HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHEN BUYING EQUIPMENT FOR INDOOR CYCLING

Consider refurbished or previous-generation models

Whether it’s a trainer, a heart-rate monitor, or cycling accessories, consider buying refurbished or previous-generation models. Manufacturers often sell refurbished products at a significant discount, and the performance differences between newer and older models are often minimal for beginner to intermediate cyclists. Companies like Wahoo, GARMIN, and Tacx sometimes list refurbished items with full warranties, giving you the quality assurance you need at a lower price.

Buy a used indoor cycling trainer

For budget-conscious indoor cyclists, consider buying a used trainer. Many indoor riders upgrade their trainers over time, so you can often find second-hand trainers in excellent condition for much less. Check local classified ads, online marketplaces like eBay, and cycling forums.

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.

Keep in mind, for indoor riding, weight isn’t a concern, so you can save some money by buying one from a cheaper groupset. 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.

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.

Conclusion

Whether you want to get into indoor cycling to lose weight, to get stronger and more fit, to keep your legs “road ready” throughout the winter, to train for a triathlon, to get ready for a bucket-list cycling vacation, or to improve your race results, ROUVY makes it easy to stay focused and motivated. And getting started doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By opting for budget-friendly equipment, repurposing items you already own, and making smart choices about accessories, you can get started – and keep going – without overspending.