Turbo trainers and rollers

How to choose a turbo trainer

This section contains three distinct types, suited to different uses. First decide how the bike will be mounted, then consider connectivity.

Direct drive, wheel-on or free rollers

• The direct-drive turbo trainer replaces the rear wheel: the bike mounts by its axle, and the chain runs over a cassette fitted to the trainer. It’s the quietest option, the most accurate for power measurement and the only one that simulates gradients properly. The Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo, Elite Justo and Direto belong to this category.
• The wheel-on turbo trainer presses a roller against the rear tyre, with the wheel left on the bike. It’s cheaper and quicker to set up and put away, but noisier, and it wears the tyre — hence the need for special trainer tyres. The Elite Qubo, Tacx Flow and Boost are in this category.
• The free rollers don’t secure the bike at all: you ride while balancing on three drums. They don’t provide high resistance or simulate gradients, but nothing else develops pedalling technique and bike handling quite like them. Elite Arion and Nero, Tacx Antares, Wahoo Kickr Rollr.

Connected or not

A turbo trainer connected transmits power data via ANT+ and Bluetooth and receives commands from the app: this lets Zwift, TrainerRoad or MyWhoosh increase resistance when the road climbs. Without this feature, the trainer provides only fixed or manually adjusted resistance — useful for warming up, but not enough to follow a structured training plan.

The stated accuracy

It’s expressed as a percentage: ±1 % on high-end models, ±2 to 3% on mid-range models. The difference matters most if you compare the readings with an external power meter or take regular FTP tests. For training consistently on the same trainer, repeatability matters more than the absolute reading.

Simulated gradient and inertia

• The maximum simulated gradient ranges from 10% to 25%, depending on the model. Above 15%, you’re into virtual mountain-route territory.
• Theinertia — whether provided by flywheel mass or electromagnetic simulation — determines how realistic accelerations feel. Tacx Neo trainers simulate it electronically and even reproduce road surfaces.
• Some models move from side to side or back and forth (Wahoo Kickr Move) to reproduce the bike’s movement when riding out of the saddle.

The cassette and the COG&CLICK version

A direct-drive trainer is usually supplied without a cassette : you need to fit the same cassette as on your wheels, or buy one that matches your groupset. Some models come in a COG&CLICK version COG&CLICK (Zwift Cog): a single wide sprocket that works with any number of gears, with virtual shifting. There’s nothing else to fit, but using it then depends on the app.

Your bike’s axle

This is the compatibility detail most often overlooked. A direct-drive turbo trainer accepts 142 × 12 mm thru-axles and 130/135 mm quick releases, but other standards require a specific axle adapter axle adapter specific adapter, sold separately in the parts section.

To find out more: How to choose a turbo trainer

See also: Turbo trainer parts and accessories · Turbo trainer tyres · Road cycling power meters