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    Hardware/EquipmentTrainers

    Your Picks: Top-Rated Wheel-On Smart Trainers for Zwifters

    Eric Schlange
    By Eric Schlange
    September 24, 2020
    35

    Wheel-on trainers are what everyone rode 10 years ago. Cheaper than their direct-drive cousins, they’re also dead simple – just snug up your axle, tighten the roller to your tire, and go!

    That said, direct-drive trainers are what the market is most interested in today because they’re more accurate, consistent, and deliver a more realistic feel than wheel-on trainers. So manufacturers are investing their R&D in the direct-drive side of things, which means we aren’t seeing a lot of new models or innovation in the wheel-on space.

    Still, many Zwifters begin their journey with a wheel-on trainer due to affordability, so it’s worth taking a look at which wheel-on turbos are the best. Here are the top picks for wheel-on trainers, including a note explaining why certain trainers weren’t included. This list will be continually updated as new trainers are released and Zwifters continue to share their reviews.

    About Our Selections

    Thanks to almost 1000 reviews in our Smart Trainer Index, we’re able to crunch numbers and share crowdsourced buying advice on smart trainers. The trainers below were selected based on overall ratings, total number of reviews, and several other factors.

    Premium Option: Wahoo KICKR Snap Gen 2 (2017)

    Far and away the most popular wheel-on smart trainer on the market, Wahoo’s KICKR Snap is the premium choice for anyone seeking the budget-friendly, keep-your-bike-intact benefits of a wheel-on trainer setup. The Snap used to be priced at $599, making it one of the most expensive wheel-on trainers available. But Wahoo lowered the price in July 2019, making it very difficult to recommend any other wheel-on trainer unless a rider is looking for the very lowest price option (see the Tacx Flow below).

    The Snap has a large flywheel, giving it one of the best road feels in its class. Accuracy and max wattage also match or exceed the competition, and Wahoo’s customer support is second to none.  Of course, it’s compatible with the Climb. All of these factors combine to make it difficult to recommend a wheel-on trainer besides the KICKR Snap – the only challenge is that Wahoo has a difficult time keeping them in stock!

    Key Specs

    • MSRP: $499.99 USD
    • Accuracy: +-3%
    • Flywheel: 10.5lb
    • Max Wattage: 1500 W
    • Max Incline: 12%

    Overall Rating

    (68 reviews)

    Easy setup
    94%
    Accurate power
    41%
    Realistic inertia
    43%
    Well-built
    82%
    Helpful support
    38%
    Portable/storable
    74%
    Quiet
    44%
    Budget-friendly
    84%

    About this chart

    Read all reviews

    Related Posts

    Where to Buy

    Backcountry
    Competitive Cyclist $499.99 In stock
    Wahoo $499.99 In stock
    REI $500

    Looking for more info on the KICKR Snap?

    Click for detailed specifications, reviews from Zwifters, and more!

    Budget Option: Tacx Flow Smart

    The cheapest smart trainer from a major maker, the Flow Smart from Tacx is a significant downgrade from the Wahoo KICKR Snap, with reduced accuracy, max wattage, and flywheel weight. But it’s also more affordable, so if budget is your #1 factor, the Flow may be the perfect way to get going on Zwift!

    Key Specs

    • MSRP: $369.99 USD
    • Accuracy: +-5%
    • Flywheel: 3.5lb
    • Max Wattage: 800 W
    • Max Incline: 6%

    Overall Rating

    (38 reviews)

    Easy setup
    92%
    Accurate power
    13%
    Realistic inertia
    3%
    Well-built
    39%
    Helpful support
    0%
    Portable/storable
    74%
    Quiet
    21%
    Budget-friendly
    97%

    About this chart

    Read all reviews

    Related Posts

    Where to Buy

    Backcountry
    Competitive Cyclist $369.99 In stock
    Garmin
    JensonUSA $369.99 In Stock
    Performance Bike In stock
    REI $370 In stock
    The Pro’s Closet $369.99 In stock
    Amazon

    Looking for more info on the Tacx Flow Smart?

    Click for detailed specifications, reviews from Zwifters, and more!

    Two Trainers We Left Out

    Kinetic was such a huge name in the indoor trainer space, but they were slow to hop aboard the smart trainer train. It appears they’re finally chugging along now, though, with their Road Machine Control and Rock and Roll Control trainers getting some good reviews, and the R1 direct-drive trainer finally making some inroads as well. Still, we’re wary of recommending the Road Machine Control above the same-priced KICKR Snap when it’s less proven and offers no significantly improved features.

    The Saris M2 is a decent wheel-on offering, but with a tiny flywheel and slightly worse power accuracy than the lower-priced KICKR Snap. Saris needs to drop their price to be competitive.

    Questions or Comments?

    Got trainer questions? Want to let us know what you think of our choices? Comment below!

    Related Posts

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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

      35 COMMENTS

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      35 Comments
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      Colin Peerman
      Colin Peerman
      2 years ago

      Eric, might want to put a picture of the Snap next to the review….

      3
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Colin Peerman

      Yipes! Wrong number in the code. Fixed.

      0
      Reply
      Simon Whitmore
      Simon Whitmore
      2 years ago

      Also you mention Core rather than Snap in the Flow description.. cheers

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

      Jimmeny Christmas, what was I drinking when I published this? Fixed!

      2
      Reply
      Colin Peerman
      Colin Peerman
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Dunno, but please send some here  🍻 

      3
      Reply
      David Adams
      David Adams
      2 years ago

      Regardless of the wheel-on trainer you select, you will have better results if you use a trainer-specific tire on the bike such as the Continental Hometrainer. The rubber compound sticks better to the trainer so there is less slipping at higher resistance

      2
      Reply
      David Cooper
      David Cooper
      2 years ago
      Reply to  David Adams

      Can definitely vouch for the Conti Hometrainer. Upwards of 5,500 miles on Zwift with mine and still going strong.

      -1
      Reply
      Ian M
      Ian M
      2 years ago

      As the owner of a second hand Snap (g2), I have been unsettled by one thing. No power button or auto off as far as I can tell. Ive been unplugging it after every ride. The short lead on the trainer doesnt invite a 2 hand operation and Im worried that yanking the cord repeatedly is going to lead to a failure later on. Am I alone here?

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

      No trainer has a power button or auto off. Even the most expensive ones!

      Best bet is a wifi smart power strip so you can turn it (and your fans!) off easily from your phone: https://amzn.to/3mRznga

      0
      Reply
      David Cooper
      David Cooper
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Or … you know … a switch.

      3
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      2 years ago
      Reply to  David Cooper

      Sure, David Cooper… except I like to be able to turn fan(s) on and off while riding. Smart strip makes it easy to do that.

      0
      Reply
      Mr Gavin Marshall
      Mr Gavin Marshall
      2 years ago
      Reply to  David Cooper

      My tacx genius has a power switch….

      0
      Reply
      David Adams
      David Adams
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Dang, Eric, that power strip makes my beanie spin! I mean, I already have “Alexa, turn on the fan”, but that takes it to a new level! Thanks for the link!

      0
      Reply
      Matt
      Matt
      2 years ago

      QUESTION: does Snap take cadence into account in measuring power?

      I have a Snap and external cadence but power measurement doesn’t seem to respond to cadence changes in the way my Asiamo pedals on my outdoor bike do.

      I doubt it’s factored in, but even if inaccurate there, I still love it. Great trainer for somebody who’s not a bike racer in need of super precise performance.

      0
      Reply
      David Adams
      David Adams
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Matt

      I might be wrong on this, but… The devices measure torque in different ways. Your pedals measure the input torque from you by measuring the force you put on a pedal. In that way, changing gears changes the amount of force you put on the pedals which instantly translates to torque. When measuring at the wheel, or even with a direct-drive trainer, the momentum of the rotating flywheel maintains a more consistent torque output. The difference between the pedals and trainer measurement is greatest when comparing behavior between pedaling and coasting.

      0
      Reply
      Matt
      Matt
      2 years ago
      Reply to  David Adams

      Thanks. I guess I’m also talking about the fact that higher cadence can also produce higher power. So when I downshift on a climb, I’m definitely not putting same torque on pedals, but the increased cadence shows up in a higher wattage. It seems like that’s missing on my Snap.

      0
      Reply
      Tristen Bell
      Tristen Bell
      2 years ago

      How can these companies market a power @ +/- 3% when its clear its no where near this?

      1
      Reply
      Robert Dupuy
      Robert Dupuy
      2 years ago

      The question is spend $370 on a toy that you’ll hate, or $750 for a direct drive trainer. Why am I so sure some folks will hate the choice of a wheel-on trainer, well your power will be overestimated. All your speed and accomplishments in Zwift can be attributed to the inaccruate power readings, and not your athletic accomplishment. You are only marginally in a different situation than using zpower and a dumb trainer. Oh don’t get me wrong, I was happy with my wheel-on trainer for six months or so and the main reason I junked it, is it… Read more »

      -5
      Reply
      Fred
      Fred
      2 years ago
      Reply to  Robert Dupuy

      Allow me to retort, I’ve been using a smart wheel on trainer for more then 4 years with no problems. I bought a quarq power meter and a wahoo snap for cheaper then I could have a wahoo kicker. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a wheel on trainer if you can set it up correctly. https://youtu.be/waV9l2wMANM

      5
      Reply
      JohnM
      JohnM(@johnmattison)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Fred

      As well as that, the quarq works on your outside rides too I guess.

      0
      Reply
      Fred
      Fred
      2 years ago

      The biggest advantage that the Kinetic trainers have on other trainers is that they can take any rear spacing setup especially track bicycles..

      2
      Reply
      Pat
      Pat
      2 years ago

      Hello Eric and thanks for all the awesome content. I currently ride a kickr snap which I’ve had since January, 2018. It still works fine and I’ve been happy with it the entire time I have owned it. I have done plenty of harder routes (such as the Alpe) on it and plan on tackling your couch to route program this winter. Is it worth it for me to upgrade to a direct drive trainer since I’ll be riding harder/longer routes or should I just ride my snap til it dies? Its hard for me to resist wahoo’s 0 down… Read more »

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

      In my experience, people who upgrade from wheel on to direct drive are very happy they did. For me it was a night and day difference and such a better ride feel. If you’ve got the funds, I would upgrade and sell the Snap.

      1
      Reply
      AFC
      AFC(@chris-kilner)
      2 years ago

      For those using an Apple TV with limited Bluetooth channels, the Saris M2 has the advantage of sending power, control, and cadence on a single channel, whereas the Snap still needs a separate cadence sensor and channel. The M2 lets you get cadence and use a HR monitor without needing a Companion bridge… a big plus for the Saris M2 in my book.

      2
      Reply
      David
      David
      1 year ago
      Reply to  AFC

      I have the M2 and agree completely..!

      0
      Reply
      Enzo Bartolomei
      Enzo Bartolomei
      2 years ago

      My first one was a Snap and I must say, I will never regret buying that. It probably isn’t the most realistic, but I’m v happy to ride with it 🙂

      0
      Reply
      Pete Mitchell
      Pete Mitchell
      1 year ago

      I have the Elite Novo. It is fantastic, and it only cost £260. I highly recommend it.

      1
      Reply
      David
      David
      1 year ago

      Not sure why it wasn’t reviewed here but I ended up buying the Saris M2; Initially I had a real hard time getting it to sync with Zwift but after a firmware update, it works fine.

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

      See “Two Trainers We Left Out” section near the bottom….

      0
      Reply
      David
      David
      1 year ago
      Reply to  Eric Schlange

      Duh…thank you.!

      0
      Reply
      paul bennett
      paul bennett
      1 year ago

      What about the Elite Tuo?

      1
      Reply
      Eric Schlange
      Author
      Top Member
      Eric Schlange(@eschlange)
      1 year ago
      Reply to  paul bennett

      Hasn’t been available/used/reviewed enough to make our cut yet!

      0
      Reply
      Bikelink
      Bikelink(@darren-r-linkin)
      1 year ago

      Dying for a “what to use when traveling” trainer…like if not by car not my own bike. So took my saris fluid 2 and this was unlike me didn’t check nah my hosts folding bikes (I’m being SUPER flexible here) 6 inch gap to roller (have the speed/cadence wahoo sensors and iPad). If driving whole way no problem whatever take bike kickr heck climb. Snap is enormously heavy too so not much help here. I think need to get “dumb” “Omnium over drive” progressive renaissance roller clamps FRONT axle and tons of axle options for front, 14 lbs has own… Read more »

      0
      Reply
      Craig Weaver
      Craig Weaver
      9 months ago

      And you don’t rank the Computrainer because?…

      0
      Reply
      Neil
      Neil
      5 months ago

      What about a review on Elite models please?

      0
      Reply
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