If you want to bring your training indoors, while still matching the fit and feel of riding outside, then an indoor smart bike is the way to go. For those short on time, or who want to keep mucky bikes outside, having a smart bike always ready to ride trumps a traditional turbo trainer set-up. A smart bike also offers a ride quality and level of functionality more similar to an outdoor bike than a traditional exercise bike.
Designed from the ground up for dedicated cyclists, indoor smart bikes provide integrated power meters alongside automated incline adjustment and resistance. These features can be linked to indoor training apps, bicycle computers and smartwatches giving you real-time data and an accurate ride feel. Small details like the stability of the bike, integration of fansand placement of tablets and phones are just a few of the ways brands add comfort. More importantly, smart bikes generally offer far greater adjustability than exercise bikes and a closer-to-real-world bike fit.
In recent years bikes like the Zwift Ride have upped the game, allowing you to control your avatar and introducing video game features to help break the monotony of indoor cycling.
With such a wide range of features and tech now available, it is hard to pinpoint which indoor smart bike might be best for you. As regular users of these bikes and the associated tech, we have reviewed and rated the best indoor smart bikes to bring you this, easy-to-use and comprehensive guide.
Boasting 2,500w of power and improved accuracy, the Atom is both smooth and quiet. Structured workouts available via the dedicated hub make it ideal for tracking progress.
If you want your indoor training to replicate riding outdoors, the Kickr is for you. Features integrated grade changes up to 20%, customizable gearing, and simulated shifting.
Please excuse the superlative but the Tacx Neo Bike Plus is 'the smoothest' smart bike we have tested. Which makes it great for those looking to get started in the world of virtual racing.
Technogyms technical prowess in commercial gym equipment clearly shines through on the Ride, which is incredibly user-friendly. However, the high cost can't be justified when it's considerably down on peak power vs the competition.
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As a market leader in indoor smart bikes, Wattbike primarily supplies sporting federations and gyms. The Atom, its direct-to-consumer option, with ‘next-gen updates’ sees the electromagnetic resistance speed increase raising peak power from 2000wh to 2500wh and with a greater degree of accuracy.
During our testing, we found that the smoothness and fluidity of pedalling were second to none, and we were amazed at just how quiet the Wattbike is. Great for those who live in an apartment or a dedicated space away from the house.
The Atom's simple fit adjustability should get most in a pretty good position but it's limited compared to the competition. Its fixed width bar and crank length might not suit everyone. The additional tri-bar position does make that easier to stomach and a bit of give and take as this is not something we see on other smart bikes.
Height range: 5' - 6'6"/152 - 198 cm (centre bottom bracket to top of saddle 61cm-87cm)
Digital display: No - Bluetooth connected device required
Third party connectivity: No
Reasons to buy
+
Half the price of its competitors
+
Completing the Zwift Ecosystem
+
Peerless handlebar-mounted controllers for Zwift
+
Simple fit adjustments
+
A good way to upgrade an existing turbo trainer set-up
Reasons to avoid
-
Zwift subscription not included, but then it's not included with other smart bikes either.
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Non-adjustable crank length. This probably won't trouble the majority of users, only those who want to be super-dialled in.
Filling the gap between a more traditional turbo trainer setup and a full exercise bike, the Zwift Ride with Wahoo Kickr Core lowers the cost of entry to smart bike ownership.
At its 'Core' the Zwift Ride bike is a well-designed steel frame bolted to the highly rated Wahoo Kickr Core turbo trainer. It is a little more than that though, it brings together existing Zwift tech, aimed directly at those wanting to use its online ride platform. The Zwfit cog in combination with the Kickr Core provides quiet operation and houses all the magic behind the excellent virtual gearing.
Dialling in a basic fit was super simple thanks to the provided guide, and once riding the Zwift ride feels planted and stiff like an exercise bike should. Aside from some very minor details, like the thin bar tape, our only question left unanswered was, why does the Zwift ride with Wahoo Kickr Core not include a Zwift subscription? So make sure you factor that into your monthly outgoings, the beauty of this being you can switch it on and off weather depending.
The Kickr bike blurs the line between virtual and reality, with features like physical grade changes, customizable gearing ratios and simulated shifter feel based on your preference. Wahoo packs all that into a bike which boasts a 5-point fit adjustment.
Real-time physical grading changes are the real headline of the Kickr Bike. The bike is able to tip backwards, to simulate climbs of up to 20% (which Wahoo have had as an upgrade to turbo trainer set-ups for a while, via the Kickr Climb), and, it can pitch you forward simulating descents of -15%. It's just like those motorbike games you only ever see in arcades.
With customizable gear ratios and mimicking your brand of choice (Shimano, Sram or Campagnolo) the Kickr Bike really makes you feel at home. The fit system even allows for the use of normal bicycle components, so if there is a particular stem length, handlebar shape or saddle you prefer they can all be fitted.
For the cost, it is a shame not to see a screen or built-in fan, even a tablet holder would be a good addition but excused when the features list is as extensive as the Kickr bikes.
Height range: 640 - 900mm (bottom bracket to saddle height)
Digital display: Yes
Third party connectivity: Yes
Reasons to buy
+
Very stable
+
Incredibly smooth
+
New shifters are perfect
+
Tablet mount and fans included
+
Superb adjustability
Reasons to avoid
-
Very expensive
-
Fans not quite powerful enough
-
Thigh still hits the seatpost in some positions
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Heavy - two people preferable for set-up
The Neo Bike Plus sees completely redesigned shifters featuring improved ergonomics and functionality which really let its predecessor down. Fit and comfort issues have been addressed with a slimmer post to avoid thigh rub and a wider range of crank length options.
On test, setup was a breeze and the range of adjustment now available is closer to that of a bike fit jig than an exercise bike. Manoeuvring the bike around is not a task you want to do too often as it is pretty heavy, small wheels make it easier but it is still a two-person job. It's good to see the inbuild fans, tablet holder and USB charging are retained from the previous model.
The Neodymium magnets that create resistance within the flywheel are incredibly smooth, we would go as far as offering the superlative 'the smoothest', of any indoor smart bike. It is particularly noticeable when using Zwift just how precise and reactive it is in ERG mode. This is only helped by the accuracy of the power output which is on point across the spectrum.
The Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift might be significantly cheaper than the Wahoo Kickr Bike but the wallet-friendly option retains a lot of what we loved about its big brother. Let us start with what is different. Gone is the gradient simulation, this is replaced with a static steel frame, although without this feature overall the Kickr Shift Bike is lighter, surprisingly!
The most notable change will be the use of an Eddy-current electromagnetic system over the electronic motor that powers the Kickr Bike. Although still in line with its competitors Tacx and Wattbike, this reduces the overall peak power from 2500wh to 2200wh.
What the Kickr Shift Bike does retain is the excellent ergonomics and fit of the bike from the Kickr Bike. Wahoo’s 5-point adjustable fit system is used to get you in the right position and these also see an improved quick-release system. The Shifters and controls trickle down which is a win for those looking for a realistic ride feel and something we celebrated in our review of the Kickr Bike.
For those serious about indoor training or possibly looking to race virtually, After a short test against a pair of Garmin Rally RS20 pedals, the Kickr Bike Shift was within 1 or 2 watts of the pedals across a variety of efforts.
Ease of rider position set up and two screen taps to get riding
+
Position adjustment simple
+
Solid platform and smooth ride feel
+
Plenty of metric data to monitor performance and progress
+
Lots of entertainment at your fingertips
Reasons to avoid
-
Screen is too close to rider
-
Low peak power output for performance riders
-
Really expensive when compared to competition
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Monthly subscriptions required for optimal use
-
Large and heavy, so requires a dedicated space
-
Cable port position sub-optimal
By far the simplest to use during our testing the Technogym Ride features a 22” inch screen with plenty of 3rd party ride and entertainment app compatibility. Like many of its competitors, the Ride uses an electromagnetic system to add resistance, enabling it to simulate climbs and descents. The peak power output compared to the bigger brands is nearly a 1000wh down though. So, we found doing big sprint efforts or taking on big simulated cols lacks realism. It could work well for those users looking to build a solid base during the winter months.
Our tester was impressed by the smoothness of the system though, clearly something Technogym have focused on and a perk of having a large commercial gym network. It also meant that simulated shifting was swift and felt reasonably realistic.
The two-touch start feature and simplicity of the fit adjustments made the system great for frequent use by multiple people. Which was fantastic for us as my partner and I could both jump on once the kids were in bed. It is hard to see why you would choose this over the Wattbike, Wahoo or Tacx options especially when it is more expensive than all of these. More akin to a posh exercise bike with indoor smart bike features, it might suit fitness enthusiasts better than cyclists.
Aside from a bike to ride there isn't much more needed to get going with indoor smart bike training. If you are going to invest in your setup then here is nine ways to make your indoor cycling experience more enjoyable. My top recommendations from this list are definitely a good fan and finishing with a cake.
Unless you already have a set training plan, maybe one from a coach or team, then one of the many third-party cycling apps is recommended. They are great at keeping the monotony at bay and a great way connect with the wider cycling community.
Last but not least, cycling indoors is hot, even if its freezing outside. Having cycling kit designed specifically for indoor use that helps disperse the additional heat and has high wicking properties, makes indoor cycling a far more comfortable experience.
FAQ - all you need to know about indoor smart bikes
What is the difference between a smart bike and an exercise bike?
In recent years we have seen exercise bikes becoming more connected with third-party apps, which blurs the lines between the two. Traditionally, smart bikes are far more advanced, featuring built-in power meters, automated resistance, advanced adjustability and fit. They cater well for cycling enthusiasts with dedicated training plans.
Exercise bikes tend to be much simpler, aimed at supplementing other sporting endeavours by providing crosstraining and basic cardio. While some exercise bikes are catching up with smart bikes', increasing connectivity and overall peak outputs, smart bikes have been advancing their user experience too. Many smart bikes now offer customisable virtual gearing options. Some even go as far as having arcade-style controllers that let you take charge of your on-screen avatar.
What is better: A turbo trainer or a smart bike?
There are a couple of considerations when choosing between a turbo trainer and a smart bike. The first of which is the available space you plan to train in and storage possibilities. If space is at a premium then this is where turbo trainers work well, giving you the ability to pack your setup away when it is not in use. The trade-off here is the peak performance can be limited due to the compact nature of the units. Smart bikes will need a dedicated space but tend to be far studier when putting in big efforts. Turbo trainer manufacturers have worked hard on this, with brands such as Wahoo and Tacx knocking on 2000wh output and up to 20% gradient simulations, similar numbers we see on smart bikes.
Comfort and attention levels heavily influence the decision-making process. Smart trainers now offer fantastic levels of fit adjustability and are improving all the time. They will never 100% replicate your bike fit and this is where turbo trainers, which combine with a real bike have the edge. On the flip side of that coin, smart bikes offer a wider range of integrated connectivity options, with built-in screens and interactive features such as avatar control now commonplace.
Do indoor bikes help you lose weight?
The benefits of cycling are well documented be it indoors or braving the elements outside. Indoor cycling is fantastic for eliminating variables from your training effort. Most will think about the weather, but terrain plays a big part too. Indoor training provides consistent parcours, giving you a repeatable base that allows you to focus on the specific effort required in your training plan. This could be the ‘fat-burning’ zones’, for example. So, it is possible to lose weight using a smart bike, but only as a helpful tool within a wider, healthy weight loss regime.
A fully adjustable fit is imperative, it’s a feature we look for on every smart bike we test. How this is achieved differs from model to model, with the ultimate goal of offering greater rider comfort and realism. Working in tandem with the resistance, many smart bikes now feature virtual gearing options, increasing the realism of your indoor cycling experience and allowing you to measure your effort more effectively. Many models will also offer a wide range of gradient simulations. A smart bike should feature somewhere between a 15-25% incline and a 5-15% decline, so you can tick off all those virtual cols.
How do indoor smart bikes work?
All of the smart bikes we have tested feature an electromagnetic resistance system. In layman's terms these work by increasing the electrical current to a coil of metal, which in turn grows its magnetic field. This magnetic field when in near contact with another magnetic material like a flywheel, forms what is called an eddy current. It is this current that creates the resistance.
These systems are fantastic for smart bikes and turbo trainers, as resistance can be increased or decreased with a near-instant effect. Resistance can also be completely removed allowing simulation of descents alongside ascents.
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Like so many in the bicycle industry, Matt spent many years wheedling allen keys and the occasional hammer at his local IBD. Before becoming an award-winning E-Bike designer with Cairn Cycles and their range of Gravel E-bikes, Matt grew up mountain biking the flint-strewn hills of the North Downs. It was during his time with Evans Cycles in-house brand Pinnacle and Hoy Bikes, Matt was convinced to take up gravel cycling and bikepacking, never looking back.
These days Matt will more than likely have a toddler sat shotgun and balance bike lassoed to his back somewhere on the South Downs. What time he does get to ride for himself he chooses to take his Sonder Camino to just about anywhere that's quiet, off the beaten track or has some historic point of interest.
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