My Home Turbo Trainer Set Up

Coming into winter months I often use my turbo trainer more then other times in the year. I have also just joined an e-racing team, Aeonian Race Team, so there are now weekly races I am taking part in also using the turbo.

I have a great set up at home and I am very lucky, although my husband and I worked hard for this and it was a long time in the planning (and saving) to get there.

I am fortunate that my set up means I can leave my kit set up at all times, which is super convenient so I am ready to train without the need to set anything up beforehand.

There are many different options for indoor training, including trainers, rollers, and specific indoor training specific bikes like the Wattbike or Wahoo KICKR Bike. Here is a bit about my set up:

Turbo Trainer

I have the Wahoo Kickr smart turbo trainer, which is a direct drive trainer. This essentially means I remove the back wheel from my bike and connect directly to the cassette on the trainer.

This trainer has a built in power meter, which results in more accurate power readings and is what is known as a smart trainer meaning it can connect with apps/computer (whatever is your set up), cadence sensors, meaning riding is more realistic and efficient. It also automatically adjusts the resistance depending on the route I am doing, which could be for an interval in a session or to match a change in gradient when either ascending or descending.

I mentioned earlier that I have this set up permanently and that is good as the unit I have is heavy so really not ideal for constant moving.

Training App

I use my turbo trainer with Zwift and connect to this via an app on my Apple TV. I have the Zwift app downloaded and have my trainer and heart rate paired. Any updates I am alerted to and can easily run ahead of signing in to Zwift to ride.

Accessories

There are lots of accessories available in the market, however, for me my go to essentials are as follows:

• Wahoo turbo trainer floor mat – this is placed directly under my trainer and bike. It is water (in my case sweat) resistant, easy to wipe clean, and does not move or allow the bike to move when riding.
• Towels – I have to have a towel handy when riding, especially if completing a session or a race! I got this set from Zwift and they’re perfect to sit over the handlebars.
• Fan – if you read about turbo training it is often referred to as a sweat fest (hence the mat and towel mentioned above) but I find the fan is a god send! There are super fancy fans available on the market but the one I have is fab and serves my need perfectly.
• Muc Off Sweat Protect – despite the mat and towel you move position on the bike and sweat can get in various places including the bike frame and parts. This spray helps protect against corrosion that could be a result on both the bike and equipment.
• Quad Lock – I have a quad lock on the handlebars so I have easy access to my phone to be able to use the Zwift Companion App, whilst in ride. This device is very impressive, super sturdy and whilst I have not had the need to use outside I do love it for my indoor training.

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.