bike trainer

[kenmoremmm]

many years ago i had a computrainer for helping with winter months of training for ironmans. eventually, triathlons stopped for me, and my bike mileage solely came from bike commuting. for the past 5 years, i've averaged >5k miles on my bike commute. however, after covid office restrictions, i no longer bike, at all (many other things taking my time). i am now considering getting a bike trainer again, but i don't have a good feel for what's out there.

i don't think i need anything special, but it would be nice to have something that could track mileage/performance since i like numbers. i don't need to compete against people or anything like that.

any recommendations?

[AlanStache]

Is noise a concern?  Would you be willing and able to work to a heart rate, ie 'ride' for 30min at 130bpm or do you want to track watts? 

[kenmoremmm]

noise isn't a concern.

watts would be good. probably not interested in the heart rate aspect.

it was 14 years ago, but i recall on the computrainer that when there are hills, i was lazy and geared down anyway so watts generally stayed the same. i'm more of a LSD guy with the occasional bike commute race with team riders thrown in for good measure.

[GuitarStv]

Noise was an issue for me, so I got a Stac Zero bike trainer when they were on sale a few years back.

It uses eddy currents from strong magnets to slow the rear wheel down as it spins . . . and since there are no parts making contact there's no wear on your tires (and you don't need special trainer tires) and it's pretty quiet.  Mine came with a power meter that seems to be pretty accurate.  I've done some sprint training on it, and have been able to put out about 2000 watts for brief intervals.  It's easy to take the bike on and off and the whole thing folds up pretty small too when you're not using it.

Disadvantages - you need aluminum rims to use it.  If you've got carbon fiber, they won't work.  That's about it really.

[Dave1442397]

I had a Wahoo Kickr and the bearings were shot after a couple of thousand miles.

I replaced it with a Tacx Neo 2, and I think it's a much better option. The Kickr used a belt-driven flywheel, whereas the Tacx uses electromagnets to adjust friction.

If you're looking at buying a trainer, Clever Training usually have a 20%-off sale for Thanksgiving, with free shipping. https://www.clevertraining.com/cycle/training-tools/bike-trainers?icid=top-nav

You can also find used trainers on Facebook. I see plenty for sale in this group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlineswap/?fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARAb-qa0sSyHV_uPsUcPJDFw8Nz7lP-fNUDRyBbw61vidB2xLFQNSBdWT2xaJ-7Vb3ceusnpg51QQy2csY6LrD4dfNHQSHrbYT2HtVg5R7Exl7O2DT0qfv3N7sKmwkuV8s55HteYbcpXz0Biy1gSUM2KNyqeHPF03N2lIV2r60KIF1gAtQ2Erygj6jSVLu-9H8-8-dvmB0nUKiSAOiBDw1Lm9n0xx8xBsPUYMm_vvZyVBYLeAKIQPgZ4qMV4Axfttzg4ooUblW0Cw20K1gYB7oxgKvPDUy3emyaxfjJ2wA7tK1-qCS_MbZ3Q7L-uALMPTB5K2V4hTNjv_P-23IwO3BW_GpapHyl064BJrQ&__tn__=C-R

[kenmoremmm]

i've found two direct drive trainers locally for sale on CL:
https://road.cc/content/review/139055-cyclops-silencer-direct-drive-magnetic-trainer = $200
https://www.merlincycles.com/blog/elite-muin-smart-b-trainer/= $350

it seems like both these are a reasonable price and can work with zwift (need cadence/speed sensor?)
thoughts on either of these units?

[kenmoremmm]

i've read the reviews on all the mainstream direct drive trainers. it sure seems like they all suffer from reliability issues. it would sure suck to spend >$500 (more like $1000) to have the thing last for 1 year.

https://www.rei.com/product/184336/wahoo-fitness-kickr-smart-trainer#product-reviews
https://www.rei.com/product/165107/saris-h3-direct-drive-smart-trainer#product-reviews
https://www.rei.com/product/170755/tacx-neo-2t-smart-trainer#product-reviews
https://www.rei.com/product/169437/elite-suito-bike-trainer#product-reviews

anyone know of a brand that is reliable? otherwise, i'm inclined to just go with a fluid trainer + speed sensor + zwift and then have my wattage be off.