More and more people are falling in love with smart trainers and what they have to offer. Whether you’re trying to get an edge on the competition, time poor, or simply keen to jump on the next big thing. Then investing in a quality smart trainer is a must. With the App’s available to tap into these days, there’s an option for every cyclist.
Gone are the days of pulling out a trainer during those winter month’s only, many riders are using them all year round these days.
As for App’s we’re spoilt for choice, however the one that’s taken the world by storm is Zwift. They cater for all levels of cyclist and have built a community where like-minded athletes come together to up their game. Their 3D generated imagery connects to your trainer, power meter, heart rate etc. wirelessly through ANT+ and Bluetooth. You can be on there at any given time and compete against athletes from around the world, as well as some of the biggest names in the pro peloton. Zwift offer free trials as well as have multiple subscription options. They sync automatically to your training data if you use the likes of training peaks, so really offer the all-round package.
Other App options worth looking at are as follows:
· Rouvy (formerly CycleOps)
· The Sufferfest
· ErgVideo
· TrainerRoad
· Hurts Ergo
When it comes to the trainers themselves, there are no shortage of quality brands and products from each. They all have their benefits, whether you’re looking for the lightest or the quietest or most compact.
Currently offering two options with the KICKR and KICKR SNAP as well as the much talked about KICKR CLIMB, which will be available from late march 2018 from Torpedo7. Wahoo are currently at the cutting edge of Smart trainer technology, whether it’s paring up with Zwift as well as some of the best athletes in the world. They’re putting their hand up as a serious force to be reckoned with.
Tacx
Have been in the trainer space for quite some time and have developed some of the most fit for purpose offering in the market. Their real life feel with the likes of the Neo Smart, truly makes you feel like you’re riding those famous Flemish berg. With the introduction of the Magnum Smart along with their own software App’s, they offer a trainer to cover all budgets.
Another player who has been in the trainer space for a numbers of years, Elite offer some of the lightest and quietest trainers on the market “Claimed by the Drivo”. With the introduction of the Direto “available at T7 from late Mark 2018” elite now have offering to cater for those wanting exceptional marketing leading products.
Author: Wayne Mason – Torpedo7 Bike & Moto Category Manager
