Smart Turbo Trainers

godtabh

Any recommendations on affordable smart turbo trainers? Budget ideally less than €400

Ideally looking for automatic resistance settings through Bluetooth that will work with trainerroad/zwift etc.

tunney

godtabh wrote: »

Any recommendations on affordable smart turbo trainers? Budget ideally less than €400

Ideally looking for automatic resistance seeings through Bluetooth that will work with trainerroad/zwift etc.

LOL. I love the way you always tool for high end features for bargain basement prices.....

Macy0161

I think there's plenty of options under that price range? When I was looking, it was the maximum resistance/ slope simulation that changed as you went more money. I nearly pulled the trigger on the Tacx Flow T2240 in Halfords a while back (€240ish before axa discount). Was recommended on here/ was a bargain alert, and is supported by trainerroad iirc.

In the end I went direct drive over smart, so I went for the non-smart turbo Muin in the end!

Daroxtar

Tax vortex smart.
See DcRainmaker reviews here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/2015-2016trainer-recommendations.html
I got mine on sale for about €300 with extra software. Great job altogether

godtabh

Daroxtar wrote: »

Tax vortex smart.
See DcRainmaker reviews here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/2015-2016trainer-recommendations.html
I got mine on sale for about €300 with extra software. Great job altogether

Yeah read that and saw the Elite Qubo Digital Smart B+ was recommended.

Where did you get yours on sale? Is it noisy?

CramCycle

tunney wrote: »

LOL. I love the way you always tool for high end features for bargain basement prices.....

MOD VOICE: Neither a discussion nor anything useful. If you have nothing that adds to either, it may be best you sit back and not interact for awhile. Any questions, via PM please.

Borderfox

I have a bkool classic and as far as I know they are around the €250 mark, great trainer as they go and natural feeling resistance. Works with all you want trainerroad and zwift

godtabh

Borderfox wrote: »

I have a bkool classic and as far as I know they are around the €250 mark, great trainer as they go and natural feeling resistance. Works with all you want trainerroad and zwift

Has that been discontinued? Dont see it on their website any more.

godtabh

This one seems to have the proper electronic controls

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-flow-t2240-smart-turbo-trainer

Decent price also

iwillhtfu

godtabh wrote: »

This one seems to have the proper electronic controls

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-flow-t2240-smart-turbo-trainer

Decent price also

I have this although I got it for €159 last summer.

It's a grand machine and works well with zwift. I think it's limited on the gradient it can replicate but more than enough of a work out.

I should add I'm on my third one after a couple of issues with other but so far this one is going well. It's also fairly quiet.

godtabh

iwillhtfu wrote: »

I have this although I got it for €159 last summer.

It's a grand machine and works well with zwift. I think it's limited on the gradient it can replicate but more than enough of a work out.

I should add I'm on my third one after a couple of issues with other but so far this one is going well. It's also fairly quiet.

Did you need anything extra for swift?

iwillhtfu

godtabh wrote: »

Did you need anything extra for swift?

picked up an ant+ and usb extension lead off amazon for around €15 nothing else required. Plug and play and picks up all devices no problem.

mp2012

Sorry to piggyback, in Zwift is the sensation of changing resistances etc plus gradient increases realistic. I have a basic old turbo and am considering upgrading and this seems like an ok unit and price. Thanks.

Daroxtar

godtabh wrote: »

Yeah read that and saw the Elite Qubo Digital Smart B+ was recommended.

Where did you get yours on sale? Is it noisy?

I got mine from Rose. There was a special deal which included the additional Tacx software for free. I don't see that on the website anymore but you don't need the software unless you want to run RLV videos or the Google Street view simulator.
It's silent enough. Only noise really comes from the tyre or the chain or me gasping. I usually use it at night or early when the kids are in bed, never any issues

godtabh

Daroxtar wrote: »

I got mine from Rose. There was a special deal which included the additional Tacx software for free. I don't see that on the website anymore but you don't need the software unless you want to run RLV videos or the Google Street view simulator.
It's silent enough. Only noise really comes from the tyre or the chain or me gasping. I usually use it at night or early when the kids are in bed, never any issues

My plan is to use it early in the morning before any one gets up.

The current going rate is about €350 delivered that I can see.

I think at this stage I'm going to get my stupid turbo set up for swift and see if I enjoy it and if I do I'll look to get it in a couple of weeks were maybe Black Friday/other sales reduce the price.

dahat

I'm using the Tacx Satori Smart with Trainerroad last 2.5 weeks and while it doesn't have the resistance adjustment from Trainerroad I can't fault it tbh.Ipicked it up for €179.

Gives a real good feel and workout once it's calibrated and using a specific tyre.

godtabh

Macy0161 wrote: »

I think there's plenty of options under that price range? When I was looking, it was the maximum resistance/ slope simulation that changed as you went more money. I nearly pulled the trigger on the Tacx Flow T2240 in Halfords a while back (€240ish before axa discount). Was recommended on here/ was a bargain alert, and is supported by trainerroad iirc.

In the end I went direct drive over smart, so I went for the non-smart turbo Muin in the end!

Axa are having 15% off for members. Going to see if I can get a hold of a card for that . Seems like a great deal

iwillhtfu

mp2012 wrote: »

Sorry to piggyback, in Zwift is the sensation of changing resistances etc plus gradient increases realistic. I have a basic old turbo and am considering upgrading and this seems like an ok unit and price. Thanks.

It's hard to say how realistic the gradients are but there is a noticeable difference between a smart and non smart turbo when using zwift. They've put a lot of R&D into the platform and numerous trainers so I'd guess they have it fairly bang on.

Also zwift is entertaining I've just finished a half hour group ride that was murder as you try or at least I try to hang on. I wouldn't push myself so hard on a dumb trainer for long periods.

Godtabh just to note if they have a sale on they tend not to allow the axa discount on top but I find if you reserve it on line at the sale price then go in store to collect and hand over your axa card they take it.

godtabh

Its not on sale at the moment. Currently at 239€ and hopefully get the 15% OFF

seanin4711

Any bricks and mortar got these?
Qubo smart b+

seanin4711

Back to the original question,anyone know who stocks these trainers in Dublin?

jon1981

I picked up a kickr snap in base2race last month. They have a couple of different smart trainers with direct drive in there too.

harringtonp

Just lost one of the barrels for holding the skewer on my elite crono (it had come detached several months ago and even though it could be placed back on it was only going to be a matter of time before it rolled off somewhere and disappeared) and am thinking of replacing it like for like:

http://www.wiggle.com/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/

I own a power meter but it could be nice to have the option of using power from a trainer. Does the tacx satori:

https://www.evanscycles.com/en-ie/tacx-satori-smart-trainer-EV220390

broadcast watts and cadence over ANT+ in a similar way to a power meter and be picked up with older Garmin devices such as the Edge 500 ?

And if it does what is the power source, battery ?

Is it a smooth ride, many deadspots ? In spite of its low price the Elite Crono has been nice to train on and fluid resistance works well.

Ideally I'd like the same but with the additional transmission of wattage and cadence. I not interested in control features, only broadcast, does anything that fits this comes to mind ?

harringtonp

Macy0161 wrote: »

In the end I went direct drive over smart, so I went for the non-smart turbo Muin in the end!

Looking at that as an option, is the feel as good as they claim ?

And is fitting the bike to it quick once the wheel is off or is it fiddly ?

Pricewise does https://www.bike24.com/p2138592.html seem ok ?

I see on rainmaker that there is just ant transmission of speed which is converted to power by an app.

tunney

As far as Smart trainers go there is a clear winner

eposhea

tunney wrote: »

As far as Smart trainers go there is a clear winner

Only coming across this thread now as looking at the Tacx Flow Smat in Halfords at the moment....

Tunney - I commend you on your photo - I proper chuckled out loud there!

Macy0161

eposhea wrote: »

Only coming across this thread now as looking at the Tacx Flow Smat in Halfords at the moment....

It might be worth hanging on a week to see if they repeat the 15% off for axa plus for November again?

Paul_Mc1988

eposhea wrote:

Only coming across this thread now as looking at the Tacx Flow Smat in Halfords at the moment....

eposhea wrote:

Tunney - I commend you on your photo - I proper chuckled out loud there!

Go the extra and get the tacx vortex. Shane millers review shiws the power readings are accurate to about 5 % and it can replicate gradients much better than the flow.

Last i looked they could be got for about 370.

iwillhtfu

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

Go the extra and get the tacx vortex. Shane millers review shiws the power readings are accurate to about 5 % and it can replicate gradients much better than the flow.

Last i looked they could be got for about 370.

It's nothing to do with gradient accuracy the vortex has a greater % gradient ability and at twice the price the flow can be got at it's not worth it imo.

eposhea

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

Go the extra and get the tacx vortex. Shane millers review shiws the power readings are accurate to about 5 % and it can replicate gradients much better than the flow.

Last i looked they could be got for about 370.

I had a look at lots of Shane Miller blogs/videos etc alright. The flow seems to be very similar to the Vortex and the price of Vortex seems to be around 400-450 at the moment.

Flow Smart is €264 in Halfords now. Prob get for less - I spoke to another LBS and they spoke to the Tacx rep whileI was there and he said the Flow is discontinued and only Halfords have stock now.

for €250 mark - I can't justify spending approx €150 more for the vortex!

Paul_Mc1988

iwillhtfu wrote: »

It's nothing to do with gradient accuracy the vortex has a greater % gradient ability and at twice the price the flow can be got at it's not worth it imo.

eposhea wrote: »

I had a look at lots of Shane Miller blogs/videos etc alright. The flow seems to be very similar to the Vortex and the price of Vortex seems to be around 400-450 at the moment.

Flow Smart is €264 in Halfords now. Prob get for less - I spoke to another LBS and they spoke to the Tacx rep whileI was there and he said the Flow is discontinued and only Halfords have stock now.

for €250 mark - I can't justify spending approx €150 more for the vortex!

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/tacx-t2180-vortex-virtual-smart-trainer-246764?delivery_country=71&gclid=CjwKCAjw7MDPBRAFEiwAppdF9ApQ09q-iCOHagZh3NGLqP4CpCRzp-wItSjrziPvCejefErWKKVSqRoCihUQAvD_BwE

350 lads and having done a lot of research on this, reliability is an issue on the flow. Remember one individual having three units over a couple of months.

90 euro for what in my opinion is a more capable and reliable machine. Plus what happens if you need replacement parts on a discontinued product

iwillhtfu

That individual was me I still wouldn't spend the extra on the vortex mind. I got the flow for €159

All parts on those machines are fairly generic but as far as I know it was only ever available with halfords so I'm not sure where the other info came from.

eposhea

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/tacx-t2180-vortex-virtual-smart-trainer-246764?delivery_country=71&gclid=CjwKCAjw7MDPBRAFEiwAppdF9ApQ09q-iCOHagZh3NGLqP4CpCRzp-wItSjrziPvCejefErWKKVSqRoCihUQAvD_BwE

350 lads and having done a lot of research on this, reliability is an issue on the flow. Remember one individual having three units over a couple of months.

90 euro for what in my opinion is a more capable and reliable machine. Plus what happens if you need replacement parts on a discontinued product

Yea - I saw that on Bike Discount alright. I've read about a few Tacx products failing, not just the Flow Smart. I'd prefer to have local support from a returns perspective.

I've even read about someone getting a Vortex as a replacement for a Flow Smart - through Halfords - so to me that is a no-brainer. Dealing with returns to websites is a bloody nightmare and not something I want to risk.

Obs, I really hope nothing happens anyway! Plus - at the moment €90 can be better spent somewhere else to be honest :D

Paul_Mc1988

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPYyPsrgwE4

Shane miller reviews the tacx flow smart. Just uploaded today. Read the comments for reviews:D

iwillhtfu

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPYyPsrgwE4

Shane miller reviews the tacx flow smart. Just uploaded today. Read the comments for reviews:D

So basically he's echoing everything we've said so far yet still you're set on demonizing the flow.

For those that haven't bothered watching reading.

• it's budget friendly
• it's accurate to with +/-10%
• It struggles with sprints - max out put <900w
• It's entry level

So basically to summarize it's good for an entry level smart turbo that will suit perfectly well for the average cyclists winter training and at the price point it can't be beaten. One caveat retain your receipt as with all items and all tacx products they can have issues but the return process is excellent.

So now can we put this to bed if you want the best buy the neo if you want the cheapest buy the flow. Everything in between is a poor imitation of a neo but better than the flow.

eposhea

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPYyPsrgwE4

Shane miller reviews the tacx flow smart. Just uploaded today. Read the comments for reviews:D

He does do great videos.

Sam as most of the reviews/threads I have read alright.

I have found a Vortex, 2nd hand, €250, that I am thinking about.

iwillhtfu wrote: »

So now can we put this to bed if you want the best buy the neo if you want the cheapest buy the flow. Everything in between is a poor imitation of a neo but better than the flow.

This is my only real concern. If I buy 2nd hand, I will have no after sales support if something goes wrong. At least getting a Flow from Halfords, I have that back up. And I read somewhere that someone got a Vortex as a replacement for a Flow as they were out of stock :)

jamesd

My buddy bought a 2nd hand vortex - lasted 3 months and gave up.

eposhea

jamesd wrote: »

My buddy bought a 2nd hand vortex - lasted 3 months and gave up.

Yup - that is my biggest worry alright! At least with a receipt I can stroll back into the shop and casually ask/demand a replacement - and hope that all Flow are gone

iwillhtfu

eposhea wrote: »

Yup - that is my biggest worry alright! At least with a receipt I can stroll back into the shop and casually ask/demand a replacement - and hope that all Flow are gone

Even if they aren't gone you get a shiney new one. As mentioned previously I got 3 over a 6 month period but the third has lasted since then without issue I'm guessing 15 months but just they typical winter wet weather usage.

To be fair the issues I had were in part to constantly packing away etc I'd say if you could leave it out all the time it would be fine. As for the comments on the lever breaking some lads have the thing wound up far to tight and end up breaking parts, it is only plastic after all.

eposhea

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Even if they aren't gone you get a shiney new one. As mentioned previously I got 3 over a 6 month period but the third has lasted since then without issue I'm guessing 15 months but just they typical winter wet weather usage.

And was there any issue at all with bring it back?

Yea - there are always going to be dodgy variants of a product - you can be very unlucky.

I reckon I will get one this evening or tomorrow evening. Set up a table for the laptop and grab a yoga mat for the drippage.

jamesd

Yes Ive never had to move my vortex since I got it in Jan 2016 and its still working away with no issues so near to 2 years now - Not major use just once per week in the winter months.

iwillhtfu

eposhea wrote: »

And was there any issue at all with bring it back?

Yea - there are always going to be dodgy variants of a product - you can be very unlucky.

I reckon I will get one this evening or tomorrow evening. Set up a table for the laptop and grab a yoga mat for the drippage.

No questions asked and a straight swap.

The issue I had was the magnet becoming misaligned from being moved around to be fair it probably took a knock but not enough to be deemed abuse if you get me. I think so much weight in a movable plastic housing is the main issue so if it were to remain upright in the one spot I can't see it failing.

smacl

iwillhtfu wrote: »

It's nothing to do with gradient accuracy the vortex has a greater % gradient ability and at twice the price the flow can be got at it's not worth it imo.

Agree, though it would be interesting to know if it is any more robust. I've had a flow now for about 4 years, and had to change the break once and blue locking paddle twice. Control unit on the bars I reckon is on its way out as well. Great piece of kit all the same.

Paul_Mc1988

iwillhtfu wrote: »

So basically he's echoing everything we've said so far yet still you're set on demonizing the flow.

For those that haven't bothered watching reading.

• it's budget friendly
• it's accurate to with +/-10%
• It struggles with sprints - max out put <900w
• It's entry level

So basically to summarize it's good for an entry level smart turbo that will suit perfectly well for the average cyclists winter training and at the price point it can't be beaten. One caveat retain your receipt as with all items and all tacx products they can have issues but the return process is excellent.

So now can we put this to bed if you want the best buy the neo if you want the cheapest buy the flow. Everything in between is a poor imitation of a neo but better than the flow.

Don't think you read my post correctly....... I clearly said "Read the comments for reviews". Regardless of what he says hes used it once. So ill reiterate " read that comments for reviews".

While his review is great on what the unit can do and i'm a big fan of Shane, the main test of a units reliability is in the Feedback from numerous users.

On a side note your annoyance of my post which is simply to provide more information and data which has you triggered so much gave me good laugh. :pac:

iwillhtfu

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

On a side note your annoyance of my post which is simply to provide more information and data which has you triggered so much gave me good laugh. :pac:

You really are an extremely odd individual aren't you.

Anyway the comments on the YouTube clip were divided so perhaps you might take the time to read my comments again.

I'll leave it there now.

iwillhtfu

smacl wrote: »

Agree, though it would be interesting to know if it is any more robust. I've had a flow now for about 4 years, and had to change the break once and blue locking paddle twice. Control unit on the bars I reckon is on its way out as well. Great piece of kit all the same.

There's no control unit on the newer ones it's all done through the tacx app now which im not sure if its a good or bad thing to be honest.

Paul_Mc1988

iwillhtfu wrote: »

You really are an extremely odd individual aren't you.

Anyway the comments on the YouTube clip were divided so perhaps you might take the time to read my comments again.

I'll leave it there now.

Divided they were but but the amount of negative reviews to positive reviews are high.

As for the name calling, i wouldn't stoop to such childish lows :rolleyes:. I'll also leave it there!

Irish Warri0r

Looking at this one on halfords http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-turbo-muin-smart-turbo-trainer
Is it comparable to the Tacx? Seems like a good price just want something decent for zwift.

seanin4711

Looked at it myself.
All your going to get is direct drive ie not smart, per se.
I want ant + fec to control resistance.
True smart.
Chain driven in Roscommon have wahoo snap for 530.
200 up front and 10 monthly instalments.
Could be the go.

Crocked

I'm mulling over upgrading my turbo. Currently have a flow thats about 4 years old but works grand and have a powertap wheel on it for power readings.

I've started a winter training programme and some of the workouts have all-out sprints in them. Problem is that I'm spinning out, I get the initial power spike as things crank up but then I'm at 140 -150 rpm and the power is dropping from lack of resistance. Currently have a compact crankset on it and going to put a semi-compact I have spare on this evening to see how that helps.

If I'm still spinning out I may move to a fancy direct drive turbo but what are these like for sprint intervals? Is there a long lag in getting up to full power. I've read some reports of the Neo struggles last year but that seems to have been sorted with firmware. Options would be Drivo or Neo, possibly Drivo will be better as it has a flywheel rather than fully simulated?

Anyway long story short, anyone using a direct drive for sprinting and how are you finding it?

Irish Raven

Crocked wrote:

I've started a winter training programme and some of the workouts have all-out sprints in them. Problem is that I'm spinning out, I get the initial power spike as things crank up but then I'm at 140 -150 rpm and the power is dropping from lack of resistance. Currently have a compact crankset on it and going to put a semi-compact I have spare on this evening to see how that helps.

Holy molley......not many turbos gona keep up with you pedalling at 140 to 150rpm....crazy stuff!!