Review: Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Trainer
I spent the last race season warming up on this quick to assemble, lightweight portable trainer. Read on to see why I’ll never go back.
Every time I pack out the Omnium at a race, I get curious looks. While others stare, I am happy to not be schlepping around heavy free-standing rollers like they are. When folded, the trainer has a size of 66 x 18 x 20 cm and only weighs 6.35 kg. Using the provided transport bag, carrying just becomes even less complicated. Using it this season has been a blessing and the easy setup just adds to its worth.
Technical Information
| Type | rollers |
| Resistance Type | magnetic (not adjustable) |
| Compatible Wheel Sizes | 20“, 24“, 26“, 27.5“, 28“, 29“ MTB and Road |
| Weight | 6.35 kg |
| Compatible Axle Types | quick release, 12/15 mm thru-axle, Boost |
| Resistance Unit | magnetic brake |
| Resistance Adjustment | automatic |
| Power | not needed |
| Wheelbase | 840 mm - 1200 mm |
| Weight Limit | 100 kg rider |
| Roller Diameter | 101 mm |
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The trainer's tote bag.
Folded up, the Omnium is very compact.
The red anodized body looks great.
What’s it good for?
The Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Trainer is a fixed roller. It uses an automatic resistance increase (IPR: Internal Progressive Resistance), which feels very natural. The resistance is controlled by a magnet and cannot be adjusted. Both MTB and Road bikes can be used and wheel sizes from 20” all the way to 29” can be ridden.
The rollers are especially great for warming up, but they can also be used for indoor training. Endurance riders will find that the level of resistance offered is just right. The Omnium can be used for interval training as well. When running a chainring that is large enough, you can shift through cassette to adjust the difficulty range and wattage.
Because of its size and light weight, the trainer is perfect for those who travel.
Warming up before a race.
Setup
When starting to setup the Omnium, it makes sense to face the aluminium rollers upward. After, the front legs should be extended and placed level to the ground. Next, the front wheel of the bike should be removed and tightened to the axle at the front of the trainer. The trainer works great for both quick releases and thru-axles. The last step is to adjust the wheelbase by loosening the screw located on the rail connecting the rollers to the front legs.
The small, but effective aluminium rollers.
The Omnium is compatible with boost axle spacing as well.
Tyre wear and noise level
Of course MTB tyres are louder than Road tyres, but when compared to free-standing rollers, the Omnium is much quieter. Tyres also do not wear down too quickly, but for those wanting to use the rollers for indoor training, I would recommend looking into a training tyre.
The easy setup get me warming up faster.
The Omnium is much smaller and easier to use than the rollers behind it.
I brought it to every race.
Roller wear and maintenance
The Feedback Sports Omnium Portable trainer’s bearings are greased and sealed, meaning there is no need to open them up to service them. It is important to ride the trainer with clean tyres. Rocks and dirt could start to wear the rollers. However, even after my race season, I haven’t noticed any sign of wear or tear.
Even after a season of use, it still looks brand new.
Final thoughts
Despite the curious looks from fellow racers, I have found the Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Trainer to be the most practical set of rollers that I have ever used. It is great for warming up and hits all my criteria for being a top of the line trainer. It is easy to stow away and setup and the fact that it fits all wheel sizes is an added plus. I know that I will never go back to free-standing rollers ever again.
