Whether it is just a little A-frame stand to keep your bike upright while riding on it (sometimes called ‘rollers’) or a full blown faux bike complete with handlebars, seat, pedals and a wheel, you can not go wrong.

An advantage of using the first trainer mentioned, the A-frame stand, is that the bike can be your regular bike and probably set up just the way you like it.  If you are training for an event or race, you are probably riding the very bike you will use in the event.

During the event, you will have the advantage of familiarity with the equipment.  You can also be assured the bike is broken in.

If you are not training and just want to burn a few calories (and trim your physique), there are a few more considerations.  It comes down to wear, cost and sweat.

There is going to be wear that will not appear on your main, public bike.  The stationary bike absorbs all the wear.  That is wear that your (possibly) more expensive bike is shielded from.

The faux bike option is definitely more expensive.  Large parts of a bike that never goes anywhere must be purchased and possibly customized.  No two ways about it, using an A-frame stand is cheaper.  There is no extra bike to buy.

The A-frame stand is less subject to you dripping sweat on it.  Your sweat has all sorts of corrosive salts and gunk it it.  Once a real bike has been ridden through a few puddles, most of the sweat drips have been washed off.

Excellent video for beginners:

If an A-frame is chosen, a doorway is a good choice for use.  Balance on the door frame until stable.  Remember, you will be sitting a foot or so above your current height.

There are a few other considerations above and beyond what type of equipment you use (A-frame or stationary bike).

A video on E-Motion:

If you are concerned with what others think, you may want to train  in private.  This may be the case if you do not want the neighbors (or others) to leer at you in your clingy bike uniform and helmet.

If you train outside, you must deal with whatever the weather is doing.  On nice days, this may be a good thing.  When you are riding outside in the fresh sunshine, all seems right with the world and you can avail yourself of lots of viewing options you do not normally have.
Here’s a Kinetic Review:

If you opt to train inside, you do not have to be concerned with your riding skills or distractions from the road.  You can attach a book reading stand to your bike.  You can catch up on all those TiVOed (recorded) TV programs you have.  You can listen to the radio.  In short, this is an opportunity to explore things with your mind while your body is occupied.

Cycle training increases cardiovascular fitness,  increased strength for the whole body  is something that requires other exercises.  With either choice, training on a stationary bike, whether it is a real bike held up by an A-frame stand or a faux bike, is usually a harder workout.

Training on a stationary bike is harder because when riding outdoors in the real world, there are small ‘breaks’ taken, when you are going downhill, for example.  A stationary bike has no uphill or downhill stretches.
Here’s Felt TK1 video:

If training inside on an A-frame stand, you do need to be aware of balance. Since only one of the bike’s wheels are held captive, the other is free to flop around.  A faux bike does not have this problem.

One of the drawbacks to riding in your garage or basement is it’s non social nature.  You will never meet new people, or have stimulating conversations with said new folks if you are in your workout room.

One of the advantages to riding on a stationary bike is that if you use a fan, you will always have a distracting breeze.

Whatever method of riding you choose, stay HYDRATED.  Either riding in your garage or one the road, faux bike or A-frame, this is of paramount importance and dehydration can lead to tedium and general boredom.

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