The outdoor riding days are winding down, and for many of us, that means indoor trainer season is officially here. Cue the long winter rides, the hours of sweating, and the temptation to hit snooze instead of pedal. But here’s the thing: riding inside doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right mindset—and the right gear, like your Elite setup—it can actually be…fun. Sure, some brave souls can head outside when it gets cold in Canada, but most of us will stick to riding inside. Training inside has come a long way since the old days of a turbo trainer staring at the wall.
Set it up
Elite has a variety of trainers available at different price points. There are classic trainers, smart ones, as well as interactive versions. Some folks swear by rollers too. It keeps you on your toes (well, pedals) and can be a little more engaging than a rear-wheel bike trainer. Then again, if you want to do things like check your phone or simply zone out on a long ride, rollers are not for you.
Wheel-on home trainers let your rear wheel rest on a roller. That makes them ideal for switching between indoor and outdoor rides. Most come with a quick-clamp system for easy bike setup. The Elastogel roller boosts grip and cuts down on noise and tire wear.
Wheel-on trainers range from simple models to fully interactive units, offering options for every type of rider.
Direct-Drive trainers are the latest in trainer tech. They replace the rear wheel entirely, connecting your chain directly to the trainer’s cassette for a smoother, more realistic ride. A new addition to the Elite family of trainers is the Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click. It’s a new trainer with all the benefits of the high-end models, but at a more affordable price. You can learn more about that here.
You want to keep the space hygienic too. If you live in an apartment, you should definitely check out Elite’s Training Mat. Not only does it keep your floor from becoming a salt mine, it can also reduce sound and vibrations.
Once you have a trainer, there’s other fun things you can try. Check out Elite’s Rizer–it can simulate climbing and steering. Elite has got the trainer Ecosystem down pat and can guide you through exactly what you need: Check that out on elite-it.com before we move on to workouts to keep you motivated.
Keep your mind busy
Long indoor rides can feel endless. That’s why distraction is your best friend. Pop on your favorite cycling race from YouTube, catch a cycling doc on Netflix, or just binge some old classics. Got a tablet handy? You can use the Elite Posa or Training Desk to store your computer or tablet. Even a few minutes of mental escape can make the time fly. Suddenly that 90-minute ride doesn’t feel like a punishment.
Mix it up with workouts and challenges
Indoor cycling tech has come a long way. Platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, and MyWhoosh let you join races, tackle structured workouts, or ride virtually with friends. They also come complete with chat, just like a real outdoor group ride. So you can keep current with your training partners this winter, send supportive messages…or maybe a chirp or two, if that’s your thing.
What do I need to know before my first Zwift race?
Double up without dying
Hitting a long ride on the trainer can be mentally tough. Break it into two shorter sessions instead. This “double-day” approach—mixing intense intervals with low-intensity spins—keeps your fitness growing without frying your brain.
Or, mix a crisp outdoor ride in the morning with a short indoor spin later. With your Elite trainer, transitions like this are seamless, keeping your legs moving and your head happy all winter.
Winter doesn’t have to be boring. With a few tricks, a little tech, and the right setup, indoor season can be just as rewarding as riding outside. Spin smarter, stay entertained, and make this indoor season one to actually look forward to.
This story was written in partnership with Elite