Differences Between Types of Trainers: Turbo Trainers Explained

If you’ve ever thought about riding indoors - whether to dodge the winter weather or just to squeeze in a quick spin - chances are you’ve looked into turbo trainers. But with so many types out there, knowing which one to go for can be a bit of a minefield.

So, what are the actual differences between types of trainers? And how do you know which one suits your style of riding?

Let’s break it down.

These are your entry-level, no-frills option. You pop your rear wheel onto the trainer, clip in, and ride. Resistance is either magnetic or fluid-based, and you change the effort level using your gears - just like you would on the road.

They’re simple, solid, and great for riders who just want to get the legs turning indoors without fuss.

Why choose one?

- They’re budget-friendly

- Setup is quick and easy

- Great for steady rides or intervals

Elite Pick:

Elite Novo Force – A reliable magnetic trainer that’s quiet, compact, and ideal if you’re new to indoor cycling or just want something simple for winter sessions.

Rollers are a bit different. Rather than fixing your bike in place, you balance and pedal on three cylinders. Sounds tricky? It can be at first - but they’re brilliant for building balance, smooth pedalling, and core strength.

They’re especially popular with track cyclists and seasoned riders who want to fine-tune their technique.

Why choose one?

- They improve your form and control

- More of a ‘real ride’ feel

- Good for warm-ups, spin-outs, or recovery sessions

- Heads up: They do take a bit of practice - maybe keep a doorframe nearby at first!

Elite Pick:

Elite Arion Rollers – Super lightweight and foldable, with parabolic rollers to help keep your wheels centred. A great training tool if you want to add a bit of skill into your indoor routine.

Now we’re talking tech. Smart trainers connect to apps like Zwift and automatically adjust resistance to match virtual climbs or intervals. Many are direct-drive, meaning you remove your rear wheel and slot your bike straight onto the trainer for a quieter, smoother ride.

They’re perfect for structured training plans - or if you just want to make indoor riding a bit more interesting.

Why choose one?

- Connects to training apps

- Tracks power, cadence, and more

- Feels like riding outdoors, minus the weather

Elite Pick:

Elite Justo 2 – Elite's Flagship trainer, with direct Wi-Fi connectivity for an even more seamless experience, the Elite Justo 2 is direct-drive for a quiet, super-smooth ride and comes ready to take on serious training. It features a built-in power meter and simulates gradients up to 24%, so it’s more than capable of handling tough workouts and epic climbs - without ever leaving the shed.

Just want to keep fit over winter? Go for a basic trainer like the Elite Novo Force

Looking to improve technique and balance? Try rollers like the Elite Arion

Want to ride virtually, track your stats, or follow a proper training plan? A smart trainer like the Elite Just 2 is your best bet

Whatever your goals, Elite makes a turbo to suit - and you can find the full range here at Freewheel.co.uk