Budget Vs Premium Zwift Set Ups: What's The Real Difference?

[@gcn]

How would you rate your indoor training or pain cave set up out of 10? What would be the biggest quality of life improvement for your indoor set up?

[@Choedron]

I would give my setup a 10. We have two smart trainers (JetBlack Volt and Tacx Neo connected to Zwift - each with own Apple TV and screen), a treadmill (connected to Zwift with own screen), Concept 2 rowing machine and Atletica functional weight trainer. Though I can not agree on the budget vs premium set op - Fx the Kickr Move with Cog 2 (€1350 - Reported Power Accuracy: +/- 1%) vs the JetBlack Victory with Cog 2 (€449 - Reported Power Accuracy: +/- 1%) both with 10Hz Race Response Mode. The Victory actually has better connectivity than the Move. As GP Lama said in his recent review, then the Victory would be the standard to copy - including FTMS. And it has a Bluetooth bridge, which the Move does not have. So if you are using fx Apple TV, you do not run into limitations on Bluetooth connections. So I would say it is misleading that fx the Victory is a budget set up just because it is cheaper. It is a good set up, which is as good a choice as the way more expensive Move. I know you get the ability to move forwards and backwards on the Move. But come on, that is not the reason for it to be so much more expensive. Usually forwards and backwards movement are not exactly useful. Sideways movement is more important when sprinting. And you can make your own rocker plate with a few tennisballs and a couple of plywood pieces and some zip ties for a fraction of that cost - if you really need it. So if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Victory for a premium set up.

[@Zalán-x6t]

Mine is a strong 5, the Rysel D100 is what I can afford, but that and Kinomap made me an addict, all I'm thinking about at work is going home and doing a lake como ride. As long as I don't max out my little D100s max wattage, I surely won't upgrade.

[@antoniomorgado5304]

I have a static bike. It's more than enoughf. I prefer the road.

[@paulgrimshaw8334]

8.5/10. I have a commercial grade treadmill and an elliptical trainer. Because you have to cross train. Missing leg press machine.

[@maartends6051]

can you take off the swift cog and replace with a casette if you want to?

[@sebastianschreiber5302]

I really do like dans relaxed manner of presenting. Never in a hurry, but very informative and insightful.

[@That.Guy.]

I find it hilarious that he dresses arrow to ride indoors

[@I_Am_Adrien]

He’s married bud.

[@Zalán-x6t]

I have a D100 and it changed my life. And I think that's more important than degree count in gradient simulation, and all the other fluff.

[@ult1m4t30wn4g3]

I started out with an even worse trainer (+/- 30% accuracy, max 500W resistance, no gradient simulation) and it got me into indoor cycling as well. I ended up training zone 2 / zone 4 using heart rate zones since I didn't know my FTP and I didn't have ERG mode. After 18 months my FTP is now 384W (based on a 45 min effort on my new kickr core).

[@Zalán-x6t]

@@ult1m4t30wn4g3 jesus. That's absolutely brutal, professional level in fact. I think as a beginner, we are absolutely spoiled nowadays, the only thing left to do is actually putting in the work.

[@svr5340]

I'm 55 and just start cycling. For this winter season I don't feel involved enough to cycle outdoor while the weather isn't nice, so I'm looking to purchase a hometrainer. Still hesitating between the D100 with Zwift Cog or higher level models on which the Zwift Cog can be installed. I try to understand what I'll miss if I go for the cheaper choice. Your video is very helpful. Any comment is welcome 😊 Have a nive day Stéphane

[@peterv.5086]

@@svr5340I am 59 and use an E-MTB in the summer. For the rest of the year, I started using the ZWIFT RIDE5 months ago. It is truly amazing, motivating, fun and highly addictive. I get a „rider‘s high“ every time I ride.

[@erwinhuerto4148]

I watched so many indoor trainer videos but this one is more understandable and enjoyable to watch. Thank you.

[@gcn]

Glad it was helpful! Dan will certainly brag about this in the office

[@halfspeeddan440]

I have a wahoo kickr core with my dads old Scott addict R4 on it all year round as I am only 14 I can’t just go and ride so being able to go on Zwift is the next best option.

[@EntersilverHD]

And Zwift is free if you're under 16 if I remember correctly.

[@DerAbtreiber]

@halfspeeddan440 how loud is the kickr core with your bike? Is it possible to ride inside an a apartment without annoying neighbors?

[@halfspeeddan440]

@@DerAbtreiber Im not sure really it’s no louder than the noises coming from. Me when I am doing a sprint effort.

[@matt_m126]

I just got the Zwift cog and Click upgrade for my Kickr Core. It's a great upgrade! Before, lining up the derailleur was a pain, and I had to readjust my rear mech between indoor and outdoor sessions. No longer needed! Also, my 12 year old son with a 10 speed MTB can now use it too. Great all around!

[@simon7790]

In January this year (2024) I bought a Zwift Hub One with Zwift cog for €599 with a years subscription included. I think the unit is a rebadged Jet Black trainer. It's been great. It's one of the best things I've done for a few years. I bought it initially to lose some weight and get some exercise over the winter. It was the gateway drug to getting me back to cycling regularly. I've lost 8kg so far and have cycled thousands of km outside, and thousands more inside, this year. More importantly I'm as fit as I was years ago. It's a long cold winter here where I live in the mountains, so being able to jump on Zwift and choose to race or do a workout or just a chilled group ride is wonderful. I got a second hand Focus Izalco Race which is ideal for the trainer. My Zwift tips are to get a fan with remote control, some smaller towels and mats, a decent size TV and either some podcasts, audiobooks or a way to listen to radio BBC6!

[@d2gaming189]

Ride On 🤙

[@patrikhalen460]

I have an Elite direto. The only company that supports a wider range of bikes. Width of rear hub. Works perfectly and their support is first class. You will get in direct contact with a rep who handles your case from start to Finnish. I had trouble to find some adaptors I needed. They sent them to me from the production line. With express delivery. I had them 36 hours later. Then they contacted me to make sure I had them!! ♥️

[@RideShareJS]

Cool effect showing Dan crouching by the trainer presenting, when his body is also riding the trainer! 😅

[@kidomatica]

The SAFETY of indoor training is also an important factor to consider.

[@jaytroxel3495]

Kudo's to Dan Lloyd for returning. His demeanor is perfect for being a presenter. I sometimes have trouble with British accents, especially when the person speaks quickly. Dan's accent is not as harsh as some, and the pace at which he talks makes hearing the material and thus, learning the material that much easier. Thanks Dan. Very much appreciate your skills as a presenter.

[@kristenbrook897]

I use a Wahoo Kikr and love it. I have an old bike permanently set up on it. Only addition I wouldn't mind is the climb attachment for the front wheel.

[@evanthor6458]

I have a Wahoo Kickr v5, with the Wahoo Headwind and Kickr Climb. I love it. Indoor training season is pretty long here in Canada, so making the experience immersive is key to keeping motivation up. I'm not too keen on upgrading to a setup with virtual shifting (the v5 doesn't support it), until the various training platforms start to support a single standard. I love Zwift, but I also love having options.

[@gcn]

We agree that more options for consumers is better! Thank you for your comment.

[@atlosass]

I'm still rockin my first-gen KICKR--10+ years!

[@JustOneWolf]

indoor is perfect for training, outdoor is perfect for riding!

[@brendamw7895]

We have our first smart trainer, a wheel on Tacx Flux S. It was on sale and available at our LBS. It is quiet and easy to use. We run Zwift on our Samsung 7A+ tablet and cast it to our 50" Samsung smart tv. This setup is working very well for us here in PEI Canada. Love your channel, both informative and entertaining!

[@Rummers22]

Love my Kickr Snap V2. It has been flawless for me over the summer. I'm a reverse Zwifter. Summers in Japan are too hot to ride outside😂

[@ronaldmanning1716]

Tacx flow wheel on trainer, off ebay, had it almost two years now, still going strong, cycling on a budget.

[@b2284]

I had a wheel on trainer and then sold it and bought a refurbished Kicker Core and it blew my mind! The direct drive training is just sooooo much better

[@andylow1248]

Everybody knows expensive things mostly better but not everyone can afford

[@ronaldmanning1716]

@@andylow1248 that's why I went for the tacx flow, although the D100 does look interesting.

[@ronaldmanning1716]

@@b2284 well done, it is a case of just finding what you want at a decent price.

[@graymccarthy685]

To reduce the vibration noise to the floor below, I bought two anti-vibration mats (the ones that are typically used to go under a washing machine) and that works well

[@gcn]

right here!

[@jamesengelsma3]

The new Jet Black Victory is a fantastic

[@jdjames997]

Assuming you got your preorder? Waiting for mine, said another month or so to USA. Glad to hear it’s a good unit, little iffy just buying overseas site unseen. Cheers

[@lux-wattage]

Whoa, I had no idea about the Zwift Cog until now! That thing seems incredible! Santa, if you're listening...this is definitely going on my wish list!

[@tlaveen]

ZwiftRide. Just 3 1/2 weeks after a total knee replacement. I’ve ridden it twice on a flat course to minimize resistance. It’s a blast! No disappointment at all when it comes to gradient changes and the need to shift.

[@Glenn1888]

Got an Elite Suito about 26 months ago £360, I have disabilities so dont really need to worry about power lucky to hit 200 watts in a sprint Zwift/Music and I am happy was a runner before my accident I cant walk but can cycle (Neurological problems/muscle wastage) Helps to keep me motivated

[@crazydude5342]

I have a wahoo kickr core that I use my Trek Supercaliber on with the zwift cog. I’m a pure mtb racer so having digital gears saved me the money of another bike. I absolutely live it and have zero regrets.

[@bat502]

I use my old faithful winter road bike on an Elite Suito-T works perfect on Zwift

[@terrylewis6209]

I’ve been indoor training for years. Started with a PerformanceBike store brand wheel-on trainer before switching to a Kinetic wheel-on. Got their power unit so I could use ERG mode. Was going to go to a Wahoo Kickr direct drive when my wife said was interested in using it, too. Kickr Bike it was because it made swapping between users SO much easier. I use it way more than she does, but am glad I don’t have to swap out bikes when she wants to ride

[@michaelcarmody2095]

I have a three year old Saris H3 unit which I bought on sale for $1000. I was gifted a (now) 19 yo Trek Pilot 2.5 with Shimano 105 components, so I can leave the unit set up all of the time. We get our share of bad weather here in Upstate NY, so this setup has been a god-send. I also do some childcare at my daughters, and I have an old Kinetic wheel-on trainer which has an In-ride unit on it which will calculate power (and speed, of course). I can pair the In-ride with Zwift and do decent rides when I'm not at home. I have been fighting AFIB the last couple of years, and both units allow me to ride at a power level which is safe for me.

[@rossblezard574]

I started with a terrible wheel on non-smart trainer, nearly put me off for life! Then a few years later a tacx Bushido smart, not too bad for a budget option at the time, now I use an Elite Suito, i have had it for a few years... it orders of magnitude better than anything I have had before. When/if this one dies then I think the feature of the new Jet Black look crazy good for the price.

[@d2gaming189]

Wahoo Kickr Core with the tennis ball feet plus remote controlled fan is all you need 🤙

[@slowridr]

I used Zwift for years with a Tacx Flow wheel on trainer, first with an old hybrid bike and then an 80s Raleigh. Downtube shifters are safe when the front wheel isn’t moving! One thing you didn’t mention in this video is the need for something to run Zwift on. I bought a refurb Dell PC and an old 4K monitor, works a treat.

[@keithandrewhardy8918]

I have an Elite Drivo 2 direct drive smart trainer with a Specialized Diverge permanently attached to it. So easy, clean and safe to use for all year round training.

[@GelMibson-u2y]

I used a wheel on Nashbar trainer for years and got a kickr last winter. Night and day difference. The zwift cog was a nice upgrade as well... 24 virtual gears + no cassette wear

[@DWMtukwila]

I did not mind the old style wind trainers of the past. I actually made my own with a squirrel cage fan and it had a massive brass flywheel. My riding group would also meet at a local bike shop where we would socialize and watch a movie together. It was fun. That said, thanks for the video. I am currently looking and this review is helpful

[@danhasnedl_CZ]

As I am considering this equipment first time in past 40 years, this video is exactly what I needed.

[@davidadamus177]

I have a on wheel Blackburn trainer that I use for riding zone 2 fixed gear in the garage. It's nothing fancy, and 14+ years old, but is enough for the moment, and good when my wife is away and I have the kids, or the temps are sub 30F.

[@Theandrew189]

Amateur midlife crisis triathlete here (LOL) thanks for putting this video out for free to me. @GCN. Cheers!

[@bobcarpenter3413]

Well done! I have an old school trainer setup in spare room using a Wahoo "basic" with no power meter. Gets the job done using my old Trek road bike but now I prefer my local gym's trainer for convenience, programs and features.

[@jeffhall251]

What programs and features do you like better at your gym?

[@SamoyedCycling]

Great video. I absolutely love my new JetBlack Victory, highly recommended. Virtual shifting is awesome.

[@rayrussell1.47]

Great to hear. Can’t wait until mine arrives.

[@BoxsterPB]

Mine arrived last week, will set it up after Christmas.

[@CL-dh2mf]

Dan looks sharp!👌🏻

[@colincanyon2519]

Smart trainers and riding platforms have been a gamechanger, indoor training is something you actually look forward to! 👍

[@mdinkelman3902]

Great presentation, as per usual. I'm a dinosaur, my training plans were/are heart rate/ time based. The only time I had watts measured were during VoMax test. At 65 yo, I might start down the watts path. I can see it as another important metric for sure. I've had a spin bike set up for decades, it has a cyclo computer for RPM and I use a HRM. I had a professional coach for 4-5 years when I was competing. Thanks for all the insightful content GCN.

[@jamesdaw131]

Got the Zwift ride recently but classically my turbo broke. Just got the new turbo - setting up tomorrow for the first ride. Looking forward to it big time.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Good luck on the new turbo.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

4th or 5th year on kickr core, 55" tv, Rouvy, 11sp chours mongrel on the second frame, and you do need to maintenance chain cables and clean.

[@lastpme]

I love indoor trainer. I been using the Kicker Core since Oct 2021. I think the big thing that helps is the size of the monitor you use for your training. I started with an iPad, then a Surface tablet, to a Mac Mini with a 27 in monitor and recently upgraded to a 34 inch curved gaming monitor. I will stay with Core until it dies. I will either upgrade to Kicker or maybe the Kicker bike when I upgrade. Since I have Kicker Climb, I will probably do the Kicker.

[@williamsylvia3962]

I bought the wahoo KoM package. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about indoor training given my previous experience with wheel viscous trainers which were absolutely terrible. I wanted to make sure that if I still hated into training, It wasn’t because I bought the wrong equipment. It turned out that I now love indoor training and almost stopped riding outdoors all together during the winter months. This year I’m now doing a structured training plan to make the most of my winter indoor training and it’s working out great.

[@iammarkstewart]

Really enjoying the trainer this season, I'm hoping I'll be in shape to try some bigger climbs in the spring (I hate climbs, no climb fitness). Setup: 3yr old Elite Suito, BMC Roadmachine (double duty outdoor/indoor), Ikea stand with Macbook running Zwift, Ipad running Netflix, iphone (for Companion if I want), and Dyson floor fan remote. Bottles on bike, bike sweat net plus extra towel on bars, and another towel for wiping anything the buff doesn't catch. (I've worked on tri bikes so I will do anything and everything to protect my bars/headset from biohazards.) Quite happy with it, but for my use case I would definitely consider a trainer a level down. There's a few Zwift badges that will be out of reach so no 1800 watt requirement needed.😆

[@TheMachoGabacho]

I still enjoy my Kickr Snap. I like leaving the wheel on, it makes it quicker to take the bike outside. The biggest upgrade I got is the Wahoo fan. It helps a lot to keep me cool and makes the ride feel more realistic.

[@ulaev]

tacx neo original. using for 6 years. work perfect.

[@m1370302]

Ive been debating the D100 for a while and this has made my mind up. Thanks!

[@SteveRollerWeb]

During the wet cold and rainy days, I ride my old 1994 Univega Via Carisma with an Elite Suito-T using the same cassette size - 7-speed, 12 - 28 teeth. The crankset Shimano Alivio, 24/34/42 teeth. Won't win any races with this, but it keeps me is shape for riding on road and gravel.

[@StratoJohn]

I've been using a kickr snap for about 2 years now, feeling like I should replace it after your comment about wheel on trainers

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

I really recommend doing so. I started with a snap, and upgraded to a full kickr, and it was a huge difference. No more faff of "Am I just weak today, or is my wheel tension just slightly different than norm?" It takes less room, and less time to pop the wheel on and off compared to adjusting the tire and roller pressure.

[@GetRealDude666]

full kickr here as well! it is definitely worth investing

[@nath7mel]

Had the snap for about 4 years. Finally got the Zwift hub/ jet black over a year ago, so much better, smoother and more realistic.

[@troylaughlin3672]

Replace it when parts associated with it wear or fail unless you are happy to pay for the better experience. Wheel on really only does about 500w trouble free, anything over that requires lots of tension which then makes it louder and feel wrong.

[@job9902]

Kickr Rollr and BKOOL - the 10% max gradient is a bit limiting but having power on the bike means it goes with me outdoors. Bkool works well with some great video routes

[@andiego1]

I have the Kickr Move and Climb combo. Love it! Upgraded from the Kickr v4. Wanted something that is more comfortable on longer rides.

[@rayrussell1.47]

I had the Neo 2T with motion plates and Zwift play controllers. Used a dedicated bike on trainer. Have since sold it all and replaced them with JetBlack Victory and Zwift Ride Frame. Hoping both will arrive in the coming days.

[@lazzaboyman8003]

Kickr Move, Kickr Climb, Kickr Fan, large additional fan on an Alex plug and using my previous Giant Defy (alum), all permanently setup in my garden cabin which is also my office.

[@Xerp4Life]

My setup is budget but perfect for me. Surly Long Haul Trucker - Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Pro Flywheel- 4iiii Precision 2.0 Power Meter. Widescreen monitor, second screen for KZbin/browsing/ crypto trading, pc guts recently upgraded to Windows 11. Seven fans with individual switches in easy reach. Wheel on trainers are fine with a good grippy wide tyre like the Continental Hometrainer 26 x 1.75. Use Rouvy as it's graphics and choice of courses are great. I commute to work but with the state of the roads and weather I often find the indoor setup more convenient than heading outdoors.

[@andrewlowin3369]

Wahoo Kickr Bike V1; expensive but the best on the market at the time. Makes my training as enjoyable as it gets, connected to Zwift and Training Peaks (for dedicated training sessions.) Worth every penny, use it almost daily between October and March and twice or so over the summer months. This set up, over COVID, got me into cycling proper!

[@gcn]

We’re glad to hear the stories of how much you enjoy your trainer setups; keep it up!

[@carlwatkiss4252]

I have a great wahoo set up - wahoo kickr - wahoo climb - wahoo fan - and a wahoo desk all this has worked for me and gives me a get experience and I love it .

[@ebenlaubscher4153]

I am on my second Kikr V 4 . Wore out my version one unit . I use an iPad with Swift or Kinomap ,and ride outside in a breezy ,but covered area .

[@richardprice4611]

Still got my setup on a Elite Tuo, wheel on, its great on zwift

[@JakeyDill]

Wahoo Kicker core. Thought it wouldn’t be stable enough but cost was a determining factor. Very happy with it. A FAN is paramount. Using a carpet drying fan as I could justify the high cost of the “Smart Fans” that have made AC induction motor whine.

[@belowthehill]

I’ve been using the Wahoo Kickr for several years now with my old Specialized aluminum Allez, connected to an Apple TV and 45” LED TV. I prefer using the Rouvy and Kinomap apps that use videos of real rides that were filmed by guys like me all over the world. I’ve even started filming and posting my own rides with some success. And I take a bit of pride in having had to replace my right shifter cable twice because it wore out and snapped because I use it so much!

[@billcodey1430]

I use salvaged1980 Columbia 10 speed set on a Jet Black with Zwift cog. Perfect.

[@gcn]

Love it!

[@JimmyBV]

This winter is the first one training home, so I decided to start with something really cheap. Thinkrider X2

[@fldgr]

Man I wish I could convince my girlfriend that a Zwift Bike would be a great piece of decor.

[@bikebrain]

I've used a Wattbike Atom since 2016 an it's been excellent. Upgraded to the V2 on their special upgrade deal mainly for futureproofing because it's not hugely different to ride than the V1. I can now run the Wattbike hub beta firmware and software on my phone at the same time as using one of the virtual riding platforms and that has enabled me to improve my pedalling efficiency by around 8 Watts. I have the Wattbike on a homemade rocker plate which helps reduce fatigue and make it more realistic.

[@gcn]

Great idea!

[@H2OCycling]

Like you GCN choice as I just bought two Kicker Movements. I wanted something that uses my own bike.

[@Tartanyak]

I've a Kickr Move, and many fans. I could do with swapping a table for the old dining room chair I used as a towel rack. The Kickr has died once, but was quickly replaced by Wahoo as a manufacturing fault. It never goes over about 980 Watts - but neither do I, so I don't care about that! My best couple of additions were fans with a mechanical switch and a wireless control, so I can turn them on when I need them all together, plus a rocker plate. On longer rides, I was getting a bit of back ache. After the rocker plate was added, it's much more comfy. Plus, I feel like I actually have to use my core to balance a bit more. Down side is that I actually have to balance more. I have nearly fallen off a couple of times. Plus, if you've learnt to ride inside with a bike that doesn't move, then it takes a little time to learn how to ride something that moves again! Hmmm. A phone holder for the bars, a remote controlled speaker and some absolutely bloody awful music.

[@kurre_kallkvist]

Second hand Kickr Snap for me - dead reliable, easy to use both with my modern gravel bike and my vintage steel touring bike. With the amount of indoor riding I do, tyre wear is not an issue only real issue is slipping on the roller when climbing out of the saddle...

[@bittiapina]

Definitely thinking of upgrading to zwift cog and click. Not needing to index the gears is the reason 😅

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Zwift frame and the Zwift One or whatever it’s called. Mainly as a time saver and safety aspect during Winter. Summer will be back to the bike outdoors

[@mikebeattie976]

I still like riding outdoors best but I also love riding in Zwift kinomap and indie velo pacer rides are great . I use an elite direto XR which I’m really happy with

[@MrSmid888]

Yikes I’m still using a wheel on turbo. Hence why I’m here!! I want to get into zwift, looks good fun, cheers

[@redqueenrealtor]

I have a Sportneer that my Giant Contend is hooked into; it does the job. Really loved this video! I am really interested in getting Zwift and a setup with high gradient climbing training capability. Thank you for all the information Dan, it helps a lot.

[@greybeard4034]

JetBlack Victory is the way to go

[@judithpreston4756]

The video I needed just when I needed it. Thank you! I'm looking to replace my $35 Amazon wheel on trainer and was confused about smart trainers.

[@eamar98]

I have wahoo Kicker love it

[@pbt150]

Found a Kickr v5 in the Wiggle closing down sale for £450! Before that I was using a smart wheel-on trainer.

[@chrism5433]

Great video. And fantastic video on your fitness trsnsformation. Very good .☕🚴🍺

[@aomrulestotally]

Wahoo Kickr core works fine for me

[@Eoin_D]

Just purchased the zwift ride

[@Somberland]

Never heard anything before this video about the Van Rysel D100, looks like a rly good option to start with :) got m new Orbea last week

[@roeland_st]

Man is summing up all the indoor trainers except the best on the market Tacx for the win 🏆

[@StanWatson]

I agree. I bought the second generation of the TACX trainer just as we entered the pandemic, and as a larger sized rider, the stability it offers, and the upper end power limits are plenty. I added the "sliders' a year later and that made things even more comfortable. Can even deal with the cobbles in Paris on this trainer setup. It was an expensive get, but well worth it these past several years.

[@rafaeljdm]

I guess Garmin does not pay GCN enough to cut the list 😮‍💨

[@echocornet]

I start in January - Do Tour de Zwift - Loose the will to live at the end of January - Sack it in February and go out mountain biking in the freezing wet and cold. Done!

[@Samar00171]

Now you have got me thinking I am lacking an indoor trainer 😢😢

[@fastfiddler1625]

I have the Kickr Core. I got it with the standard cassette setup because I'm dumb. I didn't research enough and didn't realize what that cog and click would give me. My wife would also like to try it, and she just has a mountain bike at the moment, with obviously a different cassette, so I will have to change that in addition to the bike every time. So I'm going to try out the cog and click conversion kit.

[@yutehube4468]

I don't even have Swift. I just put my phone on my ZTTO mount (bodged to work in landscape mode) on my handlebars and watch my favourite old comedy shows (Frazier, then Bread and now Friends). As long as I have some comedy TV series to watch it's a lot better. It's not boring, in fact I have found myself riding the same course every time I ride, because it burns about 500 calories (my aim while dieting) and it's about a 1 hour ride. Also the course I do is about 2 miles on a flat gradient, then it ramps up, a lot more towards the end. The ride is the Sheffield side of Snake Pass, it's 9.4 miles from the reservoir to the top of Snake Pass. This to me is the perfect ride. The flat 2 mile beginning section allows a good warm up and it allows me to cut the ride short anytime if I don't feel up to it. I just ride this same course all the time on my indoor trainer. Its a Wahoo Kickr V5 with a GARMIN Edge 1030 Plus. 🙂 6% really? That's *every* hill. To be limited to replicating 6% gradient is a huge limitation. My Wahoo Kickr goes up to 20% and even that is perhaps only just justifiable. Why? Because there's a hill less than 1 mile away from where I live that is that steep and I want to replicate it. This is one reason I didn't get the Wahoo Kickr Core that only goes up to 16%. At 6% I'd never get the full usage from it. It's just way under the gradient of the hills we want to climb.

[@davidwrightsr4188]

I started out indoor training on my 1999 Cannondale R1000 CAD4 (which had replaced my Peugot Ventoux) with a Kinetic on wheel fluid trainer staring at the garage wall, then moved up to a Tacx Flux and Zwift running on an old PC with VGA graphics. These days I'm on a Domane SL5 mounted on a Tacx Neo 2 with a nice laptop and a 37" curved monitor since 2021. I love the Neo "road feel" but thinking about moving to a Wahoo Kickr with riser etc.. I have raced Cat D TTs on Zwift, but haven't tried the "new style" racing yet, plus I did buy myself a Powerfly E-MTB hardtail a couple of months ago, but not ridden it much so far. Unfortunately, I tripped over a rambunctious dog last week and fractured my right kneecap, so I'm banned from riding by the doc for a bit while the bone heals, which at almost 78 y/o may take a few weeks. However, I'm buying a WaterRower to do upper cardio on to stay fit while recovering (locking the slide so the legs can stay straight) and I'm really missing my Zwifting (and occasional Rouvying). I should be back on the bike sometime in December, so maybe I'll give myself that Kickr setup for Christmas! Biking keeps me young and wanting new "stuff".

[@sniddy1980]

Thanks for the great video, very interesting to see how things have progressed recently. Like others above, just wanted to give a shout out for the ultra-budget options. I only use an indoor trainer very, very infrequently during the winter months here in the UK for a structured workout without the distractions/risks of traffic etc. What do I use? An old Elite wheel-on trainer with a turbo tyre on the bike, a power meter (cheap stages one from ebay 2nd hand, but I think the trainer will spit out a very approximate value if needs be), and an old non-smart TV with a firestick to allow me to cast from my phone. I dip into many of the free trial periods from the major providers, and thus have never spent a penny on the online stuff, and sometimes just enjoy the numerous youtubes of folks in the Dolomites etc. Works for me and my wallet! That said, I've set a reminder on my phone to check ebay for a second-hand D100 after xmas...

[@johnrobinson5579]

I have a Kicker core, thought about a swift cog but did not as this limits you to zwift but I like the more realistic Rouvy. Indoor training in 37c +++ and not having to deal with Road Trains on out back roads much more safe.

[@trailzrock2]

I have tried to make the switch to a smart direct drive smart trainer. Wahoo Kickr. Owned the Zwift trainer with both cassette and with the one cog electronic shifter. But guess what. I went back to my Kinetic Fluid trainer with a power meter on my bike. I found it to be way smoother and just more of a joy to ride. Plus, I get the exact same power indoor and outdoor since I'm using the exact same power meter.

[@michealwhite1091]

I don't have a trainer, even though one would be good for the 2-3 months of summer that I can't ride outdoors here in Miami. I just take those months at a very reduced effort level, and come back in full swing, right about now actually. But I'm very fortunate to live in an "always summer" state.

[@russellgould9230]

I got a discounted Wahoo Kickr V5 two years ago. When I started, I ran the Zwift app on a laptop that I connected to my TV with an HDMI cable. Last year I added a dedicated gaming computer (Lenovo Legion) with an NVidia gaming card. This year I got a deal on a Kickr Climb. I have an awesome indoor setup upon which I ride many thousands of miles every year. Last year I exceeded 10,000 miles, and if I continue at my current level, I will exceed that this year, too. I like the over 6% grade parts of Zwift. Sorry, Dan. ;-)

[@mawilliams777]

I have the new ‘Ride’ set up, something I didn’t appreciate was the limitations of virtual shifting and using other programs/apps. I will need to either put another bike on the ‘Core’ trainer instead of the ‘ride’ frame or just accept ERG mode on other systems. I have to admit if I had realised this then I wouldn’t have gone with the ‘Ride system’. On a positive note, it is good fun within Zwift.

[@BKG1970]

Still using an old vortex by Tacx. Im on a budget and it does what I need....a good workout. Im thinking about stepping up to at least a new Wahoo but its only for 3 months a year as I live in California

[@navrig1963]

Kickr Core, no fan (cold garage), Trainer Road & Spotify

[@reni7550]

I use the pinnacle direct drive from evans cycles , only cost £300 and it’s great entry level trainer , hope that the Zwift cog and click is compatible with it , great video

[@johnwells6010]

You can get a pinnacle HC smart trainer that does basically the same as the wahoo kickr for £210, I've just bought it as I'm new to cycling and find that it suits my needs.

[@griffithd05]

Zwift hub + click/cog + a 1986 Trek 1500. I bought the hub used 2 seasons ago for $250 USD, the click/cog was $80 I think and the bike was $160. And I have a sharp little bike to cruise around in the summer if I don't want to ride my nicer road bike.

[@mnla1978]

Just received kickr core swift edition. Going to try it out on my grail cf sl 7. I bought the swift cog version because without I would have to get an additional cassette and adapter that adds ~250€ to the price.