Best affordable indoor cycling gear in 2025: Build your home setup on a budget

Used vs. New: Should you buy second-hand indoor gear?

When you're building a cheap indoor cycling setup, one of the smartest ways to save is by considering used indoor cycling gear. From smart trainers to accessories like heart-rate monitors, buying second-hand can significantly cut costs – but it’s not without risks.

The biggest advantage of buying second-hand smart trainer equipment is price. Cyclists frequently upgrade their setups, and that creates a steady market of quality gear in good condition. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, cycling-specific Facebook groups, and local classifieds (like Craigslist or Gumtree) are great places to start your search. Some sellers on these platforms offer bundled deals, including trainer mats or cassettes, which can further stretch your budget.

That said, not all used gear is created equal. Hidden wear and tear, compatibility issues, and lack of warranty are potential drawbacks. So, before finalizing your purchase, be sure to follow this checklist:

Used Indoor Gear Buyer’s Checklist:

• ✅ Confirm the model’s compatibility with your bike and indoor cycling apps like ROUVY.

• ✅ Ask the seller about total mileage or usage hours.

• ✅ Check for visible signs of damage, corrosion, or excessive wear.

• ✅ Verify that firmware updates are still supported (especially for older models).

• ✅ If possible, test the device before buying.

• ✅ Request original packaging, manuals, or proof of purchase for added legitimacy.

• ✅ Be cautious with prices that seem “too good to be true.

Buying used indoor cycling gear can offer incredible value if you know what to look for. With a bit of patience and diligence, a reliable second-hand smart trainer can serve as the centerpiece of your affordable, performance-ready home cycling setup.

Tip: Save money by buying a cassette from a cheaper groupset

Most direct-drive smart trainers come without a cycling cassette, so you’ll need to either buy one or use the one that’s mounted on the back wheel of your bike. Swapping the cassette from your bike to your trainer can be a pain in the part of your anatomy that rests on the saddle. Given that, we recommend buying a new cassette to use exclusively with your trainer, even though it does represent an added expense. Having two makes transitioning between outdoor and indoor cycling much easier.

To be sure you purchase the correct cassette for your trainer, double-check the cassette you have on the back wheel of your bike. Count all the cogs (twice!), and buy the same. If the cassette on your bike is 11-speed with an 11-28 ratio, you need to buy the same for your trainer. Otherwise, it simply won't work or – in the worst-case scenario – you could even damage your bike.

Buying a second cassette – ideally from a cheaper groupset – simplifies the transition. For example, if you have a Shimano Ultegra cassette on your bike, you could buy the cheaper – but still compatible with your indoor trainer – Shimano 105 cassette. For more, check out Jakub Čvanda’s article about essential hacks for your new indoor cycling trainer.

A ‘pain cave’ on a budget: Indoor cycling accessories

Beyond just the smart trainer, to get into indoor cycling, there are some accessories you’ll definitely want to include. Here are some of our favourites:

A floor mat: The Wahoo KICKR Floormat, currently priced at €79.99, protects your floor and reduces noise. It was designed to give indoor cyclists a stable, noise-reducing surface for their workouts and its durable, non-slip material protects your floor from sweat and vibrations. The Tacx Rollable Trainer Mat, currently £59.99, is another solid option.

A heart-rate monitor: The Wahoo TICKR FIT heart-rate monitor, currently priced at €79.99, is a reliable choice for indoor cyclists seeking accurate heart-rate data. With its comfortable chest strap and seamless Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, it easily pairs with apps like ROUVY.

A sweat cover: While you’re taking on those top bucket-list cycling routes on ROUVY, you’re going to perspire – a lot. Protect your bike from sweat during intense rides with a Tacx Sweat Cover by GARMIN, currently priced at $24.99. Made from absorbent materials, it fits easily over the bike and is adjustable for various frame sizes, ensuring durability and maintaining your bike's condition.

A bottle cage and water bottles: Don’t even think about climbing the legendary Alpe d'Huez in central France, Passo dello Stelvio in Italy, or the Grossglockner in Austria on ROUVY without a bottle of water close at hand! Elite offers several colours in their Custom Race Plus line of bottle cages. They retail for around $15 and include a bottle. If your trainer already has a bottle cage, Elite offers several water bottles worth checking out. For an added dash of indoor style, check out the ROUVY-branded bottles in our e-shop for just €7.50.

A fan: A good fan “can make the difference between a pleasant ride and cycling in a sweatbox,” Čvanda wrote in his 7 tips for setting up your perfect indoor ride. The Wattbike Vacmaster fan (currently priced at £99.99) is a powerful tool, providing customizable airflow to enhance comfort during intense training sessions. With adjustable speeds and a directional head, it simulates outdoor riding conditions.

DIY indoor cycling hacks to cut costs

Looking to create a DIY indoor cycling setup without draining your wallet? With a little creativity, you can swap expensive accessories for household items and save anywhere from $100 to $300 – without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Instead of buying a pricey trainer desk, stack a few books or use a standard camera tripod with a tablet mount to hold your screen at eye level. Need airflow during intense workouts? IKEA and other home goods stores offer powerful, adjustable fans for a fraction of the cost of premium cycling fans. As for flooring, a basic yoga mat can easily stand in for a purpose-built trainer mat, offering grip and protection while dampening vibrations.

These budget training tips are perfect for cyclists just starting out or anyone who wants to train smarter without overspending. The key is to focus your investment on your smart trainer and bike while using practical solutions to complete your indoor setup at minimal cost.

Indoor cycling apparel on a budget

You don’t need a high-end wardrobe to stay comfortable while riding indoors. With a few strategic choices, you can find indoor cycling clothing that keeps you cool, dry, and focused – without spending much.

Start with the essentials: moisture-wicking materials are key. Avoid cotton at all costs – it soaks up sweat, causing discomfort and chafing. Instead, look for lightweight jerseys or even athletic tops made from breathable synthetic fabrics. These pull moisture away from your body and help regulate temperature, especially during long endurance rides on ROUVY.

Sweatbands are another inexpensive but valuable addition. A simple headband or wristband helps manage sweat, keeping it out of your eyes and off your handlebars. And don’t overlook your existing wardrobe – retired outdoor cycling gear often works just as well indoors. Older jerseys and bibs may no longer be road-worthy but are perfect for your best gear for indoor riding setup.

With smart choices and a minimalist approach, you can build a functional indoor wardrobe that supports every ride – on any budget.

How to save on an indoor cycling app subscription

Want to know the most cost effective way to subscribe to ROUVY? Just follow these steps: First, purchase a monthly subscription. Then, after your first 65 days on ROUVY, upgrade your account to an annual subscription which, thanks to our Loyalty Programme, will be discounted by 15%. More about the ROUVY Loyalty Programme: After 65 days as a subscriber, you reach Loyalty Level 1 and begin saving 15% on annual plans. After 1 year, you reach Level 2 and save 18%. After 2 years, you reach Level 3 and save 21%. And after 3 years on ROUVY, you reach Level 4 and save 24%.

And don’t forget: You can pause your account when you’re not riding indoors. This means, for example, if you take a break from ROUVY while you ride outdoors in the summer, you can pause your billing but still maintain your level in the Loyalty Programme. It’s worth mentioning that, while you’re paused, you can still ride 20 kilometres for free each month.

How to set up indoor cycling on a budget: Conclusion

Whether your goal is fitness, weight loss, triathlon prep, or bucket-list climbs, ROUVY helps keep you focused. and with a cheap indoor cycling setup that includes a budget smart trainer and practical accessories, indoor cycling on a budget has never been more accessible. Thoughtful choices deliver the best value indoor trainer experience – no overspending required.