In general, the main driver for choosing a wheel-on vs. direct-drive smart trainer is cost. Unless you can’t stretch (or your partner won’t allow you to stretch) for a direct-drive it’s almost always going to be the better option. Quieter, more accurate, won’t eat tires, don’t need to pump the tire up to 110psi every time you use it; are just a few reasons why they’re better. Direct-drive trainers are all more expensive ($900+) than something like this Elite Tuo (which TLDW, actually seems pretty good) or Kickr Snap which both SRP around $500, so if money is an object, it is definitely worth looking their way. Whichever way you go, don’t wait too long, trainer season is fast approaching in the northern hemisphere, and given the COVID situation they are getting really hard to find.
News
October 29, 2020
I have a Cycleops (now Saris) M2 that works(ed) well. I’m using an old Conti 4000 for the rear tire. Tried to use it a few weeks ago and would not calibrate. Also noticed that when I touched the metal pull chain on the light above my head while pedaling, the LED light would flicker. I figured I had a grounding problem someplace on the interior of the unit. Thankfully, I was still in the warranty period and Saris will have only had it for a week. Been a tough week – nothing but rain and 40’s and now it… Read more »
Winter is the only thing I miss from when we lived in Florida.
I definitely need to be at peace with spending mornings in my basement…