Currently I’m using Elite Qubo Fluid.
It receives mainly positive reviews due to its low noise, compact size, high maximum resistance, etc., etc.
However, there’s one drawback:
When pushing approx. 370 watts, the resistance drops slightly after 2 minutes or so.
This becomes an issue when riding flat-out tests, since you no longer can focus just on maintaining the cadence.
Instead, you have to constantly monitor the power, downshift if it drops too much and handle change of cadence - legs don’t like it when riding flat-out.
It’s even worse during intervals lasting longer than 10 minutes or long workouts in general (over 1.5 hrs).
It’s not an issue only with my unit, others report similar observations too.
I was even able to notice it when I haven’t been using a power meter.
I believe the main cause is poor heat transport.
Previously I owned CycleOps Fluid2 and although I haven’t ridden on it with power, I could tell the difference:
Thanks to the fan cooling down the resistance unit, it held resistance much better.
I’m considering buying a new trainer - Elite Turbo Muin (direct drive, fluid).
Did you notice the issue with dropping resistance in this one too?
I have lower spec Elite crono fluid and the resistance response to accelerations is not realistic which is where I think your issue lies. The added friction/heat of any acceleration causes a resistance increase above the normal power curve such that you get a decay with time at a steady state power.
Just FYI many places that sell the Elite Turbo Muin do not include the sensor (Misuro B+) that allows you to get power, speeed, ect off the turbo. You will want to the sensor if you have the trainer but it adds another £50+ to the purchase price. This puts the Muin in the price range of a number of smart trainer offering from Kinetic and Tacx.
This is pretty common with fluid trainers. As the resistance fluid changes temperature, its viscosity changes, so the little pump in the resistance unit takes more/less watts to keep turning. The other factor is that your tire will also change temperature and rolling resistance.
Kurt Kinetic claims that the fluid they use uniquely doesn’t do this, and having ridden on one on and off for many years, they don’t seem to be lying.
So, I got the Muin.
Fortunately it does not drop the resistance.
The only thing is, that it increases the resistance very slightly during first 3 minutes above 270 watts (approximate numbers).
It’s a minor change, I would certainly not be able to notice it without a power meter.
After that, resistance remains on a constant level throughout whole workout.
I no longer remember the wattage during shooting the video. Probably steady 200-220W with short 300W-400W jump.
Will shoot a better vid sometime
I spoke with Elite whether mine is normal, they claimed noise level is ok.
I guess having a conversation with someone is ok, but watching movies while training still is pain in the arse.
I have to use subtitles, even in my mother tongue: While I can get 95% of the dialogs, if 5% happens, I have to rewind and this becomes more like movie watching than training.
I’m talking about regular speakers, I don’t want to use headphones.
While I like the trainer and it’s the best I’ve ever used, the advertised noise level is just one massive bullshit and Elite should be ashamed.
