If you’ve recently invested in a turbo trainer and signed up for an indoor cycling app, you’re well on your way to improving your fitness. But before you dive into your virtual rides, there are a few more accessories that will make your indoor training sessions more comfortable, effective, and enjoyable.
Fans: Stay Cool While You Ride
The first accessory you’ll want is a fan. When cycling outdoors, the wind naturally cools you down, but indoors, you’re trapped in a much warmer environment. As you pedal hard, your body generates heat, and without airflow, you can quickly overheat. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also reduce your performance and, in extreme cases, be unsafe.
A single fan will help, but for maximum cooling, consider using two or three fans placed at different angles. This will ensure that you stay cool, no matter how intense your workout gets.
Towels: Wipe Away Sweat
Indoor cycling can make you sweat buckets, even with fans keeping you cool. That’s why towels are essential. They help keep your face dry, so you don’t have sweat dripping into your eyes while you ride. Plus, towels serve another important function: protecting your bike. Sweat can damage bike components, especially those with bearings, such as the bottom bracket and hubs. By draping a towel over the handlebars and top tube, you can prevent sweat from corroding your bike.
Water Bottles: Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial during indoor training. You’ll need to drink more water than you would during outdoor rides because the indoor environment tends to be warmer. Make sure you have a couple of bottles filled with cool water within reach.
A good rule of thumb is to hydrate well in advance—drink a couple of hours before your session to ensure your body absorbs enough water. The CamelBak Podium Chill Bottle is a great choice, offering a generous 710ml capacity so you can stay hydrated throughout your workout without needing to stop for a refill.
Hydration Tablets: Replenish Your Electrolytes
When you sweat, you lose essential electrolytes, which are crucial for maintaining performance. Adding hydration tablets to your water can help replace these electrolytes, as well as provide sodium and magnesium, which are key for muscle function. High5 Zero Berry Tablets are a popular option to help keep you properly hydrated and energized during your workout.
Phone/Tablet Holder: Easy Access to Apps
One of the best parts of turbo training is the entertainment provided by indoor cycling apps. Whether you’re racing friends or exploring virtual worlds, a tablet or phone is essential to control your sessions. A Tablet and Phone Holder Mount attaches to your handlebars, making it easy to access your device without interrupting your ride. It’s compatible with phones up to 6.8” and tablets up to 12”, giving you the flexibility to use your device of choice.
Training Mat: Protect Your Floor
While not absolutely necessary, a training mat is a great investment for several reasons. It helps protect your floor from scratches and prevents sweat from seeping onto the surface. Plus, many turbo training mats, like the Halfords Turbo Trainer Mat, have sound-dampening properties, which can make your training sessions quieter and less disruptive to those around you. This is especially important if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors.
Turbo Trainer Tyre: Protect Your Bike’s Tyres
If you’re using a wheel-on turbo trainer, your regular bike tyres might not be able to handle the increased friction. The constant pressure from the trainer can quickly wear down your rear tyre. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a Turbo Trainer Tyre. The Halfords Essential Turbo Trainer Tyre is designed to withstand the heat and wear that comes with indoor cycling. For added convenience, consider using a spare wheel dedicated to turbo training, so you don’t have to swap tyres every time you move indoors.
Turbo Training Riser Block: Stabilize Your Bike
To keep your bike stable during indoor training, you’ll need a riser block. While some people use books to raise the front wheel, a dedicated Turbo Training Riser Block is a more reliable solution. It ensures that your front wheel stays in place, preventing unnecessary movement and making your ride more comfortable.
For those using apps like Zwift, the Elite Sterzo Smart Steering Frame is a game-changer. It connects to your apps, allowing you to steer your bike based on the virtual environment you’re riding in, adding a whole new layer of interactivity to your indoor cycling experience.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your turbo training sessions, having the right accessories is key. From staying cool with fans to keeping your bike safe with towels and specialized tyres, each of these items plays a vital role in enhancing your training experience. Equip yourself with these must-have accessories and get ready to take your indoor cycling to the next level.
