
By Chris Honett
Indoor bike trainers are naturally convenient for a variety of reasons. At the same time, cycling inside can present it’s own challenges. One common concern is how to stay cool without the wind (literally) at one’s back. Here’s a roundup of some fans we might suggest to help keep the temperatures down when you’re training inside:

Rowenta VU5550
Cost is around $160, depending on retailer.
Boasting ultra-quiet functionality (40-57 dB – approximating the average noise levels inside a library) and a remote control for uninterrupted adjustment while cycling, this modern four-speed five-blade oscillating pedestal fan truly delivers powerful airflow, at up to 2,436 cubic feet/minute. Additionally, it’s easy to adjust the fan’s height – between 42 and 54 inches – or sixteen-inch head, which can pivot up to 90 degrees in any direction, and the machine comes with a built-in handle for easy of transport. 19 pounds. One-year hassle-free manufacturer warranty included (two-0year warrant available outside of the US).
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/32gtxgC

Air King 9220
Costs around $150, depending on retailer.
This black three-speed industrial-grade floor fan is built to work, with coated steel blades, guards, and mounts for long-term durability. Easy to set, move, and maneuver, it can support airflow speeds up to 3,670 cubic feet/minute, quickly cooling whatever indoor space might be required. Includes a nine-foot, three-prong power cord. Rated between 1.1 amps, 130 watts and 1.6 amps, 184 watts. 24 pounds. One-year limited warranty. Versions also available ranging from twelve to thirty inches in diameter, from $75.85 to $210.73, respectively.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3j8GuPM

Air King 9230
Costs around $220, depending on retailer.
This thirty-inch monster is truly the grandaddy of the Air King industrial fans, offering maximum airflow with three speeds to deliver 7,400, 6,360, or 4,980 cubic feet/minute, on high, medium, or low, respectively. The Air King pivot seamlessly up and down and comes with a ten-foot, three-prong power cord. Rated at 120 volts. 44.5 pounds. One-year limited warranty.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2WeSrt4

Maxx Air
$209.00
The Maxx Air is another serious industrial grade machine worth checking out. This high-velocity fan was engineered for workhorse environments like gyms or factory floors, and at speeds of up to 4,000 cubic feet/minute will deliver all the airflow one would require for an indoor bike trainer setting. Additionally, the Maxx Air is easy to assemble and comes equipped with brackets that allow it to convert quickly to a ceiling or wall-hanging fan. Rated at 120 volt, 60 Hz, and 0.7 amps, the 20-inch fan head tilts 180 degrees. Comes with a ten-foot grounded power cord. Two-year limited warranty.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3j8GSOe

Lasko 20″ High Velocity QuickMount
Costs around $70, depending on retailer.
This convenient three-speed fan by Lasko easily also converts quickly from floor to wall fan, with the stand clipping conveniently and into the wall mount. Ranging from 3,160 to 3,460 cubic feet/minute, this high-velocity machine delivers a powerful, targeted airflow to keep you cool during those indoor workouts. It rates at 110 volts, 130 watts, weighs in at 14.5 pounds, and includes a built-in handle and six-foot cord with grounded plug. Also available in grey ($73.46) or silver ($61.89).
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2Wf1URw

Vornado 783
Costs around $139.99, depending on retailer.
Looking for something a little more discreet? This sleek, black, modern-looking three-speed whole-room pedestal fan is merely twelve pounds but delivers air speeds at up to 583 cubic feet/minute, with Vornado’s patented air-circulation system engaging deep-pitched blades, an inlet cone guide, enclosed air duct, and serial grill to maximize airflow performance. The pivoting head helps target airflow with a heighth adjustable between 28 and 41 inches. Rated at 120 volts. Comes with a five-year hassle-free warranty. Also available in a large floor fan model ($103.62) as well as medium-sized pedestal ($109.99) and floor ($89.99) models.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2C4GYFG

Vacmaster AM201
Costs around $50, depending on retailer.
If you don’t feel like spending and arm and a leg and don’t really want your fan to take up that much space, this portable little three-speed floor machine may do just the trick. Though one will need to aim it directly at the rider, this Vacmaster fan will nonetheless deliver the air circulation you want. Designed initially to deliver cooling airflow or as a dryer for walls, floors, and ceilings, it weighs less than six pounds and maintains a power receptacle capable of operating up to additional fans in serial. Rated at 1.3 amps. Comes with a twelve-foot power cord.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3j1tPxI

Lasko U12104
Costs around $60, depending on retailer.
Her’s another powerful, cool-looking little machine that won’t break the bank or take up too much space. At 7.5 pounds and less than 13 inches tall, this heavy-duty utility fan generates a maximum targeted airflow of 305 cubic feet/minute through its vertically-pivoting blower head. Additionally, it comes equipped with twin 120 volt accessory outlets for conveniently powering additional devices and a ten-foot three-prong power cord, as well as built-in circuit breaker, reset button, and Lasko’s patented Blue Plug safety fuse technology for extra safety. One-year limited manufacturer warranty included.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/393jPjj

RIDGID 600 CFM
Costs around $100, depending on retailer.
This three-speed RIDIG blower packs a lot of punch for its compact, lightweight frame (only 13.5 x 13 x 11 inches and less than 13 pounds). Engineered to dry wet carpets and floors, this fan delivers a targeted high-volume airflow of up to 600 cubic feet/minute and comes with pads around the circumference of the machine to offer a near full-circle of vertically-adjustable directionality. The RIGID also maintains two side outlets for optional daisy-chaining and comes equipped with a ten-foot power cord that wraps neatly around the base of the built-in handle. 2.1 amps.
Find it on Amazon. https://amzn.to/2Wiysdk

Wahoo Fitness KICKR
$250.00
Although the Wahoo Fitness KICKR Headwind Bluetooth Fan was designed to pair with the indoor line of Wahoo Smart Trainers, it’s nonetheless a powerful, efficient, and attractive little machine great for circulating air around any indoor trainer environment in a which a discreet, compact solution might be desired. At no more than twelve pounds and boasting a sleek, modern design, this stationary blower was actually engineered to mirror a cyclist’s shape while riding for strategically advanced airflow. Additionally, the fan’s built-in Bluetooth technology allows one to adjust fan speeds remotely and the machine can even be set to automatically increase airflow in direct correlation to a rising heart ate. Comes with a built-in power cord.
See our full review of this fan.
https://www.rei.com/product/142194/wahoo-fitness-kickr-headwind-bluetooth-fan
Chris Honett is a freelance writer living in Gallipolis, Ohio.
Curious as to how any of these compare to plain old window box fan. We use three of these on our roller setup plus a desk fan aimed at the face. One box fan at chest level in front of the rider, one on the floor next to the front fan, angled toward the bike, and one off to the side in back of the rider, tilted up. Works pretty well but going with a single fan would be better if it provided similar cooling effect. Box fans are CHEAP.
The Lasko U12104 is a great fan. Set the fan right out in front of you and tilt to desired position. It provides plenty of airflow.. For a few $$ more the Lasko U15617 ($66 on Amazon) provides even more air flow. No need for two or three fans taking up room and making more noise.
I use the Lasko 20″ quick mount fan. My wife hangs them in horse stalls in her barn in the summer. I thoroughly clean 1 and use it with when on my trainer all winter!
I have 5 of the Rowena’s for around my house, but not my basement where my bike is; I use a louder (cheaper) pedestal fan as I don’t mind the noise. I couple it w/ a fan like the Air King right under me and the combo works great.
I have the Wahoo Kickr & trainer, but couldn’t bring myself to spring for their fan…just seemed like overkill.