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Turbo Trainer Recommendations

Finally got sick of the British weather so the time has come to invest. I fancy a direct drive version & will deffo be using Zwift.

I'd be grateful for any tips / recommendations & also is a trainer that Zwift can control the resistance a must?

Sounds like a good idea to me but they are a fair bit more expensive so if you were in my shoes would that be a dealbreaker?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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HLaB replied to ibr17xvii | 7 years ago
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ibr17xvii wrote:

Argos74 wrote:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-turbo-muin...

Down from £499 to £290. Works fine, though I'll need a new computer to get the full benefits - not much software out there for old 32-bit computers.

At the moment I'm using GoldenCheetah which doesn't pick up power correctly. It thinks I'm cranking out 14,000 watts, cruising at 130kmh, with sprint bursts of 200 kmh.

I’ve looked at that one before but I’m pretty sure Zwift won’t control resistance so ruled it out. 

Great price though & if I was looking for a cheap (ish) introduction to trainers I think I’d buy it. 

I've got the older version and its a great direct drive trainer for lack of noise/workout/ virtual power/good workout ect but you are right there's no way to control the resistance profile and whilst I'm told it works with Zwift I doubt it'd be ideal for it. 

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ibr17xvii replied to HLaB | 7 years ago
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HLaB wrote:

ibr17xvii wrote:

Argos74 wrote:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-turbo-muin...

Down from £499 to £290. Works fine, though I'll need a new computer to get the full benefits - not much software out there for old 32-bit computers.

At the moment I'm using GoldenCheetah which doesn't pick up power correctly. It thinks I'm cranking out 14,000 watts, cruising at 130kmh, with sprint bursts of 200 kmh.

I’ve looked at that one before but I’m pretty sure Zwift won’t control resistance so ruled it out. 

Great price though & if I was looking for a cheap (ish) introduction to trainers I think I’d buy it. 

I've got the older version and its a great direct drive trainer for lack of noise/workout/ virtual power/good workout ect but you are right there's no way to control the resistance profile and whilst I'm told it works with Zwift I doubt it'd be ideal for it. 

It’s a cracking price but as I said originally I want to get the purchase right 1st time. 

I think if I bought that I’d be regretting it in 6 months thinking I should’ve bought a “better” one that can be controlled by Zwift. 

I’m leaning towards the Flux at the mo, can be had at £629.99 with 18 months interest free credit as well. 

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ChasP replied to Argos74 | 7 years ago
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Argos74 wrote:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-turbo-muin...

Down from £499 to £290. Works fine, though I'll need a new computer to get the full benefits - not much software out there for old 32-bit computers.

At the moment I'm using GoldenCheetah which doesn't pick up power correctly. It thinks I'm cranking out 14,000 watts, cruising at 130kmh, with sprint bursts of 200 kmh.

Have you got the sensor configured correctly?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KuNrMiD4vE

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CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
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If you're a heavy rider the Tacx Flux 10% incline might not be enough to give real resistance feel on high percentage climbs,  Ok if you're a lightweight.

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CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
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You can get a refurbished Kickr with a year warranty(2yr limited) from Wahoo £649

http://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers/original-wahoo-kickr-po...

When they come back into stock!

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ibr17xvii replied to CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
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CXR94Di2 wrote:

You can get a refurbished Kickr with a year warranty(2yr limited) from Wahoo £649

http://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers/original-wahoo-kickr-po...

When they come back into stock!

Great shout, I'll certainly be keeping my eye on that.

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cortina | 7 years ago
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I was in the same position - went for the 2017 Neo. Unfortunately it died after 25 minutes of use and was returned to Wiggle. I decided not to get a replacement due to so many stories of similar issues. Great bit of kit if you’re lucky enough to get one that isn’t faulty. 

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ibr17xvii replied to cortina | 7 years ago
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cortina wrote:

I was in the same position - went for the 2017 Neo. Unfortunately it died after 25 minutes of use and was returned to Wiggle. I decided not to get a replacement due to so many stories of similar issues. Great bit of kit if you’re lucky enough to get one that isn’t faulty. 

Another reason why I'm slightly limited is that I would prefer to buy from Wiggle.

Always had top notch service from them not just with things that have worked out but when things haven't & I've had to return stuff.

This is a large investment & would rather not take chances.

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ibr17xvii | 7 years ago
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Thanks chaps. 

You use either of them CXR94Di2?

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jaysa replied to ibr17xvii | 7 years ago
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I use a Tacx Neo with VeloReality and would recommend.

Some chainstays can foul the unit if they are bent in too much to avoid your shoes, and the 2017 version appears to fix that. It's quiet at 300W, but gets a bit louder beyond 600W - still much quieter than fan or hydro units though.

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ibr17xvii replied to jaysa | 7 years ago
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jaysa wrote:

I use a Tacx Neo with VeloReality and would recommend.

Some chainstays can foul the unit if they are bent in too much to avoid your shoes, and the 2017 version appears to fix that. It's quiet at 300W, but gets a bit louder beyond 600W - still much quieter than fan or hydro units though.

Tacx Neo certainly looks the business but it’s the budget buster that’s for sure. 

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CXR94Di2 replied to ibr17xvii | 7 years ago
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ibr17xvii wrote:

Thanks chaps. 

You use either of them CXR94Di2?

Yes I use the Kickr. It's the V1 model. It's been absolutely solid in operation.

I trimmed a small section off the cowling due to it catching my long cage derailleur. This issue was eliminated on V2 with a sleeker cover. V2 has a new method of power reading by analysing the magnetic forces in the electronic brake. More accurate and reliable in operation. V1 uses a strain gauge which I've heard can be easily damaged when transported.

Good news was a couple of weeks back there was a firmware update to V1 which altered the power reading to that of V2 so disabled the sensitive strain gauge.

There is now a V3 which allows the bike to be lifted on the front to simulate climbing hills, you need the climbing mount aswell.

I can recommend the Kickr, works very well on Zwift Trainer road and others. Early versions cost around £650-700 new, with a new model expect some discounts for V2

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ibr17xvii replied to CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
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CXR94Di2 wrote:
ibr17xvii wrote:

Thanks chaps. 

You use either of them CXR94Di2?

Yes I use the Kickr. It's the V1 model. It's been absolutely solid in operation. I trimmed a small section off the cowling due to it catching my long cage derailleur. This issue was eliminated on V2 with a sleeker cover. V2 has a new method of power reading by analysing the magnetic forces in the electronic brake. More accurate and reliable in operation. V1 uses a strain gauge which I've heard can be easily damaged when transported. Good news was a couple of weeks back there was a firmware update to V1 which altered the power reading to that of V2 so disabled the sensitive strain gauge. There is now a V3 which allows the bike to be lifted on the front to simulate climbing hills, you need the climbing mount aswell. I can recommend the Kickr, works very well on Zwift Trainer road and others. Early versions cost around £650-700 new, with a new model expect some discounts for V2

Cheers for the info, very helpful.

The V1 is £799.99 which is absolute top whack of my budget which I don't mind paying if it it's for the right one. Will certainly take a close look at it now.

Currently eyeing the Tacx Flux which is £699.99 on Wiggle but is widely available at £629.99 so they should price match it.

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Team EPO | 7 years ago
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I reckon we are due an update soon but here is DC's latest reviews

 

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/10/annual-winter-2016-2017-bike-smart-t...

 

 

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CXR94Di2 | 7 years ago
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Wahoo Kickr, tacx Neo.

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ibr17xvii | 7 years ago
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Cheers for that. 

My main concern is getting it right 1st time. What I don’t want to do is buy something at the lower end of the scale that Zwift won’t control resistance with for example & then wish I’d got the better one. That’s why I’d like to hear Zwift users view on this  

The Tacx was on the list to look at as is the higher priced Cycleops Hammer which got a great review on here. 

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MrB123 | 7 years ago
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Have a look at DC Rainmaker's website. A wealth of information on there.

The cheapest direct drive smart trainer at the moment seems to be the Tacx Flux. Available for about 600 notes. There were a few problems reported with a batch of them initially but the issues seem to be sorted out now.

The other one to look out for at the slightly cheaper end of the scale is the Elite Direto which DC Rainmaker seems to rate highly. Not widely available at present though and no current discounts from RRP from what I've seen.

Beyond that you're into the realms of the Kickr and Neo which are rather more spendy options.

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