Editor's Note: This article is part of the Mtbr Ultimate Guide to winter mountain biking. We are taking a deep dive into all manner of cold weather mountain bike gear, with round-ups and reviews of fat bikes, tires, wheels, apparel, lights, trainers and more. To see all the articles, head over to our Winter Guide Hub Page.

With hundreds of options to chose from, it can be hard to narrow down your shopping list when searching for a trainer. To help make that decision a little easier, here in no particular order are eight of the top trainers currently on the market. And if you're confused about the technology that sets these trainers apart, check out our guide to picking the best trainer for you.


1. 1upUSA CPA-2000

The 1upUSA CPR A-2000 has won multiple awards due to its quiet performance, incredible adjustability, and compact nature. The sturdy unit is only 6" thick when folded and is entirely built in the USA. | Price: $309 | More info at www.1upusa.com

The free version of Bkool's software offers powerful tools, but the premium service unlocks a 3D world, video routes, and more.

The free version of Bkool's software offers powerful tools, but the premium service unlocks a 3D world, video routes, and more (click to enlarge).​

2. BKool Smart Pro

What sets the Smart Pro apart from its competitors is the powerful fusion of software and hardware. Bkool's Indoor Simulator technology allows you to import GPS files to replicate any route in the world. You can also plug in your (or anyone else's) previous ride performances, to see how you compare in real time. | Price: $699 | More info at www.bkool.com

CycleOps shares a roof with PowerTap, which enables them to work closely in order to hone in the accuracy of trainer resistance.

CycleOps shares a roof with PowerTap, which enables them to work closely in order to hone in the accuracy of trainer resistance (click to enlarge).​

3. CycleOps PowerSync

Compared to the other electronic-enhanced trainers on this list, the PowerSync is relatively affordable. Like its competitors, it allows you to sync your computer or TV to utilize virtual training software such as Zwift. For those on a budget however, the CycleOps Fluid 2 is their perennial best seller. It retails for $350. | Price: $899 | More info at www.cycleops.com

The Cyclotron Mag II offers reliable performance at a reasonable price.

The Cyclotron Mag II offers reliable performance at a reasonable price (click to enlarge).​

4. Giant Cyclotron Mag II

If you're not obsessed with data, Giant's Cyclotron II magnetic trainer has everything you need to get a solid workout indoors at a reasonable price. The magnetic trainer is quiet and has seven resistance levels, which you can swap between via a handlebar mounted thumb shifter. | Price: $180 | More info at www.giant-bicycles.com

Continue to page 2 to learn about four more great trainers »

The Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer sways under load to deliver a more realistic ride feel.

The Kinetic Rock and Roll trainer sways under load to deliver a more realistic ride feel (click to enlarge).​

5. Kinectic Road Machine-Smart

While typical smart trainers retail for $1000 and up, Kurt Kinetic is now integrating smart sensors into their well respected fluid trainers to provide app-based power training at a more affordable price. | Price: $409 | More info at kurtkinetic.com

The hybrid design of the FG-540 gives the realistic road feel of a traditional roller, but lessens the learning curve.

The hybrid design of the FG-540 gives the realistic road feel of a traditional roller, but lessens the learning curve (click to enlarge).​

6. Minoura FG-540

Minoura pioneered the magnetic trainer in the 1980s. Their products continue to be made in Japan using high quality components. The top of the line FG-540 model is compatible with LiveTraining apps and Zwift. For riders on a budget, the B60 retails for $169. | Price: $399 | More info at www.minoura.jp

Innovation doesn't come cheap and the Neo Smart is perhaps the most technologically advanced trainer on this list.

Innovation doesn't come cheap and the Neo Smart is perhaps the most technologically advanced trainer on this list (click to enlarge).​

7. TACX Neo Smart

The TACX Neo Smart is one of the more expensive options on this list, but its innovative new direct drive resistance system ditches rollers and belts in favor of magnets. This means it's virtually silent, yet capable of accurately replicating almost any road. It also syncs with a wide variety of software packages, including Zwift and TrainerRoad. It acts like a normal fluid trainer when not paired with a device. | Price: $1,600 | More info at www.tacx.com

Though incredibly portable, the KICKR Snap has a massive 10.5-pound flywheel.

Though incredibly portable, the KICKR Snap has a massive 10.5-pound flywheel (click to enlarge).​

8. Wahoo KICKR Snap

While Wahoo's top-tier KICKR offers impressive software controls and ride quality, their KICKR Snap delivers most of the same features in a more portable - and affordable - package. Though the SNAP has a lower maximum wattage output and accuracy rating than its big brother, it shares the ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility and costs $500 less. | Price: $700 | More info at www.wahoofitness.com