I have a little bit of money set aside for either a Powermeter or Smart Trainer. I was wondering if I can get some guidance on the following issue. My current set up is a using a dumb trainer, cadence sensor, speed sensor, and I use TrainerRoad (power based on the speed sensor/cadence sensor/power curve of the trainer). I like trainerroad b/c it just works and is easy. However, I would like to get into some zwift racing. I’ve done some zwift riding before, and found it rather dull. Not the video, but b/c, similar to trainerroad, zwift was using an algorithm to determine my power (which is fine). The issue is when I do a course that has any kind of elevation, my power goes up, my speed drops, but I can’t really tell or feel it happening, so it feels too fake.
I’m not married to the idea of getting a smart trainer only for zwift, but its an option. Help me decide, do I keep the dumb trainer and get a power meter for my bike, or do I pick up a smart trainer and train with that?
100% smart trainer. So much easier to do workouts on erg mode rather than rely on yourself to keep a set wattage for the interval. Plus you can do high wattage low cadence with them easily.
The most common response (and my recommendation) is to get a power meter before you get a smart trainer. The PM will improve the quality of your workouts in general and help you optimize outside riding and racing.
This assumes your first priority on the trainer is performance improvement.
If entertainment is a higher priority than performance (or the entertainment will increase your desire to train), then get the smart trainer first for Zwift.
I started with a dumb trainer and TrainerRoad. I added a PM and freakin’ loved it. About a year later, I got a smart trainer. The quality of my workouts did not increase substantially with the smart trainer versus the dumb trainer, because I had pretty good discipline. But, the holistic use of the PM was fantastic for races.
I’d recommend a power meter first as you can use it indoors on the trainer and outdoors when you train or race. When you have spare $$$ you can get the smart trainer, if you feel it will add to your training experience.
The value of having power outdoors for training and racing far out weighs having a smart trainer.
The next question would be what power meter. Power2Max / FSA Powerbox would be my recommended starting points as I have had good personal experience. I’d add Quarq from others experience. I sure others will add their experiences and recommendations.
I vote smart trainer for the zwift riding and racing. Cartoon racing!
We would need more details on your riding.
It depends on your outdoor riding season length and time constraints as well.
I have both so buy the power meter now and then the smart trainer when the weather turns and the daylight declines.
The smart trainer and zwift is nice for the Winter or 105 degree days or pollution days.
I have a little bit of money set aside for either a Powermeter or Smart Trainer. I was wondering if I can get some guidance on the following issue. My current set up is a using a dumb trainer, cadence sensor, speed sensor, and I use TrainerRoad (power based on the speed sensor/cadence sensor/power curve of the trainer). I like trainerroad b/c it just works and is easy. However, I would like to get into some zwift racing. I’ve done some zwift riding before, and found it rather dull. Not the video, but b/c, similar to trainerroad, zwift was using an algorithm to determine my power (which is fine). The issue is when I do a course that has any kind of elevation, my power goes up, my speed drops, but I can’t really tell or feel it happening, so it feels too fake.
I’m not married to the idea of getting a smart trainer only for zwift, but its an option. Help me decide, do I keep the dumb trainer and get a power meter for my bike, or do I pick up a smart trainer and train with that?
Thanks in advance!
I have nearly the same setup as you. Dumb trainer, TrainerRoad user, No Zwift, etc. I vote power meter if you think you will be riding outside that way you get more usage out of it. I also think that, while harder, using non-ERG setups like a PM and dumb trainer increases focus during your workout. Just my opinion. I will admit that I, too, have thought of a Smart Trainer a few times but the price turns me off when all of my bikes already have a PM on them already.
You can use a power meter outside, you cant use Zwift/TR/etc outside.
You can also use a power meter for when it matters the most - the actual race.
I’ve done 90% of my workouts outdoors since buying a power meter. I also find it easier to hold prescribed power outdoors vs indoors (they are both calibrated the same, I’ve AB’d the two and they are basically identical). FYI - You can use your powermeter on Zwift for exact power. Can’t help the “fake” feeling but still, at least it is accurate.
I have a 4iiii PM (got cheap-$300) and use my dumb trainer. It’s easy and I don’t need to worry about it major issues. I have same PM on both road and tri bike so I can throw either one on my trainer (disc brake roadie and rim brake tri).
I paid $45 for the thru axle piece for disc bike.
I feel like Smart Trainers have a short shelf life. I’ve been using my same trainer for almost 10 years.