Andrew McLean on the Evolution of Indoor Trainers

Few names carry as much weight in South African cycling as Andrew McLean. With Springbok colours in 1988, multiple medals at World Championships, countless category wins at the Telkom 94.7 and Cape Town Cycle Tour, and no less than three overall wins and 25 stage victories at the ABSA Cape Epic, Andrew has cemented his place as one of the country’s most accomplished cyclists.

But Andrew’s influence extends beyond racing. In 1995, he founded Cycle Lab, which has grown into one of South Africa’s premier cycling destinations. He also pioneered the Cycle Lab Bike Park and FitTrack, further cementing his commitment to making cycling more accessible, structured, and enjoyable. And when it comes to indoor trainers, Andrew has been there from the very beginning — turning garage training sessions into a movement that would shape modern cycling.

From Garage Sessions to Global Phenomenon

Andrew’s journey with indoor trainers started humbly. In his Sunninghill garage, he set up the legendary Cat Eye CS1000 trainer. Business executives would join him for sessions, training to heart rate zones while he coached them through structured workouts. It was a revolutionary idea: cyclists could train together, stay in their own zones, and benefit from scientific methods without leaving the room.

Fast forward to today, and indoor trainers have evolved into highly sophisticated machines. “It’s night and day compared to those early days,” Andrew reflects. “Now you can climb famous mountains like Alpe d’Huez on a screen, complete with real gradients, visuals, and even bike tilts. Indoor trainers have become an essential part of every cyclist’s toolbox.”

Why Indoor Trainers Matter

• Time efficiency – An hour indoors is often worth 90 minutes outdoors.
• Precision training – No traffic lights or descents to break intervals.
• Testing and tracking – Replicate the same conditions to measure true progress.
• Family-friendly – Smart bikes can be adjusted quickly for multiple users.
• Pro-level adoption – Even Tour de France riders rely on them for training and warm-ups.

The Tech Revolution

Indoor training is smarter and more connected than ever. Platforms like Zwift allow riders to join group rides, race, or earn virtual rewards. During COVID-19, indoor cycling exploded — bike shops sold out of trainers, and Zwift memberships surged.

Brands like Wahoo and Tacx (Garmin) are leading innovation with realistic gradients, smart fans, and AI-driven training recommendations. And with constant software updates, your trainer keeps improving over time.

Avoiding the Pitfalls

Andrew warns against two common mistakes:

• Overheating – Always use a strong fan and hydrate with electrolytes.
• Too much intensity – Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% of rides at talking pace, 20% high-intensity.

Cycle Lab: The Home of Indoor Training

At Cycle Lab, we don’t just stock indoor trainers—we ensure you get the best performance from them. Our expertise includes trainer installation, seamless integration with apps like Zwift and FitTrack, accurate calibration, technical troubleshooting, and even convenient in-home setup services. Whether you’re just setting up or racing for the podium, our team has you covered.

State-of-the-Art Trainers for Serious Cyclists

• Wahoo KICKR V2, Indoor Trainer Bike – Wahoo’s most premium offering, featuring integrated grade adjustments, customizable gearing, and realistic shifting. It delivers an unmatched ride experience for cyclists looking for the ultimate indoor setup. 
  
  

• Tacx Neo V2 Plus, Indoor Trainer Bike – A fully adjustable smart bike with a built-in screen and advanced simulation features. Designed for riders who want the most immersive training available.
  
  

Best-Selling Smart Trainer Models

• Wahoo KICKR V6 (WiFi-enabled) – An industry-standard smart trainer featuring WiFi connectivity for better app responsiveness, side-to-side movement (KICKR AXIS), auto-calibration, and excellent accuracy.
  
  

• Tacx Flux 2 Smart Trainer – A high-performance direct-drive trainer offering powerful resistance, realistic climb simulation, and reliable accuracy. A proven favorite among many riders.
  
  

Budget-Friendly Choices That Don’t Skimp on Quality

• Tacx Boost – An accessible entry-level trainer that provides simple resistance control and reliable performance for cyclists just starting their indoor journey.
  
  

• Wahoo KICKR SNAP 2.0 – A sturdy wheel-on smart trainer offering strong resistance and incline simulation, making it a great option for structured training without the high cost of premium models.
  
  

Trainer Comparison Table