When you’re thinking about buying the best magnetic bike trainer, there are lots of great options available. To help you choose the best magnetic trainer for your needs, we have put together detailed product overviews of some of the more popular models.
Magnetic turbo bike trainers operate using a flywheel that provides resistance while you ride. They are almost silent, however they do have an upper-limit as to the level of resistance they can provide.
Tips for Buying the Best Magnetic Bike Trainer
When purchasing a magnetic trainer, you should look for:
- a wide-stance;
- a sturdy frame;
- a front-riser block; and
- whether or not the indoor trainer is versatile enough to be used with different types of bikes.
RAD Cycle Products Indoor Portable Magnetic Trainer
The RAD Cycle Products indoor trainer weighs 18 pounds and has seven different settings. These settings simulate different styles of riding and some of the different challenges you’ll face on the road – in particular, hill climbing, as you’re able to switch between modes without ever leaving the saddle. This turbo bike trainer also comes with it’s own quick-release system, allowing you to get the bike in and out of the mounting mechanism with ease.
Pros:
- Comes with an anti-slip mat, allowing you to place it on any surface.
- Highly commended for its stability, with newly-designed separated legs.
- Multiple settings for resistance and easily adjustable for each.
- Good price range for beginners.
Cons:
- Some customers have found that the RAD is noisier than some other magnetic bike trainers available on the market.
Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer
The Schwinn Magnetic indoor trainer is also a great turbo bike trainer for beginners. It arrives at your door in a stylish dark blue color, is compact and comes with five different resistance settings. It also comes with it’s own skewer, which will have to be swapped out with the current skewer on your bicycle.
Pros:
- The trainer is priced for those who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg.
- Consumer reviews applaud the trainer for how quiet it is.
- Utilizes your bicycle’s gearing adjustment system to control resistance. This means there’s no need to use an external unit, although one is available of desired.
Cons:
- Some riders would like greater resistance and a heavier flywheel.
- The rear roller is made of plastic making the unit lighter, for riders who use the trainer a lot this may not be as durable as a metal roller.
- No QR lever to get the bike off the stand easily. This can make set up more time consuming.
Ohuhu Magnet Steel Bike Trainer
The Ohuhu magnetic bike trainer offers a sleek look with a matte black finish. The resistance-level adjustment offered by the unit is internalized — meaning that you get zero limitations on the amount of resistance offered by the machine. The harder you ride, the more resistance it offers. The Ohuhu is also compatible with any bike and any tire-size.
Pros:
- Cross-cycling-platform compatibility. Works with 24”-28” and 700c tires.
- Both internal resistance level adjustment, and an external adjuster meaning that you are in full control.
- Very sturdy setup with rubberized leg-ends to ensure grip to any surface.
Cons:
- The machine can be slightly noisier than some other models but quieter than others, so somewhere in the middle.
- While the resistance adjusters are a definite plus, some consumers have reported that the device only manages about five full revolutions. This is easily overcome if your bike has plenty of gears.
Soozier Magnetic Resistance Trainer
The Soozier indoor trainer boasts a sturdy steel frame and no external adjusting device, so you can use your bike’s gear adjusters to increase or decrease the level of resistance offered by the machine. Like the Ohuhu, it is also compatible with both mountain and road bicycles.
Pros:
- Cross-compatibility, no matter what you ride.
- Sleek black finish.
- Easily collapsible.
- Reportedly a very sturdy ride.
Cons:
- Consumers have reported that the trainer isn’t the quietest.
- Foe best results some users have recommend elevating the unit before usage to protect your tires.
Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Magnetic Resistance Trainer
The Blackburn Tech Mag 6 indoor bike trainer offers fantastic adjustability, with the steel frame having adjustable legs allowing for the rider to adjust the height of the unit as they ride. It also boasts an external unit for changing resistance levels, of which there are six.
Pros:
- Six different levels of offered resistance.
- Sleek design and adjustable height.
- Consumers report excellent capacity for both long-distance riding and short, high-speed rides.
- Consumers also applaud the ease and speed of assembly and disassembly
- Compact and space saving.
Cons:
- Uses an external unit to increase or decrease resistance, rather than using the bike’s shifters.
- Some consumers find that the difference between the highest and lowest settings on the external shifters isn’t huge. Depends on how you ride.
Kinetic Magnetic 3.0 Trainer
The Kinetic Magnetic 3.0 comes with everything you’d expect of one of the household names and creators of one of the best magnetic bike trainers out there. While it is more expensive than any of the other indoor bike trainers we’ve mentioned, it is also one of the most highly recommended.
Pros:
- Quality well known brand with consistent, significant positive customer feedback
- Offering nine different levels of smooth, quiet resistance.
- The large flywheel gives the most road-like ride.
- Fits been 22” and 29” wheels.
Cons:
- Will not work with 700c tires.
Comparison Chart
| Trainer Name | Ease of Setup | Noise Level | Road Ride Realism | Amazon Rating | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAD Cycle Portable trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | $$ Check Price |
| Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | $$ Check Price |
| Ohuhu Magnet Steel Bike Trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | $$ Check Price |
| Soozier Magnetic Resistance Trainer | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | $$ Check Price |
| Blackburn Tech Mag 6 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | $$$ Check Price |
| Kinetic Magnetic 3.0 Trainer | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | $$$ Check Price |
Each of the indoor bike trainers we’ve reviewed has great features and benefits for different types of riders. If you want to have a decently-priced trainer whilst not breaking the bank, then the Soozier is a fair shout. However, if you’d rather stick to the better-known brands (with a reputation for quality), then you’d be better off going with the Blackburn or Kinetic Kurt trainer. Whatever features you look for when making your decision about the best magnetic bike trainer for you we hope the guide above offers some assistance.
Find a Bike Trainer By Type