BEST DIRECT DRIVE SMART TRAINERS 2022
The Smart Trainer Gear Guide
Riding a bike on an indoor trainer was previously associated with the words ‘boring’ or ‘mind-numbing’, however the introduction and advancement of smart trainers and training apps has completely changed this sentiment, by creating an engaging, motivational and even fun experience.
DIRECT DRIVE SMART TRAINERS 2022
Elite Direto XR
Maximum Power Wattage: 2300 W
Maximum Incline: 24%
Footprint (Length x Width): 650 × 840 mm (25.6 × 34 in)
Flywheel Weight: 5.1kg (11.24lbs)
Total Weight: 16.2kg (35.71lbs)
Electrical Connection: 100-240V Mains power
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-1.5%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
ELITE DIRETO XR REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Price – slightly lower than the competition
- Comes with an 11 speed cassette (Shimano/SRAM compatible) and wheel block
- Easy to set up
- Very accurate data
- Low weight compared to other trainers
- Aesthetics
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Large solid base – very stable under a lot of effort
- Foldable legs allow for easier storage
- Very quiet during use except hard/fast riding – the Wahoo Kickr Core is still quieter though but not by much
Cons
- nil
Elite Suito
Maximum Power Wattage: 1900 W
Maximum Incline: 15%
Footprint (Length x Width): 570 × 760 mm (22.4 × 29.9 in)
Flywheel Weight: 3.5kg (7.7lbs)
Total Weight: 14.5kg (31.97lbs)
Electrical Connection: Mains power
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-2.5%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
ELITE SUITO REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Price
- Comes with a cassette (Shimano 105 or similar level equivalent) and wheel block
- Easy to set up
- Aesthetics/metal casing finish
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Large solid base – very stable under a lot of effort
- Foldable legs allow for easier storage
- Quiet during use however………
Cons
- ………it’s not as quiet compared to other trainers
Kurt Kinetic R1
Maximum Power Wattage: 2000W
Maximum Incline: 20%
Footprint (Length x Width): 635 × 559mm (25 × 22 in)
Flywheel Weight: 6.53kg (14.4lbs)
Total Weight: 21.5kg (47.4lbs)
Electrical Connection: Mains power
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® FTMS, ANT+ FE-C, ANT+
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-3%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
KURT KINETIC R1 REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Price
- Easy to set up
- Side ways movement whilst pedaling (Rock and Roll)
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Solid build – very stable under a lot of effort
- Foldable legs allow for easier storage
Cons
- Can be noisy – it’s definitely not as quiet compared to other trainers
- Power measurement accuracy (outside claimed accuracy)
Saris H3
Maximum Power Wattage: 2000 W
Maximum Incline: 20%
Footprint (Length x Width): 787.4 x 495.3 mm (31 x19.5 in)
Flywheel Weight: 9.07kg (20lbs)
Total Weight: 21.3kg (47lbs)
Electrical Connection: Mains power
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers (replacement free hub required for XD cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-2%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
SARIS H3 REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Lower price compared to the competition
- Comes with a wheel block
- Good build quality
- Easy to set up/connectivity
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Large solid base – very stable under a lot of effort
- Foldable legs allow for easier storage
- Very quiet during use except when riding hard although not as quiet as the Tacx Neo 2T or Wahoo Kickr
Cons
- Cadence sensing isn’t 100% perfect – only when easing off the pedals after a big effort
- Unit is a little heavy to move around and set up but does have a carry handle which helps
Tacx Neo 2T
Maximum Power Wattage: 2200 W
Maximum Incline: 25%
Simulation of decent: Yes
Flywheel: Virtual
Total Weight: 21.5kg (47.4lbs)
Footprint (Length x Width): 575 × 750 mm (22.6 × 29.5 in)
Electrical Connection: 110-240v power (mains power is optional)
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, and ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: ANT+FE-C bike computers , Connect to computer via ANT+antenna , Smartphone , Stand alone , Tablet
Program compatibility: Tacx Software, Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-1%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
TACX NEO 2T REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Easy set up/connectivity – auto calibration
- Very accurate data
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and very smooth
- Realistic road feel
- Solid base – very stable under a lot of effort
- Can function without a mains power source
- Very quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast
- Design + aesthetics
- Compact – can be folded and stored away fairly easily
- Simulation of descents and varied road surfaces is a nice feature
Cons
- A little pricey (but you get what you pay for)
- Unit is a little heavy to move around and set up – also doesn’t have any carry handle
Tacx Flux S
Maximum Power Wattage: 1500 W
Maximum Incline: 10%
Simulation of decent: No
Flywheel: Actual of 7Kg
Total Weight: 21.3kg (46.9lbs)
Footprint (Length x Width): 670 x 642 mm (26.4 x 25.3 in)
Electrical Connection: 110-240v power cord
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, and ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: ANT+FE-C bike computers , Connect to computer via ANT+antenna , Smartphone , Stand alone , Tablet
Program compatibility: Tacx Software, Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-3%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
The Tacx Flux 2 is also another great alternative and is a direct competitor to the Wahoo Kickr Core. It looks very similar to the Flux S, is slightly more expensive, but has improved data accuracy and a higher max incline of 16%.
TACX FLUX S REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Price
- Good accuracy level
- Easy set up and connectivity
- Quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast (although not as quiet as the Tacx Neo 2T or Wahoo Kickr)
- Solid base – stable under a lot of effort
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Realistic road feel
Cons
- Maximum incline is fairly shallow at 10% (depending on what gradients you would like to ride). The Tacx Flux 2 is a slightly more expensive but better option in this case with a maximum incline of 16%.
- The legs don’t fold and the unit is a little heavy to move around and set up (also doesn’t have any carry handle)
- Doesn’t come with a front wheel support block – the flux doesn’t need one but most people prefer to have one
Wahoo Kickr
Maximum Power Wattage: 2200 W
Maximum Incline: 20%
Flywheel Weight: 7.25kg (16lbs)
Total Weight: 21kg (47lbs)
Footprint (Length x Width): 540 × 710 mm (21.3 × 28 in)
Electrical Connection: 100-240v power cord
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ANT+ FE-C and ANT+
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-1%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
Padded feet that provides lateral movement: Yes (The padded feet can be purchased separately for older Kickr versions)
WAHOO KICKR REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Easy set up/connectivity – auto calibration
- Very accurate data
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and very smooth
- Realistic road/ride feel
- Solid base – very stable under a lot of effort
- Very quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast
- Design/aesthetics
- Compact – the legs can be folded which makes storage easier
- Padded feet give an extra realistic touch to the ride – the gentle rocking of the bike whilst pedaling hard seems to improve comfort as well, likely by reducing saddle friction (the padded feet can be purchased and placed on older Kickr models)
- Comes with a cassette
Cons
- A little pricey (but you get what you pay for)
- Doesn’t come with a front wheel support block – the Kickr doesn’t need one but most cyclists prefer to have one
- Unit is a little heavy to move around and set up
Wahoo Kickr Core
Maximum Power Wattage: 1800 W
Maximum Incline: 16%
Flywheel Weight: 5.4kg (12lbs)
Total Weight: 18kg (40lbs)
Footprint (Length x Width): 500 × 580 mm (19.7 × 22.8 in)
Electrical Connection: 100-240v power cord
Cassette Compatibility: Supports Shimano, SRAM, SRAM XD Drivers and Campagnolo cassettes (replacement free hub required for XD and Campagnolo cassettes)
Wireless Technology: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, ANT+ FE-C and ANT+
Device Control: IOS, android and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
Accuracy: +/-2%
Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Power and Connection LED Indicator Lights: Yes
Controlled Resistance: Yes
WAHOO KICKR CORE REVIEW SUMMARY
Pros
- Price
- Easy set up/connectivity
- Accurate data
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and smooth
- Realistic road/ride feel
- Very quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast
- Large solid base – very stable under a lot of effort however……
Cons
- ……Storing it away can be difficult due to the large base
- Doesn’t come with a front wheel support block – the Kickr Core doesn’t need one but most cyclists prefer to have one
