Sometimes factors like the weather and finding time to ride your bike get in the way of actually riding your bicycle outside. This happens in the winter months especially since the daylight hours are relatively few and after work there can be little or no light left. One great alternative to riding outside that helps to circumvent these problems is a wind trainer. These devices allow a rider to couple their bike to a stationary machine in any room of their home so they can ride indoors in the comfort of their own abode.

Wind trainers come in various styles and if you shop around at many reputable bike shops, you can often find used trainers to purchase if you’re looking to save a little money. Solid trainers can be had for around $100 and can even be placed in front of your television set if you’re looking to watch the news and get a great work out at the same time. Wind trainers also allow bike owners not to have to ride in dangerous conditions and help keep their bikes in worker order longer since they don’t have to ride in inclement weather or in situations where the components might become damaged due to water or other factors.

The wind trainer works by setting the bike’s rear wheel up on a platform that is connected to a small wheel.  The bike's frame is held there by two clamps, one on each side. When the rear wheel of the bicycle turns, it also rolls against this smaller wheel on the wind trainer and therefore stays in one place on the ground. The front wheel of the bike is usually placed on a riser in order to simulate a level road or riding condition. As a bicyclist becomes more and more familiar with riding and their wind trainer itself, resistance can be added to the rear wheel to enhance the workout.

Wind trainers are extremely low maintenance and can be found not only at your local bike shop, but many sporting goods stores sell them as well. There are models designed specifically for the needs of different riders, so make sure you shop around and compare notes when you’re doing your research before you buy one. Some models allow for resistance adjustment from your handlebars while other more simple models have hand cranks that allow you to manually adjust the trainer’s resistance. Also, like any other type of fitness equipment, you can find wind trainers that keep track of speed, distance, and cadence wither through a portable watch and monitor or directly through a wire from the trainer to a detachable monitor that fits on your handlebars. Wind trainers are a great aid for anyone looking to lose weight or just stay in shape.

It’s much cheaper to purchase a wind trainer to use with your existing bicycle than it is to buy a stationary recumbent bike, treadmill, or elliptical. You can even work on your bike while it’s attached to the wind trainer, thus eliminating the need for a bike stand or a second set of hands when it’s time to replace the chain or adjust the derailleurs.