Great review! Looks like a solid option. Really seems that there are some great smart trainer options these days. Crazy how competitive this category has gotten over the past 5-6 years. Thank you for the review!
Thanks Des. A review that I was looking for, a long-term view. As a 15yr CompuTrainer user, I decided to go for a smart direct drive 8 weeks ago. I was unsure, but I decided on the Elite Suito. Good price, good customer support. A few days in a loud knocking noise began to sound. However the trainer was functioning fine in both Erg and slope modes. After daily emails from Elite, they said it’s the free hub body that is broken and go send it back. Back on the CompuTrainer, and it’s still working. I’ve posted the Suito back, and I’ll probably buy the Direto XR, for price, reviews, and the customer support. Just unlucky I guess. 🤷🏻♂️
I think it's worth mentioning there's a separate adapter from Elite compatibile with 148mm Boost TA. Besides that, it's a very good review. I've own XR for almost a year now and can confirm no issues with it.
I have had my Direto X (not XR) for about 9 months and have really liked it! Only reason I would switch over to a wahoo kickr would be if I wanted to use the wahoo climb. Great review as always
I really enjoyed this trainer until the driveshaft pinion start to play up. Then I really hated the machine but after I fixed it it's working as it should be and once again enjoying the trainer.
thx your vid guided me to get the xrt and was able to get it for $750 great value - came with codes for 1 month free Zwift ROUVY and RGT which I really like - setup very easy and like the feel except erg mode is brutal
Thanks J and Happy New Year to you as well! The Core is a good trainer, it's completely silent, but it lacks in the stability department where one side is weighted heavier than the other. That is my primary complaint about it and you can check out details on that in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Gvvo5gMtl7s/v-deo.html Oh, and I tend to like the ride feel of the Diretos.
Same here. I just picked up a Direto XR from REI and ordered a Kickr Core from Wahoo. I’m curious as to the differences I’ll experience. I like everything about the Direto on paper, but couldn’t stop reading about and watching people praise the Kickr Core which definitely skewed my thought process.
I just purchased a Direto XRT. Part of the reason was because of your great review. One thing though, I have downloaded the Elite app but am not sure how to set the trainer to ERG mode. When it's on ERG I can input a certain wattage I want to stay at? Hopefully I get some responses, would love to try it and see how it works. Thanks ahead of time for any help!👍👍
Wicked Pissah Cool Video! I’m in the market for a trainer but can’t get my hands on one. My local bike shop says they on order but but not sure when they will get them.
Ya, it’s tough to get a trainer right now. Elite said that a lot of distributors should have received Suitos, XRs, as well as Tuos in the last couple weeks so hopefully you can get tour hands on a trainer soon. Thanks!!
Thank you for the goor review. I had the original Direto for about 3 years now. No complaints. I’m planning to upgrade to new one. I’m not decided yet between the Direto XR, tacx neo 2T or the Kickr V5. What do you recommend ?
That's a tough one. The Neo 2T is super accurate, very quiet, but has a less than organic feel in regards to road feel. A complaint I have since I switch out trainers a lot is that it doesn't have a handle - a non-issue for some but maybe an issue for others. It also still slips slightly on sharp sprints, although much better than the Neo 2. The Kickr is also accurate, more so with the latest firmware update, it's completely silent, but same thing with the road feel where it feels somewhat in-organic. It has the Axis feet which are debatable whether or not they actually do anything and the direct connection which is coming soon(ish?). Direto XR has the best road feel in my opinion, but produces more sound than the other two. All of them are good options but it may just come down to your personal preference based on the points I mentioned. Thanks so much and hope some of that information helps!
@@paro64 In the US the Direto XR is $1000, the KICKR is $1200, and the Neo 2T is $1400. Maybe I’m not good at math but I’m somehow not getting “half the cost”.
Can I ask if this trainer is completely stable and locked in its riding position, or it has form of cushioning (like the kickr axis feet) which allows and slight swaying movement during sprints? Thanks
Great review!! I have the original Direto. I find that it still works well for me for workouts and general zwift rides. In your opinion, specifically for zwift racing, is there a compelling reason for me to upgrade to the XR?
Unfortunately, it doesn't report higher numbers than the original so definitely no benefit for upgrading for Zwift racing 😂 All kidding aside, I think the main benefit to the XR would be noise reduction. Thanks!
Great review! do you have many comments on the Direto XR vs Suito.. I get that the suito is aimed at the more budget minded but it still looks like a great trainer.. do you have an opinion on how big the difference between the two is? I like the specs of the XR.. the gradient and power but the suito is pretty tempting with its price tag.
Hello there! I recently bought my first smart trainer a Directo Elite XR I’m using the cassette it came with. I set up my rouvy and synced them together but it will not pedal forward. It let me pedal backwards to get my chain in put it will not go forward. I thought i had to have a workout running so I started a rouvy program but it still won’t pedal forward. Anybody know what I’m doing wrong?
@DesFit Thanks for the great review. I’m giving thought as to either getting a trainer for my road bike or getting indoor bike (Schwinn IC4). Two questions: 1) Which you personally recommend for endurance cycling training, a good bike trainer for my road bike OR indoor bike like the Schwinn IC4? 2) If you prefer the bike trainer route, which trainer would you recommend for someone just starting with a smart bike trainer? Would it be the Elite XR or a different model? Thank you.
I'd recommend going the smart trainer route because of the complete integration with the indoor cycling training platforms. I like indoor bikes in the sense that they are incredibly stable, it's a dedicated bike that you don't have to mount/dismount your bike, but they don't generally have the interactivity unless you go for a smart indoor bike which can cost thousands of USD. I use the Elite Direto XR, Tacs Neo 2, and Wahoo Kickr 2020 - each one have things I like about them and things I don't. I tend to gravitate to the Direto XR because of road feel but I also like the Kickr and Neo because they are quieter. For lower end options, the Suito is a good bet but doesn't have the road feel of higher end trainers. I'll have a review of the Kickr 2020 out soon but really any of those can be good options.Thanks!
@@DesFit Hello again. Two questions. 1). How would you stack rank the 4 trainers you mentioned? 2). Which of the trainers can speak/connect with my Garmin 945 watch? Thx.
You'll need to record the data from each power meter on two different devices. You can then compare the data in a comparison tool like the DC Rainmaker Analyzer: www.dcrainmaker.com/analyzer
Hi, great review. I’m a larger rider (125kg) do you know if there is a max weight limit on the XR? If not, what are your thoughts on someone my size using a turbo trainer? I’m worried about damaging my bike. Thanks.
the max weight is probably the same as a normal bike? i think the mechanism in the trainer is almost the same as that in a wheel and equally strong. I have one, and it feels equally strong. I weight 90kg and it does feel strong
Shifters/drivetrain shouldn’t matter much, if at all. It more has to do with your rear axle and your bike likely has a standard 130mm QR which will work just fine with this trainer 👍
Thanks for the vid!. I want to share that trainer with my wife. Therefor we have to change the bike for every session. Is that complicated or is it a quick deal?
If your bikes have the same axles it would just be a simple bike swap. If the bikes have different axles you would just need to swap the adaptors which take an additional 5 seconds ;) The only issue would be drivetrains (9/10/11/12-speed cassettes). Those would need to be the same for a quick swap. Thanks!
Hi Des I did a calibration on my XR and it showed a value of 6749 on the My Elite app, but the number at the bottom of the trainer is 6751, should I bother trying to adjust the tension on the trainer or are the numbers so close that it's a wash? Thanks!
@@DesFit Awesome, thanks. I have a pair of Assioma Duo's as well. One of these days I have figure out how to capture two sets of data to compare. Maybe that would make a useful video ;-)
You just have to have two different devices to capture each one. If you’re hooking up your trainer to Zwift or TrainerRoad you can download the data through this platforms. Then just capture the pedal data through a watch or bike computers. Then you can just compare those data sets in the DCR Analyzer tool
@@DesFit thanks. Have you or can you recommend any videos on sprinting techniques. I stay seated as just can't generate enough power standing. Maybe I need to just practice more.
Hey Des! Love the content as always! Just wondering but what model new balance shoes are you wearing during the beginning of the video? Would definitely purchase those they look dope
@DesFit is this still your primary trainer? I've been using it for 3 months now and it's been nothing but connection problems and ERG mode frustration ☹️
A weird request: Please keep the units in metric. Miles and feet don't make sense to the majority of the world. I literally have no idea what a mile is.
Great review! Looks like a solid option. Really seems that there are some great smart trainer options these days. Crazy how competitive this category has gotten over the past 5-6 years. Thank you for the review!
Seriously impressive offerings on the high end and they only seem to get better and better. Thanks Matt!
Thanks Des. A review that I was looking for, a long-term view. As a 15yr CompuTrainer user, I decided to go for a smart direct drive 8 weeks ago. I was unsure, but I decided on the Elite Suito. Good price, good customer support. A few days in a loud knocking noise began to sound. However the trainer was functioning fine in both Erg and slope modes. After daily emails from Elite, they said it’s the free hub body that is broken and go send it back. Back on the CompuTrainer, and it’s still working. I’ve posted the Suito back, and I’ll probably buy the Direto XR, for price, reviews, and the customer support. Just unlucky I guess. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the reviews mate !!! Cheers up and keep the great work.
Thanks Luis and will do!
Great vid, bought one, love it, when the rain is pouring outside (and we do get quite a lot in the UK )I can still pedal happily away
Brilliant! Glad you’re enjoying it!
Any information on a new version coming out soon? Look like this one has been out close on 18 months now.
Bike trainers don’t generally get updated every single year and I am 99.9% certain there’s nothing else coming out this year.
danggggggg man your review is TOP NOTCH
Thanks! 🙌
@@DesFit hows the trainer now ?
I switch between a few different trainers but it’s still good to go.
I think it's worth mentioning there's a separate adapter from Elite compatibile with 148mm Boost TA. Besides that, it's a very good review. I've own XR for almost a year now and can confirm no issues with it.
0:32 sick calf vein game
💪
I have had my Direto X (not XR) for about 9 months and have really liked it! Only reason I would switch over to a wahoo kickr would be if I wanted to use the wahoo climb. Great review as always
Thanks Tony! Glad you're enjoying your Direto!
I really enjoyed this trainer until the driveshaft pinion start to play up. Then I really hated the machine but after I fixed it it's working as it should be and once again enjoying the trainer.
thx your vid guided me to get the xrt and was able to get it for $750 great value - came with codes for 1 month free Zwift ROUVY and RGT which I really like - setup very easy and like the feel except erg mode is brutal
$750 is a great deal! Enjoy!
Hi Des
Great review and Happy new year , I will be buying my first smart trainer soon but can’t decide between this or the wahoo kickr core .
Thanks J and Happy New Year to you as well! The Core is a good trainer, it's completely silent, but it lacks in the stability department where one side is weighted heavier than the other. That is my primary complaint about it and you can check out details on that in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Gvvo5gMtl7s/v-deo.html Oh, and I tend to like the ride feel of the Diretos.
Same here. I just picked up a Direto XR from REI and ordered a Kickr Core from Wahoo. I’m curious as to the differences I’ll experience. I like everything about the Direto on paper, but couldn’t stop reading about and watching people praise the Kickr Core which definitely skewed my thought process.
@@EricJohnson-vi6ri Hey Eric, and what is your opinion after such a long time? Kickr Core or Direto? Or maybe V5 after some discounts?
I just purchased a Direto XRT. Part of the reason was because of your great review. One thing though, I have downloaded the Elite app but am not sure how to set the trainer to ERG mode. When it's on ERG I can input a certain wattage I want to stay at? Hopefully I get some responses, would love to try it and see how it works. Thanks ahead of time for any help!👍👍
Great content. Question, if the Justo, Suito, and KICKR core were all the same price, which would you recommend? Thanks
Between the Direto XR and Kikr core, which one would you choose?
Wicked Pissah Cool Video! I’m in the market for a trainer but can’t get my hands on one. My local bike shop says they on order but but not sure when they will get them.
Ya, it’s tough to get a trainer right now. Elite said that a lot of distributors should have received Suitos, XRs, as well as Tuos in the last couple weeks so hopefully you can get tour hands on a trainer soon. Thanks!!
would you say this route is WAY BETTER than a sunny health fitness cycling trainer stationary?
Buenas noches. Por casualidad te aumenta el ruido en el rodillo cuando la pandiente es mayor a 15% gracias saludos
Thank you for the goor review. I had the original Direto for about 3 years now. No complaints. I’m planning to upgrade to new one. I’m not decided yet between the Direto XR, tacx neo 2T or the Kickr V5. What do you recommend ?
That's a tough one. The Neo 2T is super accurate, very quiet, but has a less than organic feel in regards to road feel. A complaint I have since I switch out trainers a lot is that it doesn't have a handle - a non-issue for some but maybe an issue for others. It also still slips slightly on sharp sprints, although much better than the Neo 2. The Kickr is also accurate, more so with the latest firmware update, it's completely silent, but same thing with the road feel where it feels somewhat in-organic. It has the Axis feet which are debatable whether or not they actually do anything and the direct connection which is coming soon(ish?). Direto XR has the best road feel in my opinion, but produces more sound than the other two. All of them are good options but it may just come down to your personal preference based on the points I mentioned. Thanks so much and hope some of that information helps!
The price is totally different between this smart trainers... the new Direto XR cost half then the others.
@@paro64 In the US the Direto XR is $1000, the KICKR is $1200, and the Neo 2T is $1400. Maybe I’m not good at math but I’m somehow not getting “half the cost”.
Can I ask if this trainer is completely stable and locked in its riding position, or it has form of cushioning (like the kickr axis feet) which allows and slight swaying movement during sprints? Thanks
i'm sorry for the dumb questions but does this electronically adjust tension/friction? what is the electronic components for?
Yes, this trainer will automatically adjust resistance based on whatever program you are using with it, i.e. Zwift.
Very helpful review, thanks! Can you also specify how many (kms) you ridden on it?
Haven’t kept exact track but a lot.
Great review!! I have the original Direto. I find that it still works well for me for workouts and general zwift rides. In your opinion, specifically for zwift racing, is there a compelling reason for me to upgrade to the XR?
Unfortunately, it doesn't report higher numbers than the original so definitely no benefit for upgrading for Zwift racing 😂 All kidding aside, I think the main benefit to the XR would be noise reduction. Thanks!
@@DesFit Thanks for the info!
Sure thing 👍
Which is better ?. Direto XR or Wahoo KICKR Core ?
Thank bro for vedio. Pls how much price ?
Great review! do you have many comments on the Direto XR vs Suito.. I get that the suito is aimed at the more budget minded but it still looks like a great trainer.. do you have an opinion on how big the difference between the two is? I like the specs of the XR.. the gradient and power but the suito is pretty tempting with its price tag.
Thanks! The Suito is a great trainer but the XR has a better ride feel since it has a heavier flywheel.
You mentioned that the different hub adapters rotate. This seems to suggest that a person could use the Direto XR with the Kickr Climb. Hmmm.
Most definitely suggests that ;)
@@DesFit wait but will the Kickr Climb work with the Direto XR?
Hello there! I recently bought my first smart trainer a Directo Elite XR I’m using the cassette it came with. I set up my rouvy and synced them together but it will not pedal forward. It let me pedal backwards to get my chain in put it will not go forward. I thought i had to have a workout running so I started a rouvy program but it still won’t pedal forward. Anybody know what I’m doing wrong?
@DesFit Thanks for the great review. I’m giving thought as to either getting a trainer for my road bike or getting indoor bike (Schwinn IC4). Two questions: 1) Which you personally recommend for endurance cycling training, a good bike trainer for my road bike OR indoor bike like the Schwinn IC4? 2) If you prefer the bike trainer route, which trainer would you recommend for someone just starting with a smart bike trainer? Would it be the Elite XR or a different model? Thank you.
I'd recommend going the smart trainer route because of the complete integration with the indoor cycling training platforms. I like indoor bikes in the sense that they are incredibly stable, it's a dedicated bike that you don't have to mount/dismount your bike, but they don't generally have the interactivity unless you go for a smart indoor bike which can cost thousands of USD. I use the Elite Direto XR, Tacs Neo 2, and Wahoo Kickr 2020 - each one have things I like about them and things I don't. I tend to gravitate to the Direto XR because of road feel but I also like the Kickr and Neo because they are quieter. For lower end options, the Suito is a good bet but doesn't have the road feel of higher end trainers. I'll have a review of the Kickr 2020 out soon but really any of those can be good options.Thanks!
@@DesFit Thanks so much. Very helpful. How would you stack rank the 4 options?
@@DesFit Hello again. Two questions. 1). How would you stack rank the 4 trainers you mentioned? 2). Which of the trainers can speak/connect with my Garmin 945 watch? Thx.
How do I perform a power comparison between my trainer and Assioma pedals to make sure trainer is accurate?
You'll need to record the data from each power meter on two different devices. You can then compare the data in a comparison tool like the DC Rainmaker Analyzer: www.dcrainmaker.com/analyzer
Hi, great review. I’m a larger rider (125kg) do you know if there is a max weight limit on the XR? If not, what are your thoughts on someone my size using a turbo trainer? I’m worried about damaging my bike. Thanks.
the max weight is probably the same as a normal bike? i think the mechanism in the trainer is almost the same as that in a wheel and equally strong. I have one, and it feels equally strong. I weight 90kg and it does feel strong
hey, thanks for the review. will this work with my old 10 speed shimano 105 shifters?
Shifters/drivetrain shouldn’t matter much, if at all. It more has to do with your rear axle and your bike likely has a standard 130mm QR which will work just fine with this trainer 👍
Thanks for the vid!. I want to share that trainer with my wife. Therefor we have to change the bike for every session. Is that complicated or is it a quick deal?
If your bikes have the same axles it would just be a simple bike swap. If the bikes have different axles you would just need to swap the adaptors which take an additional 5 seconds ;) The only issue would be drivetrains (9/10/11/12-speed cassettes). Those would need to be the same for a quick swap. Thanks!
Between this one and the Elite Justo which one would you prefer? Does the Just justify 200eur more?
The Justo. Smoothness, ride feel, and quieter 👍
@@DesFit thanks a lot for the quick answer. Continue providing us with great content. Cheers
Hi Desfit, is it worth it to spend more euros for Direto XR rather than just getting Direto X? pls enlighten me. thanks:)
anybody knows the app to analyse cadence circular power ?
Hi Des I did a calibration on my XR and it showed a value of 6749 on the My Elite app, but the number at the bottom of the trainer is 6751, should I bother trying to adjust the tension on the trainer or are the numbers so close that it's a wash? Thanks!
Nah, that’s super close and I wouldn’t worry about it 👍
@@DesFit Awesome, thanks. I have a pair of Assioma Duo's as well. One of these days I have figure out how to capture two sets of data to compare. Maybe that would make a useful video ;-)
You just have to have two different devices to capture each one. If you’re hooking up your trainer to Zwift or TrainerRoad you can download the data through this platforms. Then just capture the pedal data through a watch or bike computers. Then you can just compare those data sets in the DCR Analyzer tool
@@DesFit Cool. Thanks
Sure thing
Im looking for my first indoor trainer. Would recommend this unit?
Definitely.
Des/anyone is their a noteable difference from the first generation direto to the direto xr? Particularly interested in sprinting power feel.
Not really much of a difference in sprinting power feel. Mainly noise where the XR is much quieter.
@@DesFit thanks. Have you or can you recommend any videos on sprinting techniques. I stay seated as just can't generate enough power standing. Maybe I need to just practice more.
Sorry, don’t really have any advice there. I’m actually the opposite. Can’t generate as much power seated as I do standing.
Hey Des! Love the content as always! Just wondering but what model new balance shoes are you wearing during the beginning of the video? Would definitely purchase those they look dope
Thanks! Those are the Zante Fresh Foam V1...discontinued unfortunately! That color was amazing.
any insight on how this would be on carpet?
Should be OK as long as it's not very thick carpet - my main concern would be sweat on the carpet
@DesFit is this still your primary trainer? I've been using it for 3 months now and it's been nothing but connection problems and ERG mode frustration ☹️
I’m switching between 3 different trainers right now but it’s still performing good for me. Have you contacted Elite support?
@@DesFit contacted the seller, they'll be handeling my complaints, probably gonna have to send it in
Looking towards the instinct solar review😂😂😉😉
I was waiting!!
@@DesFit 😂😂😂😂😂😂
You’ll have to harass me a few more times but I do still have it planned. All good. 👍
A weird request: Please keep the units in metric. Miles and feet don't make sense to the majority of the world. I literally have no idea what a mile is.
Not a weird request 👍
Multiply by 5/8 for km to mile and 8/5 for mile to km. Being English, we've flipped between them for 50 years.
What’s metric? 🤷♂️ 😂
@@EricJohnson-vi6ri welcome to the rest of the world looking at America. ;)
first comment? :-D
🙌
Very happy 😍💋 💝💖♥️❤️
Ahh it's noisy :( You can't use it in an apartment. That sucks