BEST SMART BIKE 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.
SMART BIKE TRAINERS 2022
StagesBike SB20 Smart Bike
Maximum Power Wattage: 2200 W
Total Weight: 62.6kg (138 lbs)
Flywheel Weight: 22.68kg (50lbs)
Frame Materials: High strength steel
Bike Dimensions: 62.2in (158cm) x 22.2in (56.4cm) x 46.7in (118.6cm)
Electrical Connection: Mains power supply (smart bike) + one Cr2032 per crank arm
Wireless Technology: ANT+®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy
Device Control: ANT+ bike computers , Connect to computer via ANT+antenna , Smartphone , Stand alone , Tablet
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
Crank Lengths: Includes the options of 165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm
Controlled Resistance: Yes
Shifting - Configurable Buttons: Additional Sprint Shifters included + Ports for up to 2 additional shift locations
STAGESBIKE SB20 SMART BIKE REVIEW SUMMARY
ProsÂ
- Very well built with excellent stability
- Best-in-class frame clearance
- Excellent adjustability (including the ability to change the crank arm length)
- Dual-sided power meter measurement
- Magnetic resistance feels natural, very smooth and realistic like a real bike
- Configurable virtual gearing
- Tablet/phone holder
- 50lbs flywheel
- Very quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast
ConsÂ
- Price
- Shifter feel compared to the Wahoo and TacxÂ
- No gear indicator display
- A reviewer prefers bottle cages on the bike frameÂ
- Not so much a con but the whole unit is large and heavy – you will need two people to move and build it easily
Tacx Neo Bike Smart
Maximum Power Wattage: 2200 W
Maximum Incline: 25%
Simulation of decent: Yes
Total Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)
Footprint (Length x Width): 1390 × 750 mm (54.7 × 29.5 in)
Electrical Connection: 110-240v power (mains power is optional)
Wireless Technology: ANT+®, 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 BIKE SMART REVIEW SUMMARY
ProsÂ
- Easy set up and connectivity
- Very accurate
- Very realistic bike feelÂ
- Excellent adjustability Â
- Very well built – strong and stable base
- Magnetic resistance feels natural, very smooth and realistic like a real bike
- Configurable virtual gearing
- Electronic gearing is excellent
- Shifter feel and qualityÂ
- Very quiet during use except when riding really hard/fast
- Data display and device holder
- Can be used without a mains power source
ConsÂ
- Price
- Fans are a little fragile and could generate more air flow
- Some people may experience some thigh rub on the seatpost
- Handlebar/cockpit reach can be limited for someÂ
- Not so much a con but the whole unit is large and heavy – you will need two people to move and build it easily
Wahoo Kickr Bike
Maximum Power Wattage: 2200 W
Maximum Incline: 20%
Minimum Decline: -15%
Flywheel Weight: 13 lbs // 5.9kg plus enhanced motor
Total Weight: 93 lbs // 42 kilograms
Footprint (Length x Width): 48 in x 30 in (121 cm x 76 cm)
Electrical Connection: 100-240v power cord
Wireless Technology: ANT+®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, and ANT+ FE-C
Device Control: iOS, Android, and PC (Mac and Windows)
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Resistance Type: Electromagnetic and Enhanced Motor
Accuracy: +/-1%
Wireless Firmware Updates: Yes
3rd Party Power Meter Compatibility: No
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
LED Indicator Lights: BLUETOOTH® Low Energy and ANT+®
KICKR HEADWIND Compatible: Yes
ELEMNT GPS Bike Computer Compatible: Yes
Construction: Steel and Aluminum
Controlled Resistance: Yes
Crank Lengths: Includes the options of 165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm
WAHOO KICKR BIKE REVIEW SUMMARY
ProsÂ
- Easy set up and connectivity
- Very realistic bike feel (including the hydraulic ram built in underneath the crankset, which changes the angle of the machine to mimic gradients – works well and is fast and smooth)
- Adjustability of the bike (including the ability to easily change crank arm length)
- Strong and stable bike structure
- Magnetic resistance feels natural and realistic like a real bike
- Configurable virtual gearing
- Shifter feel and quality
- Very quiet whilst in use except when riding really hard/fast
ConsÂ
- Price
- Fat top tube can cause a little thigh rub with some people
- Lack of on-bike device mounts – phone/tablet holder
- Position of the digital gear readout
- Not so much a con but the whole unit is large and heavy – you will need two people to move and build it easily
Wattbike Atom
Maximum Power Wattage: 2000 W
Gradient: 0-25%
Total Weight: 44Kg
Footprint (Length x Width): 100cm (l) × 50cm (w) × 150cm
Electrical Connection: mains power supply
Wireless Technology: ANT+®, BLUETOOTH® Low Energy, and ANT+ FE-C
Program compatibility: Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest etc.
Visible Data Readout: Bike computer , Computer with ANT+ antenna , Smartphone , Sports watch , Tablet
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Accuracy: +/-2%
Wireless Firmware Updates: Yes
Metrics: Speed, Distance, Power, Cadence, Gradient
Construction: Aluminum
Controlled Resistance: Yes
Crank Lengths: 170mm
The new more advanced Wattbike AtomX is now available which includes a touchscreen unit as well as a more advanced electromagnetic unit and digital gear shifting.
WATTBIKE ATOM REVIEW SUMMARY
ProsÂ
- Simple to set up/connectivity – plug and play
- Very stable frame/base for strong riders
- Price is quite reasonable compared to the competition
- Adjustability of the bikeÂ
- Very quiet whilst in use except when riding really hard/fast
- Accurate power results
- Good level of analysis – polished Wattbike app
- Realistic ride feel
- Improved shifting compared to previous models
- Aesthetics
ConsÂ
- Fixed 170mm crank arm length
- Gear changes could be quicker (compared to competition)
- Lack of display as well as tray for devices
- Compatibility of some third party apps need polishing
- Not so much a con but the whole unit is large and heavy – you will need two people to move and build it easily
