“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have
to find time for illness.”
Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby and British statesman
A stationary bike stand, an especially handy machine during cold, winter months, is used to convert
an outdoor bicycle into a stationary bicycle. With it, you get an intense workout without outdoor distractions,
allowing you to maintain and maximize your heart rate as well as providing other health benefits. You can also improve your pedal stroke by
spinning one leg to see each leg’s flaws.
When you research stationary bike stands, you will find that different terms refer to workout
equipment that accomplishes the same purpose. The two basic types of stationary bike stands
include:
·
Indoor bicycle trainer
·
Stationary bike stand rollers
What are the differences between these types of stationary bike stands? What is the price range for
these various types of bike stands? How will you know which one is right for you? These answers are provided
below.
The 3 Types of Indoor Bicycle Trainers
Your three options for an indoor bike trainer are fluid trainers, magnetic cycling trainers and wind
trainers.
With all three types, you can use your bicycle on a trainer without having to think about your
balance. This means that you would be able to watch television or read a book while cycling. An indoor bicycle
trainer, which clamps near the rear dropouts while the front wheel remains on, has a low chance of stressing the
frame. However, a model that clamps the bottom bracket and front fork will more than likely stress your bike’s
frame.
You can vary training resistance, up to 700 or more watts, with some types of trainers. But even
though you can develop a large degree of strength, an indoor bicycle trainer does not always offer an even, smooth
pedal stroke. The alternative is to do one-leg pedal drills for a smoother stroke.
Fluid trainers allow progressive resistance, a quiet ride and also imitate an outdoor experience.
These stationary bike stands are the best types of trainers. They also cost the most of the
three.
Kurt Kinetic bicycle trainers, which cost about $300, are
made of silicone, a thermodynamically neutral substance. So, even though they create heat from the friction in the
unit, the fluid never thins out. If you’re looking for a less expensive fluid trainer, you can find some for around
$200.
Now, let’s move on to magnetic bicycle trainers. These stationary bike trainers use eddy current
braking, meaning that an eddy current slows an object by way of electromagnetic induction, thus creating
resistance. This resistance is linear, at best.
It is possible for the flywheel to break free suddenly from the eddy current resistance if a cyclist
stands up on the trainer and sprints to a finish. This creates absolutely no pedal resistance as well as a crash
down onto the top bar.
Magnetic exercise bike stands range in price from about $100 t
o $200. The CycleOps Magneto bike stand trainer, which costs nearly $200, offers progressive resistance but also
changes the magnets’ configuration. A cyclist has to dismount and change a cheaper magnetic stationary bike
trainer’s setting. Even pricier magnetic trainers have a cable attached to the handlebars for remote setting
changes.
The last type of stationary bike stand is the wind indoor bi
cycle trainer, which is best for beginners and usually costs a little more than $100. Even though they’re simple to
use, these exercise bike stands are loud and offer limited resistance. However, for a beginner who isn’t planning
on doing prolonged cycling, these trainers are perfect.
Sticking to dependable brands like CycleOps or Kurt Kinetic will ensure that you get the most bang
for your buck.
All About Stationary Bike Stand Rollers
Rollers, which do not attach to a bike’s frame, offer a smooth, even pedal stroke. However, balance
can be a challenge because they do not attach to a bike like indoor bicycle trainers.
Stationary bike stand rollers usually have three rollers, also k
nown as drums or cylinders. Two are for the rear wheel and one for the front one. One of the rear rollers is
connected to the front roller with a belt. This makes the front wheel spin when pedaled.
Rollers can be constructed from plastic, wood or aluminum alloy, while the frame is made from
extruded aluminum or welded steel. The best material for the actual stationary bike stand rollers is aluminum alloy
because plastic rollers bend and get misshapen after regular use.
Exercise bike stand rollers cost anywhere from $150 up to over $400. Rollers are best for more
advanced cyclists because of the balance issue. They require a skill that must be learned.

Related Articles:
How To Choose and Use An Exercise Bike
Stand
Is An Indoor Bicycle Trainer Appropriate
for Children to Use?
How Stationary Bike Trainers Benefit Your Health
Kurt Kinetic Trainers – The Elite Stationary Bike Stands For
Cyclists
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