{"id":283,"date":"2017-04-02T03:11:10","date_gmt":"2017-04-02T03:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/?p=283"},"modified":"2017-04-17T04:35:03","modified_gmt":"2017-04-17T04:35:03","slug":"beginners-guide-to-bike-trainer-accessories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/2017\/04\/02\/beginners-guide-to-bike-trainer-accessories\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginners Guide to Bike Trainer Accessories"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Bike<\/a>Congratulations! You\u2019ve 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\u2019re not.
\nSo, why would you need a front riser block, or a mat, or an extra skewer, or a training tire? We\u2019ll answer those questions below.<\/p>\n

Front Wheel Riser Block<\/h2>\n

Why use a front wheel riser block<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Front<\/a>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<\/a> 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<\/a> suits both mountain and road bikes and that it fits the width of your tires.<\/p>\n

Some front wheel riser blocks however can take your training to a whole new level. The CycleOp<\/a>s for example has three different levels within the one block which let\u2019s you vary the level of difficulty all with the one riser.<\/p>\n

\"Front<\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a challenge to add to your workout, then you should look for stackable front wheel riser blocks like the CycleOps<\/a> with 12 adjustment levels when you add a second block to simulate hill-riding.<\/p>\n

Front Wheel Riser Block Comparison Table
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Product
\nName<\/th>		Average
\nAmazon
\nRating<\/th>		Stackable?
\n(Y\/N)<\/th>		Hill-ride
\nRealism<\/th>		Price<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\nGEEDIAR Riser<\/a>
\n<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2<\/td>
\nYes<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\nCycleOps Riser<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2<\/td>
\nYes<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\nKinetic Fixed Ring Riser<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2<\/td>
\nNo<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\nEasydeal Riser<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2<\/td>
\nNo<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Bike Trainer Mat<\/h2>\n

Why use a bike-training mat<\/h3>\n

Mats help increase stability. However, it\u2019s non-slip features also allow for sound absorption and help to protect surfaces.<\/p>\n

\"CycleOps<\/a>Do you feel uneasy when you\u2019re riding on your trainer? Do you feel your trainer \u201cwalking\u201d during your workout? That\u2019s where bike trainer mats like the Wahoo Kickr<\/a> or the CycleOps<\/a> mat can help. The mat offers you a more stable surface to ride on, while also reducing noise levels through sound absorption.<\/p>\n

One feature to consider when looking at mats, is the length – most mats will come in a standard length (~39\u201d) and width (~8\u201d), give or take an inch or two, just make sure it\u2019s large enough for your needs. Mats also help to protect your flooring from rubber marks and sweat, so, if you\u2019re renting a property, they are also super practical. If you\u2019re stuck for space and don\u2019t have a permanent training area, look out for folding mats like the Blackburn Deluxe<\/a> which are specifically designed to fold flat when not in use and make storage easier.<\/p>\n

Bike Trainer Mat – Comparison Guide
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t
Product
\nName<\/th>		Average
\nAmazon
\nRating<\/th>		Stability<\/th>Noise
\nInsulation<\/th>		Price<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\nWahoo KICKR<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\nCycleOps Mat<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\nBlackburn Deluxe<\/a><\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u26051\/2<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>
\nCheck Price<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Bike Trainer Skewers<\/h2>\n

Why you might need a new skewer<\/h3>\n

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.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Corki<\/a>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<\/a> and Kurt Kinetic <\/a>both provide skewers that are made for their specific fluid, wind or magnetic trainers.<\/p>\n

In looking for a skewer, you\u2019re going to want to ensure that they are the appropriate length for your device – simply measure between the two clamp mechanisms on either side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next, you\u2019re going to want to choose a longer lever length \u2013 this makes them easier to handle.<\/p>\n

Lastly, you\u2019re going to want to consider the metal it\u2019s made from. Most skewers are made from titanium or titanium alloy, such as the Corki<\/a>, which is designed to be lightweight. Alternatively you can look for a steel skewer for better longevity, as you won\u2019t be as concerned about weight if using the bike trainer indoors versus road riding.<\/p>\n

Smart Apps for Bike Trainers<\/h2>\n

Why you need a smart trainer app<\/h3>\n

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 \u2018outside\u2019 even in the worst conditions.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

While not mandatory by any means, if you\u2019re looking for a new way to experience indoor cycling, then smart apps are the way to go. They\u2019ll 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!).<\/p>\n

They also track things like your heart rate, cadence, top speeds and personal bests, if you\u2019re using sprint modes.<\/p>\n

Training Tires<\/h2>\n

Why use a training wheel<\/h3>\n

Training tires are a great addition to your bike-training sessions. Not an absolute must have but\u2026 if you decide to buy a training tire they can reduce the wear-and-tear on your \u201cride\u201d tires, keeping them fit for the road. Training tires, such as those sold by CycleOps<\/a>, Vittoria<\/a>, or Continental<\/a> are made specifically for riding your bike trainer.<\/p>\n

\"Bike<\/a>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Still looking for a bike trainer?\u00a0 The head over to our Bike Trainer Buying Guide <\/a><\/strong>to help you choose the best trainer for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations! You\u2019ve 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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-bike-trainer-buying-guide","","tg-column-two"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":326,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions\/326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/biketrainerreview.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}