Indoor bike trainers come in all shapes and sizes and you can buy the kind that fold flat that you load your OWN bicycle into to ride or you can buy a traditional stationary style bike that you might ride at the gym. Each design has their own advantages.

A stationary style bike does not require that you own a bicycle, which is good but they also take up a lot more space and when the weather turns warm again, you can’t ride them down the sidewalk. I personally favor the folding style of bike trainer that you load your own bike into and ride. I prefer it for many reasons, a few of which are it is more realistic of a ride. You ride your own bike so your posture and seating and pedal configuration is the same as what you are used to riding.

I also think a folding bike trainer is more versatile. You can use it year round and if you choose to ride outside then just detach your bicycle and ride off down the road. No matter which style of bike trainer you choose, the mere fact that you use either one puts you ahead of most people. Many cyclists work hard all summer to get in shape but then spend the offseason eating buffalo wings and holiday desserts. They will pay the price for that come spring on the first group ride.