10 Best Turbo Trainers UK 2022 | Unisky, Elite and More

1. unisky - Fluid Bike Trainer for £129.99
   
2. unisky - Magnetic Bike Trainer for £53.54
   
3. ThinkRider - X5Neo Direct Drive Smart Bike Trainer for £349.99
   
4. Velo - Pro Turbo Trainer for £59.49
   
5. GYANOR - Indoor Bike Trainer for £139.99
   

1. Consider Skill and Budget When Choosing Magnetic, Electromagnetic, or Fluid
   
2. Enhance Your Experience With Smart Features
   
3. Choose an Appropriate Wheel Width of 20-29” and Load Weight of 150 kg
4. Save Space With a Foldable Turbo Trainer

Generally, magnetically-powered turbo trainers are the most affordable and reliable option of all so they're a great start for beginners, or just for regular cyclists who like a steady ride. 

They work by using the magnetic resistance to create a realistic drag on the wheels, making it feel like you're pushing across real ground. Magnetic turbo trainers use a flywheel at the back of the bike and usually have a range of different gears simulated by how engaged the magnets are. 

There is one thing to consider before buying your magnetic turbo trainer, however, which is your living situation. This is because magnetic turbo trainers can be very noisy which isn't good for busy shared homes or small apartments. 

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Electromagnetic turbo trainers are very similar to standard magnetic trainers. They offer the same power of resistance using a magnetic field, however, you can change the resistance through apps and other external devices. This one-up is ideal for avid cyclists who want a product that adheres to a more complex level of training. 

Thanks to the high-tech mechanisms, the resistance levels can go much higher than any other turbo trainer. So, if you enjoy mountain biking, this machine can more accurately mimic the experience from home by switching between gears.

Because of their extra features the pricing can be higher than most, which is something you might like to think about. We say this because they can range between £300-£500, so if you've never tried a turbo trainer before you could be better off with a cheaper one to test the waters. 

The fluid mechanism is another great way to power your legs and core. The resistance is smooth and lifelike, created by a thick fluid stored in a tight container. One beneficial aspect of a fluid trainer is that the resistance is progressive so the faster you pedal, the harder it will get, just like on a real bike. 

They are also one of the quietest options on the market, making them a great choice for flat residents or even to set up in the garden without annoying the neighbours. 

Fluid turbo trainers can range anywhere between £150-£800 in price, depending on any additional features. So, as long as you know your budget, these are a reliable option for both beginners and pros. 

Any product can be enhanced by a good smart feature. Your turbo trainer could be classed as 'smart' if it ticks one of a few boxes, for example, if it's compatible with a certain app. 

There are many turbo trainer apps that you may be familiar with, some for tracking progress and some for displaying cool road simulations on a screen of your choice.

Of course, this can increase the price by quite a chunk so it might not yet be a priority if you're just starting out. However, if you're looking for a way to cycle like a pro while staying indoors, you can find a turbo trainer that's compatible with an app or tracking device either via Bluetooth or a dongle.

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With many different types of bike come many different types of turbo trainers. This means that before you jump into buying your own, you should look at the specifications of your bike. It's important to know your wheel width, as turbo trainers can vary between 20" to 29" in compatibility. 

In addition to this, you should also consider the overall load that your trainer is able to handle. This is roughly the weight of your bike plus your own weight. A reliable choice of turbo trainer would be one that can hold up to 150 kg, although you can still find decent models with a lower maximum weight of around 120 kg. Think about what may suit you best by looking through our specification tables. 

Low on storage space and don't want to commit to something that will take up too much space in your home? Look for a turbo trainer that you can fold up and put away when you're not using it. 

If you have a foldable trainer, you don't need to worry about having it out all the time, you can simply unfold it and cycle to your heart's content. This factor doesn't have much effect on the price of the product, more so on the practicalities. 

Even if you have a big garage or storeroom, odds are that you're likely to prefer a turbo trainer that can fold up and be stored compactly next to your bike, simply because it's more convenient. 

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This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.

Although they can be super convenient for those rainy days when you don't want to venture outside, turbo trainers can sometimes cause damage to your bike. If used frequently, a turbo trainer will wear out your tyres just like road use would, so some people like to keep a spare wheel specifically for use indoors!

The main reason turbo trainers can feel harder than on-road biking is the environment. While biking outdoors, body temperature is regulated by oncoming wind, so your heart doesn't have to work as hard to circulate blood around the body to cool your muscles. Fans are a great way to alleviate this issue while indoors.

There are certainly options out there if you're looking for a trainer to use with quick-release wheels, and many respectable brands have models specifically designed for this type of use. If you want to avoid superficial damage to your bike, it's best to look out for these specially designed models!

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Written and researched by Annie Speight