chelseaa95

Just wanting to see if anyone on here rides on trainers indoors? I am currently on a cheap one that I got from Amazon, But I was wanting to switch over to a like Zwift program and wondered if anyone on here uses trainers. What are y'alls recommendations? My two current options: Qubo Digital Smart B+ and Tacx Vortex Smart.

brawlo

PatrickR400

The site you want to check for your sport tech is DC Rainmaker; the guy has everything about everything and extensive product and comparison reviews. He rate the Qubo very high

I had a Tacx Ironman which gave up the ghost and now use an Elite Drivo. My previous bike was not compatible with direct drive trainers like the Drivo but if it had I would have gone that way.

Sojodave

I was in your boat and picked up a Wahoo Kickr Snap. It's 600 bones, but it's considered the best on-wheel trainer and works great with Zwift. I was considering the Kinetic rock and roll because it sways back and forth. I read a review where someone cracked their frame using it so it scared me off.

velojym

I have a "dumb" TacX I haven't set up yet. Considered Zwift, but don't want to budget a "smart" trainer until I get set up and comfortable, so I just figured I'd watch some good cycling footage on the TV in front of it for a while. I have a Cannondale M500 frame I was going to build up, but apathy and an inability/unwillingness to overcome inertia has it gathering dust in the basement. I figured I could do a partial "trainer" build, sans brakes and shifters, and use it for a while, until I felt comfortable actually riding on my Surly LHT.

cyclist2000

I don't use zwift, but I do have a Kinetic Road Machine. I can't see spending money on another trainer. I try to get out instead of riding indoors weather permitting

TrojanHorse

I have a kickr and use zwift in the winter... I can't stand riding trainers, TV or not, for more than 30 min. but I put in a 3 and a half hour ride last February on Zwift, so I personally consider zwift a game changer.

If you want to TRY zwift out before spending a wad on a trainer, you can always use your current trainer. You'll need a speed sensor that transmits to whatever you're running zwift on in order to get a connection. Zwift has power profiles for some trainers (not sure if yours is one... they call it z-power) that they use to approximate the power you're putting out. It's not as good as a real smart trainer but it might be enough to get let you figure out if you want to pursue it.

dagray

I use a BKool Pro (1st generation) and have since I was almost 400 pounds back in October 2014. It works with the BKool software/app and Zwift.

You can't go wrong with a TacX smart trainer.

Depending on your weight you might want to stay away from a direct drive trainer as most of those have a weight limit of 250-275 pounds.

jpescatore

Two years with Wahoo Kickr SNAP and Zwift. Great indoor riding over the winter, I think now I'm actually in better shape in March than I am in July...

ill.clyde

Another happy Kickr Snap user here. I shelled out for it last winter, and it, along with Zwift, as has been said, is a total game changer.

I went into this outdoor season in good shape, and have ridden myself into better shape outdoors this year. Won't be long and I'll be back on it indoors again, and I hope to ride myself into great shape over the winter.

If you can afford the setup for a smart trainer and Zwift, I can't recommend it enough.

CoreyMart

Very similar situation to you, had a cheap fluid trainer from Amazon. I upgraded to a TacX Vortex smart trainer about 6 weeks ago and I can't believe what a difference it has made. I wish I would have upgraded sooner.

expatbrit

I have and have used a TACX Vortex with Zwift. Good stuff when it's too hot outside, or when I am lazy. The girl gets nervous with me riding after dark right now for good reason, so it'll probably get a lot of winter use.

sdmc530

Danhedonia

Kickr Snap users - do you have to do a spin down / recalibrate each and every time you take the bike on/off the trainer?

Buying this week, hoping for some insight here.

ill.clyde

I don't do spin down/recalibrate enough I'm sure, but I don't think you have to do it every time. They may say you should ... but I don't know that I follow that.


For anyone considering a Wahoo trainer, they're running their 0% financing program again. I did it last year and it was quick and easy and a great way to stay motivated. My last payment came right before I started riding outdoors again

Danhedonia

I am ok with spending $600 cash, and am looking for my REI dividend to be padded.

What I can't stand is the thought of doing 'extra' work just to use the device. I'm basically sure that I'll buy an extra rear wheel for the SNAP (because I already have a ton of cassettes), and in essence turn the SNAP into a wheel-off trainer by dint of the wheel always staying attached.

Ranfrol

Same experience for me, but the thing that got me was I can ride several hours outdoor, but on my trainer 1 1/2 hours is the max. Must be the fact you just do not have the coasting effect with the trainer.

ill.clyde

A lack of coasting, yes ... and a lack of standing ... I'm not one to usually stand and get out of the saddle while Zwifting. Both of those give your sensitive bits a break while riding outdoors.

bautieri

I have a cheap fluid trainer ($10 craigslist special). It feels like you're constantly riding uphill in a headwind, in sand. It's quite the upgrade from my cheap magnetic trainer which you could overpower once it got hot.