I have always been a ride outside or it doesn’t count type of guy, but staring down the barrel of another winter I am considering dipping my toe in the world of indoor training for the first time.
Really don’t want to put either of my bikes in a wheel off trainer, so looking at a full smart-bike. Anybody have one of these? Have opinions? They seem well reviewed but are pretty new.
I’m curious - why not put a bike on a trainer?
I know it’s probably a “one-off” freak accident, but I had a friend crack a seat stay on his Cervelo on a trainer.
We’re about the same size - both 6’1” and 190 to 200lbs (way too big for a cyclist, read fat) and I just don’t wanna take that risk. My road bike is a DeRosa and my gravel bike is a Colnago and comparatively a trainer for $1500 seems like a better option.
Or even better, find an old bike, single speed it, and get a JetBlack or similar cheap trainer, or a second hand trainer, with a Zwift Click, and in doing so save a shed load of cash and be less environmentally harmful.
I’ve got a T7 and love it. The belt drive is much quieter and smoother than a chain and doesn’t require constant maintenance. The structure is sturdier than my old Wahoo Kickr Core with bike, and the controls work and feel great. Adjustability is great, too. I ride mostly on Zwift but have used it on Rouvy, too—it plays well with both. I also think it’s the best looking smart bike I’ve seen. Great value for the price.
I don’t have any experience with it, and neither DC Rainmaker nor GP Llama have reviewed it (yet?). I might be willing to take a flyer on it, but as JC1979 says, you can also get a beater bike and smart trainer. I’ve done both: I currently have a Kickr Bike, but previously had a Hammer trainer with an ancient bike mounted on it. This actually has a small added benefit in that you can use the trainer for dialing in your position on a new bike.
I do think it is a smart idea to keep your good bikes off the trainer (or get a smart bike, or possibly get a Zwift frame or Elite Square). You need to keep the good bike clean to avoid sweat corrosion, and it’s nice to have the stationary rig ready to go all the time.