Any feedback on the CycleOps M2 trainer? I’m in the market for a smart trainer and the Wahoo Kicker seems a little pricey. But I’m uncertain of how accurate/responsive a wheel-on “smart trainer” can be.
What is your use case? Wheel-on trainers suffer above 6% simulated grades due to tire slippage. I had major issues with my PowerBeam (m2 predecessor) on zwift/rouvy.
If all you want is erg-type workouts, the resistance and accuracy is good. But for simulations, go direct drive. In (about) your price range for the m2, you van get a tacx flux or elite direto, both of which are worth the extra $150 over the m2.
direct drive are more accurate but people trained with wheel on trainers for years and got faster with consistent training. Dont believe for a second that HAVE to have one.
The M2 works fine, Use to have 6 in my training studio.
I agree the M2 is fine. Its just that on high simulated slopes, any wheel-on trainer suffers from tire slippage. The braking force is just too strong for the frictional interface between tire and roller. For indoor climbing (high resistance, low cadence), a direct drive is the better choice.
When my powerbeam died, I went back to a fluid2 and just shift to simulate hills on rouvy, with power coming from a pm. Not as mindless, but still a good workout and no slippage since my wheel is still moving 20 mph.
Question is, with the M2 on sale for $400 right now, is that a good choice? Sure, but the OP, or anyone else interested, should be aware of this trainer type’s shortcomings.