iPhone can control your bike trainer

The computerized KICKR Power Trainer, announced this week, connects to an iOS app that controls resistance - that means you can simply tap your screen to simulate climbs, descents, and flats.

A power trainer has been developed which lets you dynamically control bike resistance with your iPhone.

The computerized KICKR Power Trainer, announced this week, connects to an iOS app that controls resistance - that means you can simply tap your screen to simulate climbs, descents, and flats.

Even better, you can use apps like TrainerRoad or Kinomap Trainer, which feature GPS-tagged videos of popular cycling routes around the world, to replicate real-world rides while you follow along on screen, Wired.com reported.

When the video hits a hill, you'll feel it in the pedals.

KICKR, from Wahoo Fitness, uses Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ technology to interact with your iPhone and favorite cycling gadgetry.

It measures power at the hub, and Wahoo also makes Bluetooth sensors for speed, cadence, and heart rate, for anyone who wants to go all Ivan Drago with their indoor workouts.

In addition to following mapped routes or manually adjusting resistance while riding, users can also create structured workouts ahead of time, much like selecting preprogrammed workouts on a treadmill at the gym.

The trainer can adjust to simulate grades up to 15 percent, and the wheel-off design should deliver a more direct, realistic feel than those that use a roller pushing against the rear tire.

The trainer is set to be available by this November.