Zwift:HUB indoor trainer with cassette $499
 

Zwift:HUB indoor trainer $499 with cassette is a KILLER deal!

Thoughts? Interest?

I am probably going to snag one..

https://us.zwift.com/pages/zwift-hub

The 2.5% accuracy isn't great if you're racing and Campagnolo riders like myself won't be supported, but I love the idea for Zwift. A simple direct drive smart trainer with incredibly easy setup with their cards, but still gives people the full smart experience. Comes with cassettes ranging from 8-12 speed so new riders can just use whatever bike they have gathering dust in their garage. You don't even need to calibrate. All for $500.

When they started talking about making their own trainer/smartbike, they were talking about making an all-in-one system like Peloton has so that it would be very easy to onboard new riders who just bought the system and hopped onboard (then they got all fancy in their plans and instead started designing high end things for enthusiasts like themselves). The environment has changed, but this gets them back to their first reason to make a trainer.

It's really a killer trainer for the price.. I am seriously considering it..

I would be too. Looks like you can still get the Saris H3 for a bit under $400 with similar specs (but not the ease of integration into Zwift), but, other than that, it looks like a killer option if it's what you want to do. I got lucky last winter that, just as my last trainer broke, Zwift was blowing out their supply of Direto XR trainers for about $100 more. Had it happened after they came out with this trainer, I might have chosen it instead.

Anyone who buys - pls post notes, would appreciate hearing your experience. thx.

fwiw, it's basically a rebranded one of these: https://www.jetblackcycling.com/indo...cycle-trainer/

DCrainmaker did a review on this if you're interested also

His review video is listed in the OP..

Sorry missed that... but go back a year and there's a full review on the original (pre-Zwift) model

I got an email about this as soon as I placed an order with REI for a Saris H3 on sale. The power accuracy on that is 2%, so this isn't significantly worse.

Also, in the Saris H3 setup video they claim an 11-speed Campy drivetrain will work with a Shimano 11 speed cassette. My Shimano cassette is 11-34T, and my Campy derailleur is set up for a 29T max, so I haven't tried, but thought it was of interest (assuming they aren't BS-ing).

I'm curious if it locks you into Zwift somehow. I am trying Rouvy for the first time, and like it a lot more.

I just watched the DC Rainmaker video and it sounds like they (Zwift) have some firmware issues to work out, but it should be available by October, and he says it will work with anything Bluetooth/ANT+.

It's similar to the Jet Black but with improvements (he covers them in the video) and I don't recall if the Jet Black came with a cassette of your choice or not but I don't think it did..

According to DCRainmakers video you are not.. If it were then I prob would not purchase it.

I'll get around to the video. A bit OT though.. how much value is there in a cassette coming with the trainer. What are the odds these days of it coincidentally being the needed 10, 11, 12, 13 or 9-speed(?) that the bike owner would need for it to work?

I guess the value of the cassette is for each person to decide. For $500 it looks like a very good, well equipped trainer. Is it for hardcore training? No, but I think for the masses like me who just want to stay active when the weather turns bad it's a great option at a great price..

He says in the video they will offer a selection.

I had an extra 105 sitting around, but many people have to shell out an additional ca. $80

I just paid $650 or something like that on sale from REI. Their own website says $800. What have I missed?

All 11 speed cassettes from the big 3 had the same spacing. If you're using 10 speed (like me) or 12, that's not the case.
I've seen it several places for sub$400 recently. Just took this from the Zwift sub-re ddi t as an example "This is on slickdeals currently: Saris.com has Saris H3 Direct Drive Indoor Bike Smart Trainer for $384 when you apply discount code CSDEALDD-40 at checkout. Shipping is free."

Well, it isn't quite that good, but definitely better than what I paid for it a few days ago:


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7e76fd4a29.png
Maybe what I paid for it at REI was a discount that was previously on their website, so that would account for the small remaining difference.

The net result of this is it makes me want to take mine back and not get anything from them.

A trainer that you have that works and has a warranty (and an actual physical place you can return it) is better than a trainer that you might be able to get from the internet at a future point with a pricing that seems to change by the day (hour?) and may not be the same price when you finally order. At least to me. This summer, Saris themselves was blowing out all their trainer products (really wanted their rocker plate, but the budget wasn't there) at like half off as they were trying to liquidate inventory to get themselves in a better place so they could try to find someone to buy them.

Yeah, the nice thing about REI is if I get one of the 10% or whatever it is that are lemons, I can return it. I can't really justify returning a functional one, just two save a couple hundred nearly worthless CA dollars.

Looks pretty much the same as any other mid-range trainer. Quoted power accuracy is not great either. I had an Elite Direto X for a couple of years, which was more accurate and rock solid. So I would go with a more proven brand (Elite, Wahoo, Tacx, etc) if I was in the market for a new trainer. I don't see any usp for Zwift here.

I don't think any of these budget type trainers are intended for the hardcore and/or those looking for accuracy. The trainer you mention is $400 more. I think some are missing the point that for $500, with an included cassette of your choice, it's a good deal for those just looking for a trainer to stay active during inclement weather or to just get a quick ride in..

Love REI.... :thumb:

I picked up my Direto X on sale for about the same price as this Zwift unit, but yeah I take your point. It does look like a good deal if there are no teething troubles. That would be my main concern given that the unit it is based on appeared to have some issues previously (unless I'm mistaken - which I could be!)

I think the main issue with the JetBlack Volt was that the old outer casing (since redesigned) didn't work with all disc-brake frames. Seems there are a few teething issues with Zwift's proprietary firmware, but, if they can get it fixed by the release date, it seems like it'd be a decent machine for a decent price. DC Rainmaker says that the accuracy of the Volt was more in the 1-1.5% range based on his tests. If the new trainer can hit that and they change the specs to claim that (which would make it eligible for high end racing even if it doesn't have the resistance many high end racers would want), it'd be a great deal.

I got my Direto XR for not much more than the Z Hub's list because Zwift was blowing out their pandemic-bloated inventory. Saris was selling the H3 at less than $400 recently to blow out their pandemic-bloated inventory. For people not lucky enough to be in the market when those special sales are going on, this seems like a solid option for 95% of riders (and especially to get new riders in the door). Would be nice if LBS could sell it as a gateway option as well.

I'll get one for my wife, I think it's perfect for her and the coming winter.