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Here comes the high-end version of your Pain Cave: maximum precision, super comfortable and really stylish. With the right light, you might feel like you're in a vision of the future.
1. the centrepiece: smart bike or trainer with an outdoor feel
If you want the full indoor experience, there's no way around a real incline simulation. In other words, the smart bike or an incline simulator adapts the incline to the virtual world. One device that can do this is the Wahoo Kickr Bike Pro Smart Bike. The indoor cycling unit becomes even more realistic when the nature of the ground is simulated, which is available in some Tacx devices.
- Smart bike with tilt simulation: Wahoo Kickr Bike Pro Smart Bike
- Smart trainer with underground simulation: Tacx NEO 3M Smart-Trainer
- Inclination simulation for Smart Trainers: Garmin Tacx Alpine or Wahoo Kickr Climb
The advantage of a Smart Bike is that it can be adapted to another person in a few simple steps, whereas with a Smart Trainer the bike has to be changed. If the size fits reasonably well, you can also arrange for only the saddle height to be adjusted.
2. technology for details: table for laptop and snacks
A laptop stand under which the fan can provide you with cool air is a game changer. The table brings your screen or laptop to the perfect height. You always have your route in view and don't have to improvise with wobbly makeshift solutions. A table from Tons, such as the Laptop Race Table, is particularly stylish.
Plus: it offers enough space for drinks, remote control or snacks for the cool-down.
There is even a version that you can mount a curved monitor on. There's no room for the snacks, but you can see the virtual world and your driving data even better.
- Indoor cycling table: Tons Laptop Race Table >> available here
3. climate & comfort: fan and mat
If you train at the high end, you also want high-end airflow. You want a fan that automatically adjusts its wind speed to your heart rate or speed. Or to the watts you pedal? Or to your body temperature? For the latter, you need a temperature sensor like the Core 2 Thermal Sensor.
Now to the wind machines. The Wahoo Kickr Headwind can blow in different stages or adjust its wind strength to your heart rate or speed. The Elite Aria can also be paired with a power meter or temperature sensor and can adjust the airflow accordingly.
- Automatic control via heart rate or speed: Wahoo Kickr Headwind
- Control additionally via body temperature or watts: Elite Aria
Plus a robust training mat to protect the floor and your nerves when things get more intense.
- Training mat for indoor cycling: Wahoo Kickr floor mat
4. style factor: top-class clothing
Because even in the Pain Cave, style counts: a chic, light and airy outfit. Let's start with the socks. The Fingerscrossed Super Light socks are minimalist, super light and honestly just the nicest accessory you can wear when sweating indoors. Or outside on hot summer days. Combine them with particularly light and thin cycling shorts and jerseys and you're perfectly equipped.
- Socks: Fingerscrossed Super Light socks
- Jersey and trousers: Santini Forza Indoor collection, Velocio Ultralight trousers
Tip: You can also look at liner bib shorts, i.e. cycling shorts that are actually worn under mountain bike shorts. They are usually made from a mesh material - so they are really airy. Caution is advised on the inside of the thighs. Depending on the shape of your legs, the areas that rub against each other or the saddle should not necessarily be made of mesh, as this can be uncomfortable.
If you don't want to wear a jersey, a baselayer is also good.
5. performance tuning: Optimise Indoor Chain Wax
First question: Are you Team Chain Oil or Team Chain Wax? If you're on the wax team, read on. If you are on the oil team, you can skip this section; likewise if you have a Smart Bike with belt drive.
As a chain wax user, you probably know it: The additives contained in the wax are grey and when wax crumbs fall off, there are unsightly grey stains on the bike and floor. Optimize has developed something for this. An indoor chain wax with a white additive. The manufacturer promises that wax flakes that have fallen off are white to transparent. The wax is also optimised for living room temperatures.
- Chain wax for indoor cycling: Optimise Indoor Hot Wax
Conclusion: High-end for high watts
This indoor cycling set-up is not a toy. It's your personal training motivation - precise, smart and so quiet that you can even do intervals at midnight without getting into trouble with the neighbours. Is it expensive? Yes. But every piece brings you closer to the perfect indoor experience.
Our recommendation for the ultimate setup:
Either:
- Smart bike with tilt simulation: Wahoo Kickr Bike Pro Smart Bike
Or:
- Smart trainer with underground simulation: Tacx NEO 3M Smart-Trainer
- Inclination simulation for Smart Trainers: GarminTacx Alpine or Wahoo Kickr Climb
In addition:
- Fan with automatic control via speed or heart rate: Wahoo Kickr Headwind or Elite Aria (offers additional control option via body temperature or watts)
- Indoor cycling table: Tons Laptop Race Table
- Socks: Fingerscrossed Super Light socks
- Jersey and trousers: Santini Forza Indoor collection, Velocio Ultralight trousers
- Chain wax for indoor cycling: Optimise Indoor Hot Wax
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
