What is a smart trainer?
A stand that turns the bike you already own into an indoor bike. It holds the bike still, reads how hard you pedal, and pushes back.
It does three things
Holds your bike
Your bike clamps in and stays upright. You ride it as you do outside: same saddle, same gears.
Measures your power
It reads your effort in watts and sends it to the game. That number is what moves your rider.
Sets the resistance
The game can tell it how hard to push back. In a workout, it holds you at the watts you are meant to ride.
Two kinds
Direct drive
You take the rear wheel off and the chain runs on the trainer itself.
- Quiet
- Most accurate
- Nothing wears
- Costs more
Wheel-on
The bike stays whole. Its rear tyre presses on a roller.
- Cheaper
- Quick to set up
- Louder
- Wears the tyre
What Velorido needs from it
Bluetooth
How the trainer reaches your computer, phone or tablet. No cable.
FTMS
The standard language trainers and apps share. Look for “Bluetooth FTMS” on the spec sheet.
ANT+ only
Not enough. Velorido connects over Bluetooth.
Most smart trainers sold in the last few years have both. A classic trainer with no electronics is not a smart trainer: it holds the bike but tells the game nothing.
You also need a screen to run the game on. See the technical requirements
Trainers that speak FTMS over Bluetooth
To start
The lower-priced direct-drive trainers.
A step up
The middle of the range.
Top of the range
Each maker’s best.
And many more
These six are a place to start, not the whole list. Any smart trainer with Bluetooth FTMS on its spec sheet is one to look at.
Each link goes to the manufacturer, not a shop, and we earn nothing from them. Check the spec sheet for Bluetooth FTMS before you buy.
Questions and answers
Which smart trainers work with Velorido?
Smart trainers that connect over Bluetooth with the standard FTMS protocol. Most current trainers do. Read what a smart trainer is.
Can I ride without a smart trainer?
Yes, with a Bluetooth power meter. Your power moves you through the world, but the resistance does not change with the road.
Does a smart bike work?
Yes, if it connects over Bluetooth with FTMS. A smart bike that only reports power rides as power only.
Does Velorido work with ANT+?
No. Velorido connects over Bluetooth only.
What is ERG mode?
ERG mode makes the trainer hold you at a set power. In a Velorido workout, the trainer holds you at the watts you are meant to ride.
Can I use a heart rate monitor?
Yes. Pair a Bluetooth heart rate monitor. Your heart rate is saved with your ride.
Can I shift gears?
Yes. Pair a Zwift Click to shift virtual gears.