Riding a Smart Trainer All Year: Pedaling Through the Seasons

Riding a Smart Trainer All Year: Pedaling Through Seasons

Staying active year-round can be a challenge, especially when the weather outside is anything but friendly. Enter the smart trainer—a revolutionary piece of equipment that brings the enjoyment and challenge of cycling indoors. Whether you’re aiming to maintain fitness, train for races, or simply enjoy a good ride without braving the elements, a smart trainer is your new best friend. In 2022, we highlighted smart trainers as one of the top cycling innovations of the past 20 years.

The All-Season Cyclist’s Best Friend

A smart trainer isn’t just any stationary bike. It’s a tech-savvy device designed to mimic the real-world cycling experience. Connected to apps like Zwift, Rouvy, or FulGaz, it can simulate different terrains, provide structured workouts, and even let you ride competitively or socially with fellow cyclists around the globe.

Benefits of Year-Round Smart Trainer Usage

-Weather-Proof Workouts: No more excuses. Rain, snow, or blistering heat can’t stop you from getting your ride in. With a smart trainer, your workout environment is always comfortable.

-Virtual Adventures: Different apps offer virtual worlds to explore, making your rides more engaging and fun. If racing is your motivation, there is a World Championship of Indoor Cycling. Alternatively, you can ride your smart trainer through a virtually unlimited library of scenic, first-person rides from the shores of Lake Champlain to the Alps of Switzerland.

-More effective training rides: For good or bad, most roads are not consistently flat or straight. This makes a structured ride difficult to achieve. A smart trainer is an excellent tool to help you accurately measure, record, and compare fitness metrics such as Power, FTP, MAP, and Heart Rate. Tracking these metrics allows you to monitor your progress.

-More effective “Lunch” rides: Having a smart trainer beside your workspace reduces time spent changing and getting the bike out. Less time prepping is more time riding.

What Equipment Do You Need

–Smart Bike Trainer: This device, such as the Wahoo KICKR, holds your bike in place and provides resistance to simulate outdoor riding. Another option is an indoor training bike. For a household with multiple riders, this can be the best option. In this category, Wahoo offers the KICKR Bike Shift and the KICKR Bike. An overview of options can be found here.

While an Indoor Training Bike, such as the Wahoo Kickr Bike, and a spin bike, such as a Peloton, appear the same, they function very differently. The biggest difference is that an Indoor Training Bike has a high level of adjustability, which allows you to set the bike to your actual rising position. The minimal adjustments that the Peloton offers will not replicate a good riding position. If your goal is to ride a bike inside, the Peloton spin bike does not offer that experience. A Peloton is a piece of gym equipment, while a smart trainer is a bicycle training tool.

-Indoor Cycling Apps: Platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, or FulGaz offer varied riding experiences. Click on the links to see the riding experience of each one. Most offer a free trial period, allowing you to find what motivates you. At the end of February 2025, Rouvy acquired Fulgaz. As of March 7, the two apps were still separate.

-Towel and Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a towel handy to wipe off sweat. Additionally, snacks should be available if the ride is demanding.

-Computer Screen: Most TVs will not connect directly to your smart trainer. You will need a tablet or laptop to run the app. Connecting this to a TV gives you a more immersive experience. Read about Ian’s experience with smart trainers here.

-Table: Such as the Wahoo Kickr Indoor Cycling Desk. If you use a tablet, the Garmin Tacx Bracket for Tablets mounts to your handlebars and securely holds it. If you choose this option, you will likely want a table as well to keep your water bottles within easy reach.

Sweat Guard/Bike Protector: This protects your bike from sweat, which causes corrosion. All of us at Fit Werx have seen handlebars that were seriously compromised due to sweat damage. A towel is better than nothing but a dedicated sweat guard catches your sweat and holds it away from your bike. Garmin has a good option here,

Optional but Useful Equipment

Heart Rate Monitor: This monitor tracks your effort level. Your heart rate is displayed on the screen. This is a relatively inexpensive way to add a key fitness metric to your riding.

-Fan: Indoor riding can get hot quickly. A good fan (or two) helps keep you cool. The KICKR Headwind is one of the best units available. It connects with your smart trainer or heart rate monitor to increase or decrease the rate of airflow. With a maximum airspeed of 30MPH, it provides much more cooling capability than your average fan.

-Trainer Mat: This helps protect your floor from sweat and keeps the trainer stable. An example of this is the Wahoo KICKR Mat. Not only does it protect your floor, but the material helps to absorb vibration. This reduces any noise associated with the trainer, keeping your family happy.

Wahoo refers to the above picture as their ecosystem.While Wahoo sells directly, we also sell their products at the same price. By choosing to purchase from us, you support our ability to provide the fittings and service we are known for. While Fit Werx is best known for our fitting services, selling equipment makes us a profitable business. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

Tips for Smart Trainer Success

– Set Up a Dedicated Space: Create a comfortable and motivating space for your smart trainer. Good ventilation, a fan, and easy access to hydration can make your rides more enjoyable. The fewer distractions, the more effective the ride.

– Have a Schedule, but be Flexible: If you ride indoors only when the weather or life gets in the way of outdoor riding, have a couple of workouts or rides downloaded (more stable than streaming) and ready to go. Reduce the time spent setting up for your ride.

– Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life. Incorporate different types of rides—intervals, endurance, recovery—to keep things interesting and challenge your body in new ways. Using a training plan can aid with this. Most apps have a training feature built in.

–Try Multiple Apps: Each app has a purpose, from world championship racing to a scenic tour. Each app appeals to different types of riders. Some riders like to have multiple apps to keep things fresh.

Conclusion

Riding a smart trainer all year round can transform the way you approach fitness and cycling. It offers unparalleled convenience, structure, and engagement, making it easier than ever to stay active and achieve your goals.

Fit Werx has a complete selection of trainers on display. Make an appointment for a discussion here.