Zwift compatable indoor trainer

[ycowley]

Hi

 

Please can you give me some advice on an indoor trainer that is Zwift compatable at a non wallet breaking price and easy to use.

Edited July 12, 2020 by ycowley

[DR ◣◢]

How big is the wallet?

[ChrisF]

Wahoo Kikr Core ...

 

 

Sadly that is the price range for an entry level decent setup

[shaper]

Try looking on zwift website, they list all trainers https://zwift.com/hardware

[sirmoun10goat]

Wahoo Kikr Core ...

 

 

Sadly that is the price range for an entry level decent setup

 

Hardly entry level - the resistance, inclination and the silence of this trainer are right up there with the best. It's just Wahoo's entry level direct drive.

[CAAD4]

There are other options where "dumb" trainers can be used with Ant+ dongles and Bluetooth speed sensors. If you look at the other threads on the topic, you will see them.

[JacBrand]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg0IDDmSStw

[Frosty]

Tacx make a “wheel on” smart trainer that is at a true budget price:

 

https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/04/tacx-flow-budget-smart-trainer-in-depth-review.html/amp

[Orbit]

All trainers are Zwift compatible (some need a few additional accessories). It just depends on what experience you want.

And of course how much you are willing to spend.

 

Once you make that decision then you can look for the correct package to suit your needs... and wallet.

[ycowley]

Thanks all.

[madmarc]

You can use most wheel on dumb trainers - Heres a summary of what you need.

 

Phone / Tablet / PC - Phone or tablet probably the easiest.

Check which connection protocol it has - Bluetooth or Ant+ - Apple will be Bluetooth - Android is Bluetooth with some having Ant+ as well.

Get a speed /cad sensor with the same connection protocol - You can get speed / cad sensors that have both. - Same thing with the HR monitor.

Setup the trainer with the resistance on level 0 or 1

Set app to "Virtual power" In the app they list trainers to select which one you have. Check if your is listed. If it ins't then select a similar model.

Fire up the app and make sure your speed / cad & HRM is connected to the app.

 

Off you go...... start training

[ChrisF]

"Wheel-on-trainers" .... certainly ticks the budget box .... but MAN, these things are noisy !!!

 

 

"dumb" vs "smart" trainers ... for the full effect of Swift (or any similar virtual platform), you really want the auto braking facility of the smart trainers.

 

 

So yes, for a less than R 1000 you can have a dumb wheel-on-roller setup, add a few sensors and technically you are on Zwift .....

 

Jump the budget up a good few bob and you get to a smart wheel on trainer ... now you get the real experience of a smart trainer .... and a LOT of noise ....

 

 

And thus my previous post, for the real experience and without drowning out every sound around you, get a Wahoo Kikr Core (or similar from any of the other brands)

 

 

 

Sadly these three options are worlds apart in terms of budget .... BUT, when you end up with a cupboard full of the entry level stuff before buying the right thing ... uhm, dan raak dit regtig duur !

[Duane_Bosch]

 

And thus my previous post, for the real experience and without drowning out every sound around you, get a Wahoo Kikr Core (or similar from any of the other brands)

 

I'm afraid I have to agree with you here. It's pointless buying a trainer that you are going to hate and end up not using.

 

Elite Suito/Kikr Core. The feel of a wheel off trainer makes it worth it. Yes it's a hearty amount of money but compared to a good treadmill or rowing machine they are actually well priced. And take up much less room.

 

I have a dumb giant trainer gathering dust in my garage and words cannot describe how absolutely crap that thing is to use. My wheel off Suito gets used weekly.

[DR ◣◢]

I used a dumb trainer before and after my back operation just to keep the legs going. Never mind what I tried it was just so insanely boring. 

 

I bought the Kickr to get strong and back in shape with. With that and Zwift (+ diet) I'm down 6kg since 5 June. 

 

Definitely wouldn't have been possible without the smart functionality.

[madmarc]

I used a dumb trainer before and after my back operation just to keep the legs going. Never mind what I tried it was just so insanely boring. 

 

I bought the Kickr to get strong and back in shape with. With that and Zwift (+ diet) I'm down 6kg since 5 June. 

 

Definitely wouldn't have been possible without the smart functionality.

 

Yes if you are just using it on its own I agree - However linking a dumb trainer to TR or Zwift on virtual power makes it a lot more fun if you on a budget.

 

I ran an old TACX Flow on TR for over 2 years before i became a Wahooligan. Just before lockdown i set it up on Zwift for someone who didnt have a trainer, linked to his ipad with BT speed / cad sensors and it works perfect. Hes getting proper workout training does a lot of group rides and other events.

 

He gets to enjoy Zwift just as much as we do without the 20K odd investment.