If you are looking for the best cheap indoor bike resistance trainers, then worry not. We have pretty much done all the homework for you.

Do note that to be a bike trainer; you don’t have to be a serious cyclist. No matter how many variations of trainers are there, yet the mechanism is the same – they hold the bike in place by accommodating the design of a regular bike.

Table of contents

What is the Nature of the Products?

The products covered in our review feature the best bike trainers available in the market today. They are bike trainer stands which accommodate your bike and give you an outdoor riding experience. You get a different level of workout levels by adjusting the resistance level offered by some of the brands.

The bike trainers are mainly stands or foundations on which your bike can be placed. They offer great stability, and you can perform intense workout sessions. Most of them are lightweight, compact and can be folded for easy storage.

The products in this review are great for cyclist enthusiasts and those who want to work out in the comfort of their home. You get extra functions to control your exercising regime and get the desired result. It is also perfect for someone who doesn’t even know how to ride a bike!

Top 10 Best Cheap Indoor Bike Resistance Trainers in 2020 – List

These are the best affordable options for indoor bike resistance trainers which are out there in 2020, and if you have anyone in your arsenal, then you can be sure of getting some pretty good results.

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Come, let’s take a look.

10. RAD Cycle Indoor Portable Magnetic

This bike trainer is best suited for those who are looking for a portable trainer as they can be folded and stored without much effort when they are not being used. It is soundless and starts creating resistance as soon as you start pedaling.

Not only that, but it is also known for its durability, further complemented by its sturdy frame, robust material and not to mention, extra wide legs. This bike trainer is suitable for 26-inch, 27-inch as well as 700c wheels. The separated legs are a new design feature and offer additional stability whole you ride. You can even adjust the resistance to get your desired workout level.

RAD Cycle Products Indoor Portable Magnetic Work Out Bicycle Trainer

It is available in three colours and again, is backed by a lifetime warranty. The product is really lightweight and gives you real value for money as it is very affordable.

Pros This bike trainer made it quite easy to change the resistance level

This bike trainer made it quite easy to change the resistance level It is found to be compatible with all the three types of wheels – 26-inch, 27-inch and 700c wheels

It is found to be compatible with all the three types of wheels – 26-inch, 27-inch and 700c wheels It has separated legs which are found to be extra wide which is good for added stability Cons They are best suited for those bikes which have the feature of quick-release tires

They are best suited for those bikes which have the feature of quick-release tires Some users have complained that the levels of resistance are not the variable

9. Nashbar Reduced Radius Rollers

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This bike trainer falls into the category of the bike rollers. It is the aluminum drums which are in these rollers that are known to keep the mind as well as the body engaged during the workout.

These drums are not only helpful for the beginners, but they are also the perfect companion for the advanced riders too. For the beginners, they promote strength, and for the advanced riders, they are known to provide plenty of resistance.

This bike roller also includes the cartridge bearings (sealed) which ensure a smooth operation without making any unwanted noise. You can keep enjoying your music without any disturbances from the bike trainer.

Nashbar Reduced Radius Rollers

It is available in the colour silver and is backed by a lifetime warranty. It can accommodate any wheel size thanks to 9 different settings. It is really compact and comes fully assembled.

Pros This bike roller is suitable for all levels of riders – be it beginners or advanced

This bike roller is suitable for all levels of riders – be it beginners or advanced This bike roller is known to work with almost all kinds of wheelbase

This bike roller is known to work with almost all kinds of wheelbase It allows the mind as well as the body to be engaged during workouts Cons It is heavy as compared to the other bike rollers

It is heavy as compared to the other bike rollers It may not fit longer bikes anymore, as complained by some users

8. Magnet Steel Bike

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This bike trainer is suitable for anyone who is looking for an affordable yet a reliable trainer. Made to be compatible with almost all the road plus mountain bikes with both 26-inch as well as 27-inch and 700c tires, the magnetic design along with the five internal resistance settings are known to keep the rider in control that the rider is going to need to each and every workout.

The trainer is designed to make less noise compared to other products. The steel frame is really durable and can be folded for easy storage. The magnetic resistance is progressive which gives you the required workout you need as your pedaling speed increases.

Magnet Steel Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer Stand

We personally love the black colour this comes in. The micro adjust knob gives you the freedom to adjust the trainer as per your wheel and tire dimensions. It is also a very affordable and the best bike trainer for the money you pay!

Pros It is known to consist of 5 resistance settings

It is known to consist of 5 resistance settings It includes a knob that can be adjusted for precise fit Cons It is bit noisy

It is bit noisy One of the biggest drawbacks of this bike trainer is that it doesn’t come with a climbing block

One of the biggest drawbacks of this bike trainer is that it doesn’t come with a climbing block It may wobble when the bike trainer is made to stand

7. Conquer Indoor Bike

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Not only this bike trainer is easy to set up, but it can also be made to work well in any exercise room. It has a wide frame which makes all the easier to fold it without having any difficulty. The robust mounting cups eliminate chances of slipping and also comes equipped with quick release feature.

Designed to be compatible with any 26-inch as well as 27-inch with 700c bikes, this bike trainer is also found to be quiet. It has only one adjustment and offers magnetic resistance for a great workout. The frame is made from durable material and guaranteed to last a long time.

Conquer Indoor Bike Trainer Portable Exercise Bicycle Magnetic Stand

This one’s really cheap – we wouldn’t have wanted an expensive tag since this is just a stand, but it’s really useful as well. It also comes with a front wheel riser block free with the bike trainer.

Pros It is very easy to set up

It is very easy to set up A front wheel riser block is included with this bike trainer Cons Some people have complained that the magnetic resistance could have been a lot better

Some people have complained that the magnetic resistance could have been a lot better It requires manual adjustment of resistance

6. Tacx Neo Smart Direct

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The lack of noise is what makes this bike trainer different from all others. This is mainly due to this fact that this bike trainer is not known to have any physical transmissions, making it completely noiseless.

Designed to be connected with any devices – be it a smartphone, tablets using Android or iOS – this trainer works well and has earned the reputation as the best fluid trainer.

It comes with a lifetime warranty and is available in one size in color gray.

This one is though on the pricey side, and we would suggest you go for it if you are really serious about what you are doing.

Tacx Neo Smart Direct Driver Trainer

It does not require any extra gearing thanks to the placement of the motor on the cassette. The bike trainer is very stable and can be folded for convenience which makes it easy to carry around.

Pros It is designed to work as a stand-alone fluid trainer

It is designed to work as a stand-alone fluid trainer It is made to promote a true road like feel. Cons There is no inclusion of any cassette

There is no inclusion of any cassette It is a bit heavy

It is a bit heavy There are some riders which have complained of an initial grinding noise

5. Kinetic Road Machine

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This bike trainer is designed for those avid cyclists who needs a bike trainer and who can stand up to its grave indoor training sessions. This model is found to be a lot quieter as compared to the other models in the market because of the fluid and the progressive resistance.

Designed to mimic the outdoor rides, its strength keeps on increasing as the rider pedals faster. It comes equipped with rubberized knobs that are known to promote the stability on any surface. The build is very robust, and it is durable enough to withstand those intense workout sessions.

Kinetic Road Machine 2.0 Fluid Trainer, Green

Known to feature a resistance range of 5 to 3000 watts, kinetic road machine 2.0 fluid trainer is priced on the lower side. Available in four styles and the colour green, it is backed by a lifetime warranty. It comes fully assembled.

Pros It is ideal for those who are serious about indoor training

It is ideal for those who are serious about indoor training It includes large rollers that are known to reduce tire wear Cons It is a bit loud and is slightly bulky.

4. CycleOps Hammer

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Designed for a quieter performance along with a greater bike compatibility, it is attuned for accurate power readings. The Direct Drive technology gives you an experience of riding on the road while preventing wear of your wheel tire.

Equipped with electromagnetic resistance, it is known to provide maximum power along with active resistance. You can use the feature to get a more intense workout from the same bike trainer. It also supports the ANT+, as well as the BLE and so the fans of the virtual trainer apps, are going to love this trainer bike. A technologically advanced workout session sounds good to everyone!

CycleOps Hammer Direct Drive Smart Trainer

Designed and manufactured in Madison, WI, it is known to be available in the colour black and is again backed by a lifetime warranty. It is priced on the higher price side on the Amazon store, but it is surely worth it.

Pros It is found to be compatible with any bike, be it thru-axle or quick-release

It is found to be compatible with any bike, be it thru-axle or quick-release It is known to have a direct drive style that removes the contact of the tire to the roller Cons Not only is it pricey as compared to the other bike trainers but it is also quite heavy

3. CycleOps 9904 Fluid2 Bike Trainer

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This model has gained quite a lot of fans, and most will swear by it. Equipped with a fluid resistance unit, a consistent ride is promised to the users. It is known to have a durable steel frame that not only stands up well over time, but it is also known to keep the bike from falling or wobbling over during rides.

One of the biggest bonuses of this bike trainer is that it comes with adjustable foot pads that are known to promote a safe as well as a safe ride on some surfaces. Moreover, one of the unique features of this bike trainer is that it is known to use hydraulic acid instead of mechanical or magnetic resistance.

CycleOps 9904 Fluid2 Bike Trainer Base Black

Available in one colour and one size, it is priced reasonably on the Amazon store and makes a good purchase.

Pros It offers a road-like feel to the trainers

It offers a road-like feel to the trainers It consists of a durable frame

It consists of a durable frame It includes hydraulic acid which is known to increase the speed automatically Cons There are many users who have complained that the hydraulic acid begins to leak after prolonged use

There are many users who have complained that the hydraulic acid begins to leak after prolonged use There are many users who had wished that it had more resistance

2. Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0

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Known to feature a unique bike design, this indoor bike trainer stand is made to move in a similar manner as compared to your favorite road trips. The bike trainer forces the user to maintain a proper form as it is ridden and hence, making it the perfect coach.

Working out on the Kinetic bike trainer gives the road riding experience, providing the ideal exercising. The rider will have to stabilize himself continuously and that too, using the basic core muscles without any excessive movement of the body.

Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 Trainer

Made to be available in the colour green, it is priced affordably on the Amazon store and is backed by a lifetime warranty. We loved the simple design and the fact that it is easy to put on. The frame design of the bike trainer has been awarded a patent for its innovative engineering and design.

Pros It promotes the proper form of cycling

It promotes the proper form of cycling It is known to minimise the excessive movement of the upper body Cons It is a lot noisier as compared to the other models

It is a lot noisier as compared to the other models It don’t have a riser ring for the front wheel

1. CycleOps 9904 Fluid2

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Even though this model is a recent addition to the CycleOps family, yet many of the fans will be able to find many similarities with the previous models.

Some best-known examples are the clutch knob which controls the tension between the rear of the bike’s tire along with the roller with the durable frame which is constructed by hand.

Even though this model is a recent addition to the CycleOps family, yet many of the fans will be able to find many similarities with the previous models. Some best-known examples are the clutch knob which controls the tension between the rear of the bike’s tire along with the roller with the durable frame which is constructed by hand.

CycleOps 9904 Fluid2 Bike Trainer Base Black

This bike trainer is known to offer speedy electromagnetic resistance of up to 1500 watts and which gives you the feeling of driving down the road. Known to accommodate 650B and 700C along with the 26-inch and the 27-inch sizes of the wheel, the controlled resistance of this bike trainer can be activated the rear tire.

Made to be compatible with the CycleOps visual training, it is Bluetooth enabled along with providing the ANT+. Available in one colour and one size, it’s an affordable buy.

Pros It provides a clutch knob for optimal control of tension

It provides a clutch knob for optimal control of tension Activation of resistance is done by the rear tire of the bike Cons It is not compatible with the 650c wheels

It is not compatible with the 650c wheels It is a bit loud

It is a bit loud It is a little bit pricey as compared to the other models of bike trainers

Guidelines & FAQ

How to Get the Right Indoor Bike Trainer? If you are a regular bike trainer or are a novice one, it is recommended that you should at first know about the different types of bike trainers along with their functions as it will help you narrow down your choices. There are four types of bike trainers. Wind/Resistance Trainers – These types of trainers are famous for their three features – affordability, durability, and simplicity. In this kind of trainers, the harder or fast you pedal, the more the levels of the resistance increases. Magnetic trainers – They are known to offer fixed resistance with the use of magnetic force, though you are not able to change the levels of resistance with your powers of pedaling. It is suitable for longer and steadier rides. Fluid trainers – Designed to offer progressive resistance, the more and harder you are going to pedal, the more the levels of resistance will increase. Roller bike trainers – Though they may look simple, yet they can be challenging as it requires you to stay balanced as well as upright on your bike and unlike a regular bike, there is no stand to hold the bike in place. No matter what types of bike trainers that you are going to use, it is recommended to choose that one who will listen to the demands of your indoor training sessions.

How to Test the Products?

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If you are shopping online, then you do not have the opportunity to test the product physically. But that does not mean you have to go blindly for any model you see.

One way to test the product is to check it out at a retail store and then order it online for availing lower price. You can also research online and read all the customer feedback left by people.

The ratings also give you a picture of the quality and performance of the product.

Why should You Trust Us?

Another wise way to determine the quality of the product is by browsing genuine reviews featured on some niche websites. They will not promote any product unless it has proven to be worthy of its claims.

Our review is also prepared after considering a lot of factors, and we strive to give you the most accurate and relevant information about the products.

You can go through our reviews and make an informed purchase suiting your requirements.

How to Find a Safe Product?

Today, the smart bike trainers are gaining popularity amongst all. That’s because they are those types of trainers which will keep track of your speed, power and much more. Most of these bike trainers come equipped with ANT+ technology or Bluetooth-ready. You can check the features of the products to determine their safety level.

When it comes to shopping for the best bike trainers, there are many things that you need to consider for safety. The fluid bike trainers work great and can help you make your riding experience a lot better and safer.

Our review also lets you know which product is sturdy and durable enough to withstand rigorous workout sessions. We have also mentioned which ones gives you the best stability to offer the best outdoor riding experience.

Last Word: These are the best bike trainer models that you can get today. You can sweat out in confidence while enjoying your music and getting live analysis on your smartphone for some products. You should be able to pick out a suitable bike trainer after going through our review. Which one’s your favorite? Let us know.

Reference

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/tips/how-to-choose-an-indoor-bike-trainer

https://www.cycleops.com/support/getting-started

https://www.cycleops.com/product/hammer