Elite launches Direto X and Tuo indoor trainers

Elite has announced two new indoor trainers, the Direto X and the Tuo, both made in Italy.

Direto X

As the name suggests, the new Direto X is an update of the existing Direto direct drive trainer – a major overhaul, according to Elite. 

"Direto X was created to integrate our range of interactive bicycle home trainers with an even more accurate model for a product that was already among the high range of powerful and stable hometrainers," says Elite. 

"The OTS (Optical Torque Sensor) gives the Direto X its high data accuracy while training - the innovative integrated power meter detects power output with +/-1.5% accuracy."

OTS is a power meter based on the measurement of the torsion of the trainer axis. Here's how it works. 

For comparison, the Direto (as opposed to the Direto X) has a claimed accuracy of +/-2%.

Read our review of Elite's Direto here 

"The Direto X automatically adjusts resistance [it uses an electronically managed magnetic brake] and simulates the most challenging slopes, up to an 18% maximum gradient – 4% more than the Direto. To do so, Direto X gets to an increased power output of 2,100 W at a 40 km/h speed."

The Direto X communicates wirelessly via ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth so it can interact with apps and software compatible with iOS, Android, MacOS and Windows – Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, and so on.

Check out 12 of the best smart home trainers

Elite says that it has refined the internal mechanical components to make the Direto X even quieter than the Direto. 

The Direto X takes bikes with 130/135 x 5mm quick release rear hubs and 142 x 12mm with thru-axle (an adapter is available for Boost 148 x 12mm rear hubs).

It weighs 15kg and incorporates a 4.2kg flywheel.

The Elite Direto X is £769.99

Tuo

Tuo is a smart trainer that communicates wirelessly with other devices.

"Compact, easy-to-use and quiet, Tuo is a totally interactive wheel-on home trainer with automatic resistance adjustment," says Elite.

As well as being an effective training tool, Tuo has been designed with Turin-based studio Adriano Design to look good, featuring a steel frame, an aluminium resistance unit and beechwood legs.

"Beechwood is regarded as one of the best materials for furniture making because it has good strength properties and high abrasion resistance," says Elite. "Despite its hardness, beechwood can also absorb shocks."

The Tuo can interact wirelessly via ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS communication protocols, allowing it to work with apps, software, computers and devices (smartphones and tablets) with iOS, Android, OSX and Windows. This allows you to manage resistance levels and display power, speed and cadence data. 

Elite says that the Tuo measures power output up to 1,250 W at 40 km/h with +/-3% accuracy, and can simulate slopes up to 10%. Pedalling resistance is generated by a magnetic technology braking unit

Like other Elite trainers, the Tuo has a roller made from Elastogel, a polyurethane designed to limit noise and tyre wear. 

It can accommodate bikes with 130 x 5mm rear quick release skewers up to Boost 148 x 12mm thru axles, and wheels up to 29in. 

Tuo features anti-slip rubber feet and a Fast Fixing locking system. It measures 680 x 690 x 410 mm when open and 430 x 315 x 560mm when folded for storage. It weighs 10.3kg.

The Elite Tuo is priced £399.99.

www.elite-it.com