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Fixtures that allow one to ride inside have been around for over 100 years. From the early days of cycling, the only indoor riding device was rollers, essentially a bike treadmill where one could pedal freely, if narrowly, in place. The main drawback of rollers came from the lack of pedaling resistance, so workouts were limited.  

The RacerMate changed all that. This indoor trainer debuted in the 1970s and acted as a stand to lock the bicycle in place, then a progressive resistance device was affixed to the rear wheel. This let people finally pound out the watts at home, turning basements into pain caves. The resistance was essentially generated by fan blades. Later, magnets, fluid, and flywheels were added as resistance-generating contraptions, all evolving into the CompuTrainer, also by RacerMate, which used a computer to adjust resistance.

Today, nearly all these options can still be found. All work well, the difference being that the price increase usually matches an increase in precision, adjustability, and electronic integration. Rollers are still around, both with and without resistance. Basic trainers are often smaller, easily portable, and don’t depend on electricity or a fast internet connection. Smart trainers can be synced with virtual worlds, simulations of real-world rides, massive multi-player training platforms, remote classes, and more. Names like BKool, Kinomap, Peloton (there’s an app), Rouvy, SYSTM (formerly Sufferest), TrainerRoad, and Zwift all offer connected experiences.