Best Smart Trainers 2021 | 10-Way Mega-Test
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- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- We have updated this video and it can be found here - • Best Smart Trainers 20...
This video contains product placement on behalf of Zwift. A smart trainer, or sometimes called a turbo trainer, is a training tool that offers variable resistance like a normal indoor trainer, but with the added benefit of allowing the resistance and other parameters to be controlled by cycling apps such as Zwift.
For example, when riding a virtual course on a smart trainer, if you begin to climb a hill, the resistance ramps up and you have to pedal harder, just like when riding outdoors. When doing group rides or a race on Zwift, the resistance gets easier when you are riding in a group, simulating a draft.
Modern bike computers can also ‘drive’ the smart trainer, allowing you to set the resistance at a predetermined wattage or to simulate an existing course. These are key reasons to use a smart trainer: to make indoor riding much more fun and more productive.
These are the ten best smart trainers as rated by our team of expert testers, here at BikeRadar.
Read more at BikeRadar.com:
→ www.bikeradar.com/advice/buye...
The trainers on test -
→ Saris M2 - 01:07
→ Tacx Flux S - 03:01
→ Elite Suito - 06:00
→ Wahoo Kickr Core - 08:32
→ BKool Smart Air Lite - 10:23
→ Saris H3 - 12:40
→ Kurt Kinetic R1 Direct Drive - 15:14
→ Wahoo Kickr - 17:13
→ Elite Drivo II - 19:09
→ Tacx NEO 2T - 21:38
What smart trainer do you use? If you don't, are you considering purchasing one? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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#smarttrainer #indoortraining #bikeradarreview - Спорт
Looking for the best smart trainer? Check out our latest and greatest test here 👉ua-cam.com/video/ZHWrZm3H6Fo/v-deo.html
I just purchased the Saris H3, and the host of this video is spot on about that particular direct smart trainer. I am very happy to have this and do more virtual riders on Zwift! Thank you for presenting this help video!
Initial response: Got this bike for my friend. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ Delivery was fast. And the friend was surprised I would order it when she had never suggested she wanted anything but the pedal bike she had. She has now ridden the bike two times and gives it a 10 and says it is very fun. We have some hills in our town that are very challenging to climb on a typical bike. But tonight she went up with the pedal assist and loved it. I was way behind on my standard bike, huffing and puffing. Now she is no longer lagging behind me. This thing is powerful enough that a person could go around town without any pedaling. She likes to get some exercise so on flat ground she hits the red button to turn off pedal assist and only uses the twist throttle when she's in a tough spot. The bike looks good. It is really a very nice bike for the friend. Now for me, when I get an electric bike, I'm twice her size and will be looking for a bigger watt motor and battery. But this one is just wonderful for my friend. I am happy with this purchase.
Please leave all abusive comments about my wiggling hips and how annoyed my excessive hand gestures made you below 😘 Thanks for watching! Jack
Jack, my eyes were so absolutely focused on the Polka dots, so I haven't even noticed either hips or hands waving about
Hands are fine, Jack, hips are fine, too. It's the hair, man, the hair that annoys me. Something needs to be done, perhaps a visit to Joe's stylist. And I grin and I appreciate this deep look at indoor trainers, Jack. Thanks and I'll be watching for you to take the win at a Zwift cafe? You could definitely beat Joe, I just know it.
@@robbchastain3036 Is it the knowledge that you can never have hair as beautiful as mine? You better not watch one of Felix's video if so - you'll go green with jealousy!
@@bikeradar O man, now the whole world knows I'm jealous, Jack. O well, I guess I just talk too much :)
I just liked you getting more tired as this went on 😄
This is by far the best, most forthright and objective cycling program I know of, aside from the viciously honest Hambini. Bravo !
I was an early adopter of the TACX Neo, Serial # 36. I put on thousands of KMs annually and many pain cave hours. It has worked flawlessly. I am not sure I would say “hours of fun and joy”, more like hours of pain and suffering. But that’s why we buy these devices and I can’t say enough about this unit that just works and works. Some day it will crap out and I will run right out and buy another. No question.
Just got my Saris H3. Agree with all said about it: super low noise level, it just works with Rouvy, very stable on the floor and accurate measurements. Love it!
Same here! I'm super happy with the H3
Thank You for sharing your opinions and expertise on these units. I’m in the market for one now as the winter ❄️ creeps upon us 👍🏾
Thanks so much for this really objective review. I just purchased a Tacx Flux S smart trainer and love it. This is my first foray into direct drive trainers and I love the quietness and ease of assembly, I'm a Garmin guy and love the way everything syncs up. Also do not buy the Garmin hub, the trainer comes with a hub that uses most cassettes . I purchased a 9 speed Shimano and it fit just fine. You do have to use the also included spacer and be sure you have a chain whip and wrench to put it on the trainer.
thank you, really comprehensive
Thanks for watching and glad you found it useful!
Thank you for such an in depth review!!!
Thanks for watching and glad you found the video useful!
Really excellent. I suffer from asthma, and as it's worse (much) in winter, I am considering using a smart trainer rather than road riding. Thanks
This review really helped me choose the right trainer. Thx! :)
Which one did you end up getting..
Cracking review cheers….think the saris is on the shopping list 👌🏻
What really matters about the dB of each trainer is the pitch and overall vibration. High pitched turbos in a carpeted and well furnished room won’t sound travel into the next room however trainers with heavy low pitch vibration or send a drilling noise through the whole house!!
Both kickr’s now have cadence enabled via a simple firmware update. The Kore is the best value trainer you can buy.
I've just ordered the Suito. I can't wait! Seems like a super solid and usable trainer.
Got my Suito a few months back. Love it!
Very happy my Suito, bit of a bargain pre C19.
does its calibration function work ?
kickr and kickr core the only one that works with the climb add on. if you're a climber this is a must have accessory as the front end lifts on gradients forcing you to use the muscles that you normally would on climbs.
Sounds like every trainer is impressive...
Informative. Difficult to cover subjective stuff, but you did a grand job. Now impress us and say you tested all non stop in a couple of hours clocking up mega Zwift miles
Best smart trainer guide out there! Keep up with the awesome work ✌🏼
Really great review, I have been waiting for this so I don't have to guess what to buy. Cheers!
@Andrew S I'm still not sure yet. My bike is a 1 x 11 gravel grinder and I need to get a TV screen as well. What do you think is the best?
@Andrew S Andrew, thanks very much for the advice, I'm going to look up Kickr on Amazon. Cheers!
@@ShutUpandRideMTB Don't go for the core whatever you do. The amount of ones we've had returned to the shop and have to get warranted is ridiculous. It's at least one a week at the moment! Go for Elite Direto or get the normal kickr. Best trainer by far is Neo 2T, but appreciate that's a lot of money
Amazing review, very helpful! 🔥👍🏾
Using the cheapest smart trainer out there, Tacx Satori Smart since beginning of the cold weather and absolutely LOVING it. Sure it’s not comparable to the 500+ ones but if you are just after keeping fit and constant training it does the job perfectly. No need to slash out tons of $$$
@Nick Maclachlan been riding on a Flux S since October....worth every penny
Very useful video
I was most impressed by the Elite Suito(case). Why don't all smart trainers have a little battery and dynamo powered by the legs and do away with plug ins?
Great review, and as you get closer to perfection, it's easier to find the nits to pick. :-) Neo 2T is the latest, so it's important to make the distinction between Neo 2, and Neo 2T. They are not the same animal. The Neo 2T has increased torque (that's what the T stands for), angled magnets to reduce torque cogging, and directly supports thru axle without need for adapters. The purple light is not a new feature; it's the same light it's always been, and is only purple when in use. It varies from blue to red and every shade between depending on the output. 400 watts and above is solid red. The reason Neo does not come with a cassette is because of the wide variety of cassettes the Neo can accept; there is a 1 in 5 chance that whatever Tacx chose to include would not fit your bike, so it saves you 2 minutes removing it. :-) Personally, I would like to see Tacx include a voucher for a reduced price on the cassette that you prefer, from one of the major players like Shimano. Dream a little dream. Great review though. Neo is the one.
I have a Scott 29er Carbon Mt. bike. 11sp.
Looking at trying zwift. Was looking at the Neo 2T, or the Wahoo kicker w/climb bundle.
No idea what to expect, or how the casset swap stuff works.
I kind of want to buy two trainers so I don't have to excercise alone.
2nd bike is an Aluminum Trek California 29er 3x9 I think.
Any advice?
Andy H Have you decided which one would you buy. I'm having the same problem 😀
@@jozaner I'm leaning toward the Neo 2T. Was hoping Zwift would offer an incentive like a free year of Zwift w/purchase, but I guess they want that money for themselves lol.
@@jozaner I placed an order for a Neo 2T through Masherz.com
I will probably also order a KickR Core for a 2nd Zwifter. (They didn't stock whaoo products) Still searching for a deal.
Andy H I’ve ordered Wahoo Kickr+Climb trough bike24.de(I’m living in Germany). Can’t wait to get my hands on it. The decision was tough and I hope I’ve made the right one for my needs...
This is my first winter on an indoor trainer, just spent 40 days on Tacx Galaxya(and bougt my first road bike) and Zwift only to see if I’m going to get hooked up and it worked 🤩
2021? Video is from 2019
Wahoo Kickr 2018...dead reliable, great build quality and best bang for the $
ell witz for about the same price you get the Kickr Core + Kickr Climb. I think the package is better and more engaging if money is an object.
I had some issues that just couldn't be overcome. I'm sure it was just a lemon and most are fine. www.reddit.com/r/Zwift/comments/b0v35w/think_twice_before_buying_the_wahoo_kickr_18core/
The Kickr is $1200 here in the US and I was able to purchase the new Saris H3 for $825 with free shipping. They are equally great products but I prefer the appearance of the Saris H3 and the extra $375 in my pocket. Kudos to Saris for putting downward pressure on the bloated cost of these trainers.
@@troyfall6573 where did u get the H3 for that price?
@@staleygreg I replied but youtube deleted my response. I will break the website name apart. d i s c o u n t bandit . c om. They are a broker that charges a $25 fee to find a seller willing to sell me the item for 20% off. It worked for me.
Good review. On the back of this I bought an Elite Suito as it seems the best value for money.
"Spindown" is the automatic calibration, right ? Works fine ? No further adjustments / hassle ?
@@SachiGortchi yeah mate, on the Elite app. Think you redo it every few months or before ftp test.
Good review video!👍
Thanks for watching, check out our latest test for 2022! ua-cam.com/video/ZHWrZm3H6Fo/v-deo.html
I'm happy with my Kickr Snap
I like it... 😀
If you want a true budget smart trainer take a look at the Tacx Flow Smart £180 in UK from Halfords. I used one for over two years before upgrading to a Kore.
Nice one
The Saris M2 also sends cadence (unlike the Snap).
Nice TV Stand, where did you get that from? Also no Kickr Snap in the review, surely that is the most popular wheel on smart trainer?
Finally one thing that bugs me is some of those trainers stick out a long way behind the rear axle, ideally in limited space a trainer that doesn't take excess space backwards would be great. Flux S looks good in that respect.
Hello good !! I am a great follower tullo, I am watching several videos on rollers ... and I have seen in your video the perfect video since you analyze the principalities of each brand !! But I can't understand what you're saying since I'm from Spain and I don't understand your language !! You could see if you can put the subtitles of the video in Spanish !! Thanks friend!! A strong greeting
As others have stated, Kickr Core now has cadence included in the latest firmware. Ran it alongside my regular cadence sensor and it matched perfectly. I assume it’s witchcraft 💁🏻♂️
Well not really. Just reverse mathematics.
would you do a review on the thinkrider x 7 pro ?
Nice job Jack, one of my favorite bike stuff presenters.
Thanks, Norman! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Jack
Re Cadence meter Wahoo Kikr Core. Cadence meter not needed after latest firmware update. It's a well made great trainer.
i actually cant believe that you guys didnt mention the non calibration needed on the neo 1/2/2t its 1 of the better features that all other trainers dont have
victorlwd what does this mean? I dont have a smart trainer, but want to buy one, can you explain?👌🏻
@@klausklaus2119 It means that you wouldn't need to spin up or down before racing to calibrate the smart trainer which takes one extra step away from setup
Hello. Thanks for video. Still hard to decide. Does the Wahoo Kickr have a built in speed sensor? And what about cadence? Thanks for the answers!
I ordered the Tacx neo 2t it's coming tomorrow:)
How you finding it mate? Was it all you hoped?
Joe Mcteer it’s awesome! It’s pretty much silent, easy to set up, works flawlessly and I love the road feel over the cobbles etc. I have been using it on Zwift exclusively and it’s the only trainer I ever had. I’m “. Hutchy” on Zwift. I used the period as my first name
@@clydea.hutchisoniv5742 superb! Thanks for the feedback. I'll look you up when I have set up my pain room. Cheers buddy.
@@clydea.hutchisoniv5742 I’ve read the watts are very accurate and lads are losing watts on zwift because of it , the rest are not as accurate
Nice video , thanks :), which one is better Magene T300 or Tacx Flux 2 ?
How can a user choose between them if everything is a 4* or 4.5*?
need some science behind these ratings and a greater spread of results otherwise whats the point in offering a review if we can't distinguish between them?
Because they are winging it
well i mean they are saying these are the best on the market, most of them are going to be top end in rating, should just be more clear with what the differences are even if they share the same rating
@@CODzyzz I got the elite suito myself and a co-worker got the tacx neo. There is not much of a difference if you are just trying to get in shape. Most of us will never notice the difference at all imo. So what this review gives you is that it all comes down to budget and personal preference.
I bought the suito because everything else was out of stock! Else i would have gone for the kickr core but i have no good argument why ;)
@@mitchelkoertsmeijer9483 did you get the suito from a local bike shop or online? thanks
@@joesantos7196 i got it online because covid! All stores are closed here in Holland.
I didn't realize Garmin is behind Tacx. The winner for me!!
Core does not included a front wheel block, as none is needed
The rear sits lower, so the bike is at a proper angle, and yes it does include cadence
Elite suito or wahoo kickr?
The wahoo kickr core DOES track cadence. I have one, trust me.
what trainer would you recommend for a big boi? like 375lb big lol. What do you think would hold that weight?
Wahoo kikr core transmits the cadence, I know it, because I have it :-)
Do you need a particular style of bike for these trainers? I have a spare scott hardtail with lockout front suspension. Its immaculate and barely uses. Is this sufficient? TIA
Suggestion for future reference: A sound level without a distance is a useless number. Further, it would be appropriate to confirm whether the sound level is linear or A weighted.
they use an iPhone app, what do you expect?
How do you know what kind of cassette to get? I have an old 1980's Schwinn that I can hook up and dont need to ever remove.
If I can ask some advice:
1. I have a Tacx Bushido. It may break soon.
All I want to do is spin on a Turbo using the gears as resistance. I don't need a monitor system.
2. I want a turbo which is compact to fold up like the Bushido. The Flux is huge. I have limited space.
3. I don't want to pay a monthly fee to use an app. My Garmin watch is fine.
4. I am a complete novice and only use the Turbo twice a week in the winter max.
Which turbo do I buy?.
My Bushido is perfect. I wish they would make more .
Thanks
Which has the heaviest resistance? Preferably wheel off
How did you guys measure dB output using an iPhone? Any special app?
I ask this because I’m pretty sure something’s wrong with my Wahoo KICR now (it’s not nearly as silent as everyone claims it to be, nor has it ever been) and I’d like to measure that and activate its warranty with Wahoo.
3000+ power?!?! for indoor Ebikes?
Can you advise ... the best is Magene T300 or FLUX 2 I want to buy one
One mistake noticed: Wahoo kickr core does have cadence output.
Upgraded from an Elite Rampa to the Suito a few weeks ago and could not be happier, it's nice and quiet, folds down pretty small and the pedaling feel is really nice...only power measurements still seem to be off from my powermeter, not as much as the Rampa though...
Does the Suito have power meter? Their own website says that Direto is the one that comes with one.
should mention if they work with SRAM XDR and should test the Magene T300.
Awesome review, but is that top tube reach to long for you?
Mike McCallan I think that looks like Joe’s bike
Very thorough video, thanks bruv. I just started cycling 2 years ago and am looking into an indoor trainer for the winter seasons. I am 6'4" and generally maintain a body weight of 270 lbs/19ish stone. Would any of these trainers accommodate a larger rider such as myself?
It's all up to your bike. If it fits you it will fit the trainer.
Wahoo has a weight limit of 250 lb for their trainers. The Neo 2T is 275 and the H3 can take up to 300. Those weights are supposed to be both rider and bike.
Hell there, can you suggest me which ones is better tacx flux s or elite suito ? I have started to use road bike since 5 months. I want to buy as above models. I hope you give right direction.
Oreka Training O2 Trainer is missing in this list...
Have you guys tried the Thinkrider?
The direto is much better value than the Flux. Additionally, both the drivo and direto can be bought easily for almost half the prices you're quoting. I'd have included the Atom in the list too, more interesting than some of your choices....
Which one should I buy now😅😕
do you know any smart trainers that can fit a 141 mm qr hub (boost)?
Hey, you forgot the best mid-range smart trainer - Elite Direto X, which is available for only 695$ outside EU (RRP is 899$)
I paid 679€ including tax something like a month ago.
Great reviews thank you....is it OK to use a carbon frame bike on the turbo's please ?
Just noticed your question. I use a carbon trek madone 5 on my kicker snap unit. For around 4 years now with no problems. Can't say about other units but most should be no problem. Check with bike mfg for sure. Hope that helps.
alan morris I have used a Cervalo R3 for years on an early generation Kickr. No problems
The KICKR models do not need a wheel block, the bike sits level without one.
The socks are from your Dad? Love them. BikeRadar should send you to australia or tenerife or mallorca. Get some tan lines.
I have been to all three of those places during my time at BikeRadar and I still came back looking like a ghost - my pale Celtic complexion literally reflects sunlight ☀️👻 Thanks for watching! Jack
can be used for a 29 mtb bike?
The most important criteria is reliability, too much emphasis on noise. Your indoor fan will make more noise than these units. I had the Neo which is a great machine but suffers a bit on reliability. So moved to the kickr v5 which has pretty much all the bugs ironed out.
Any comments on wattbike atom?
Do the smart trainers take into account wind resistance when calculating pedal resistance? Is that part of the algorithm?
Wind resistance doesn't effect your power, it will only make you slower at a given power. The trainers measure the amount of power you make, so at that power level, you will achieve different speeds depending on gradient and wind speed/direction.
Swift is so cool 👨 man
Who else is here because of quarantine?
who cares ?
Who else can't afford any of these?
You don’t need a wheel block on the wahoo’s. They are designed to sit level on the floor without one.
do they all wark with disc brake bikes?
Core has cadence, just update firmware !
Yeah the core after the update is really the way to go - quality/price + soooo silent
Really??!! I didn't know that and I OWN ONE!! I have the cadence sensor on my pedal... I'll have to update my firmware. Thanks for that Ark!
Wahoo seems way too sketchy.
@@capthook1 how so?
Actually the Wahoo Kickr Core does have cadence data. It was added in the latest firmware, and it works perfectly.
Do you know of ANY direct drive smart trainer that works with a 126mm classic bike frame and 6-7 speed gearsets? Would like to train using my eroica bike...
Can you put a mountain bike on one of these? I love my bike, but really should have just bought a road bike. I think, because I needed to use it for grocery shopping and general transportation, it made sense at the time. Thanks.
Did you notice compliance in the Tacx towards the drive side of the bike (i.e. right)? I have been combating this compliance for years on my gen 1 Neo as the bike never feels quite "right" when I ride it. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how did you resolve it? When I level the trainer on my floor it makes the bike feel like it leans too far to the left so I have no real objective method to determine if the bike is level on the trainer.
I heard that there's a smart trainer/bike with several Swiss mountains routes in it. Does anyone know something about it? Thank you in advance! :-)
Core doesn't need a front wheel riser as in the vid. Bike sits level without. In fact in the vid you can see the bike front wheel is pointing upwards
So which one should I buy? They're all under £1000 new since I get a discount on Garmin/ Tacx turbo trainers.
Maybe someone here can help... I had a tendon surgery on my left leg and want to get back to equal power on both legs over winter. Does any of the trainers offer separate left and right leg power display (without having a power meter on my bike/pedals/crank arms). I heard the neo 2t has ‚kind of‘ has it. Anybody knows for sure? Thanks for your help!
Which brand is the most reliable? Which brand has the best customer support?
Kickr Core does come with cadence ;)
Hmm, received a mail two weeks ago that Bkool are stopping with the manufacturing of hardware and focussing on the simulator software. Selling their hardware rights to Versa Design.
im in the video Hilarious...
If I can ask some advice:
1. I have a Tacx Bushido. It may break soon.
All I want to do is spin on a Turbo using the gears as resistance. I don't need a monitor system.
2. I want a turbo which is compact to fold up like the Bushido. The Flux is huge. I have limited space.
3. I don't want to pay a monthly fee to use an app. My Garmin watch is fine.
4. I am a complete novice and only use the Turbo twice a week in the winter max.
Which turbo do u buy?. My Bushido is perfect. I wish they would make more .
Thanks
@Nick Maclachlan thanks. I bought a Saris m2. So let's see.
@Nick Maclachlan yes but apparently it works wthout an app as well. We see
where is elite direto x? what's your rating?
LOL Does Wahoo have a stipulation that db measurements cannot be stated? I noticed it was the only one without them.