Wahoo, KICKR, and Kinetic rate highly for being sturdy and long-lasting smart trainers. The more plastic the trainer has, the less likely it will last for a long time. No matter what type of smart trainer you buy, it needs to be sturdy. However, there are a handful of things that are applicable whether it’s a $100 or $1500 smart trainer. There are many factors to consider when you’re shopping around for a smart trainer. This nice equipment does come with a higher price tag. The benefits of this design include accurate power measurement and no warm-up before calibrating. And, the power accuracy isn’t quite as good as a direct-drive model.ĭirect-drive smart trainers are sturdy units that effectively replace your back wheel. However, every time you put the wheel on the trainer, you need to calibrate it. However, on a smart trainer, a wheel-on design is slightly lighter, cheaper, and easier to store since the legs often fold up. You clamp your bike on the rear axle and then tighten a drum to put resistance on your rear tire. Wheel-on smart trainers look very similar to normal trainers. There are two types of smart trainers, generally: wheel-on designs and direct-drive models.
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A computer, tablet, or smartphone with Bluetooth or an ANT + USB dongle. In addition to the smart trainer itself, you’ll also need a few other pieces. And, many use a combination of using a flywheel (like a normal trainer), magnetic resistance, and an electronic motor/brake. It varies from model to model how the smart trainer generates resistance. Nearly all smart trainers need to be plugged in so they can turn on and generate a workout for you. Then you connect the device to your smart trainer through Bluetooth or ANT +. You need to load a smart trainer app on your phone, tablet, or computer since you can’t operate a smart trainer with a bike computer. Smart Trainers use either an ANT+ or Bluetooth. To sum it up, a smart trainer makes indoor riding more fun and productive. If you begin to climb a hill or go around a curve, you’ll feel a more real-life resistance or slow down and gear change.Īnd, when you go on virtual group rides or races, some trainer apps put on less resistance to simulate drafting. On a smart trainer, you are usually riding a virtual course. When you use a smart trainer during the off season, you get a more engaging and immersive indoor riding experience. Now, the next thing you might wonder is what is the hype around a smart trainer?Īfter all, it does function the same way a regular trainer does, but it costs more. However, a smart trainer’s resistance is controlled by cycling apps such as Zwift, TrainerRoad, FulGaz, etc. You might have heard about your training partners talk about Zwift and smart trainers, but still, have no idea what they’re talking about.Ī smart trainer is a piece of equipment that you mount your bike on that offers resistance like a regular trainer. See more: Best Triathlon and Multisport GPS Watches Best Smart Bike Trainers - Buyer’s Guide Smart Trainer Defined I’ll explain all in the buyer’s guide and review 15 best smart trainers for Zwift, Trainerroad, The Sufferfest and others. Smart bike trainers and their training apps give you a more immersive experience so it’s almost like riding outside. Thanks to bike trainers, the indoor training season is more bearable and you can get stronger.