Recommend a smart trainer

CramCycle · 17-03-2020 1:40pm #1

I never thought I 'd go down this route but seriously considering it. Looking at the Wahoo Kickr Core. any negatives (or positives), or better options?

themighty · 17-03-2020 2:12pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I never thought I 'd go down this route but seriously considering it. Looking at the Wahoo Kickr Core. any negatives (or positives), or better options?

I don't think you can go wrong with the Kickr Core. Solid unit by all accounts, and quiet.

Another alternative the H2I bought one last autumn, very happy with it. Not as quiet s e Core but much quieter than my old on-wheel trainer. Very good for Erg mode - I use Trainerroad.

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/accessories/turbo-trainers/return-cycleops-h2-hammer-direct-drive-smart-turbo-trainer_482773

CramCycle · 17-03-2020 7:16pm

Went wit the Kickr Core, got one with a 30 day, no quibble, return policy for the same price. Have a cassette and all that. So what else is needed. I presume a fan , some rug to catch sweat (I presume it doesn't have to be fancy, the ones on online shops look like giant Yoga mats, would a cheap Aldi yoga mat do?). Will give the Zwift 7 day trial a run. Any tips on anything else needed?

dahat · 17-03-2020 7:19pm

Fan, argos do one for €30 ish, more than adequate for indoor turbo.

My advice would be if you can set up outdoors i would. This time of year with temps rising it becomes quite a sweaty mess with heart rates sometimes inaccurate as a result no matter what fan you have.

Beasty · 17-03-2020 7:26pm

Always thought Lumen was pretty smart at his training

:pac:

themighty · 17-03-2020 7:44pm

Congrats on the turbo.

Planet X have a sale on trainer mats £10 but postage is another £10. Very cheap compared to other places. You'd prob be fine with a yoga mat though.

I got my fan off a building supplier, a good bit more powerful than the Argos ones. Very happy with it.

https://cpcireland.farnell.com/search?ost=Fan&searchref=searchlookahead&product-range=pro-elec-high-velocity-floor-fans

Think I got the 18 inch one.

cillchainnigh · 17-03-2020 7:46pm

CramCycle wrote: »

Went wit the Kickr Core, got one with a 30 day, no quibble, return policy for the same price. Have a cassette and all that. So what else is needed. I presume a fan , some rug to catch sweat (I presume it doesn't have to be fancy, the ones on online shops look like giant Yoga mats, would a cheap Aldi yoga mat do?). Will give the Zwift 7 day trial a run. Any tips on anything else needed?

@CramCycle - Where did you buy?

mr spuckler · 18-03-2020 10:09am

Am curious to see what kind of setup people are running and where - in the house, garage etc. I'm trying to figure out how mine will work in practice!

joey100 · 18-03-2020 10:30am

Get yourself the biggest fan you can afford. Something like a WiFi/remote plug to works well so you can turn it on and off when your on the bike, warming up it can be cool enough nice to be able to turn on and off the fan.

https://www.halfords.ie/tools/garage-equipment/garage-essentials/552101.html

I use something similar to these mats. Aldi and Lidl sometimes do them too, bit to protect from sweat and bit to reduce vibrations thru the ground as well.

Harrybelafonte · 18-03-2020 11:28am

joey100 wrote: »

Get yourself the biggest fan you can afford. Something like a WiFi/remote plug to works well so you can turn it on and off when your on the bike, warming up it can be cool enough nice to be able to turn on and off the fan.

https://www.halfords.ie/tools/garage-equipment/garage-essentials/552101.html

I use something similar to these mats. Aldi and Lidl sometimes do them too, bit to protect from sweat and bit to reduce vibrations thru the ground as well.

Homebase had huge mats that could be cut to size when I was in there at the weekend too. Believe they were cheaper than the above.

CramCycle · 18-03-2020 11:46am

I do have to remember that i haven't asked anyone in my house if this is OK, might be returning the trainer very quickly if it isn't.

CantGetNoSleep · 18-03-2020 11:57am

Possibly not the best in terms of timing for delivery, but you can get a stick on thing from Aliexpress that gives your phone the same attachment as a Garmin, so handy to use an out front mount for your phone while on the trainer.

I bought a second cheap case and stuck the Garmin mount on that - much easier than trying to use phone mounts and probably cost less than a fiver delivered for the sticker and new case. Wouldn't use it out on the road but perfect for the turbo.

Something like this
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32950409458.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.34a14c4dJTjVbY

maxamillius · 18-03-2020 12:42pm

Anyone got a view on this one?

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/standard-turbo-trainers/212792.html

It says it’s one way smart? Not sure what that means, looks to be compatible with Zwift which is really all I’m after.

lennymc · 18-03-2020 12:51pm

maxamillius wrote: »

Anyone got a view on this one?

https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/standard-turbo-trainers/212792.html

It says it’s one way smart? Not sure what that means, looks to be compatible with Zwift which is really all I’m after.

i think it transmits date to zwift, but doesn't alter resistance based on what zwift sends back to the trainer. E.G, if you were going up a hill, you would have to manually change your resistance, and your speed would slow down until you upped the resistance

Macy0161 · 18-03-2020 5:28pm

Second the vote for those halfords mats. An airmover/ professional drying fan is more effective than any "argos" fan I've tried. Worth the extra imo, especially if training in the house. I'm on a recovery week, so easy endurance, in an unheated shed, and had my fan going this morning.

https://www.cleva-uk.com/collections/vacmaster-air-movers/products/vacmaster-air-mover

maxamillius · 18-03-2020 5:29pm

lennymc wrote: »

i think it transmits date to zwift, but doesn't alter resistance based on what zwift sends back to the trainer. E.G, if you were going up a hill, you would have to manually change your resistance, and your speed would slow down until you upped the resistance

Makes sense thanks for that, never used zwift but I presume you know when your coming to a Holland then would have to move to a harder gear to imitate a change in resistance?

mr spuckler · 18-03-2020 5:47pm

Macy0161 wrote: »

Second the vote for those halfords mats. An airmover/ professional drying fan is more effective than any "argos" fan I've tried. Worth the extra imo, especially if training in the house. I'm on a recovery week, so easy endurance, in an unheated shed, and had my fan going this morning.

https://www.cleva-uk.com/collections/vacmaster-air-movers/products/vacmaster-air-mover

I presume they're pretty loud? Am trying to work out a setup for the garage - problem is my son sleeps directly overhead!

Macy0161 · 18-03-2020 6:28pm

mr spuckler wrote: »

I presume they're pretty loud? Am trying to work out a setup for the garage - problem is my son sleeps directly overhead!

My original Hammer smart turbo is louder to be honest.

martyc5674 · 18-03-2020 11:44pm

maxamillius wrote: »

Makes sense thanks for that, never used zwift but I presume you know when your coming to a Holland then would have to move to a harder gear to imitate a change in resistance?

You don’t have to change gears at all. Zwift will have a power curve for that trainer. It knows how many watts are needed to spin it at different speeds(per the curve)... it uses the wheel speed and your weight and the gradient to determine what speed to move you along the screen. It works fine but it’s a bit weird in that the resistance is always the same just your speed display alters as the road undulates.
They have another trainer for a little over 200€ that is 2 way... much better experience altogether.
Marty.

maxamillius · 19-03-2020 1:54pm

martyc5674 wrote: »

You don’t have to change gears at all. Zwift will have a power curve for that trainer. It knows how many watts are needed to spin it at different speeds(per the curve)... it uses the wheel speed and your weight and the gradient to determine what speed to move you along the screen. It works fine but it’s a bit weird in that the resistance is always the same just your speed display alters as the road undulates.
They have another trainer for a little over 200€ that is 2 way... much better experience altogether.
Marty.

Thanks for that response all makes sense now , might take a look at the next one up.

eeeee · 20-03-2020 5:14pm

How quiet is the wahoo core? I can't train at home indoors because of noise to downstairs which it's a huge pita, and wondering if their marketing 'it's super quiet' speil is true.

Oberkon · 20-03-2020 5:27pm

Ordered one in Halfords Tuesday. The saris m2 @382 euros . Got an email to say it would be ready yesterday . No sign of it so rang Halfords and was told it’s still being picked
Not only that I now see its gone up on their website to 570 from 382!

maxamillius · 20-03-2020 9:29pm

Oberkon wrote: »

Ordered one in Halfords Tuesday. The saris m2 @382 euros . Got an email to say it would be ready yesterday . No sign of it so rang Halfords and was told it’s still being picked
Not only that I now see its gone up on their website to 570 from 382!

Clearly cashing in on the so called impending lockdown

Oberkon · 20-03-2020 11:10pm

maxamillius wrote: »

Clearly cashing in on the so called impending lockdown

Will it really happen ? I’ve noticed a few comments on social media cropping up that cycling during this is a burden on the health system and is selfish
I get the feeling the ones say it never cycle Or exercise

Personally feel cycling alone or running should not be a problem . I’ve as much chance as crashing in my car

Kaisr Sose · 21-03-2020 1:14am

Oberkon wrote: »

Will it really happen ? I’ve noticed a few comments on social media cropping up that cycling during this is a burden on the health system and is selfish
I get the feeling the ones say it never cycle Or exercise

Personally feel cycling alone or running should not be a problem . I’ve as much chance as crashing in my car

Less risk than going shopping

maxamillius · 21-03-2020 9:51am

Oberkon wrote: »

Will it really happen ? I’ve noticed a few comments on social media cropping up that cycling during this is a burden on the health system and is selfish
I get the feeling the ones say it never cycle Or exercise

Personally feel cycling alone or running should not be a problem . I’ve as much chance as crashing in my car

I think the point people are trying to make re being a burden, is that, if you crash or injure yourself whilst cycling you are just adding to the pressure the healthcare are already under, but if that was the case you literally wouldn’t be able to leave your house.

Mental health is as important know as ever, getting out for a cycle is well needed for some and even in a full lockdown should still be allowed.

dahat · 14-10-2020 12:55pm

Long term review of the Core?

I'm likely to buy one next week all going well but the Direto XR is a candidate as well. €800 is a fair wad of cash so want to be sure i'll get the best bang for buck.

CantGetNoSleep · 14-10-2020 1:43pm

I'm facing the same dilemma but was leaning more towards the Direto XR. Can't really say why either. Stock of either isn't looking great though.

dahat · 14-10-2020 2:22pm

If i'm getting the Wahoo it will be through Cigala retail as they are an approved seller for warranty etc. From googling about the old web Wahoo customer support are miles ahead of Elite which is something to bear in mind especially as the X4 is a new unit.

CramCycle · 14-10-2020 2:31pm

I've just sold mine, great unit, really solid and reliable, I just hate trainers, end of story

CantGetNoSleep · 14-10-2020 3:14pm

dahat wrote: »

If i'm getting the Wahoo it will be through Cigala retail as they are an approved seller for warranty etc. From googling about the old web Wahoo customer support are miles ahead of Elite which is something to bear in mind especially as the X4 is a new unit.

Yeah warranty seems a huge issue with trainers - they don't seem to be built to last

Macy0161 · 14-10-2020 4:48pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Yeah warranty seems a huge issue with trainers - they don't seem to be built to last

I'm not sure that's true tbh. It's more that returns are a complete pain! The turbos with the most poor reviews online, are also those that sell the most!

dahat · 15-10-2020 4:50pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I've just sold mine, great unit, really solid and reliable, I just hate trainers, end of story

Does the unit support cadence out of the box?

CramCycle · 15-10-2020 5:04pm

dahat wrote: »

Does the unit support cadence out of the box?

Supposedly but I have a cadence sensor so am not certain

CantGetNoSleep · 18-10-2020 6:48pm

I'm going to order tonight - got rid of my trainer as I hadn't used it since last lockdown but remembered that it was the only thing keeping me occupied and I'm worried about what is coming our way.

Kickr Core vs Direto XR - anyone tried both or have any views either way?

Although tbh I'll go for whatever I find in stock

clod71 · 19-10-2020 12:35am

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

I'm going to order tonight - got rid of my trainer as I hadn't used it since last lockdown but remembered that it was the only thing keeping me occupied and I'm worried about what is coming our way.

Kickr Core vs Direto XR - anyone tried both or have any views either way?

Although tbh I'll go for whatever I find in stock

I think they're both good trainers. The Tacx Flux might be in the same price band.
After years on a wheel on, I treated myself to a second hand Tacx Neo and there's no comparison.
Good luck with it!

dahat · 19-10-2020 7:07am

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

I'm going to order tonight - got rid of my trainer as I hadn't used it since last lockdown but remembered that it was the only thing keeping me occupied and I'm worried about what is coming our way.

Kickr Core vs Direto XR - anyone tried both or have any views either way?

Although tbh I'll go for whatever I find in stock

So what did you order? I'd say you had a better chance if getting the Direto as as stock item. The Kickr has an early November eta in most places I've looked.

Don't Chute! · 19-10-2020 8:31am

dahat wrote: »

So what did you order? I'd say you had a better chance if getting the Direto as as stock item. The Kickr has an early November eta in most places I've looked.

I got a Kickr Core on Chainreaction only last week. Ordered over the weekend and delivered I think on Wednesday.

CantGetNoSleep · 19-10-2020 11:54am

dahat wrote: »

So what did you order? I'd say you had a better chance if getting the Direto as as stock item. The Kickr has an early November eta in most places I've looked.

Nothing yet because stock everywhere of both is very limited. Delivery direct from Wahoo is 2-3 weeks so that is probably my best option, I'm just checking with a few bike shops to see if there is one in stock anywhere. Everything seems to have sold out over the last four weeks or so when there was stock available of the Direto XR for just over 700€

I found a Saris H3 in stock in the same price range but reviews seem terrible on that.

martyc5674 · 19-10-2020 12:12pm

Trythis crowd in Italy- got a Neo 2T off them when no where else had them back in APril.

https://www.glamsport.it/rulli-bici/rulli-wahoo

Delivery was prompt and only 30€

CramCycle · 19-10-2020 1:05pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

Nothing yet because stock everywhere of both is very limited. Delivery direct from Wahoo is 2-3 weeks so that is probably my best option, I'm just checking with a few bike shops to see if there is one in stock anywhere. Everything seems to have sold out over the last four weeks or so when there was stock available of the Direto XR for just over 700€

I found a Saris H3 in stock in the same price range but reviews seem terrible on that.

I'd go direct from Wahoo as you get a simple 30 day no quibble return from them. Take it out, try it, and if it isn't what you wanted, send it back.

CantGetNoSleep · 19-10-2020 2:51pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I'd go direct from Wahoo as you get a simple 30 day no quibble return from them. Take it out, try it, and if it isn't what you wanted, send it back.

How are they for warranty returns? Would it be better to have bought directly or from a small LBS? Cost is the same for that trainer virtually everywhere

CramCycle · 19-10-2020 4:36pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

How are they for warranty returns? Would it be better to have bought directly or from a small LBS? Cost is the same for that trainer virtually everywhere

They have a good reputation as far as I know.

bazermc · 19-10-2020 4:48pm

I’ve been hemming and hawing about getting a smart trainer, but with the latest news and level 5 and winter I’m defo bitting the bullet at the end of this week when I get paid. Assuming I can get one.

Harrybelafonte · 19-10-2020 5:36pm

bazermc wrote: »

I’ve been hemming and hawing about getting a smart trainer, but with the latest news and level 5 and winter I’m defo bitting the bullet at the end of this week when I get paid. Assuming I can get one.

I was thinking the same, but blew everything I had on a Concept2 rower. Is the Suito any good?

dahat · 19-10-2020 6:25pm

bazermc wrote: »

I’ve been hemming and hawing about getting a smart trainer, but with the latest news and level 5 and winter I’m defo bitting the bullet at the end of this week when I get paid. Assuming I can get one.

I'd say alot of pay checks are getting hammered for trainers end of this week.

CantGetNoSleep · 19-10-2020 6:40pm

dahat wrote: »

I'd say alot of pay checks are getting hammered for trainers end of this week.

That's exactly why mine is going on the credit card tonight

CramCycle · 19-10-2020 6:58pm

bazermc wrote: »

I’ve been hemming and hawing about getting a smart trainer, but with the latest news and level 5 and winter I’m defo bitting the bullet at the end of this week when I get paid. Assuming I can get one.

I can't do it again, spent a bit of time on Strava heatmaps looking for unusual routes near my house. Level 5 won't change my working day so I'll still be commuting and so I think I am just going down the route of CX tyres and exploring. I think it was hard to do (for me) as a family person. Racing is different in the real world as its an out of sight, out of mind mentality (for me), I just can't see me sitting on a bike in the next room for two hours again and being OK with it.

Also based on the number of racers at Mondello who were disappointed that Zwift did not translate to the real world, I'll turn up next season with no illusions.

On a completely different note, I can see why people like it and get sucked in, I know a few who won't race in the real world again, it just won't be me.

dahat · 19-10-2020 8:08pm

I think this time round I'm going to avoid racing & use Zwift for training / building route badges. Racing is extremely addictive & draining online so it's best left alone during winter for me.

brownian · 19-10-2020 8:59pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

How are they for warranty returns? Would it be better to have bought directly or from a small LBS? Cost is the same for that trainer virtually everywhere

Great for their Bolt at least. Have replaced two with no messing about.

nilhg · 19-10-2020 11:24pm

CramCycle wrote: »

I can't do it again, spent a bit of time on Strava heatmaps looking for unusual routes near my house. Level 5 won't change my working day so I'll still be commuting and so I think I am just going down the route of CX tyres and exploring. I think it was hard to do (for me) as a family person. Racing is different in the real world as its an out of sight, out of mind mentality (for me), I just can't see me sitting on a bike in the next room for two hours again and being OK with it.

Also based on the number of racers at Mondello who were disappointed that Zwift did not translate to the real world, I'll turn up next season with no illusions.

On a completely different note, I can see why people like it and get sucked in, I know a few who won't race in the real world again, it just won't be me.

I know the feeling, after going round in circles for most of the spring (I just refuse to use the turbo when the weather is good) I bought a CX bike, been using it on canal banks, bog roads and the Curragh, thankfully a good proportion of those will be available to me under the 5km rule and even if i wander a little off the reservation in the middle of the bog it's hardly going to be the crime of the century.

I've an old Bkool smart pro and a lemond revolution which I got for warming up at TTs, it's lovely to ride, I think I'll stick with them.

Also, there are other apps apart from Zwift, I've used bigringvr quite a bit, works very well if you want to step away from the competitive side of online training, well worth a look, there's a free trial available, plenty of other options too.

Recommend a smart trainer

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