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Is there such a thing? Direct drive / smart / zwift etc.
I’ve had a couple of failed forays into them in the past, and I’d like to try one again.
Yes, I know some are difficult to get hold of at the moment, but I’d like to do some research and work out what I want / need and how much it’s likely to cost.
Where to start? Ta
Yes.
Plenty of threads on both turbos and services like Zwift and Trainerroad.
At a minimum you want:
A suitable bike
A turbo trainer
A computer of some sort to run the software
one or more really good fans for ventilation
Decent cycling shorts since you'll be in one position for a long time.
Not all bikes are compatible with all turbos, you'll have most success with a road bike since they tend to have shorter derailleurs and the turbos are geared towards them. That's not to say you can't use an MTB, just it *may* be more hassle getting it all to work.
Depending on the turbo you end up getting you may need some sensors for cadence, speed, power. This may also require a dongle on the computer to handle those signals. Generally the better the turbo the less likely you'll need these though cadence might well be one that can't be done via the turbo.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/11/smart-cycle-trainer-recommendations-guide-winter.html
I found DC Rainmaker's guide very helpful when we were looking for one a few years ago...
DC Rainmaker +1
@scotroutes has just picked up a decent looking but relatively cheap direct drive Elite Zumo if your wanting feedback on entry level direct drive options. Looks good for the money.
My LBS had an actual stack of Elite Direto XRs the other day.
This is useful. I’ve done a week on a borrowed ‘dumb’ trainer using trainer road on my phone mounted on the handlebars with a speed sensor / cadence sensor / HR monitor. Just getting that up and running has already sped my legs up for mtb yesterday. Got pbs uphill in quite a few places.
Just sold a cross trainer which gave me funds to buy my own turbo. Came to the conclusion with stock I could find / prices that I went for the Wahoo Kickr Core. Direct drive and meant to be one of the quietest ones available.
Halfords have some Elite trainers in stock - although the Suito T which looked promising is temporarily out of stock. That was the main one I was considering as an alternative.
For wheel on trainers I was considering a Wahoo Snap - but wiggle sold out of them yesterday!
Elite Direto XR has been brill and so easy to use and interact with Zwift 🙂
Yeah, just setting mine up.
As an aside - does Zwift have the worst UI ever invented?
I have a kickr v5. It’s so expensive that I guilt myself into using it every day. I’m now loving it and look forward to a quick 1hr spin in the evening.
There's lots of apps to choose from so it doesn't have to just be zwift.
I use BKOOL which has better graphics than zwift and much cheaper.
Thanks for the input - I'll have a look at DC Rainmaker and do some more reading.👍
Of course the most fun thing you can do with a turbo is join Zwift and sign up for the STW Race Series.
Seriously, it's more fun than being on a turbo has any right to be. Last one of the current series is tomorrow but I hope there will be another soon.
I have an Elite Zumo from Halfords. I think this is the cheapest smart direct drive trainer on the market, been a life saver with Zwift during lockdowns.
I got mine for £350 just before the pandemic started. They are now £530, shows the price hike retailers are slapping on them
Just a further thought - if you want fun / interaction with other people whilst on the turbo then it sounds like Zwift is the way forward.
Trainer road is less entertaining I’d imagine - I’m using it on my iPhone and you get a screen with a breakdown of the interval you’re doing, what’s coming up plus all your current stats on hr / power / rpm etc. It then has a constant stream of comments across the bottom of the screen - some useful - some a bit sarcy but quite amusing.
DC Rainmaker has a run down on all the main apps available - covers Zwift / TR / Sufferfest / BKool / Rouvy etc.
As an aside – does Zwift have the worst UI ever invented?
yes. yes it does..
Finish one ride, and want to do another?? why of course you want me to shut down, and then MAYBE restart again...
Want to quickly open zwift to see some data? Why of course, you MUST first pair everything...then start a ride...then leave the ride...then adjust the setting!!
it's rubbish,but brill at the same time!!
DrP
you don't need to pair, hit ESC and you can skip through. Still a rubbish UI!
There’s lots of apps to choose from so it doesn’t have to just be zwift.
I prefer RGT, doesn't make me dizzy on descents like Zwift and is much less gamey.
Free version is good too.
does Zwift have the worst UI ever invented?
Soooo glad it's not just me. And it's not just the UI that needs looking at, things like challenges, training programmes, routes all have weird access menus and are hidden away.
No wonder you need to read sites like Zwift insider to mae head or tail of what's going on. Even then I'm not confident.
With popping on spec to a local large bike shop, I got an ex-display KickR on Saturday.
Trialing BKool. Not sure I’ll go to Zwift route because if the weather gets better I’ll get out.
@scotroutes has just picked up a decent looking but relatively cheap direct drive Elite Zumo if your wanting feedback on entry level direct drive options. Looks good for the money.
What I got a few weeks ago, Halfords, £500. Needs a suitable cassette too, but you probably have that. I can't tell any difference from the £1K+ Dirt X I borrowed for a while. If you're not racing, the extra 1-2% accuracy on power is irrelevant.
Easy to set up Zwift etc, though I prefer RGT as it's not as busy and not gimmicky - lets you just get on with your ride. Only some of the roads are free at any time, but you can join any public event and ride. Full access is only £7/month. Borrego Springs road is a good flat one for workouts and there are a couple of good long climbs (Ventoux and Stelvio) and some varied terrain roads inc Dirty Reiver. You can access some workout plans too - 8 week plans etc, very time efficient. ERG mode (on the Zumo etc) sets the resistance for you when on a workout, so you can just concentrate on cadence, and sweating.