Turbo trainers have been around for a long time, the ‘turbo’ referring to the fan that was the original method of creating resistance.

Of course technology has moved on and today’s basic model consists of a steel or aluminium frame and a magnetic resistance unit. Magnets are the cheapest way to start ‘turbo-ing’, but they have drawbacks. They tend to be fairly noisy and the resistance rate is linear; it doesn’t get harder the faster you go, which would feel more natural. More expensive magnetic units (e.g the Tacx Satori, £135.99) enable you to adjust resistance via a bar-mounted lever to simulate ups and downs, which makes the training experience more interactive and realistic.

The next step up from magnetic’s is a fluid trainer – essentially a fan rotating in oil – which gives a quieter ride and a more natural resistance curve; sometimes a trainer will feature both, using an adjustable magnet to control the overall drag.

Taking training to the next levelare computer (or ‘ergo’) trainers, which as well as providing the workout can also measure your training data. The Tacx Flow (£247.99) can display heart rate, speed, power, cadence and you can also follow pre-programmed training routes with the resistance automatically adjusting to match the incline.

New virtual reality (VR) trainers such as the Tacx Fortius Multiplayer (£719.99) go even further. This extraordinary machine allows you to hook your PC up to the trainer and ride actual stages of the ‘Tour De France’!

Whatever type of turbo you choose, you need to use it regularly and keep track of the work you’re doing to get the most benefit from it. I don’t mind using the turbo trainer, although 60 minutes is my ‘absolute’ as I find it quite tedious. I much prefer the cold, wet and windy British outdoors!!

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