Elite Direto Long-Term Review // Smart, Interactive Bike Trainer

[@timd7958]

I own this trainer now for 10 months, 6.500 km plus on zwift and I still enjoy it very much! +accuracy +roadfeel +price/quality -> best bang for the buck imo +no beeping step motor or cadence issues here (bought mid september 2018) -not as silent as I had hoped for, little bit noisy (i.e. downhill) but on ERG mode on small chainring ok -resistance adjustment during short intervalls or short ramps slightly delayed -the "handle" is terrible, I never use it! Better pick it up at the top

[@megazine]

Great review! I have an Elite Drivo 1st gen and love it. I wish Elite payed more attention to software. No easy way to upgrade firmware.

[@ChristopheJezouin]

A first review video, and then a long-term review. Nice job thanks :)

[@edwinleyno6813]

mine is 2 yrs old and still running smooth and quiet .. it just works

[@DesFit]

Nice!

[@RixterNow]

I have a Direto and I really like it. One thing I wish Elite would pay attention to is how quickly the power drops. On Zwift, you can't do a super-aero-tuck until you've stopped pedaling and your power is zero. I found that on some Zwift races, riders are passing on short downhill sections cause they are already in the tuck position, but the Direto is still registering that I'm putting out power, even though I'm not. It would be great if the trainer simply recognized that I've stopped pedaling, therefore my power must also be zero. Ignore the spinning flywheel.

[@peterlubos9735]

I used to have an Elite Direto. Unfortunately one of the more noisy units with a beeping step motor. Now I’m enjoying the silence of my new KICKR Core.

[@megazine]

“I do kinda really like how it feels between my legs” ☺️

[@DesFit]

😏

[@alving8169]

Thank you sir! Fantastic review!!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing

[@DivisPetr]

I haven't had problems with cadence (bought in fall 2017). Mine is usually between 60-110 and does not jump like yours.

[@nickzourikian4555]

Nice, to the point review! For those considering buying this decent, bang for the buck, smart trainer: My Direto consistently has a 10-20 second delay to react to Erg mode power changes on Trainer Road or Zwift workouts. Also, it's stepper motor constantly whines/beeps loudly - while always adjusting/readjusting to maintain power. Mine also has the brief lag with power changes in Zwift Sim mode, as this reviewer noted.

[@pietadrian4610]

Thanks for confirming and sharing additional experience!

[@yspegel]

Having this trainer for some time, great trainer but sadly 1400watt max is a bit low.

[@valentinoaledda7017]

Love the harman/kardon receiver in the background ;p (have almost the same)

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

Thanks for the long term. I still haven't quite jumped on the smart trainer bandwagon (Dang that house saving...) but this seems like the one. Just keep hearing more and more good stuff on it.

[@DesFit]

The smart, interactive experience is worth a look. This trainer could be a good option if you can find it at a competitive price.

[@dangda1]

What was your process of calibration? Just the 10min warmup and then trainer calibration via the app (advanced config) or adjustment of the belt tension? If the later did you have to ensure the offsetnumbers matched exactly as the factory provided offset. Thanks in advance

[@DesFit]

The calibration that I performed included tightening the belt to match the offset number after a 10 minute warm-up.

[@dangda1]

DesFit thanks for the prompt response, I just wanted to validate your procedure against others and Elites recommendation. NB: Elite have advised anything within 5 of the factory offset is within spec

[@DesFit]

I had to get it within 1 to be close to the Assiomas.

[@christophepeaster9927]

How did you tightened thé blet Thy

[@pedrojosecruz1987]

Great video. 2 questions. How can I instal with the boost 148 axle, and is posible to re ride strava routes ive done?

[@tomedwards1740]

Hiya mate. Had the direto for a few months but am unable to calibrate via myelite app via android. Tried it after 10 min warmup but its just stuck on start pedalling,doesn't move from that screen?? Any help appreciated.

[@jefalder]

how do you hand calibrate?

[@lawrencetang]

can anyone tell if if one shld go for the new XR or stick to this model? I am an enthusiasts rider but i am serious. So i wonder if i shld go striaght for the XR model which is double the price? Your advice and comments appreciated.

[@DesFit]

It’s just sound that will be the main difference. The XR is a little quieter.

[@sadersan9860]

Hi, thank you for great videos, do you have any thoughts about smart scales for body fat measure, about withings or other ones

[@hyousnghan4202]

Hello! So i have a chance of buying an used direto for about 350$ would that be worth it??

[@DesFit]

Hmm, that’s seems almost too cheap especially considering trainer availability.

[@hyousnghan4202]

@@DesFit but it should be worth it right? I am new to cycling and smart trainer so Im watching all your video to learn how to use it. The seller said I can test it before buying it.

[@PoetWithPace]

Oh Des, i missed you! Would love you on as a LIVE guest on my show and talk tech and running. What say you?

[@markganzer]

No comments since I have had my Direto since Jan 2018. But I want to know what trainer mat you have under it? I need a new mat, and don’t want to spend the $$ for the Elite mat.

[@DesFit]

That’s just a cheap workout mat from a discount sporting goods store. It was about $20. So, cheap!

[@msmgurjantsingh8426]

Nice

[@daveyboydsp]

@desfit Did you find the Direto gives occasional vibrations when power or your cadence changes? I've had two now and they both have this vibration. I can't seem to get to the bottom of it.

[@DesFit]

The Direto does have some overall vibration (I tend to think of it as road feel though) but in regards to more vibration with power or cadence changes, I don’t recall that happening with the original Direto. The Direto X that I have been testing doesn’t seem to have that issue either.

[@daveyboydsp]

@@DesFit thanks mate for the reply. Yeh nobody else seems to mention this vibration, I can live with it but it's just a bit distracting.

[@sanreshshedekar542]

Hi sir, which one to buy Wahoo Kickr core or Elite Directo trainer?

[@DesFit]

The Core will be quieter but the Direto is much more stable.

[@jmvdigital]

You need a whip?... Just holla. The perspective in the opening scene is funny; the Dorito looks HUGE compared to you. Maybe they are just that big when you get next to it.

[@DesFit]

Ya even next to my gigantic melon of a head.

[@markmahoney5255]

Save your cash. I had one that lasted ten months past its warranty. Elite's response after two months of emails, it's not repairable, but you can send it back to be rebuilt. Bench fee is $170 plus parts and labor. Oh yeah you pay shipping to and from Italy. With customer service like this just get a Kicker Core for the same money.

[@simondavis9439]

More worried about wearing cap like a 10 year old

[@DesFit]

Hmm, your priority of worries is interesting