Today we got some fun news–a new direct-drive smart trainer has been announced. It’s been a while!
Elite’s newest smart trainer is a compact, easy to set up unit named “Suito” (pronounced “sweet-oh”). Here’s their promo video (Zwift even makes a cameo appearance):
At $799USD, the Suito’s specifications and pricing have it competing with the Wahoo KICKR Core ($899), Tacx Flux S ($749), and Elite’s own Direto ($799).
Specs
- Cassette: 11-speed Shimano 105, 11-28
- Flywheel: 3.5kg/7.7lbs
- Max Simulated Incline: 15%
- Max Resistance: 1900w
- Stated Accuracy: +/- 2.5%
- Protocol Compatibility: ANT+ FE-C, ANT +Power, ANT+ Speed & Cadence, Bluetooth FTMS (Trainer Control), Bluetooth Power, Bluetooth Speed & Cadence
- Compatibility: 130/135 QR, 142×12 thru-axle included (and 148×12 Boost adapter available)
- Weight: 14.5kg / 31.96lbs
How’s It Special?
DC Rainmaker says, “I suspect this will be the trainer to beat value-wise this year.”
The Suito is essentially an upgraded Direto, at the same price. While its slope simulation, power accuracy, and max wattage are very similar to the Direto, the Suito is quieter and performs better in ERG mode. Plus: it comes with a cassette!
Cassette Included
The cassette thing is kind of a big deal, actually. It is baffling, but the Suito is the only smart trainer other than Wahoo’s $1199 KICKR shipping with a cassette.
For some, the cassette issue isn’t a big one. But many cyclists don’t own the tools or possess the expertise to swap a cassette. Buying a cassette and the tools to install it can run ~$100, so this is a significant consideration for anyone who doesn’t have a spare cassette and chain whip and lockring removed sitting around.
Elite’s marketing is really focusing on the Suito’s ease of setup (and I quote):
This is Elite’s first direct-drive hometrainer that comes totally pre-assembled out of the box….
Total setup time: less than five minutes.
Compact/Portable
The unit folds to a very compact shape, only 8″/20cm tall if you lay it on its side. It would be even smaller if you removed the skewer, which is the widest part.
Quiet
DC Rainmaker says the Suito is indeed quiet–he guesses it’s a bit louder than the very quiet Wahoo KICKR Core, but quieter than the Elite Direto. So, quieter than your fan!
Zwifty Bonuses
Cadence Included
AppleTV users will be happy to see the Suito includes cadence in its Bluetooth data, meaning you still have a Bluetooth connection available for your heart rate monitor, making setup quick and easy.
Free Month of Zwift
Every Suito includes a card which gives you a 1 free month of Zwift membership.
Availability
US deliveries are expected in the first week of September. Clever Training is currently taking pre-orders for delivery in “late September.”
Moreover, the streamlined design ensures compatibility with various bicycle models and sprocket sets on the market.
Cadence included in Bluetooth signal, nice for AppleTV users.
More Info
Looking for more details on the Suito, including power accuracy and unboxing? Check out DC Rainmaker’s post >
Your Thoughts
What do you think? Does this look like a trainer you may want to pick up for the next Zwift season? Comment below!
I wonder what happened to the Zumo and why Elite switched things up. I hope this catches on so it forces Wahoo to bring down their prices.
Why am I never able to be happy?
Including a cassette with the trainer is laudable but why not offer a choice? Not everyone uses a 12-speed cassette. I for one am using a 9 speed. Now I must replace the 12-speed with a new 9-speed cassette. Goodbye $100. The 12-speed will go in my parts bin perhaps never to see the light of day again. Many others will have the same problem. One of the complaints against not including a cassette was the need to have the tools to install one. Only cyclists with 12-seed shifters will benefit from the included 12-speed cassette others will still need the special tools.
I’ve been saving for the Direto. This may be my new target, though. Storage space is a bit limited, so the Suito seems to be the one to beat
“The Suito is essentially an upgraded Direto, at the same price. While its slope simulation, power accuracy, and max wattage are very similar to the Direto, the Suito is quieter and performs better in ERG mode. Plus: it comes with a cassette!”
It’s not exactly a straight upgrade. , Also, the MSRP is technically $100 less on the Suito:
Advantages of Suito over the Direto:
1. Multiple sensor streams over bluetooth so that you can have cadence, heart rate, power with Apple TV
2. Higher resistance (but how many target customers are going to benefit from resistance over 1400W at 40km/h? For reference, my Tacx Satori tops out at just under 1000W at 40K and I’ve missed resistance less times than I can count on 1 hand in years of use)
3. More compact and a bit more portable
4. Less noise (though not by much if you have a Direto that doesn’t hum)
5. Less lag in Erg mode (but pending actual reviews to see how reliable this is).
6. Cassette
7. Slightly beefier drive belt (will this translate into improved reliability over Direto? Apparently, Elite has done work to improve reliability of Direto belt system since earlier models)
Advantages of Direto over the Suito:
1. Optical power sensor (no heat compensation required to get bang on accurate power readings – this is a huge factor for those that care about accurate, reliable power from a cost-sensitive direct-drive trainer)
2. Slightly larger flywheel (though doesn’t seem to make all that much difference in feel?)
3. Can currently be obtained for less than the Suito’s starting MSRP (which matters if you need it right now).
If the Suito had the optical power sensor (or if you’re an Apple TV die hard) I’d agree with the “upgraded Direto” description. But given the above, the distinction is a bit more muddy. Strange for Elite to come out with two such similar trainers. Probably means that they are gearing up for a new-and-improved Direto (a real “Direto 2”) – maybe just a Suito with optical Power? – at a price point that better fits the mid point of the Suito and Drivo II.