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I'd definitely get a direct-drive trainer: they're quieter, the power readings are more accurate, you don't get all the rubber "dust", no slippage when you stand up or do a hard interval... Basically they're leagues better.
Unfortunately I have a wheel-on trainer 🙁 It works, and as I have it set up in the garage the noise isn't too much of an issue (although I have to turn the volume up on Spotify). But the power accuracy is a real problem: temperature changes lead to tyre pressure changes, and your FTP value is no longer correct. And it's not a small difference, on mine (a BKool) I changed bikes (and hence tyre+pressure) and the difference is close to 25%... Standing up is also a problem, as if I shift my weight forward the back wheel starts to slip.
That said, I can't really justify changing it. As mentioned it works, and I've used it with Sufferfest and BKool software, and in both cases I've gained a lot of fitness using it. But if I were buying new I'd definitely spend another 100€ or whatever and get a direct-drive trainer.
Elite had a range of more than ten trainers, the discontinuation of the directo is because they are trying to consolidate their range - to the tuo wheel on trainer, the suito budget direct drive and another more expensive direct that I forget the name of.
I have the zumo which has gone as part of that, got it for about 300 quid, it was their cheapest direct drive and it's more than adequate, so I wouldn't worry about the directo from a feel point of view. Their calibration etc can be a bit flakey, but once you've set it up it's ok. Perhaps the wahoo better from that point of view and from resale value, doubt they ride much different though.
I had plenty punctures with a wheel on trainer (Tacx Flow) - loads of heat and nowhere for it to go. Eventually upgraded to a Tacx Flux direct drive that I hated. After the second one failed in spectacular fashion I got Halfords to replace with an Elite Direto. It’s been good and Elite customer support were excellent when I had an issue with it.
I'd be tempted to wait til after Christmas.
a) Sales.
b) Used trainers being sold by people who've received a new one for Christmas.
There will be very little sporting equipment in the sales after Christmas, the supply chain can't keep up with demand, there will be no overstock to dispose of cheaply.
I've pushed the button on the Direto from Decathlon (£599, it's £770 at CRC!) and even managed to convert several years worth of Microsoft Reward points into £85 of Decathlon Gift Cards! Reviews of the Direto are pretty good.
Not counting my chickens etc. delivery's a couple of weeks off and who knows how accurate their stock levels are, so we'll see.
Thanks for all the help.
Excellent! Take it steady and ease your way into things.
Not sure if it's been mentioned but get a really good fan for cooling purposes - Cleva Vacmaster https://www.cleva-uk.com/products/vacmaster-air-mover are around £70 but you can get £10 off with the code GS10 (or if that doesn't work TRAINERROAD10 will get 10% off so slightly less discount - both were working at the end of October)
@pjay - Looks like you are quite far down the smart trainer route, which is handy in terms of integration etc.
Someone earlier mentioned the Concept2 BikeErg, I recently got one to keep out for my wife to use instead of my old turbo. It’s only 26kg and packs down quite nicely for moving but is super easy to adjust between users with no set up faff. Works with Zwift/Sufferfest apps etc for data pretty nicely.
Another option to consider if your current choices are hard to get.
Zwift, Smart Trainer, Old bike, Ipad in front of you on a stand to run Zwift, TV behind that (for boredom) and the thing that WILL really make a difference is investing in a "Rocker Plate" to give the bike some kind of realistic feeling. Loads of options from make your own to ridiculously expensive. Check out Omni Rocker to start you off. https://bikegeeks.com/omnirocker-romford-essex
Can't believe no-one has mentioned Sufferfest yet. It's way better than Zwift for training purposes IMO: Zwift for gaming, Sufferfest for training. You get access to proper training plans tailored to your own strengths/weaknesses for your desired goal (only after doing the Full Frontal fitness test which is a world of pain if done properly), yoga, strength and mental training all in one app.
They do a 14 day trial. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
Can’t believe no-one has mentioned Sufferfest yet.
We have, and also discussed it's merits for someone recovering from heart procedures.
Doh! Must improve skim reading abilities.