The $700 additional from the x24 is steep, but I think the features it offers over the x24 make it worth is. I am replacing a Peloton, so if I am going to do it, I am going to have drop bars or I am just not going to do it.
The Zwift bike is not an option because of the exposed chain…unless there is an easy way to fix that.
I think that just means that it’ll vary resistance according to grade, using whatever algorithm they have for calculating or approximating the resistance necessary, based on your weight (hopefully) and height (maybe….to help approximate CdA) and of course, grade.
The only thing that actually changes is resistance. But as @Robin says, there will be some algorithm that links the (virtual) gradient and (virtual) gear choice to the resistance, to simulate riding at that gradient in that gear.
If you want the bike to actually tilt up, you need to buy a frame, turbo trainer, and gradient simulator (Wahoo Climb; Tacx Alpine; Elite Rizer) all separately.
I’d be wary of being locked into iFit. My partner’s treadmill just lost iFit support, and there’s no other way to connect to a tablet or use another app.
The software matters more than the hardware, and with the Nordictrack, you’re likely getting something that’s really mediocre. With a smartbike like the Kickr Bike Pro, you aren’t locked into a single software platform, so you can choose whichever one you like the best. It’s the quality of the software that’ll be the difference between this being something you use every day and it being a very expensive clothes rack.
Also, I’d love to tell you that waxing a chain will solve your problem and let you buy a regular trainer or the Zwiftbike… it will solve the problem of getting grime on your pets, but you do get wax flakes coming off on the ground, which I’m guessing they’ll nibble on. I can’t imagine the additives are great for their health (tungsten disulfide? it doesn’t sound good). If you cleaned under your bike regularly, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Also, by the way, don’t worry about staying in the Garmin ecosystem. I don’t think there’s any benefit to having your trainer/smartbike match your GPS or watch.
oh, you are very wrong about that. Each Tacx 100k is worth 8 points and over a Minnesota winter I am likely to rack up a handful of those. That said, I once did the math on getting to level 10 I needed to do an Imperial century every weekend for like 12 years. I gave up after that, although Garmin has a added a lot more points options and I am option 72 points from Level 7 now. I’ve got a 600k and a 400k planned in the spring. Maybe after that I can think about the long-term stuff, but right now I just need to focus on the training plan.
With little creativity you could mount Dutch style full chain enclosure. Pairing it with virtual shifting enabled trainer to not need shifting (or if just running ERG in one gear).
Something to keep in mind in buying the Tacx Smart bike is that they are, at least by my standards, extremely generous with in warranty and even out of warranty service. I had a first generation one replaced at the very end of the warranty period with a brand new 2nd gen one. My 2nd gen one had some problems out of warranty and they are mailing me the repair kit free of charge - if I can’t fix it I can get a replacement “frame” (basically everything but the saddle, handlebars and fans) for like $700 or something.
It’s a substantial investment, but right now, they seem to be playing their cards right in terms of keeping customers happy.