Rim Trainer – aka Rim Drive Trainer

A Rim Trainer operates with two wheels that run on the tire rim – this propels a belt attached to a magnetic resistance unit.

If you want an indoor trainer for a mountain bike, then this style is probably your best bet.

rim drive stationary bicycle stand
PROS CONS
  • Kinder on tire tread as the wheel rim and don’t come in contact with the tire rubber.
  • Great for MTB cyclists because there is no need to change the back wheel from knobby to slick.
  • Stable.
  • Fairly easy to set up, take down and move.
  • Quiet.
  • Some models come with an unconditional lifetime warranty on the frame and resistance unit.
  • Can be tricky to set up.
  • Not ideal for small disk rims.

Highly Recommended Rim Trainer Manufacturer Is:

  • Minoura

Minoura RDA 80 –  Demonstration

Here’s a very basic video that gives you a good idea about how they can work using a mountain bike.