7 reasons why a trainer is the best cycling investment

The temperatures are dropping, rain is threatening, and the days are getting shorter, maintaining consistency on the bike becomes complicated. Bad weather, lack of light, and end-of-season fatigue mean that many rides end up being postponed. However, training at home has stopped being a boring resource and has become an effective, comfortable, and increasingly realistic tool thanks to new virtual cycling applications. If you still don't have a trainer to enjoy them, here are seven compelling reasons to get one.

The trainer stops being a plan B: seven reasons to have one at home

1. Train whenever you want, without depending on the weather

As we mentioned, in winter, the weather is a major demotivator for cyclists. But rain, wind, cold, or night don't matter when you train indoors. With a trainer, you can maintain your routine at any time of the day, and as we will see next, this is a great advantage for maintaining a key factor in your performance.

2. More consistency, fewer excuses

Regularity is key to improving in cycling and enjoying many years of pedaling. In this sense, the trainer eliminates most of the barriers that usually break continuity. There are no commutes, no post-cleaning, and no risks from wet or icy roads. This ease of "compliance" makes the trainer the perfect tool to maintain your training plan throughout the winter.

3. Make better use of your time

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In indoor training, every minute counts. Without traffic lights, traffic, descents, punctures, and other stops, an hour on the trainer is equivalent to more than an hour and a half on the road. Additionally, you can adjust the duration of the training to your schedule: from 20-minute high-intensity sessions to long stage simulations on weekends.

4. Total control of effort

The trainer allows you to work on power zones and heart rate with an accuracy impossible to match outdoors. You can repeat identical sets, control the exact load, and record every data point without interference from wind, slope, or traffic. It is the most reliable way to follow a structured plan and measure your progress week by week.

5. More varied and entertaining workouts

Thanks to platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, or MyWhoosh, indoor training has become interactive and social. And if you haven't tried it yet, we can assure you that seeing other characters pedaling in front of or alongside you on a screen is very motivating, whether to push yourself on a climb or to last a little longer. You can ride through virtual scenarios, participate in races, or follow programs designed by professional coaches. It is even possible to compete in real-time with cyclists from all over the world, something unthinkable just a few years ago.

6. Improve your technique and pedaling

The controlled environment allows you to focus on technical aspects that are difficult to work on outdoors, such as cadence, pedaling efficiency, or strength work at low cadence. Additionally, new smart trainers replicate inclines and descents, and some accessories like rocking platforms or incline simulators add realism and improve your posture on the bike.

7. A perfect complement for the whole year

Although the trainer shines especially in winter, more and more cyclists also use it in other seasons for short sessions, warm-ups, or quality training when time is tight. It is an investment that will serve you both to maintain your fitness and to fine-tune before a race.

A great investment doesn't mean a big expense

In recent years, smart trainers have become more accessible, and it is no longer necessary to make a large expenditure to have a decent one at home. Stores like Aliexpress and other Asian manufacturers have very good models at entry-level prices, but undoubtedly, Decathlon and its new Van Rysel range have made it easier and more affordable for cyclists.

Among Decathlon's models, the Van Rysel D100 stands out for its quality-price ratio and its compatibility with virtual training platforms. An interactive direct drive trainer, with automatic resistance and Bluetooth/ANT+ connection, which also comes with a free subscription to Zwift for several months. Its price is €250 and is ideal for those looking to get started in indoor cycling.

The Van Rysel D500 is a more advanced version, with more precise power measurement (±2%) and incline simulation of up to 10%. Its price is €400 and is perfect for advanced amateur cyclists.

In conclusion, the trainer has gone from being a "lesser evil" for rainy days to a key piece of modern training. It allows you to be more consistent, measure progress better, and train with precision without leaving home. If you are looking to maintain your fitness during the cold months or simply optimize your time, buying a trainer is one of the best decisions you can make as a cyclist.