The BTwin In’Ride 300 trainer comes from French sports hypermarché Decathlon and comes in at a bargain price. It also has more features than many more expensive units and it’s blissfully simple to use.
For a start it comes ready assembled in the box so there’s no need for an Ikea-style ‘insert bolt A into hole C’ construction session.
The alloy frame makes it easy to carry and it folds almost flat for storage if you’re tight on space or using it when travelling with work.
Once you have adjusted the axle clamp positioning the first time, you just need to pop it open, locate the supplied quick-release skewer ends in the cups and throw the big axle clamp for a secure and surprisingly sprint-proof stance, as long as the floor is flat and even.(But it’s unlikely to work with thru-axle bikes)
The blue urethane roller reduces tyre damage, rumble and noise compared to a small metal one. It also slips less under sudden power surges if you’re using one of the higher resistance settings of the seven-click handlebar remote lever.
Unsurprisingly the small flywheel does make for a choppy ride rather than one with a sustained cadence and it does rumble and growl if you’re really giving it the beans.
Our year-old sample is still going strong and, for a penny under £70, I think it’s a steal.
- Noise level @200W: 85dB
