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    Hardware/EquipmentTrainers

    Smart Trainer Recommendations Guide for Zwifters

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    March 23, 2020
    45

    UPDATE: for the latest smart trainer info and reviews, check out our Smart Trainer Index which includes top-rated picks for direct drive and wheel-on trainers.


    Are you just getting started on Zwift, or considering a trainer upgrade? This post is for you! We’ve looked at the whole universe of smart trainers and narrowed the list to the best of the best.

    About the Categories

    We’ve broken this guide into three categories:

    • Wheel-On: affordable trainers which operate by putting friction against your back tire. These are less accurate, with less inertial “road feel” than direct drive trainers. On the plus side: they cost less than direct drive!
    • Budget Direct Drive: this is the most competitive category of trainers today. Direct drive trainers work with your back wheel removed and offer increased accuracy and improved feel over the wheel-on offerings. With prices ranging from $650-$900, this is where the most bang for the buck is found.
    • Premium Direct Drive: the cream of the crop, these trainers are built to be the best and priced accordingly. They typically offer increased accuracy and higher maximum wattage/gradient simulation than their budget brethren.

    How We Made Our Picks

    We made our selections using a variety of criteria, including:

    • Testing and Reviews: we’ve read reviews from the likes of DC Rainmaker, Shane Miller (GPLama) and many others. We’ve also done some trainer testing ourselves.
    • Zwift Certification: we’re only recommending trainers which are Zwift certified. This means Zwift has tested the trainer and ensured that it can:
      • Broadcast via BLE
      • Maintain at least +/- 3% power accuracy (although the Tacx Flow does not, even though Zwift says it is certified?)
      • Allow for spindown calibration
      • Support ERG mode
      • Automatically change resistance
      • Provide the user with a great experience
    • Market Research: we look at factors like product availability, the manufacturer’s reputation for quality support, and more.
    • Price: bang for the buck is always a factor!

    A Note on Pricing

    Price is a major factor in our picks, but pricing can vary by country, dealer, and day of the week. You may find a good discount on a trainer which makes it a better buy over some of our top pics, so we’ve included some notes for each category which mention solid trainers which did not make the list. If you can find those trainers for a bargain price, consider pulling the trigger!

    With all that out of the way, let’s jump into our top picks.

    Wheel-On Smart Trainers

    Best Price: Tacx Flow Smart ($369USD)

    The cheapest smart trainer around, the Flow made our recommendation list last year as well. It’s the least accurate of the recommended trainers, but you can’t beat the price.

    Buy now:
    Direct from Tacx/Garmin
    Zwift
    Amazon
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training

    Best Feel: Wahoo KICKR Snap ($499USD)

    With the price reduced by $100 from last year, Wahoo’s well-established wheel-on smart trainer is the premium pick in this bracket. Its flywheel gives it a more road-like feel than other wheel-on trainers, and it’s backed by a reputable, US-based company.

    Buy now:
    Direct from Wahoo
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training

    Category Notes

    • DC Rainmaker also recommends the Bkool Smart Go, but since Bkool made the decision to stop making trainers, we don’t feel this is a smart buy at this time. It is clear there’s a lot in flux at Bkool, and this trainer isn’t even listed in their store at this time.
    • The Saris M2 is a decent wheel-on offering as well, but without a flywheel and slightly worse power accuracy than the same-priced KICKR Snap. Saris needs to drop the price on this trainer just a bit to make it competitive.

    Budget Direct Drive Smart Trainers

    Premium Features: Wahoo KICKR Core ($899USD)

    The KICKR Core is essentially a quieter 2017 KICKR. Sure, the frame is a bit different, but the internals, flywheel, and other specs are basically the same–yet it’s whisper-quiet. Also compatible with the Wahoo indoor ecosystem (notably the Climb), if that’s the sort of thing you care about.

    Buy now:
    Direct from Wahoo
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training

    Easy Value: Elite Suito ($799USD)

    At $100 less than the KICKR Core with a cassette, the Suito delivers a lot of bang for the buck and it’s ready to go out of the box. Bonus for portability/ease of storage.

    Buy now:
    Amazon
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training

    Budget Performer: Tacx Flux S ($749USD)

    $50 less than the Suito, but without a cassette, the Flux S is a bit more solid than the Suito and also more proven after going through a few model revisions.

    Buy now:
    Direct from Tacx/Garmin
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training
    Power Meter City

    Category Notes

    • With a low price and solid test performance, Elite’s Zumo might have made this list, if it was readily available in the US market. Maybe next year.
    • Elite’s Direto X is a solid trainer in this category, but just a bit too pricey at $850, when you consider that the KICKR Core is just $50 more while being quieter and more capable.

    Premium Direct Drive Smart Trainers

    Best Accuracy: Tacx Neo 2T ($1399USD)

    The 3rd generation of Tacx’s Neo is the best yet, with more frame compatibility and brake power while maintaining industry-leading noise levels and power accuracy. It’s also got the Tacx “Road Feel” surface simulation feature, which no other trainer can claim.

    Buy now:
    Direct from Tacx/Garmin
    Zwift
    Amazon
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training
    Power Meter City

    Best Ecosystem: Wahoo KICKR 2018 ($1199USD)

    Far and away the most popular smart trainer on Zwift, Wahoo’s 2018 KICKR version suffered some reliability issues early on which seem to be resolved. Built like a tank, with the best inertial feel available. Also compatible with the Climb!

    Buy now:
    Direct from Wahoo
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training

    Best Price: Saris H3 ($999USD)

    This year’s most exciting new trainer, the H3 from Saris (formerly CycleOps) has performed well in tests and costs significantly less than the KICKR or Neo. Still a few firmware niggles to work out, but given its bargain price and bulletproof built this trainer has to make the list!

    Buy now:
    Amazon
    Zwift
    Competitive Cyclist
    REI
    Clever Training
    Power Meter City

    Category Notes:

    • Elite’s Drivo II is a great trainer, but it’s hard to recommend when priced the same as the slightly quieter, more full-featured KICKR.

    Questions or Thoughts?

    Share your input below!

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      Eric Schlange
      Eric Schlangehttp://www.zwiftinsider.com
      Eric runs Zwift Insider in his spare time when he isn't on the bike or managing various business interests. He lives in Northern California with his beautiful wife, two kids and dog. Follow on Strava

      45 COMMENTS

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      Chris Holton
      Chris Holton(@bass_n_bass)
      2 years ago

      avoid the Zumo (if you could get one) if you use android – the resistance doesn’t work in sim mode over bluetooth

      0
      Reply
      Donald ( GH70) Silas
      Donald ( GH70) Silas
      2 years ago

      Thanks Eric good research. My personal experience is that I had a $1200 wheel on a $300 wheel-on trainer. Not smart! Now, I have a budget direct drive CycleOps Hammer, less than $800. I’m still smiling, 4400 miles without a glitch.

      2
      Reply
      Jeff Dyck
      Jeff Dyck
      2 years ago

      You might want to clarify the uses of the term “road feel” – on the Neo 2T review you state “It’s also got road feel, which no other trainer can claim” then on the Kickr review say “Built like a tank, with the best road feel available” – those two uses of “road feel” don’t mean the same thing…

      0
      Reply
      Rob GZ
      Rob GZ(@robgrootzwaaftink)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Jeff Dyck

      Good point! I also was wondering about the difference.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Jeff Dyck

      Good spot! I tweaked it just a bit.

      Rob GZ: Tacx’s “Road Feel” feature simulates different surfaces, so you feel cobbles, wood bridges, etc through your chain. But “road feel” is also a generic term for how realistic a trainer’s inertia is compared to outdoor riding.

      1
      Reply
      Salvatore
      Salvatore(@ciiciio)
      2 years ago

      Why isn’t Elite Direto X listed?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Salvatore

      I mention it! “Elite’s Direto X is a solid trainer in this category, but just a bit too pricey at $850, when you consider that the KICKR Core is just $50 more while being quieter and more capable.”

      2
      Reply
      Jenny
      Jenny
      2 years ago

      Hi, I am relatively new user for smart trainer. Can you please recommend me which model I can used for mountain bike and I want some resistance with it. Thank you

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Jenny

      Lots of models work for MTB. Best to have a direct-drive model so you don’t have to mess with a knobby tire against a roller. Tacx Neo 2T and KICKR and KICKR core all work well with thru axles.

      1
      Reply
      Simon
      Simon
      2 years ago

      Maybe time for a specific category for smart bikes?

      1
      Reply
      Chikken
      Chikken
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Simon

      Would love to see that myself!

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Simon

      I went back and forth on this. I do think we need a good post on smart bikes!

      0
      Reply
      Sabin
      Sabin
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Simon

      The Wahoo Bike destroys everything else. That would be a short article.

      0
      Reply
      David Cooper
      David Cooper
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Sabin

      Except the Kickr Bike is 3 grand. Thats puts it way out of my reach (for one). If there are others at a lower price point they might well be fundamentally less good overall, but at least affordable.

      0
      Reply
      Chris
      Chris
      2 years ago

      I don’t get why people are keen on cassettes included with the trainer. Chances are great that it doesn’t fit at all due to different number of gears, and even with the correct number of gears a recalibration of the derailleur could be necessary in case of different sprocket sizes than on the real rear wheel. Therefore I would always prefer to pay less for the trainer and purchase the cassette I need separately (which can be a cheap one since weight doesn’t matter). To add some personal experience: I’m very happy since half a year with a Wahoo Kickr… Read more »

      2
      Reply
      Ross
      Ross(@arkeele)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Chris

      I believe the Tacx Neo has a motor drive for decents.

      1
      Reply
      David Cooper
      David Cooper
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Chris

      Good point … I can’t imagine the cassette provided would be compatible with my triple 8 speed out of the box.

      0
      Reply
      Stephane Gingras
      Stephane Gingras
      2 years ago

      Nothing on roller.
      I love my Elite Arion Smart Trainer.

      Not the best one but give you a better road feel

      1
      Reply
      James Stevens
      James Stevens
      2 years ago

      got the Elite Direto X for $595. I’d have to believe that would take the budget performer category!

      0
      Reply
      Mark-S
      Mark-S
      2 years ago

      Hi Eric – Have you checked out how the smart trainers work with a rear hydraulic disc brake caliper? We have problems fitting a Liv frame with a rear caliper to a Tacx Flux-S.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Mark-S

      Certain trainers do have clearance issues–Tacx seems to have problems with this espcially. The KICKR is pretty roomy! But really, only the makers seem to know which frames work with their trainers.

      0
      Reply
      Cloned Goat
      Cloned Goat
      2 years ago

      Best budget wheel on is by Kinetic. You don’t mention them at all…

      0
      Reply
      spiro spyratos
      spiro spyratos
      2 years ago

      yesterday , o3/27 , was the end of the promotion. I got an email saying if I become a VIP , I’ll get the Wahoo Kickr for 20% off. so when I went to check out after shelling out for the VIP, I was duped. it told me the trainer didn’t qualify. I tried reaching out to customer service but they are never available no with this virus thing. I want my monty back.. if they don’t uphold what they told me, I might as well buy it full price and support my LBS. s anyone else have this problem?… Read more »

      1
      Reply
      Nedgar Mevers
      Nedgar Mevers
      1 year ago
      Reply to  spiro spyratos

      Hey Spiro. I was wondering if you would join a class action to sue these sheisters. I feel like we were fleeced as the same thing happened to me.

      0
      Reply
      Brian Martinez
      Brian Martinez
      2 years ago

      how do we get free VIP for Clever Training . It is asking me to pay.

      0
      Reply
      Diego Rost
      Diego Rost(@diegorostn)
      2 years ago

      Hi Eric, great article! quick one… Wahoo Kickr Snap its sold out everywhere, the only viable option is the Saris M2 for the same 500USD… I need to start training indoor with this whole virus! Wahoo will only be available mid-may in stores (month and a half from now)

      Should I just go with the Saris M2?

      Thanks!
      Diego

      0
      Reply
      Dana
      Dana
      2 years ago

      Hi, I have a road bike I would like to use for indoor training and connectivity to Zwift. I would like to be able to ride standing as well as sitting. Could you please suggest the setup I need to accomplish this goal? Thank you

      0
      Reply
      John Piasecki
      John Piasecki
      2 years ago

      I just started racing on Zwift and really enjoy it. I have an old Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and use a Wahoo SC sensor. I noticed that Zwift Power states using z-power disqualifies you from winning the race. I am thinking about upgrading my trainer to a Wahoo Kickr Snap but don’t know who the Snap calculates power. If it sends z-power to Zwift I need to look for another model. Do you have any recommendations for me?

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  John Piasecki

      zPower is just what dumb trainers send to Zwift – see this post: https://zwiftinsider.com/virtual-power/

      A Wahoo KICKR Snap, or any other trainer on this page, is a smart trainer.

      My recommendation: get the best trainer you can afford. Once you go direct drive, you’ll never go back to wheel on! KICKR Snap is the best wheel on trainer out there, but the KICKR Core is way better!

      0
      Reply
      John Piasecki
      John Piasecki
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Thanks!

      0
      Reply
      Mathias Ritter
      Mathias Ritter
      2 years ago

      Hi Eric. I am battling to choose between the Tacx or Wahoo. The Tacx Neo looks amazing but so is the price. For the Flux S Smart, do you think the climb gradient is limited? I am a keen rider (MTB mainly) with biggest targets being stage races around the African region. I also do a fair bit of intervals, therefore on stability of trainer which one would you recomend, wahoo or Tacx?

      0
      Reply
      Mathias Ritter
      Mathias Ritter
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Mathias Ritter

      Sorry should have precised that I am tossing between the top two of each brand. Therefore Neo and Flux for Tacx and kikr and kikr core for wahoo

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Mathias Ritter

      My personal ranking would be:

      Wahoo KICKR
      Tacx Neo 2T
      Wahoo KICKR Core
      Tacx Flux S

      I like the “feel” of the KICKR more than the Neo – but both are top-notch trainers. Really comes down to what you’re willing to spend.

      0
      Reply
      Mathias Ritter
      Mathias Ritter
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Thanks a lot for your help. Cheers.

      0
      Reply
      Anilr
      Anilr
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Will 2020 see a refreshed Wahoo Kickr ? Similarly torn between Tacx Neo 2T and Wahoo Kickr and after riding on Cyclops M2 trainer wheel on trainer looking to move to direct drive. Liked Tacx for 1) no calibration required every time you ride and road feel

      0
      Reply
      Csabi
      Csabi
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Hello. Are you Still Saying Wahoo KICKR is the best trainer? I am about to buy a new indoor trainer and I planned to buy Tacx Neo 2T. Now I am thinking about Wahoo KICKR. Thank you.

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Csabi

      As I said above: “I like the “feel” of the KICKR more than the Neo – but both are top-notch trainers. Really comes down to what you’re willing to spend.”

      0
      Reply
      Alex
      Alex
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Hi Eric. Where would you place the Saris H3 compared to the 4 trainers you listed above?

      0
      Reply
      Patrick Seurinck
      Patrick Seurinck
      2 years ago

      Better read this before you buy an elite Suito: https://forums.zwift.com/t/elite-suito-power-readings/113091/23
      Tested it today against a power2max power meter. Lower watt readings are accurate, @450W, the suite is 10% lower, @750W, the suito gives more than 20% lower values.
      Which makes it very problematic for racing on zwift or for combining indoor training with outdoor training with a powermeter on the bike.

      0
      Reply
      Julian
      Julian
      2 years ago

      I’m between the wahoo kickr core and saris H3…. having in mind I wont buy the kickr climb witch do you think is better?

      thanks 🤙

      0
      Reply
      Julian
      Julian
      2 years ago

      I’m between the wahoo kickr core and saris H3…. having in mind I wont buy the kickr climb witch do you think is better?

      thanks 🤙

      0
      Reply
      Kristaps
      Kristaps
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Julian

      Same for me! Can’t choose between CORE and H3.

      0
      Reply
      Philippe Maltais
      Philippe Maltais
      1 year ago

      Hello. Has anyone tried Think Ryder. I believe it is a Aliexpress version of the Wahoo kick

      0
      Reply
      William Randolph
      William Randolph
      1 year ago

      Whats better Saris M2 Smart or Wahoo Kickr Snap

      0
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  William Randolph

      KICKR snap! Better specs.

      0
      Reply
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