As above, been looking at Kickr and the Hammer online. Both seem to have advocates. What does STW recommend?
In Zwift circles the answer is almost always, get a Neo
I bought a Tacx here from Wiggle and they have them for £328 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-vortex-smart-trainer/
Look at DcRainmakers guide, and buy the best for your budget.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/10/annual-trainer-recommendations.html
I intend to buy an Elite Direto for winter, unless there is a new entry at that price point that is better in the next few months. I currently have a kinetic road machine smart control, which has been pretty disappointing. I would definitely go for direct drive if it is within your budget.
I have the direto and am perfectly happy with it so far.
No idea if it's the cheapest place, but ~£550 with BC discount is a steal.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/elite-direto-direct-drive-turbo-trainer.
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-neo-smart-turbo-trainer ~£850 with BC discount if you have a bigger budget
I have the direto and am perfectly happy with it so far.
Me too
I have a Neo, can't fault it. Definitely get something with direct drive if you can afford it.
Me too
This.
DC Rainmaker definitely the best guide to read.
It all really depends on budget, I went for a Tacx Vortex Smart trainer which is a great entry level trainer. Not super quiet but does the job and I couldn't justify spending more. Seems a decent jump in performance if you can afford £600+
I’d wait until the new KICKR Core is available the new one is now silent and cheaper than the full model, with the same flywheel as the old version
I bought a 2016 model and am delighted with it. The Core is better as it can be run with the Climb, which I’d rather like to try.
Dont apend too little. But now you don’t need to spend too much.
The Neo is also a nice machine and it can be run without power, but the handle on the KICKR makes it a very good choice as these things are not light. The Core price difference makes the decision much easier.
Possibly over budget, but is a Watt Bike an option? Are you going to be using it all year round? If not you can rent one for the wetter months.
I have one, its the most simple faff free product I own. I have to have mine in the house, so having it permanently set up ready to ride is a bonus. If I had the space I may have gone for the Kickr, but the Wattbike was a much easier sell to the missus.
Tacx are bringing out their own stationary bike based on the Neo. Sounds a lot better than the Watt Bike (for Zwift). It will be £2.3k though!!
w00dster - is that an Atom Watt Bike you have?
No, I have the Pro. Bought a refurbished one a few years ago. Couple of team mates have the Atom though and are very happy with it. Had some teething issues but they are happy that they are now sorted.
Thanks all, I don't mind dropping the money on the Kickr. I have been getting plenty of use out of my old one using a heart rate sensor, cadence and speed sensor on Zwift.
Overall it has been a godsend while I recover from a fall and the resultant surgery. If anything my fitness is improving hugely and I would like to continue on the same trajectory. Also means I can have a quick hour rather than all the faffage, especially in the cooler months.
wow - I've heard of Zwift, but I had no idea the turbo trainers you needed were so amazingly expensive.
LBS had a 2018 Kickr3. They no longer have it....... I asked about the new cheaper one but they reckon no delivery till September at the earliest.
I am now somewhat poorer.
Another happy Elite Direto owner here.
wow – I’ve heard of Zwift, but I had no idea the turbo trainers you needed were so amazingly expensive.
Mine was £180, which admittedly isn't chicken feed, but it's not a million miles away from the cost of a 'dumb' trainer.
wow – I’ve heard of Zwift, but I had no idea the turbo trainers you needed were so amazingly expensive.
You don't "need" and expensive / smart trainer. My elite dumb turbo was £80 in the sales 2 years ago. Add an ANT+ device and you're good to go.
Add a powermeter if you want
Add speed & cadence if you want
Add a Smart turbo if you want
All the above subject too budget and desire really.
wow – I’ve heard of Zwift, but I had no idea the turbo trainers you needed were so amazingly expensive.
As above, I started with a cheap, sub-£100 turbo and GCN vids on YouTube. Then got Zwift on my iPad and a bluetooth cadence sensor, speed sensor and HRM. Then (stupidly) bought a semi-smart turbo (Elit Turbo Muin) that talked directly to Zwift but didn't change resistance. I'll buy an Elite Directo for £500 or so soon I think.