OK, So I have yet to read a good review on ANY smart trainer on the market; including early reviews on the TACX Neo. In fact, I have tried the neo and spent a lot of time playing with adjusting my detailer to get anything close to the marketed “smooth ride” at least compared to my experience on Kurt Kinetic Fluid trainers. While most of my riding is outside in beautiful South Florida, there are days that work requires a trainer. Also, my coach prescribes intervals that include power and time, therefore while Zwift is “FUN” most days it is me grinding out 5X10 Z3 power with 3 min Z1 recovery. Sounds to me like I need to stay with the dumb trainers. Comments?
I had 3 seasons on a KK Road and switched to a Cycleops Powerbeam for last 2 years. ERG mode with TR takes away from having to think about your power levels or adjusting gears to do so. Only issue is the ramping up smoothness. Sprint intervals are better done in slope mode and not ERG. TR FTP test intervals are automatically done in slope mode.
I had 3 seasons on a KK Road and switched to a Cycleops Powerbeam for last 2 years. ERG mode with TR takes away from having to think about your power levels or adjusting gears to do so. Only issue is the ramping up smoothness. Sprint intervals are better done in slope mode and not ERG. TR FTP test intervals are automatically done in slope mode.
Never heard of this, what’s slope mode? I assume an ERG hybrid approach wherein the resistance gradually ramps up given proper pedaling input?
I rode a fluid trainer for almost 10 years and got a smart trainer last year. Smart trainers are more fun but the issues with ANT+ dropouts, software, wifi, etc. is really frustrating sometimes. I like riding routes but it’s a kind of a pain for intervals (relying on software,etc). I tried erg mode but found that I wasn’t as mentally engaged in the workout and feel like I get a much better workout holding power on my own, like race day. I’d sell it if I didn’t enjoy the routes (and I live in WI so I ride indoors all winter). Due to all the ANT+ dropouts I’ve been having lately I had to finish my last ride on my fluid trainer. It would be great if I could go with a wired connection.
If I lived in FL I’d stick with a fluid trainer.
I had 3 seasons on a KK Road and switched to a Cycleops Powerbeam for last 2 years. ERG mode with TR takes away from having to think about your power levels or adjusting gears to do so. Only issue is the ramping up smoothness. Sprint intervals are better done in slope mode and not ERG. TR FTP test intervals are automatically done in slope mode.
Never heard of this, what’s slope mode? I assume an ERG hybrid approach wherein the resistance gradually ramps up given proper pedaling input?
Slope mode is similar to a dumb trainer with a remote to tweak the resistance. You simply dial up a simulated slope. If you shift to a bigger gear, it’ll feel harder at the same cadence (like on the road). It’s good for following a course or Zwift.
Erg mode, you set a power value. If you shift and keep the same cadence, your resistance will briefly get easier/harder, but resume where it was before. If you increase cadence, the resistance will decrease, keeping you at the same power. It’s good for trainerroad or other power based workouts.
Especially if you’re receiving power based workouts from a coach, which means you’ve got a power meter and a planned workout. That’s why I stay with a dumb and much cheaper trainer.
I’ve noticed a split amongst cyclists and triathletes: a lot of the cyclists I’ve encountered seem to prefer a good “dumb” trainer like the KK Fluid because it forces them to be engaged in metering their efforts. Apparently for TTers in the U.K. dumb trainers or “smart” trainers in “slope” mode seem to be the preferred route. Again, part of the training is metering out one’s own efforts.
Most of the triathletes I encounter who have a smart trainer absolutely love erg mode. I’m one of those. I’m actually pretty good at pacing myself but, early in the morning 5x/week, I just can’t be bothered to pace myself. I just want to show up and push the pedals and that’s what I do on my computrainer. It works for me.
I also prefer the wired connection of my computrainer. I have it hooked up to a dedicated computer set up with a dedicated bike. I never have connection issues. I’ve tried some of the wireless smart trainers in the past and have frequently had connection problems which… again… I just can’t be bothered to deal with early in the morning.
I’m using a Cycleops Fluid trainer in conjunction with a 4iiii power meter. I did buy a Kickr Snap 12 months ago and while this was nice to ride and very smooth it’s power was way off what my power meter was saying. I exchanged it, had the same problem so ended up getting a refund. Powermatch with Trainerroad worked well but only with workouts where there was no sudden jump in power. If there was a big jump as you get with VO2 Max intervals then I was having to put out up to 100 watts more than I was meant to. It could then take 30 - 60 seconds for the power to come down to actual target power. I had no connectivity issues with the Kickr.
Things I didn’t like:
Power not always accurate although the current crop of new ones seem to have addressed that problem
You’re stuck at the target power. Generally that’s fine but often with short hard intervals I want to give it heaps the last 30 seconds or so. That means having to reach over and change the workout intensity.
Some smart trainers often require you to do a spindown calibration after 10 minutes. That essentially means an extra 10 minutes pre warm up. Alternatively, I guess you stop your workout, spindown then carry on.
Don’t always cope well with lower cadences. If the workout has you slow down your cadence the trainer can overcompensate and make the resistance too much.
Because of the above I did about half of my workouts in Slope mode i.e. fixed resistance. Sort of defeats the purpose of having a Smart trainer
High price
Heavy to transport. I work away from home a lot and take my bike and trainer with me.
Things I liked:
Very smooth. The Kickr Snap was very quiet although Fluid 2 is quiet as well.
You can completely ignore the screen and gaze out the window or close your eyes and not have to worry about maintaining the correct power. Not actually a big deal. I find with a dumb trainer and a power meter. It gives you something to do.
Personally I think Smart trainers have a way to go yet as far as power and changing power are concerned. However if I was more of a casual cyclist and doing Zwift for fun then a smart trainer would make the Zwift experience much better.
I’m surprised with your problems with your smart trainer. My KICKR has been consistently excellent. I only have rare dropouts for 1-sec, and the ride is completely smooth.
For prescribed power workouts like 5 x 10 @ z3 power, for me there’s no contest with KICKR >>> fluid trainer. I used to use a Cycleops Fluid2 trainer with a powertap on my rear wheel, and while it worked fine, doing actual prescribed intervals both long and short is just ssooooo much better and more consistent on a Kickr. I spent way too much mental energy on the dumb trainer trying to stay on the power target. I don’t feel that I benefited whatsoever from learning to control the power myself - if anything, I feel I ‘learn’ the power better with the kickr where the demanded effort is much more stable.
I almost have no complaints with my Kickr - I just wish I had a better way to increase/decrease the power target (if I’m having a good/bad day) for which I don’t have to get off the bike (kinda like a treadmill). I know I can buy a mouse or keyboard to have near my bike, or even use my phone, but it’s just a minor niggle.
For long sustained intervals, the smart trainer is superior by far, in my opinion. Doing stuff like sweet-spot 20 minute intervals was the main reason I bought the Kickr, and the experience is much better than the dumb trainer, especially when you’re really flagging and tiring, and just have to fight to keep up - it’s too easy to just let up on the fluid trainer (and I’m mentally plenty strong.)
I bought my Tacx Neo after having seen several good reviews. I’ll add mine to that - it’s far quieter than any fluid trainer I’ve ridden, and feels like a higher inertia system (so way more realistic “road-feel”). It’s great on Zwift for regular indoor riding, especially with the downhill simulation and road surface simulation - they definitely make it less like riding the trainer. I’ve also had no problems doing workouts in erg mode on Zwift. The Neo does ramp between settings at about the same speed I would (i.e. kinda slowly), but absolutely zero complaints about the trainer and there’s no comparison between that and a fluid trainer.
I mean, I still have a fluid trainer, and I’ll probably use that for occasional race warmups where I can’t warm up on nearby roads (I race bikes). It’s fine. The Neo is a different breed though. If the one you’ve tried isn’t then I’m going to suggest that you might have tried a defective unit.
I ride almost exclusively indoors in Zwift now, so a smart trainer makes a big difference.
I’ve had my kk road trainer for about 4 years then I got a kickr 2 yrs ago. I used the kickr for about 1.5 yrs for zwift and TR. Sold the kickr a couple if months ago and went back to using the kk dumb trainer with a quarq. The only thing the i miss not having enough load on the kk trainer when the workout calls for < 50 cadence.
…It would be great if I could go with a wired connection…
We make wired trainer ( Lynx from Veloreality ) it will only cost you your arm and leg 
Computrainer is still being sold as well.
…My KICKR has been consistently excellent. I only have rare dropouts for 1-sec, and the ride is completely smooth…
Wireless trainers is like Russian Roulette (well with better chances). In most cases people are fine but in not so negligible minority it ranges from occasional drop to total frustration. Causes are endless. I had customer with KICKR who bought new USB network card and it ruined ANT+ connectivity with the trainer. After replacing the card everything went back to normal.
I don’t know what reviews you’ve been reading but I just got a Kickr V2 this Christmas and absolutely love it. I live in Alabama where I can ride outside pretty much year round but I have found the Kickr to be such a joy to ride I actually prefer the efficiency of getting a workout on it vs riding on the road. ERG mode is amazing. I came from a Cycleops Fluid 2 and it was good but the Kickr is a whole different beast. I have never had 1 issue with signal dropout with Zwift.
I don’t know what reviews you’ve been reading but I just got a Kickr V2 this Christmas and absolutely love it. I live in Alabama where I can ride outside pretty much year round but I have found the Kickr to be such a joy to ride I actually prefer the efficiency of getting a workout on it vs riding on the road. ERG mode is amazing. I came from a Cycleops Fluid 2 and it was good but the Kickr is a whole different beast. I have never had 1 issue with signal dropout with Zwift.
Similar experience.
This is more of a comparison between Kickr and Powerbeam Pro, but switching to smart trainer with ERG mode really gets the grind out very efficiently. Set and forget! Legs do the work. As articulated- works for me and other, but not for everybody.
https://youtu.be/5np_5oJhWpc
I trained on a KK Road machine for about 2-3 years. Had absolutely no problem. I bought a Tacx Neo 14 months ago and didn’t realize what I was missing. My Neo has been flawless. I just open up Trainer Road and pedal. No thinking, no changing of gears, no staring at a line to make sure I’m following it. I just pedal and get stronger. Power accuracy is on par with my Quarq and tracking is fast and accurate. In my case, switching from a dumb trainer to a smart one was …a smart decision.
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I also prefer the wired connection of my computrainer. I have it hooked up to a dedicated computer set up with a dedicated bike. I never have connection issues. I’ve tried some of the wireless smart trainers in the past and have frequently had connection problems which… again… I just can’t be bothered to deal with early in the morning.
Out of interest, do you take the time to do the 10-15 minute warmup/calibration routine before every workout??
Any issues using the CT with Trainerroad?
I am a total gearhead but haven’t moved to start trainers. I have seen inaccurate readings from others with a kickr which makes me want to stick to my on bike power meters. Zwift is fun, and more immersive with a smart trainer, but most of my time is doing structured steady state intervals. I spend a great deal of time in the winter on the trainer and still use a 10 year old cycle ops model.
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I also prefer the wired connection of my computrainer. I have it hooked up to a dedicated computer set up with a dedicated bike. I never have connection issues. I’ve tried some of the wireless smart trainers in the past and have frequently had connection problems which… again… I just can’t be bothered to deal with early in the morning.
Out of interest, do you take the time to do the 10-15 minute warmup/calibration routine before every workout??
Any issues using the CT with Trainerroad?
CT works beautifully with TR.
Most of the TR workouts have a 5-10 minute warmup period. Near the end of that I just hit “F3” on the CT control module and do a quick spin down. I use my CT every day or every other day worst case so the calibration is never that far off. I have my Garmin close by and my P1 pedals on my training bike (I move the pedals around) and check in periodically. CT is always within 1-2% and nearly always low which is exactly what you would expect.