Congratulations! You’ve purchased your first (or at least a new) bike trainer and are starting to put in the miles – awesome! You may discover that a few essential bike trainer accessories will make your training rides even better. These accessories include front wheel riser blocks, stabilizing mats, different sets of skewers for training than the ones you use for riding, and smart apps that accompany your training regimen for that outdoor feel, even when you’re not.
So, why would you need a front riser block, or a mat, or an extra skewer, or a training tire? We’ll answer those questions below.
Front Wheel Riser Block
Why use a front wheel riser block
The front wheel riser block provides stability and helps to protect your floor, but can also help to increase the incline of your front wheel to simulate hill climbing when training.
Front wheel riser blocks come in different shapes and sizes and help to keep the front wheel steady and your handlebars straight. Look for a padded base to keep your floors protected like the GEEDIAR and durable materials to take the wear and tear. You should also make sure that your riser is suitable for your bike type, for example the Easydeal suits both mountain and road bikes and that it fits the width of your tires.
Some front wheel riser blocks however can take your training to a whole new level. The CycleOps for example has three different levels within the one block which let’s you vary the level of difficulty all with the one riser.
If you’re looking for a challenge to add to your workout, then you should look for stackable front wheel riser blocks like the CycleOps with 12 adjustment levels when you add a second block to simulate hill-riding.
Front Wheel Riser Block Comparison Table
| Product Name | Average Amazon Rating | Stackable? (Y/N) | Hill-ride Realism | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GEEDIAR Riser | ★★★★1/2 | Yes | ★★★★ | Check Price |
CycleOps Riser | ★★★★1/2 | Yes | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
Kinetic Fixed Ring Riser | ★★★★1/2 | No | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
Easydeal Riser | ★★★★1/2 | No | ★★★★ | Check Price |
Bike Trainer Mat
Why use a bike-training mat
Mats help increase stability. However, it’s non-slip features also allow for sound absorption and help to protect surfaces.
Do you feel uneasy when you’re riding on your trainer? Do you feel your trainer “walking” during your workout? That’s where bike trainer mats like the Wahoo Kickr or the CycleOps mat can help. The mat offers you a more stable surface to ride on, while also reducing noise levels through sound absorption.
One feature to consider when looking at mats, is the length – most mats will come in a standard length (~39”) and width (~8”), give or take an inch or two, just make sure it’s large enough for your needs. Mats also help to protect your flooring from rubber marks and sweat, so, if you’re renting a property, they are also super practical. If you’re stuck for space and don’t have a permanent training area, look out for folding mats like the Blackburn Deluxe which are specifically designed to fold flat when not in use and make storage easier.
Bike Trainer Mat – Comparison Guide
| Product Name | Average Amazon Rating | Stability | Noise Insulation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wahoo KICKR | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
CycleOps Mat | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
Blackburn Deluxe | ★★★1/2 | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
Bike Trainer Skewers
Why you might need a new skewer
The main reason for swapping out your current skewer (with the one usually provided with the bike trainer) is that the provided skewer is made to fit that bike trainer. However, if your trainer does not come with a skewer, you will need to purchase one. So always check what comes in the box when buying a new bike trainer.
Quick-release skewers can be particularly useful when dealing with either fluid, magnetic, or wind trainers, as they are specifically designed to be compatible with those units. Thus, they are often included with the bike trainer. For example, two leading manufacturers CycleOps and Kurt Kinetic both provide skewers that are made for their specific fluid, wind or magnetic trainers.
In looking for a skewer, you’re going to want to ensure that they are the appropriate length for your device – simply measure between the two clamp mechanisms on either side.
Next, you’re going to want to choose a longer lever length – this makes them easier to handle.
Lastly, you’re going to want to consider the metal it’s made from. Most skewers are made from titanium or titanium alloy, such as the Corki, which is designed to be lightweight. Alternatively you can look for a steel skewer for better longevity, as you won’t be as concerned about weight if using the bike trainer indoors versus road riding.
Smart Apps for Bike Trainers
Why you need a smart trainer app
Smart trainer applications that sometimes come with your trainer, or are compatible with your trainer, are great for all sorts of reasons. Their main benefit is they provide you with useful training data that might otherwise not be available. They also add amazing virtual reality to your ride, allowing you to take it ‘outside’ even in the worst conditions.
Smart Apps are a relatively new invention. With the advent of virtual reality technology, the technological geniuses in the cycling-trainer industry decided to incorporate these into their products.
While not mandatory by any means, if you’re looking for a new way to experience indoor cycling, then smart apps are the way to go. They’ll replace your boring living room wall with an animated version of Paris or London, or the French Pyrenees (use that one with multiple front wheel riser blocks for added authenticity!).
They also track things like your heart rate, cadence, top speeds and personal bests, if you’re using sprint modes.
Training Tires
Why use a training wheel
Training tires are a great addition to your bike-training sessions. Not an absolute must have but… if you decide to buy a training tire they can reduce the wear-and-tear on your “ride” tires, keeping them fit for the road. Training tires, such as those sold by CycleOps, Vittoria, or Continental are made specifically for riding your bike trainer.
Training wheels, not the learning kind you had as a kid, but tires specifically for your bike trainer, serve as a replacement wheel for your primary riding wheel when using your bike trainer. Most people don’t bother with the investment, but then have to replace their rear tire when Spring comes around and you want to head outdoors. Training tires are found in all sorts of sizes, but you need to ensure that both front and rear wheels are the same size.
Training tires also come with less tread on them, and are therefore less noisy than your original tires, which is a great side benefit as well.
Still looking for a bike trainer? The head over to our Bike Trainer Buying Guide to help you choose the best trainer for you.