Budget Zwift Setup Vs Premium | What Is The Difference?

Whilst you don't need a great deal of kit to get started on Zwift. Aside from your subscription to Zwift itself, all you need is a basic turbo trainer, a speed sensor, and just a smartphone, and away you go. But what difference does the most premium set up make?
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You don’t need a great deal of kit to get started on Zwift. Aside from your subscription to Zwift itself, all you need is a basic turbo trainer, a speed sensor, and just a smartphone, and away you go.
However, you can also invest in some amazing equipment to enhance your experience, Wahoo here have kindly supplied us with their full Kickr range, so we not only have an interactive smart trainer, but we also have a smart fan, and the climb which replicates gradient too.
But what’s ultimately the difference between a high end and a more basic setup? We thought it was about time we try out both setups head to head to find out.
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Leave us a comment below!

[@mylesiswhite4122]

Entry setup with a 10 grand bike

[@timpeterson3131]

Priorities!

[@xylerkajiyama7544]

He spent it all on the bike

[@Theharrisonvictor]

What does ‘grand’ mean

[@Pokemon223223PlaysMC]

@@Theharrisonvictor thousand

[@lfk53]

​@@Theharrisonvictor How do you not know that?😂

[@avi4758]

As a beginner, I was doing research on indoor training, this comparison gives me really good insight, I guess I would start with magnetic rollers with speed sensor on my bike.

[@JonnyImpreza]

I’ve gone even more basic to get me started on Zwift... Indoor Spin Bike with Wahoo Speed & Cadence Sensors... far from ideal but it gets me online until I get a smart trainer next winter. Great video!

[@konstantintomilin1826]

I know the biggest similarity between the two setups - you'll suffer on both!

[@gcn]

Ha! Yes, there definitely is that.

[@JoakimPekkari]

I started Zwifting about a month ago after my knees halted my winter running. Using a pretty basic Tacx Satori T2400 connected to my gaming PC with ANT+, and I love it! Didn't think i'd enjoy it this much and the built in training sessions are awesome!

[@beigemaster]

Also worth mentioning that investing in slightly more expensive trainers will give you a much quieter ride, always useful if you have family that you love and don’t want to wake up one day wondering where they’ve gone.....🤔

[@gcn]

Definitely. Thanks for the comment!

[@boiboiboi1]

Also buy those rubber puzzle mats for kids. They make a great vibration absorber. Specially when living in an apartment complex, so that your neighbor below you wouldnt be disturbed.

[@JoakimPekkari]

Just changing to a trainer tyre makes a world of difference as well! My first ride i did on my normal but rather worn tyre and the sound was insane, for the next one i had changed to a trainer tyre and all of a sudden I could hear my own thoughts :D

[@RunninBird]

My fluid trainer is on the fritz so it whistles like a tea kettle above a certain wattage. I don't want to buy another of the same style, so I'm just dealing with it until I can get the cheapest "smart" trainer around - or until my wife forces me to go find a used fluid trainer.

[@stevelewis6154]

@@JoakimPekkari Wow do they make that much difference???

[@staminapromos]

Just in case you hadn't realised there are many other price points along this scale from cheap to expensive setup. You can easily get a fully interactive trainer with built in power meter for 300 and some of the direct drive trainers are now down to 500.

[@patbroadbent6816]

I use an elite basic trainer with there Misuro sensor, golden cheetah with gcn work out videos on a laptop fitted with a ant+ usb stick works amazing and I can analyse the data, have gained 45 watts in 6 weeks. Very cheap setup.

[@gilbertnadeau7181]

I use a Kinetic Road Machine Control with the Companion App and my laptop. I plug my laptop into a 40" TV in front of my training set up. It works very well for me. The Road Machine Control was the least expensive smart trainer option when I purchased it and last I looked it was now being carried by Zwift on their website. I also bought the trainer pad and leveling block. I have compared speed and distance with my Garmin Edge. Mileage looks comparable and speed while on level ground. It does not while going up hill or down hill which is understandable with the calculations necessary for accurate speed calculations.

[@mralistair737]

A minor point but you miss out also on the road feel simulations, like on the tacx neo, if you ride over the timber bridges the resistance wobbles to give surprisingly realistic sense of the surface changing... Don't know if the wahoo also does that. Like most of these things, its not a deal breaker but another thing that makes it more immersive.. and if that keeps me riding over the winter then worth it.

[@gcn]

Absolutely, anything to help keep motivated!

[@Outsideville]

Top of the line would not use AppleTV, since it's the least expensive computer that's supported. Yes, AppleTV and a monitor are cheaper than your mobile phone. It's what I use, and it gets the job done, but you take a significant graphics hit compared to using a computer with a dedicated graphics card.

[@holg3070]

I want to say thank you again. I have zwifted for the very 1st time, and I enjoyed the experience. Thanks for your help!

[@bigring6424]

I think it was a new Bkool where I saw they were advertising virtual hills and virtual shifting, lol.. so after having the resistance increased for a "virtual hill" you can "virtually shift" to put it right back where it was, but that *feels* real I suppose. It's like the only thing that changed is your speed on screen. There's only cadence and power indoors, and you can get that without erg mode, virtual hills, or virtual shifting, just by using real shifting. There are real differences in the torque curves on a hill (think about zero speed pedal force on hill vs flat), but I've never heard of any machine simulating that properly.

[@juhoukkola2306]

I got a full suspension mountain bike with 180mm suspension on Tacx Vortex smart trainer. Setup looks stupid, but runs surprisingly well. Though I guess I am giving little bit handicap for others as suspension bounces little bit while pedaling.

[@DirkDierickx]

if all you're interested in is some training, then the basic setup is just fine and sufficient. if you want to really enjoy free riding or race on zwift then you'll need a smart trainer.

[@MrJoseJasso]

What are good smart trainers that don’t cost as much as my car!?

[@trailzrock2]

I actually prefer a fluid trainer with a powermeter over a smart trainer. Less shifting. Just put your head down and go. Speed on Zwift is reflected based on your power, weight, height, and of course if you're going up or down on Zwift. Mostly I have to pay attention to the downhills when racing g on Zwift, since you're not gonna go any faster on a 10% downhill even if you're laying down the power. Still, got rid of my Kickr and loving my Kinetic Road Machine with a power meter.

[@humidor3]

Zwift on my rollers. It’s not the best but works fine

[@lanaklyueva2280]

Something in between works great - I use Kikr SNAP with a cadence sensor and a iPad - have the simulated gradients, consistent power measurements, the ERG mode, the interaction and all the great stuff on ZWIFT and did not have to rob a bank to get it :-)

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

I wish there was a wheel on turbo with the ability to get out the saddle and crank side to side with your arms. It would feel much more realistic

[@mlcg1500]

I myself prefer riding outside..eventho I hate head winds..and rain..but the fresh air and change of scenery make me feel great and accomplished..

[@carrolla6121]

true. sadly here roads are insanely bad. I can support wind and rain but the holes get me. its annoying as fuck and sometimes dangerous when you can't avoid one because a car is overtaking

[@oldtwinsna8347]

too many cars in a lot of places and laws that allow cars to mow down cyclists without any real penalty.

[@M15Taka]

Haha buddies, brothers, sisters always get the wonky controller!! 😂

[@neiltiffany4740]

It's worth saying that zwift on android is on beta at the moment and does not work on every device. Which is a shame, bkool for me while it doesn't work on my phone.

[@StopaskingformynameYouTube]

I've got the wahoo kickr core and paid 4 times more for that than my bike. But, it's dead silent, comes with built in cadence meter, power meter and smart variable resistance aswell as a free month of zwift. I didn't bother with the cheap trainers to begin with, i am riding 1 hour or more every single day and i don't want to limit myself to something less than good enough. And imo.. if it isn't a smart trainer it's not good enough.

[@christrickett3291]

Pardon what may seem like an embittered poor-me response, but for me, even the cheapest way of getting onto Zwift is beyond my budget and I have to save for six months to buy even a cheap trainer. So while I agree with you, it is just a no go for many riders.

[@StopaskingformynameYouTube]

@@christrickett3291 i can totally understand that, i come from a family with no money, but i have established a family where we do spend little on things, whi le we earn a decent wage, so we could afford a one time expense to get in shape during the Winter. If you can not afford a roller, then riding outside is just a matter of making time for it, plus you're less likely to quit early as you have to get home. :-)

[@junglist_matty]

I've got a "dumb" trainer - elite qubo fluid power - cost me £175 and I use a power meter equiped bike; in my opinion using a dumb trainer with power meter is the best solution as it costs the same as (if not slightly more depending on power meter) a smart trainer and you get the exact same power readings out on the roads. I couldn't care less about my trainer simulating climbs, I've got gears that can make it easier/harder - I mean you're only (at least you should be) on zwift to improve your fitness so having fixed resistance is better because you don't want to hit a short virtual downhill section mid-sprint effort and the have your resistance dissapear - that sucks!

[@andrewwhite1065]

Indoor trainers are useful, but will never replicate the road or track. Untill someone designs an indoor piece of equipment that allows the bike to be thrown sideways under load. Through leverage, so much more additional power can be had, as many of us are more than well aware. Without having this facility, in my tiny opinion, true maximum kw output cannot be accurately measured on a fixed system. Many sports scientists would 'disagree'. Adding to this 'tilt theory' though, you might as well have a permanent non-bike setup that provides the usual connection points I.e. the bars, seat and peddles with no limit on the design or aesthetics. Then there is the whole body involvement and enjoyment thing when climbing, throwing your light responsive machine from side to side, off the saddle in just the right gear and tempo, one with nature, very few vehicles, great friends or solo, in perfect weather and a little faster than the last time. Nothing really betters the feeling, of just getting out there, sometimes a struggle at the start in shirty weather, but worth it very time. For me though, shoveling volumeous quantities of high grade black top soil with the right shovel, watching KZbin and considered sexual activity (in that order), are higher on my priority list. Thanks for another great vid...

[@sevenrats]

The difference in price is huge. I have a question though. I already have a dumb trainer. If I use it for zwift, will the apparent speed change when climbing and descending? I really don't want to make this too attractive for me. I mountain bike and try to ride all winter and really only want to use this when I'm really rained out or snowed in. I don't want to be opting for zwift if I don't really have to.

[@NoOne-ie4xl]

I'll just ride outside.... 😂 I don't have that much money

[@limyohwan]

No mention of flywheels? They make all the difference in the world.

[@ThomasNorthener]

Riding Alpe du Zwift on a dumb trainer is like riding a flat road, or even down hill depending on how much resistence you set the trainer on, right? So you would then be able to break all records of that route if everybody else is riding smarttrainers right? Fyi. I bought the big package Wahoo kickr V5, Climber, headwind and Tickr. Tried out Zwift fore a month on a Wahoo kickr Snap before going all in though. The Kickr Snap is excellent for the small price tag and would be good enough for most, I think. The kickr Climb is... Most of all a gimmick... It's really not needed tbh. Especially at the price it has, but now I got and it may add a tiny bit of extra realism. Btw I think the kickr climb works alot better in RGT then in Zwift.

[@Bungle2010]

Not really. When you hit a gradient, it slows you down based on the data about yourself you've given it, so if you don't increase your effort accordingly (as you would have to on a real slope) you slow to a crawl, depending on how steep it is. I did the Road to Sky route yesterday on a dumb trainer and it took me a little over 2 hours. I did stop a few times for a break though.

[@holg3070]

Thank you very much...you have helped me.

[@markedconn2]

On a non smart trainer the speed on climbs is slower than riding outside for dame effort. Do you notice that?

[@TheTonicro]

Rollers and trainerroad

[@janekennet]

Thx GCN just the video I was after. Shame I can't afford to buy the climb kit, looks great. :-)

[@username42]

so what is the best budget option for quarantine 2020 life ?

[@motoed]

Hmmm wish a wheel on mid range trainer was included

[@jasonmcmahon1285]

I'm using a dumb trainer (CycleOps Super Magneto Pro) and have set up accounts with Zwift and Rouvy. Should I be changing gear to match the reported terrain?

[@vijaykishorerajyana6264]

Any difference between wahoo etc.. smart direct drive trainer and elite tuo type smart trainer other than with tyre mount, noise levels?

[@Bungle2010]

Wheel on trainers are always a lot nosier. Not sure why anyone would buy a wheel on smart trainer these days tbh.

[@levioord1357]

With a cheap setup is the watt then different? So de cheap one you ride 200 and the expensive one 220 with the same power.

[@mattodonnell2481]

You should mention that the kicker snap(their wheel on smart trainer) needs to be warmed up for 15 minutes before you start. Which can be kind of annoying. The app used to not be available on android as well(there was only the companion app) did they finally make one ?

[@jharris-pdxrides]

I've found that that's only necessary for an occasional factory spin down calibration in the Wahoo app. As long as you keep the trainer and bike connected and maintain the tire air pressure as set then the Snap gives consistent power readings after just 5-10 minutes of warm up. That's short enough I just watch a GCN vid before a session, but also the warm up period of a Zwift workout, or getting to a race 10 minutes early and spinning in the start corral will do the trick.

[@mattodonnell2481]

Jason Harris I use the power from my power meter on the bike now and just use the snap as the controllable to get past this now. The warm up has introduced bugs in data collection for me in the past. Data that is sent to strava has the wrong time stamps. Everything works now that I don't used 1/2 of the smart trainer

[@nicholasahughes6491]

I ride single speed would it even be worth me getting the expensive set up, then getting the gears changed out to a single speed. It's still some time down the road befor I want to get my trainer

[@HelenWilkie]

I have a Tacx Blue Matic which comes with a speed and cadence sensor. The problem I find is just how tight to place the resistance unit against the wheel. A tiny adjustment seems to make a huge difference, more so even than changing the setting using the dial. In any case I've worn a tyre completely shiny :( how are you supposed to know when it's not too tight or loose?

[@colinprice1]

Prob need to calibrate it with the Tacx utility app

[@luxuryviplifestyle9494]

nice

[@wildlifesafarisjohannesbur3378]

Ok please answer this ??? Was doing a group ride !!!! Next minute my kit changed I was the only guy in the bunch in my own kit tried talking to fellow bunch rider but seemed to have been booted !!!!!!! What the hell happened

[@randyisrad]

$250 for a fan???? Sounds like a wise investment :) :) :) :)

[@j1shin]

I assume that it's a smart fan meaning it will blow the wind according to your riding speed and simulated weather condition.

[@michaelstimson5148]

@@j1shin in that case! Here's my money!

[@prestachuck2867]

ViRuSTriNiTy You can use the Wahoo Fitness app to set the Kickr Headwind to change fan speed according to either your heart rate or wheel speed. You can also use the fan on manual control and turn it up or down remotely in the app, or manually on the face of the fan. Cheers

[@cletcher]

With that much money for a fan, there should be some blowing involved :P

[@prestachuck2867]

Works better that two conventional turbo fans and uses less electricity than the two turbo fans. A friend of mine landed himself in the hospital by indoor training on zwift without adequate air flow. Seriously. This fan would have been a lot less expensive than his medical expenses.

[@kennyabsalonson4829]

I chose the kinetic fluid trainer (tire-on) with a built in sensor and love it. It's quiet, it works. My Trek is a used base model bought for $450, so I'm not about to spend more on a trainer than my bike. 😁

[@stovetop6140]

If you are anything like me and have your indoor set up in a cold basement, I think the best $$$ you can spend is on a "smart" outlet plug for your fan. My basement hovers around 45F (7C) in the winter and the fan is too cold until I'm warmed up after 20 minutes or so of riding. When it's time for the fan I can turn it on using my Amazon Echo Dot and Alexa or an app on my phone.

[@colinhillson]

I think a good middle ground would be using a basic trainer with a power meter on your bike. Then you know your power is accurate, and you are able to enter races and post real results, as Zwift will trust your power output. Also the added bonus of now having a power meter you can use outside rather than buying a budget smart trainer that you can only use inside.

[@tomterblanche2315]

Or a cheaper smart trainer like a Tacx Vortex plus a power meter. Then you still get a pretty realistic feeling ride for a reasonable price.

[@ryanw8987]

This is what I’ve got (basic trainer + power meter). Sometimes I wish I had the interactive part, but when I’m doing structured workouts I know I’m not really missing anything. Still haven’t gotten myself to spend money on training software like Zwift, been using Road Grand Tours since it’s still free in beta. Was quite happy when I found a used (but barely used) fluid trainer for cheap. Really close to the feel of being on a flat road effort-wise. I’d recommend this as I originally had a total entry-level magnetic trainer without resistance adjustment and it was really only helpful for working on higher cadence. I’d have to be on my hardest gear at around 100rpm just to get over 200 watts!

[@jeremysweeten2792]

That’s how I’ve been training for 2yrs now... TRAIN, RIDE, RACE with the same powermeter source. Not all things are equal

[@5225807]

I am also using a "dumb" fluid trainer with an actual power meter and this set-up seems great since I do not really care about the additional features of smart trainers. Zwift as a software proved to be way too unstable at least for my computer so I had to move back to using Trainerroad.

[@waspcatcher]

Can you use this with TrainerRoad for FTP testing? (basic trainer + power meter)

[@babygerald4645]

I'm just finishing my first full week of Zwift on a Kickr Snap and it's been a revelation. I've put more miles on in 6 days than I would in 6 weeks most winters with my old mag trainer and old TdF videos. Having real-time resistance is a massive upgrade and riding with others is a blast, so if you can invest in a smart trainer, I think it's well worth it.

[@CrankCyclingChannel]

Baby Gerald welcome to the 21st century. Join some group rides and training its v good 👌

[@babygerald4645]

Thanks, CycleTech TV! I'm still getting my legs under me and still have to take an FTP test to see where I'm at, fitness-wise. Once I get a handle on that, I'll join group rides.

[@sudduthjonathan]

Great decision! Depending on the weather where you live, you may be riding the smart trainer more than you do outside each year. If you eventually take the next step and start a good training program, you’ll really be loving the indoor trainer (ie the results) come summer.

[@rockyroshambo5865]

Same here Gerald! I almost got into Zwift 2 years ago, when I purchased an Elite Qubo digital smart. Mine controlled resistance so poorly that it completley ruined the experience, and a dumb trainer was actually an upgrade. At least the dumb trainer let me hit 400W. But, I slowly stopped using Zwift. Then this year, I came across a used CycleOps Powerbeam. It's completely old tech, but it accurately controlled resistance in Zwift, and suddenly I got what its all about....once it worked, I became instantly addicted. And the physical adaptations...I mean just wow, it's broken through a plateau I was having, and I'm seeing gains, it is like a miracle. The ability to join at any time, is so important. I now get in a couple races per week, and it really helps make my 'hard days hard' as they say.....

[@blackcloudnoyx4027]

I got my zwift hub 2 days ago and i confirm.. it's a blast. First ride i did was the "Coll d'Ordino", a 530m elevation ride (which i wasn't planning on doing at 9pm). But just from riding with people behind and infront of you, i got empowered. You're not alone, others are struggling with you! After completing the climb in 39 minutes i did a sprint with someone down the mountain, then another person joined in.. absolutely awesome and left in sweat from that ride. Well worth it indeed!

[@brianelander5905]

I ride Zwift on my dads old 1982 steel road bike on a 25 dollar thrift store spinner and a wahoo something I got second hand. I had to tape it together after it got caught in the spokes.. I just love being a broke high schooler

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

06:20 impressive quick change of shoes mid pedal stroke and back 😳

[@lisapet160]

The shoes go back to original colos once the downhill stretch starts: 6:33

[@dereksmith3632]

I'm waiting for a reai smart indoor trainer with virtual 360 glasses, real outdoor footage, closer looking actual riders. Come on zwift, step up, I'm getting old

[@rollandjoeseph]

Thats called going outside and biking

[@awesomeattic]

@@rollandjoeseph unfortunately, I have 2 feet of snow outside my house right now, I'd love to be outside, but can't

[@fuzzykeuh]

I remember seeing an app many years ago that had real life footage of some TdF mountains and some flanders races (where the video also followed at the speed you were riding). But can't exactly remember the name and i remember you needed to buy each video seperatly and they were quite expensive. A quick google search shows "biketheworld open road" is something similar. But i don't think there is a social aspect to ride with other either.

[@ukchub6633]

@@rollandjoeseph XD go away hahaha

[@ukchub6633]

@@awesomeattic Joes reply was directly to Derek XD

[@edwardlunn6975]

Lol I asked just over a week ago if GCN would to a comparison on a basic Zwift setup vs a full bells and whistles one. Et voila!

[@gcn]

Your wish is our command.

[@langy8525]

If anyone wants to convert ANT+ signals into Bluetooth and nice Versa I recommend getting a 4iiii Viiiiva HRM which does the job for you and it’s also a HRM!

[@lucitribal]

The issue is the huge difference in price. A 'pro' zwift setup is more than double the value of my bike. I don't have the kind of money to justify buying something like that.

[@lexvandewal8856]

Yeah its cost also more then my bike

[@ryanw8987]

That’s where I’d suggest looking into getting a power meter. It’s a great compromise since it gives you better accuracy than the virtual power from using a speed sensor but is beneficial whether you’re riding inside or out. Plus, with the new options coming out you can often find a single sided crank- or pedal-based power meter for less than $300

[@CarlForde]

you don't need to have a pro set up. A good compromise is a smart trainer around the 800 dollar/euro mark. Less expensive models won't be able to replicate the hills as well and might be lacking some other features. (Also check craigslist) A basic trainer is like riding on level ground and that's it. A smart trainer changes the game because when the hill in the video becomes a hill to your legs, that makes all the difference.

[@neiltiffany4740]

You can get a smart trainer for a ok price. I got a bkool for under £300 and its good. There are other good smart trainers in that range too.

[@dupondavignon869]

The best set-up is dumb trainer and normal fan, + a 3 euros second hand training book. You'll go further than 99% of zwifters who spend all their money on equipment, and nothing concerning training. More concerned about what they have than what they're (in this case, an athlete). That's just ridiculous.

[@iimmolarious7636]

Having a great time in zwift for 2 winters now on my budget setup, Rollers and cadance +speed meter

[@jascollinscork]

I Immolarious what you can do swift on rollers........ ???😮 I have rollers 👌🏻

[@iimmolarious7636]

@@jascollinscork Yep, feels better and more free than any turbo trainer

[@JMcLeodKC711]

I Immolarious Glad to see someone uses rollers

[@maxsungwd]

@@iimmolarious7636 No no no

[@nickmarshall2585]

Thanked guys. A very useful intro and comparison. I’m a ride outside almost all year guy but many of my friends post some real fun stuff on Strava via Zwift. Getting jealous and I may have to get in. Just have to convince the wife to let me invest in a smart trainer as the feedback sounds too good to pass up. 😀

[@gcn]

Nice one Nick, good luck with that!

[@zekeisme1]

to bad you couldn't help to power the grid like a solar panel

[@stevelewis6154]

Great video as always from GCN. Really getting into my cycling over the winter after having to give up running. I've currently got a second hand road bike on a basic magnetic turbo trainer with a speed and cadence sensor from Aldi and use the GCN training videos. For those of us on budget I would really like to see some more updated indoor training videos instead of everything being linked to Zwift. At the end of the day I won't be racing or entering events but do want to be fit and fast using Strava. Don't forget the everyday cyclist.

[@yavormihaylov8711]

LOL, I like how the guys are pushing 140-150 Wats and speaking to the cam as nothing is happening. Thanks for the vid guys!

[@compassionsix]

Trying to get a friend to use Zwift who has zero knowledge of interactive workouts. This checks all the boxes on what he needs to know. Thanks mates.

[@thepatternforms859]

what is the best bike under 3000$ to race ZWIFT with on the wahoo????

[@sjon02]

Good video :-) Question though; when will there be an actual GCN zwift event?! Would love to compete in that!

[@jasoncherry6097]

I often pass or get passed by an avatar in GCN kit. Is the kit exclusive to you at GCN or are there people out there rocking your swag?

[@colinhillson]

If you type "P", then a promo box will show up. Type "GOGCN" in the box, and then you will have the GCN kit!

[@markconnelly1806]

To get more benefit using a non smart trainer, get a trainer with a tension adjusting cable. You can increase load on hills, and decrease load on descents manually. When you see the speed drop on hills, increase tension one step above your average. When you are flying down a hill reduce tension on click from average so you can spin more. You can always tell when your trainer tension setting is too low if you are going past people at high speed too easily on flats and hills. If you are bogging down on climbs or having trouble keeping up with people on hills, the tension may be off. If you keep pace with people you are riding near and match their efforts, its a good workout and keeps you thinking. See rockbarcycling.com

[@ltrtg13]

Interesting video. Would using Zwift inside a hyperbaric chamber be useful or a waste of time? This would be a good video to do to show any benefits and disadvantages.

[@gcn]

Good question Lisa and definitely one for a future video

[@Jeff-bd4gg]

Hypothetically, it should improve your hemoglobin and mitochondrion levels, making you a fitter athlete.

[@oleg8195]

I prefer to train in the hyperbolic time chamber.

[@jeremysweeten2792]

See OLYMPIC TRAINER CENTER, Denver, CO.

[@christrickett3291]

I am hoping to get onto Zwift so I can ride through the Kazakh winter, so in my garage, a fan will not be much use, as it will be minus 40 anyway. However, I don't have a road bike, I have read that MTB is OK on a trainer, but only OK and that there are snags. Can anybody who is using an MTB, even if they had to change to a flat tyre, let me know if it works OK or so I need to buy a road bike? Thanks

[@G1lgamesj]

Excellent, if we can get enough people to buy zwift, we can close all powerplants!

[@kristiannilsson1893]

I'm primarily a runner, but after getting injuried I jumped on the bike to keep my fitness up. I was using an old taxc trainer, very similar to the cheap one you're using in this video. But after biking for a while I felt I needed something more to keep me engaged. So I started reading up on smart trainers and zwift, found a great deal on a wahoo kickr 2018 and jumped on the smart turbo trainer + zwift train and have fallen completly in love with cycling. To bad the sport isn't as cheap as running... gonna be totally broke after buying a "real" bike to race this summer. Cheers from Sweden!

[@kristiannilsson1893]

@Brainjock just luck and restless searching. Found a great deal, took that to a local store whom matched the price and instead of ordering and waiting I got it the very same day. super happy with it.

[@shainexxxsescrimshaw7605]

I'd prefer the cheaper option really, at the end of the day you still get the same results from the cheaper ones, makes sense really

[@fluffy13bondjames92]

It’s been a while but I could only justify the back end of the more expensive option. The fan and the front like you don’t need that but I see some real advantages from the high end back end if you want to do more than just casually train

[@matrixuss]

You can connect your phone with tv via hdmi cable and that works pretty good too if you are on a budget 🤫

[@richbutler5815]

That's what I've done aswell...👍

[@pilkjaer]

When considering total cost don't forget to include monthly subscription fee for Zwift. 15€ each monthly is rather costly.

[@wildanS]

Holy shit, and I thought iRacing was expensive.

[@matthewscanlan1893]

Slightly old video but doing some research before getting zwift, so if I get the budget trainer etc does that mean I can’t participate in races???

[@jdr4307]

You can. Everyone can. Smart trainers just give it more of a road feel. But the power is estimated unlike the ST

[@technocynic]

I think it's very important to mention wheel-on smart trainers (eg kickr snap). Most of the benefit of the wheel-off (direct drive) smart trainers but much cheaper. This is the most important upgrade you can do from the basic setup (other than a fan which really is mandatory) . Also worth mentioning that the device you choose for running zwift can be a significant factor. Android is only beta. Apple TV is generally held to be the best value entry point if you don't have a suitable device already. A PC or Mac gives a few more capabilities than tablet or phone. Maybe another video just on devices and screens.

[@Saledburnette]

Really good to see the turbo trainer comparison. Would have been good to compare a basic smart trainer in there as more of a mid range option. Likely to be what the majority of us viewers would be looking to buy

[@Saledburnette]

​@Brainjock What i should have said was a basic smart trainer for a basic option.

[@Madmax36207]

Can I get a link to that mount you have your phone on on your bike?

[@TGRacing]

It's possible to hack one by using a SRAM mount and attaching that to a phone case... if you have a Garmin out front to attach it to.

[@ElPresidente561]

Not sure which one they are using but I got myself a "Quadlock" last year, absolutely love it, also able to change the phone orientation 👍🏼

[@stefankuhnen6305]

@@TGRacing Had used a thing like you mention with a sticker to my phone case. But it was far away from my bar because it needs to be turned to lock at the holder. The one used in the video was using the phone in landscape mode and clearly very close to the handlebars. I would really like to know which holder is used @gcn #askgcntech

[@-_______________________.___]

buddy guy got a dura ace derailleur for weight reduction on his indoor training bike

[@conradsteeneck7971]

He probably doesn't carry a water bottle either to save even more weight.

[@smallplane6576]

This winter was my first year using a turbo trainer. I got a turbo trainer from aldi for £25 (down from £50), a speed and cadence sensor also from aldi for £10 (down from £20), used the bedroom fan, a old tyre I'd put to one side and went along to gcn workout videos...

[@samflint4749]

Hats off to you! That's is quite the bargain for what you have ended up with!

[@stevelewis6154]

Same here and at the end of the day its what you put into the training. Love the GCN workouts and looking forward to seeing if they have improved my fitness when the clocks change.

[@smallplane6576]

@@stevelewis6154 I'm more than happy with my fitness level. I've been out a few times already and for me I've noticed the difference on hill climbing.

[@sasquatch5863]

basic trainer works only if it's listed , mine isn't and I'm getting less than 50% power reading in zwift. On the road flat out I can climb 3% hill at 16mph, in zwift it estimates my power at 90w and my avatar does 6mph up 3% hill....

[@raunefare]

If you don't have a watt meter on your bike. I would just buy a basic one and use the rest on a power meter so you can ride with power outdoor to. Erg mode is overrated to. Have tried both and I just bought a high end used spind bike(Keiser M3). For next to nothing 90£ and put my watt pedals on the set up is still cheaper than a premium direct trainer. And with some practice I can hit the power zones faster than the erg mode but I off course have to change it my self. And you don't get the circle off Death when the erg mode is trying to up the power to keep you in the zone. XD

[@jasonboring6429]

I can find lots of these types of reviews on youtube, but am struggling to find reviews between the mid-range direct drive trainer (eg. Wahoo Kickr Core, Tacx Flux (2/S), Elite Direto+, etc) and the top-end wheel-on controllable trainers (eg. Bkool Smart Pro 2,Wahoo Kickr Snap, Tacx Bushido/Vortex, etc). This is an area where there is a little price difference (€400-550 vs €600-750), but is the extra money for the direct drive worth the investment over the top-end wheel-on trainers?

[@gcn]

Good question. You raise a really valid point on mid-range Vs top of the range. We'll see what we can do with a video or in Ask GCN soon!

[@andrewwyatt9789]

I would love to see a video on the cheapest smart trainer setups too

[@aaronpopstar]

Wacky, I have the Kickr Snap, which works brilliantly & is half the price. (Had it for over 12 months) Its still a smart trainer so you get the feeling of gradients etc and it is easy to set up. I purchased the cheapest Bontrager wheel l I could find (to match my Bontrager XXX's) and got a turbo trainer tyre as well which cost all in about £85 which is worth it to save your normal road tyres as they do wear down.

[@matthewsackman]

DCRainmaker always has very in-depth reviews of all of these devices at the different price points. Well worth having a read.

[@jasonboring6429]

@@aaronpopstar Specific reason I asked is because I own a BKool Smart Pro myself and have the same experience as you do. :-) I am just curious to see if it worth it to sell my BKool and invest in a mid-range direct drive trainer. As this price range is a popular one for a lot of people it can be useful to have an opinion on either to invest a little more in a direct drive trainer or if the top-end wheel-on trainers can give you the same/similar experience. How do they compare on power accuracy, ride feel, noise, etc.

[@dougschust1]

Arrived as expected with all parts intact, also included two hex keys for assembly. kzbin.infoUgkxwOUUBdw8-88Iu4QnQS7q6b2NwZkHiYVl Had to adjust mine slightly to fit my bike, this was easy enough with instructions. I bought it to train with my track bike and found it to have resistance similar to climbing a slight gradient. Takes a while to learn to balance but there is plenty of guidance to help on the internet. Edit: There was more resistance at lower speeds because of the number of contact points but at higher speeds it is much easier as you don’t have to contend with drag.

[@Bungle2010]

A smart trainer makes a hell if a lot of difference to how immersive it feels, and therefore how enjoyable Zwifting is. One of my best purchases going from a dumb trainer to a Zwift Hub.

[@chrisl.6158]

I got an Elite Rampa for 300€ back in September. I think for that kind of money those wheel-on smart trainers are the most fun. Also needed to buy a heart rate sensor, a small fan, an Ant+ dongle and a trainer tyre for around 20€ each. Using my computer that's connected to my TV, and an Android tablet, which I already had, 380€ is all I had to spend for quite a nice mid-range setup to enjoy zwift on a high level with the possibly lowest cost. And about the noise: I was a little worried there, but with a lot of climbing involved and an average speed up to 40 kph those trainers are not making a lot of noise; in fact, my fan and stereo speakers make more noise than the trainer.

[@matthewlewis2072]

Should have done an intermediate set up: the simple connected trainer (resistance aligned with (say) Zwift, no climb, no fan (you can buy a fan)).

[@oldtwinsna8347]

The kickr core is one of the best things I ever bought. I hated traditional wheeled trainers so much and for good reason - they suck. But the direct chain system with auto resistance is another level where you start to enjoy, and not hate, life.

[@samflint4749]

It is also worth mentioning that on a lot of wheel on turbo trainers it is a good idea to have a dedicated trainer tyre otherwise you wear through a regular tyre in no time

[@gcn]

💯%

[@oraszuletik]

I use my previous years rear tyre first (november-february) then the front goes to back till the outdoor season, when I'm starting with new tyres. Of course, my complete paincave is full with rubber dust.

[@prestachuck2867]

Ger Don’t forget the dust mask. You’re breathing that stuff.

[@ryanw8987]

I haven’t had much of a problem with mine, but I typically use thicker tread tires on the back anyways. I’ve found a smooth tread (current favorite is the Michelin Pro 4 Endurance) with the resistance unit snug enough so that there’s no slippage even when sprinting leaves hardly any black particles for me. I still tend to use an older wheel so the tire on my nice wheels stay fresher but I’ve had no issues when I’ve used that older wheel/tire outside if I decided to go out on wet roads and didn’t want to get my nice wheels dirty.

[@samflint4749]

@@ryanw8987 huh, interesting that. You clearly have a good method not to have black partials thrown everywhere

[@norekpl]

Recently I bought Kickr Core for my first smart trainer. In the past I hate to ride on my old Tacx. An hour was like lifetime. Now on an hour on Zwift is like blink of an eye. I hope this will help to keep and elevate my fitness for next season. :)

[@tuffin2]

Is there an accessory to replicate rain? And spray mud up your back? We're almost at the point where you might as well just go outside!

[@speedwobble5383]

I'm at a loss. The weak point is zwift itself and its reliability issues. Nothing worse than knocking your pan in to stay in a group during a race only for the software to crash.

[@robcollinson9508]

Speed Wobble Zwift is as reliable as a brick. Maybe need to look at your kit

[@mralistair737]

i wouldn't say it's unreliable. (never had a drop-out or any issues) but it's a pretty terrible piece of software in many respects... the list of "why can't you do x" is frustratingly long. (change course after you start, get timed laps on any circuit you ride, PBs that are more than 30 days old.. etc etc etc) I wish codemasters would buy it and sort it out, not least because their level designs on their rallying games look amazing compared to zwift.

[@tomnorth797]

Never had an issue

[@singingitman]

I’m running an Elite Drivo, managed to get it for £600 as it’s replacement model was just being launched. Found it great. Let a friend who had only ever used rollers and he was amazed by the interactive element when on zwift, the feeling of the gradient change. So if you’re looking for a trainer, have a look when a new model is being launched you can get a higher end unit at a big discount.

[@graeme5060]

Any recommendations for a budget turbo trainer? The one featured in the video wasn't listed sadly.

[@Mythix2]

Zwift price by itself is already rediculous

[@robcollinson9508]

Really? I think it’s excellent value.

[@ProBroDougB]

$15 per month....fifty cents per day....pretty good price in my opinion.

[@georgec2894]

Agree. Another unnecessary repccuring expense. Keep the poor, poor and the cooroporations rich with guaranteed cash flow.

[@ClintBeastmode]

I take the entry lvl setup without swift.

[@arielcabatbat855]

Do you have experience setting up spin bike, for example , Sole SB700?

[@bipedalame]

Does the tv move up and down? kickr climb a load of shite. Next infomercial kickr tv

[@StaffRoelofse]

What bracket are you using for the smartphone?

[@jonathanhoad5442]

I got a elite Qubo smart b+. I found it was huge difference to just a entry level trainer and I just bought a £20 heart rate monitor and it has really made a difference to my training and zwift experience

[@bkmontgomery]

I think you guys really undersold how much better a smart trainer feels on Zwift. I had a no name fluid dumb trainer, but switched to a Tacx Neo this winter, and the difference was akin to the switch from a Walmart MTB (on the road) to a proper road bike.

[@dupondavignon869]

Lol, not at all. I have both, and the main reason I bought a smart trainer was for races : proving my set-up was legit. Considering the 95% cheating there's in A races, I don't race anymore. The only advantage now is the ERG mode I use for workouts. Not sure anyway I couldn't train as well with the dumb trainer, if I could manage to deal perfectly with the speed from workout to workout.

[@joerenner8334]

It better be. Dropping thousands to train indoors better result in something.

[@thegamingwolf9036]

I use a basic trainer and it works perfectly for me