direct drive trainers, new to them, quick help

[tireheb]

so i want to get a direct drive trainer to do short (1 hour) z2 rides often in the house to add em up to my training. maybe longer, this because its not so easy for me to do z2 rides outside due to traffic etc, unless i cross the whole city (then its more like medium/long rides, 3 hours and up). so yeah i imagine myself doing quick z2 rides. anyway, i have no clue about direct drive trainers, but i think thats the way to go no? only have had rollers with magetic resistance in the past.

so yep, i totally lost, as there are millions. my bike has a power meter so i could go with a dumb one, but i see some used ones that are smart for really cheap, maybe i end up using that later who knows. any advices on what to search? my budget is tight as hell right now, so the less the best. used is ok? or do these things tend to break?

localy i see a bunch of Elite Turno Smart Fluid trainers, one for 150e, i think thats the cheapest smart trainer i see.
what about chinese brands? thanks

[AJS914]

Direct drive is definitely the way to go. I don't think any dumb versions exist from the usual name brands. I have an old Kickr which is great and I'll use it until it dies and cannot be repaired.

You should always take power from your bike's power meter if you want your power data to remain consistent. Many trainers have a feature to read the bike's power meter and control the trainer from that.

It really just depends on what you want to do. I do all my training in manual/slope mode and adjust gears/resistance as necessary. Some people want to ride around in Zwift or TrainerRoad and have the trainer resistance automatically set for them.

One thing I've noticed about the Kickrs is that the cheap Core model doesn't have leveling feet. My regular Kickr has the leveling feet plus a height adjustment for different sized wheels. I use the 24" setting on my road bike to raise the front wheel instead of using a block. When shopping I'd look out for what features the other cheaper direct drive trainers migth be missing.

[TobinHatesYou]

Just get a JetBlack Victory. It’s a full-featured direct-drive trainer that’s cheaper than every other company’s basic direct-drive trainers.

[tireheb]

Just get a JetBlack Victory. It’s a full-featured direct-drive trainer that’s cheaper than every other company’s basic direct-drive trainers.

thanks for this, its only available in mid oct in europe (i could wait actually), but 499e (not even sure that includes shipping/taxes, so yeah, its too much, i think its a usa deal, here not so much, but thanks!

Direct drive is definitely the way to go. I don't think any dumb versions exist from the usual name brands. I have an old Kickr which is great and I'll use it until it dies and cannot be repaired.

cool thanks, maybe the difference that is found now is the auto ajustment of resistance or not. gonna check if its worth it.

but one question still remains,buying used for an item like this is ok? or they tend to get f'uped? thanks

[Rudi]

Yes to Direct drive

If you are going to stare at a wall or watch TV then a dumb version is enough (if they still exist - there was the Elite Muin that was pretty dumb)

If you want the best out of Zwift or MyWhoosh or any other platform then get a smart one. There are also ones that support virtual shifting now so maybe that is of interest

How much to pay - depends. If you think yoi'll ever get to elite racing on zwift then you'll want a good one, otherwise take your pick. Top end second hand may be a good option.

Here is a list of accredited trainers for the UCI worlds inc full on smart bikes if that helps in any way:

• Wahoo: KICKR V5, KICKR V6, KICKR Move, KICKR Bike
  v1, KICKR Bike V2, & KICKR Bike Shift
  Elite: Justo 1, 2
  Wattbike: Atom
  Tacx: NEO 2T, NEO 3M, NEO Bike

[tireheb]

thnks a lot!

Stupid question i forgot to ask, how is noise in direct drive trainers? all they all good? or i need to investigate or choose certain techs etc?t hanks

[kervelo]

Just get a JetBlack Victory. It’s a full-featured direct-drive trainer that’s cheaper than every other company’s basic direct-drive trainers.

JetBlack Victory is nice, but for some reason in the EU the price is the same as Wahoo Kickr Core.

[EdWiser]

I would stick with a wahoo or trax better warranty support. A direct drive model is the way to go. The cheaper models will not give you the resistance you will want if you really want to exercise.
I have been riding indoors for years and have used all the different models. I upgraded to a Wahoo Kickr bike and love it.