I have done a quick search and couldn’t find a topic like that
I`m in the market for a new smart trainer after my Elite Direto had the power source plus OTS fried after a thunderstorm.
I suppose to get a new one for black Friday but my wife had different priorities I guess lol
Anyways I NEED to get one in December but the research is getting me crazy
So I just want to collect some opinions and/or feedback, this is what is getting me nervous
TACX NEO T2 - it’s a bit more expensive that I planned, and apparently have some software issues and it potentially overheats
Wahoo Kicker - apparently it’s the best option and price is ok, I just can’t find it
Elite Suito - reading on the internet it looks like some folks had a lot problems having to replace the device more than one time
If someone have any feedback I would like to hear, I’ve looked for a similar post but couldn’t find one.
thx
Have you considered the Saris H3? I have a first generation Hammer and it’s been fantastic other than the noise level, which isn’t an issue with the H3. I don’t know about availability though.
If / when I have to replace my trainer, I’ll probably get a Kickr because I’m interested in getting the Climb.
I NEED to get one in DecemberIf this is your driving priority, then you are pretty much limited to what you can find and not by what your definition of “best” is. Your first decision is to decide budget and what tier of training you want. If you settle on the top tier (Neo 2T, KICKR, H3, etc.) then you cannot go wrong. I would probably rank the KICKR and 2T slightly ahead of the H3, but it is probably not much difference.
At the next level (KICKR Core, Flux S, Suito, etc.), I probably like the Core more followed by the others.
TACX NEO T2 - it’s a bit more expensive that I planned, and apparently have some software issues and it potentially overheats
What software issues are you referring to? I got a Neo 2T a few weeks ago and it’s been great. No issues at all.
I’ve had my NEO 2T since May, haven’t had any issues with it. Of course this is my first smart trainer so I don’t have any experience with others. I kind of wished I had gotten the Wahoo so I could incorporate the Climber but that’s a pretty minor issue. The real road feel of the NEO 2T is kinda cool. I have tried it with Zwift, Trainerroad, and Rouvey. Worked like a champ with all three.
I haven’t had any software issues. Connectivity is rock solid. Can be used with our without plugging it into the wall. I don’t remember what functions you lose if not plugged in, but I accidently unplugged it for a couple of weeks once, didn’t even notice.
I’ve been on my suito since late August. No issues other than the calibration within Zwift does not work, seems to be an issue with many trainers though. It connects fine and works well. I’m not a heavy user though, typically about 4 hours/week. Price was right. The XR is a step up in most areas.
I’ve got a 1st gen Neo and it’s been great for me (knock on carbon). However, I’m a part of the Tacx Neo facebook group and it seems that there are a few that have experienced difficulties with the Neo 2T. …Of course, you generally only hear the complaints, so I’m not sure how wide spread the issues are.
dcrainmaker seems to love the new Wahoo KICKR **core **(mainly for it’s price point), but i recall him mentioning somewhere (can’t find it) that we should avoid buying any used KICKR 2018 models due to the sheer number of issues Wahoo faced with that production run. Having said that, I see that you can buy refurbished 2018 units directly from wahoo and I would assume they have corrected the issues customers experiences.
I don’t remember what functions you lose if not plugged in, but I accidently unplugged it for a couple of weeks once, didn’t even notice.
You lose downhill simulation. I think that’s it.
I ride a lot of routes so the downhill simulation and real road feel appealed to me which is part of the reason I went with the Tacx. If the Climb is popular, I wouldn’t be surprised if Tacx comes out with something similar.
Neo 2T absolutely. Electromagnetic flywheels are the next gen, and tacx fixed pretty much all of the prior issues that plagued neos with the new 2t. I have had one since April and its flawless, from max effort sprints to century rides. Erg mode is good, resistance changes feel great, the bit of rocking helps a ton, doesnt slip ever and its quiet as can be. Zero issues with it after 200+ hours of riding, couldnt be happier
I have 2 Kickr Cores - one purchased in Oct. 2018 and the other May 2020, both work flawlessly (the chevron stickers did fall off the 2018 version).
There were definitely some growing pains for Wahoo in 2018 and I have fallen out of love with the brand in general; but, at the price point, ease of use, and reliability I’d go Kickr Core every time.
I’ve heard about the flying sticker phenomena. Apparently needed better elmers glue!
It seems that all brands have a small % of problematic trainers, but that always gets magnified (for those on specific forums), giving that ‘grass greener on the other side’ kind of perspective.
It somewhat depends on which program you are using it with. I have been using the Wahoo Kicker and the Saris H3. I use mainly Trainer Road. The kicker does not seem to wind down quickly enough at the end of any interval and gives crazy cadence numbers, despite the fat the firmware is totally up to date. On the other hand, the Saris H3 has performed wonderfully and seems far more actuate and reliable and gives numbers that seem so much more valid. I buddy has the Neo2 and has not had good or reliable results with it and it is said the bearing have had huge issues. I bought the He from Saris and am really happy, even though I use the others. Every time I get on the Kicker it confirms my purchase of the H3.
Bought a Suito last year when it was just new released. Never had a problem with it. I thought the power readings were really low, so I compared it with my Vector3’s and it gave like the exact readings. I was just in terrible shape.
I was a first buyer of the Kickr Core. I went through 4 copies until Wahoo ended up upgrading me to a Kickr, and the second one of those worked.
The good news is that they stood behind the product and kept sending me replacements. The bad news was all of the issues they had. The issues were related to a static electricity event, or the power was way off. I think all of the refurbished ones they are selling now must be their first production runs of the Core.
I have a 2018 kickr Core and it works great, but I have rebuilt it 3 times. The last time with multiple parts from McMaster-Carr. Don’t get even a refurbished 2018 core from wahoo. There are fundamental problems with how it was engineered from a mechanical design stand point. The overall performance of the unit from a software standpoint is fantastic. I was simply happy to fix it rather then be trainer less trying to get a new 2018 model from wahoo that would likely have the same issues. I have 1000’s of miles on mine now. I believe all the mechanical issues have been fixed in the new models, but don’t have hands on experience.
As a side note the trainer environment is brutal. Expecting these things to work for multiple years with no maintenance is a stretch.