 2026/27: Which system is best suited to which type of training?

Why is that? It’s down to three features that many devices blur – and which you should be aware of before you buy.

Provide resistance, send ride data, receive commands. Only a controllable trainer can, on command, increase resistance for a virtual climb or set a target power output for an interval. The words ‘smart trainer’ on the box do not indicate whether the device transmits data, is controllable, or can do both. Check this specifically for the combination of trainer and software. The TOUR overview of trainer tests and software leads to the individual tests.

By ‘indoor software’, we mean an app that receives data from the trainer whilst you’re cycling and controls the resistance – for example, Zwift, Rouvy, TrainingPeaks Virtual, Wahoo SYSTM or Tacx Training. Tracking apps such as Strava and training planners such as Garmin Connect do not control a trainer: that is the job of the ride software.

​You want to ride without a virtual route

A simple trainer is all you need for a steady ride without a screen. On a ‘wheel-on’ model, the rear wheel remains in the trainer and rolls against a friction roller. On a free-wheeling trainer, the wheel isn’t fixed in place – you have to balance and ride in a straight line. If you’re watching a TV series whilst cycling, you’ll usually find it more relaxing to ride on a fixed trainer.

On a basic trainer, a sensor provides ride data, provided the chosen indoor software supports it. You won’t feel an incline on the screen, though. If the software estimates power from speed, it isn’t actually measuring it – this isn’t a power metre reading.

With wheel-on trainers, tyre pressure and contact pressure affect the contact with the roller. If calibration is required for the model, carry it out under comparable conditions. In an earlier TOUR test of budget wheel-on trainers, the units tested were noisier and less accurate than the direct-drive trainers they were compared with. This finding applies to the units tested at that time.

A simple trainer will do. It doesn’t need to be controllable – and you’ll save money as a result.

You want to cycle virtual routes or do guided workouts

For your avatar to ride along a virtual route, the software needs a power reading. How accurate this is depends on the source: a power metre fitted to the bike measures power and cadence as close to the pedal as possible. Smart trainers calculate power from torque and cadence – this can be precise, but it is not a pedal-based measurement. Traditional trainers without power measurement estimate power based on rear-wheel speed; this is the least accurate method.

If an increase in pedal resistance is to be felt, the software must be able to control a compatible trainer. Controllable trainers are available as wheel-on models and with direct drive. They can receive commands – for example, in ERG mode: The software sets a power target and adjusts the resistance accordingly. This helps with longer, steady intervals. If your cadence drops significantly, the trainer increases the resistance to maintain the target power. For very short sprints: it’s better to shift gears yourself rather than stay in ERG mode.

With a direct drive system, you remove the rear wheel and place it onto a suitable mount. The axle standard, freehub, cassette or single sprocket and derailleur must all be compatible. Anyone who switches between road cycling and indoor training on a daily basis might quickly find the process of removing and refitting the rear wheel with a direct drive system a bit of a faff.

You’ll need a controllable smart trainer. Whether you choose a wheel-on or direct-drive model depends on how often you switch between riding on the road and indoors.

You do short interval training or take part in races

For short intervals, it is not just a question of whether a trainer can apply a braking force of 1,800 or 2,000 watts. They must reach a new target quickly and release the braking force again once the exertion is over. A slow transition is hardly noticeable during a long tempo session; but during repeated short bursts of effort, it alters the actual session performed.

In the TOUR test, the lightweight Elite Rivo (RRP 539 euros) adapts well. However, at power levels above 300 watts, its control system was a little slow to respond. The trainer calculates the power output based on the braking status; it does not measure it directly.

The Wahoo Kickr Core 2 (RRP 549 euros) remained within the specified accuracy range of plus or minus two per cent. However, at high power outputs in ERG mode, it regulated more slowly and overshot the target value by a greater margin than the top-performing units in the test.

The Garmin Tacx Neo 3M (1,299 euros) demonstrated the fastest response in the test: from 180 to 350 watts in four seconds, without overshoot. Measured accuracy: within plus or minus one per cent. The Van Rysel RCR (599 euros) also regulates at 350 watts without overshoot. However, it takes eight seconds to do so; after that, it maintains the power output precisely. Accurate power measurement and rapid resistance adjustment: two different capabilities – and two different price ranges.

For virtual races, you’ll also need a gear system and a connection. Before buying, check that the trainer, gear controls and your chosen software are compatible. With its own cassette, any mechanical gear system will work regardless of the platform. If, on the other hand, you use the Zwift Cog – a single sprocket that replaces the cassette and enables virtual gear changes – you’re limited to Zwift and a few other platforms. Not all indoor cycling software supports this system.

It’s worth spending a bit more here. Fast response times beat maximum wattage. The Tacx Neo 3M leads the way in the TOUR test; if you want to spend less, the Van Rysel RCR is a better choice than the Kickr Core 2.

Several people, one training ground?

An indoor bike keeps both road bikes free and is a worthwhile investment if you have a dedicated training space. Key factors include the adjustment ranges for seat height, handlebars and crank length, as well as the software support. The bike’s actual dimensions provide a better indication of whether it will suit two people of different heights than the manufacturer’s specifications.

For those who prefer to mount their own bike: with a direct drive system, the rear wheel has to be removed and refitted for every ride – and with two people and two bikes, that’s twice the effort. With a wheel-on trainer, there’s no need to change the wheel; the bike stays on the trainer and the contact pressure is simply readjusted.

A smart bike is the most convenient solution – provided the adjustment ranges suit everyone who wants to use it. Otherwise: direct drive with one bike per person, or ‘Wheel-on’ for quick changes.

Check before buying

• Function: Do you want to ride without using any software, view data or have the resistance controlled automatically?
• Link: Does the indoor software you want support your trainer – and the required control mode?
• Wheels and gears: Are the axle, cassette or single sprocket – and, if fitted, the virtual gear-shifting controls – compatible with the bike and the software?
• Type of training: During short intervals, pay attention to your running form; for races, check your stride pattern and foot strike consistency.
• Flat: How much space do you have? How noisy will it be for your neighbours? Is there enough ventilation?

The maximum wattage on the box doesn’t tell you much. What matters is whether the trainer, the software and your training style are a good match. Have a look at the TOUR test – that’s where you’ll find the measurement results.

​>> You can find all our smart trainer reviews in the TOUR overview.

And what about you: wheel-on, direct drive or an indoor bike – what will you be riding this winter? Let us know in the comments.