Best "Smart Bikes" value, performance, ease of use?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting an indoor “smart bike” that’s compatible with Zwift and other online training platforms. I see offerings from Wahoo, Tacx, and Stages. Which of these seems to offer the best value and performance? Are there any other brands worth looking at?

2

I have a whoo kickr and it works great. Does everything you could want for about $600. I feel for the price it is about as good as it gets. There are more expensive ones that have more bells and whistles if you have the money.

3

Are you looking for a smart trainer or a smartbike? I’m on a wattbike gen1, and I think it was worth the money. I sweat a lot and indoor bikes seem to be more resistant to corrosion. The footprint is significantly smaller than my old trainer setup, something my wife appreciates. If you want to use zwift there are probably better options than the wattbike. I haven’t tried the kickr or tacx bikes, but if you want to ride virtual courses I’d go with the kickr due to the climbing feature. If you are not set in zwift the wattbike is a great option. Very robust and the wattbike hub is a pretty good trai ing app and it’s and free. Most of the time I don’t use any other apps to run the bike.

4

Are you looking for a smart trainer or a smartbike? I’m on a wattbike gen1, and I think it was worth the money. I sweat a lot and indoor bikes seem to be more resistant to corrosion. The footprint is significantly smaller than my old trainer setup, something my wife appreciates. If you want to use zwift there are probably better options than the wattbike. I haven’t tried the kickr or tacx bikes, but if you want to ride virtual courses I’d go with the kickr due to the climbing feature. If you are not set in zwift the wattbike is a great option. Very robust and the wattbike hub is a pretty good trai ing app and it’s and free. Most of the time I don’t use any other apps to run the bike.

I am talking about a smart bike, not a smart trainer. The previous respondent must have misunderstood my post. I already have a smart trainer.

5

I’ve had the Tacx smart bike since it was released. Super solid and have nothing bad to say about it.

Check DCR’s smart bike shootout: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/smart-shootout-wahookickrbike-wattbikeatom-tacxneobike.html

and Stages review (as it wasn’t out yet when he did the shootout): https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/07/stages-bike-sb20-smart-bike-in-depth-review.html#