A magnetic bike trainer is a device that attaches to your bicycle’s frame and provides resistance against forward motion. The resistance of the magnetic bike trainer is adjustable, which allows you to train for different levels of fitness, or work on specific muscle groups or training schedules.
It’s also possible to use this device by itself for non-recreational purposes such as maintaining a stationary position while repairing your bicycle.
What Is A Magnetic Bike Trainer?
A magnetic bike trainer is a device that attaches to your bicycle’s frame and provides resistance against forward motion. The resistance of the magnetic bike trainer is adjustable, which allows you to train for different levels of fitness, or work on specific muscle groups or training schedules.
It’s also possible to use this device by itself for non-recreational purposes such as maintaining a stationary position while repairing your bicycle. To use a magnetic bike trainer, the equipment you need to have includes a bicycle, a 3-arm wheel and a spot for the magnetic device to attach to the bicycle. The cost of the magnetic bike trainer may vary depending on the brand and model.
How Do Magnetic Bike Trainers Work?
The core of any magnetic bike trainer is a magnet that uses rotating coils to create an alternating magnetic field which creates a rotational force on the rider’s wheel. This force creates resistance to riding forward, and this force is measured in Newton’s laws.
This means that the more you ride against this force the faster you’ll pedal, and the harder you’ll ride, increasing your cycling power. As the RPM or revolutions per minute increases, the resistance of the force builds up in the device. The larger this force the harder the pedal becomes and the faster the speed the cyclist will reach.
Why Use A Magnetic Bike Trainer?
A magnetic bike trainer, such as those sold by Cycles East, can be used for a variety of reasons. They can be used to maintain a stationary position while repairing your bicycle by slowly working the pedals forward or backward, or just for general physical conditioning.
However, the primary reason you should choose a magnetic bike trainer is to increase your bike’s performance, improve your cycling efficiency, or improve your performance of an existing exercise bike regimen.
They can also be used in conjunction with a power meter, and are also used in training programs to improve exercise performance and endurance. Most trainers are powered by a small battery pack which needs to be removed and charged every so often.
Related: Best Bike Trainers for Beginners (Reviewed 2021)
How To Buy A Magnetic Bike Trainer
There are several different kinds of magnetic bike trainers to choose from, but to buy a magnetic bike trainer you’ll need to find a reputable online retailer. In the case of some models, the unit will include an included mounting plate, which is helpful but not required for installation.
Bicycle Rotational Bike Trainer The simplest type of magnetic bike trainer is a bicycle rotational trainer. The basic design is to use a solenoid to switch the bike between two positions in which the pedals rotate in opposite directions.
For example, the right pedal will spin clockwise while the left pedal will turn counter-clockwise. Because the left pedal is spinning counter-clockwise, it will generate a magnetic field that opposes the spin of the right pedal, thus generating resistance.
How To Install A Magnetic Bike Trainer
The right type of bike trainer to use for an exercise bike can be determined by the type of bike you already own. For instance, if you have a hybrid bike, and a new model is not yet available, then you’ll want to consider a cable-operated, indoor bike trainer such as the one from Peloton.
To find out if you need a new bike trainer, check the compatibility of the bike model you already own. If it’s compatible, then you’ll want to purchase a new bike trainer to work with it. If you have an older, less-efficient bike model, or you want a bike trainer that can be removed from the frame and stored easily, you can install an outdoor bicycle trainer instead.
Conclusion
The two main magnetic bike trainer types are the Presta-style and Shimano-style, each having its own benefits and disadvantages. If you’re interested in a magnetic bike trainer, I would recommend looking at a number of different models to find the one that’s right for you. This guide will explain how to find the best one for your needs, and how to install it.