JetBlack Victory Smart Trainer First Look: $399 with WiFi, Zwift Cog V2, and tons more!

Here's everything you need to know about the new JetBlack Victory Smart Trainer!
The JetBlack Victory is a product announcement that needs more room in a post title. If I could have used all the words in the title, it’d probably say say: "First Look at JetBlack Victory, the $399 Direct Drive Smart trainer with WiFi, unseen Zwift Cog 2.0, Race Mode, Wired-USB connectivity option, the first 3rd party ‘Zwift Ready’ trainer, and more!”.But alas, I can’t have that. Thus, you got the shortened version I settled on up above.
#JetBlackVictory #JetBlack #Euroike

[@barteksadaj4579]

'Don't judge a company purely on it's marketing budget' words of wisdom man!

[@pierrex3226]

Its

[@bobbyellis5006]

Usually that marketing budget is why we as consumers end up paying more for the same, or sometimes inferior, products.

[@barteksadaj4579]

@@bobbyellis5006 thank u captain obviuos

[@frazmars]

Favero, another such company. I love them both.

[@inakilrg]

You’re the best. I thought I’d drop it here once more just in case anyone had forgotten. 💪🏽

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks, I try!!

[@phillyh34]

​@Dcrainmaker Ray aren't you going the tour this year to do a vid on the latest tech?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@phillyh34 Yup, headed there tomorrow!

[@kevinsimpson5860]

Anxiously awaiting your review of the production unit.

[@BramStoked-uq4hp]

I appreciate how you deliver your information: thoughtful, detailed and professionally enthusiastic. I’ve purchased many items after watching your reviews as I trust your opinion implicitly.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@jimh1946]

So here I am 78 years old, quit racing 10 years ago but still enjoy listening to Ray’s reviews. Guess it says a lot about how good he is at reviewing these different accessories, etc. why I remember when he would right lengthy reviews on his website, and I’d think where does he find the time! Keep it up, I’m a subscriber Ray

[@kartografist]

And again, kind of a rip-off for the EU-555 USD (499 EUR), and delivery costs an extra 20 USD. I don't get it.

[@burgess_and_his_bike]

JetBlack are criminally underrated.

[@joshuanicholson420]

Yeah most their products do the job well

[@burgess_and_his_bike]

@@joshuanicholson420 I’m running the full trainer suite and it just does what I need it to do

[@ryanhan4535]

I agree. I have 3 DD trainers and JetBlack Volt2 is the best.

[@ignaciosevil2157]

bro its not even for sale yet. we could be jumping on the train bit early lol

[@burgess_and_his_bike]

@@ignaciosevil2157 the trainer he’s talking about (the Volt 2) has been for sale for a while bro.

[@shepshape2585]

$400 for a quality wheel off trainer? I'm in! I was bummed when at first you said it was only compatible with Zwift, because I use Rouvy, but then when you said that I could take their mechanism off and put my own cassette on and use it with any app, I was happy again! I've had a Kickr Snap for several years now, and it'll be nice to finally have a wheel off trainer! Thanks for another quality "not review" and I'll be looking for your full review next month!

[@xgymratx83]

Same for me… ready to get ride of my 6 year old WAHOO SNAP.

[@laluyank4452]

This will be my first indoor trainer purchase and I wanted to try different apps including Rouvy. How would this technically work? Is it as simple as replacing the cassette to one compatible with my 9 speed bike?

[@HobbyHoarder]

I have the original Zwift Hub and I love it. I'm not seeing anything here that would get me to replace it, but I'm happy to see JetBlack is still going forward.

[@agent3012]

Same, though I would appreciate if Zwift offered a reasonably-priced upgrade program to the Cog v2 once it's released.

[@tonycrabtree3416]

I would never downgrade to Zwift branded junk.

[@ignaciosevil2157]

well its almost identical. just less cost and more configurable for good chainline

[@arturwob]

going through the process of ordering one, i just noticed that they did increase EU pricing to 499 (so if you add a year of zwift you come out 50 bucks more expensive then a kickr core). Interestingly they did not change any of the other regions prices

[@kimwarner6050]

Finally an affordable trainer. Zwift trainer started cheap, then they kept raising the price

[@ignaciosevil2157]

its insane to put out 240$ for using zwift. Most people dont even use the features it has... i had it for years and never got past normal ftp training. pretty fun tho even going solo always

[@ignaciosevil2157]

ive read there are other free apps. ill go on em for sure

[@BillyVerden]

Great Video! I am a kickr V5 owner and I would definitely buy this if Wahoo doesn't have virtual shifting for my trainer when this comes out.. Thank You Mr. Rainmaker!.. 😁😎

[@KuriReevel]

Really don't give a rat's ass about Zwift anymore. Indievelo is a new king of indoor cycling! Any trainer that is only Zwift compatible is out of my interest.

[@chrisobyrne5675]

Heart rate pass through is a great feature. Means Zwift frame and ATV becomes a real option.

[@paceline]

How is JetBlack revealing new Zwift hardware before Zwift? Is Zwift still working with them despite the Wahoo partnership? Could this have been the Zwift Hub 2?

[@danielhaynes]

I think Zwift partnered with Wahoo just to get the lawsuits dropped tbh. Maybe they might jump ship again now

[@iMadrid11]

It’s a collaboration between Jet Black and Zwift. Zwift writes the software. Jet Black builds the hardware. Both companies shares their expertise. Jet Black wouldn’t be able to release this to pre-production trainer to reviewers for testing. If there wasn’t any approval from Zwift.

[@steve-d0]

I’ve been burnt by jet black previously thanks to their lack of firmware updates. How many times have they promised to enable virtual shifting (play controllers) on the Volt V2 but still we wait.

[@mtd87]

This. 100%. Does this announcement mean we finally do get an FW update with virtual shifting for the volt2? I'm not holding my breath...

[@Teddyspice04]

I would also love to know if we’re getting this firmware update on V2.

[@murrayhealey4426]

I can assure you virtual shifting on the Volt is coming. This September

[@christophertownsend1988]

@@murrayhealey4426 Is that for the original Volt as well as the Volt 2?

[@ignaciosevil2157]

...... I hate that they announce it so much time before acutally having it in stock. WTF?

[@MrLeovdmeer]

This is the biggest reason not to buy a Kickr

[@ArdGeal]

I bought a JB Volt2, it had freewheel drag when you stopped pedalling that was so bad- turns out the tolerances were garbage on the spacer sleeve inside between the trainer bearing and the inner freehub bearing, allowing the body of the freewheel to be dragged by the spinning flywheel... so I got advised by their UK distributor to not tighten the end nut to the specified torque, or buy a new freehub at £60! (Err why not make a spacer sleeve with an additional .5-1mm length?!).... No firmware update to make it similar to the Zwift Hub either(Well they did- 10Hz and auto calibration then rolled it back because it didn't work...)....nah, I'll stick with Wahoo this is a Mickey Mouse outfit.... (I sorted the spacer out myself, got it running fine and still with a tight end cap)

[@michaelnee1987]

This looks amazing for the price, look forward to the full review of the final unit.

[@floriana6659]

Now with the Jetblack Victory available for preorder (unfortunately for 500 €) I have two questions: -You seem very excited about the JV Vic, is there any sponsoring going on? -Are you going to test a JB Vic of the production series and compare it to other smart trainers? Big fan of your channel! :)

[@TrickyTree84]

It's US only and is $399. i can't pre order to the UK or the EU

[@andyfpt]

OK if the review on this product is good then I'm buying one in the fall. Thank you!

[@k1mfor]

Interesting! Ray, I've been eyeing the Kickr v6 which has a bit bigger flywheel, "ERG power smoothing" etc and is 875€ right now, but do you think this might be a better deal?

[@stuschwark511]

Killer review! Need a new trainer and the timing of this rocks!

[@LucianDobre]

Sorry for an unrelated question but, how do you like the ALU BMC compared to other ALU frames or even the carbon BMC team machine if you've ridden that ?

[@gweflj]

Such a shame that brands are prioritizing Zwift. Zwift having a monopoly will lead to crazy subscription costs.

[@davidosolo]

Great video. Can’t wait to see your side by side reviewing: 9:13

[@orvillealdrich7601]

Nice product intro! Really appreciate your comment about not basing our bias on market hype alone. 👍👍👌

[@beanbaguk]

But will that Zwift cog work with 3rd party apps? I am personally done with Zwift so unless they open up their API to 3rd parties,all these new hardware pieces are just landfill for me (and many others that have abandoned Zwift).

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nope, at least not at the moment.

[@beanbaguk]

@@Dcrainmaker I'm concerned that Zwift is trying to become the next Peloton by locking users into their hardware ecosystem, raising prices significantly, and doing so at the start of summer when many users typically pause their subscriptions. Although it's winter in the Southern Hemisphere, only about 13% of the world's population lives there. As a cyclist, I’m willing to invest in my sport, but not if it means being tied to a single platform. I believe many others share this sentiment. - Zwift Cog: Great idea. Zwift only. Pass. - Zwift Controllers: Great idea. Almost bought them. Zwift only. Pass. - Zwift Bike: Interesting idea. Fixed crank length, no climb support, and only works with Zwift. Pass. For significantly less, I can buy a Kickr Core, a 105 cassette, and a decent second-hand road bike. I can then add a Kickr Climb and use it on any platform. If I’m concerned about controls, I can simply use my iPhone. ($50 for a tablet stand? You can find them for around $20.) If I wanted to go all out, I could purchase a Kickr Bike for as little as €2,000, which can be used on any platform. Zwift has yet to turn a profit, even after significant growth during lockdown, and they now seem to be panicking by trying to lock in and disadvantage their users. A serious management shake-up is needed, otherwise, I predict their demise sooner rather than later.

[@VincentGauthier-o8d]

you can put a standard cassette and use it with any apps. Still a fantastic deal.

[@sethcycle4591]

I need the cog v2. The cog v1 was kinda terrible. I just went back to the normal cassette and use virtual shifting with the play controllerrs

[@steinanderson9849]

locked into Zwift? so painful swapping the cog and cassette all the time

[@WowRixter]

I sure hope Rouvy adopts virtual shifting soon

[@marktechsci]

I subbed forever ago. No idea why so many aren’t. CLICK IT for Gods sake! 😂

[@PrzemekCT]

Hi. I'm a bit lost with all this Zwift news. I have a wahoo kickr core with cassette. Will a software update and Zwift Play be enough to switch gears virtually, or do I need to purchase a Zwift chainring? I think Zwift Play alone is enough. I want to make sure before I spend an extra €80 on zwift cog.

[@phuoctho9862]

Finally, we made it! Thanks for this video From VietNam with a much love❤

[@lifeincycling]

Nice, but my question is how to replace the Randonnee shorts once the stash of shorts all gets worn out. Any tips on that?

[@chrisyoung8062]

What is the diameter of the bars which act as feet? I ask because I'm wondering if it is the same as the Core? If it is, I could use it with my E-Flex Plus Core (Insideride motion trainer). Thanks.

[@colinrussell7587]

Thanks for the early look, very interesting and exciting product. Looking forward to adding it to my home gym setup later this year. Keep up the good work!

[@MateHegyhati]

0:36 Poor Ray, he tried 😀

[@colinrussell7587]

@@MateHegyhatipoint taken😊

[@MateHegyhati]

@@colinrussell7587 Nah, it was just funny, especially after the Dura review embargo circus. 🙂

[@luisgarcia22]

Aaaand they don't ship to South America. Great.

[@jimjimplus]

The virtual shifting doesn’t really float my boat, it happy to hear you can change it up pretty easily

[@danielhaynes]

My experience is that Virtual shifting is a game changer for Zwift tbh. Maybe unless your rocking fancy Di2 electronic shifters or something. Sooo much quieter, smoother, less wear on components and instant in game shifts in flat out sprints

[@DL-mv8ii]

@@danielhaynes I've got Di2 and a Hub One. The virtual shifting is better.

[@jillolsen4135]

Will they be offering it in the UK at release?

[@craigschray4486]

I'm looking forward to the Zwift frame to attach to my wahoo kickr

[@Tomzzzzzz]

Excuse my ignorance but does a trainer include power meter information that can be fed to Strava?

[@NikoSaario]

Going to buy indoor bike, for sure based on what I hear from you 💪

[@joshuanicholson420]

Hmmm think I will be selling my kickr18 to buy this

[@sn4ns4]

Could you let me know if there’s a chance for a review of ready to sell unit before October 15th? Or has the company set any conditions regarding the timing of publication (prior to the official release date), depending on the test results?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No conditions set for timing or anything. They'd prefer I have it published weeks ago, but alas, such is the backlog of products. In any case, I've got a number of rides on it. Just waiting for some clarity with an ANT+ specific dropout bug they're working on. Everythin else seems pretty good though.

[@petef15]

Might be worth a look. Can't use my Saris H3 anymore with 12spd.

[@mmh129]

Hey Ray, great content as always. One question: It seems that Zipp says using the front wheel on the trainer van damage them and will void their warranty. Those are Zipp 303s, right? Do you know if that's true? Or is it just a myth like when they used to say the same about using carbon frames on trainers? Josh Poertner from Silca also warns against using carbon front wheels on a trainer.

[@Dcrainmaker]

He's talking about front wheels in the Wahoo ROLLR I suspect, which is the only scenario that Zipp doesn't support. The rest is fine: support.zipp.com/hc/en-us/sections/5027016386971-Indoor-Trainer-Compatibility

[@mmh129]

​​@Dcrainmaker Ah, got it! I misunderstood it. I thought by "unsecured rear wheel" Zipp meant wheel off trainers. Thanks for clarifying! What Josh says is that the sweat can create corrosion where the carbon touches aluminum/brass contacts but that's a different issue.

[@atmamont]

Came here for 399 but it’s 500!

[@Dcrainmaker]

It shows $399 on their site for pre-order (www.jetblackcycling.com/indoor-cycle-trainers-and-accessories/victory-smart-trainer/)

[@atmamont]

@@Dcrainmaker Then you pick Europe and end up with 499 EUR unfortunately

[@MichelBertrand]

Now that's a more reasonable price. Hope they ship affordably to Canada. 👍

[@VincentGauthier-o8d]

Hi Michel, A1 Sports is the official distributor of Jetblack in Canada and yes, the product wll be available in Canada! We already have many retailers bringing the product in store or online. We hope to see the product available in September.

[@js736-i5g]

Just bought a Kickr Core a few months ago. Originally, I wanted the Zwift Hub / Jetblack Volt, but missed out when Wahoo sued them both and Jetblack wasn't selling in the US (or at least not the Volt...?). The price is better, and I wish it had a handle like Jetblack included, even I don't even move it much.

[@brettfliesser]

Hey! Sorry if this question was asked already. I’m looking to get the Zwift cog for my Wahoo kickr core. Do you happen to have any idea when the cog v2 is coming out? Is it worth it to wait till v2 comes out or just get the original? Thanks in advance! Your review videos are always informative and never beating around the bush type of stuff. Keep up the good job!

[@galenkehler]

Big missed opportunity to use the Dr Nick "IT'S WHISPER QUIET!!!" from the Juice Loosener commercial 😂😂😂

[@toadlguy]

Wouldn't it be nice if JetBlack made a power meter? They completely disrupted the trainer market, first with the Zwift trainer, and now this. I realize the two products are "adjacent" and not really comparative, but if they used their engineering and tech capabilities, maybe they could disrupt that market, too.

[@vincefava7929]

I've got a functional TacX Neo, works great. Is it compatible with Zwift bike? Swap out the cassette with Zwift cog? Asking for a friend....lol. Great video.

[@lellotrello2338]

Looks great. Any news on virtual shifting support for the Volt trainers?

[@steve-d0]

Last time JB said anything it was “coming in new firmware update in December 2023”. We are still waiting.

[@mtd87]

@@steve-d0 Which is frankly ridiculous, considering the zwift hub is the exact same hardware...

[@lellotrello2338]

​@mtd87 I read someone posting about their exchange with JB support and according to them, they have been waiting for Zwift's approval. Would make sense with how Zwift tries to lock down their platform

[@Dcrainmaker]

They confirmed today that the work is being done concurrently with this, taking longer than they/Zwift thought, and will be released later this summer when this gets finalized.

[@storiesbyowen]

Welp. Now I'm contemplating returning my Kickr Core Zwift One and waiting till this comes out. Any suggestions?? 😅

[@roarman75]

Howzit Ray, I just noticed on this video, Why do you mount your apple tv on top of your tv? Mine is mounted behind the TV because the remote uses BT.

[@richardchan0]

Please find out if the trainer spits out HR data when no HR is connected. The zwift hub is annoying to use with when control via a garmin watch. The acts as a HR sensor even nothing is connected. As a result, my watch think my HR is zero. I need to broadcast my HR to the trainer and then back to the watch again if I want to use the hub as a smart trainer

[@noelharrington4786]

Looking forward to this. Have an SB20 atm but this looks like a great moveable option. Let’s hope they sort out their dollar/euro conversion though before it goes to market.

[@ShawnIsBatman]

If/when they add motion for this new trainer that will probably be what pushes me to upgrade from the Zwift Hub trainer that I am currently on (which I love).

[@noelahnesorg5716]

Is it possible to use the trainer in erg mode with your cycling computer with the shifting or is the shifting only available over zwift

[@colinswan786]

Looks like a tough package to beat... will be interesting to see what price the Zwift Frame (without the Core) comes in at once it is sold on own, could end up with a cheaper package pairing it with this instead.

[@BooksWithBrad]

Really cool stuff. I would definitely consider this if my kickr core ever died. 5 years with my kickr core and its still going strong.

[@velogoo]

does this have an erg east ramp feature? I don’t think I have seen that mentioned and is really the only other thing I would like on my next trainer.

[@DanielHandorff]

Allow for rocker--trainer movement so you can comfortably ride for over an hour and I'm sold.

[@SpuddyIRL]

Will we get a jetblack victory with the zwift ride instead of kickr

[@jamesconant1041]

Does this work with a quick release style frame? Not thru axel

[@Miveral-h9e]

Today if I buy a only trainer for me… what will I buy? I need help

[@skotas]

Going to get this!

[@askmeaboutmattweiner]

Is it any more stable than the kickr core? Because my core is flexy as heck

[@LoscoeLad]

almost stopped watching when you said it was only zwift compatible.. can't be relying on power-ups in training 😀 cool it willl take a casette, but should be 12spd compatible w/out extra adapter

[@Dcrainmaker]

Good news! They're also going to offer a cassette version as well, starting in September. Same price.

[@Checque]

Could this trainer work with the new Elite bike set up with the elite cog?

[@AlexandreCosta82]

Can we expect a Zwift Ride version that includes this trainer?

[@thedownunderverse]

Can the front leg be folded back at all to help with storage?

[@HristoMitev123]

I have the exact same bike but in black. You’re the first person Ive seen with it haha.

[@felixamrhein-jf4im]

Will the Cog v2 be available individually? I am familiar with the mediocre alignment on the Zwift Hub but don’t want to buy a whole new trainer to fix it….

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, September timeframe.

[@ThatJohnJohnson]

Great video! Btw, is that a Galaxy Ring I spy 🤫

[@gallopingsalmon]

Sigh I just bought the Wahoo Kicker Core.

[@nicholkid]

God willing they sell this in Canada. Zwift hub was never available for sale here. Looks like exactly what I need!

[@VincentGauthier-o8d]

Hi, A1 Sports is the official distributor of Jetblack in Canada and yes, the product wll be available in Canada! We already have many retailers bringing the product in store or online. We hope to see the product available in September.

[@aslam7952]

First Suunto, now Jet-black 👍

[@k1mfor]

When do we get the full review?

[@Dcrainmaker]

A final production unit is set to arrive on Wednesday, so, probably within a few weeks.

[@k1mfor]

@@Dcrainmaker Great thanks! Although seeing that the price is now same as Kickr Core (500€) and the specs virtually the same, I'm thinking maybe I should get the Kickr that's already available

[@eddiejensen3369]

You don’t get the 10hz with the Core.

[@dronetoulouse]

​@@eddiejensen3369 is it important those 10 hz ?

[@josep9599]

Does this come with the 1 year zwift subscription? Otherwise the price may be very close to the kickr core

[@Dcrainmaker]

No included sub.

[@JonathanLee7]

“We are the 20.1%!”

[@chasemason5129]

Not available in Europe or the Uk?

[@messi9991]

So the virtual shifting does not work with other apps, but does it work without ANY app? As in, I just connect my head unit to the trainer to record, and set the resistance to 0 which I normally do, and then I can virtually shift? Or that doesn't work either? Because if it doesn't then this is pretty shitty, furthering Zwift's dominance.

[@VincentGauthier-o8d]

The virtual shifting is only on Zwift. You can replace the COG with a cassette and this will act as any other trainer and compatible with all apps....so this is still a great deal.

[@messi9991]

@@VincentGauthier-o8d meh not if I'm paying in part for the virtual shifting part. Or indeed want the virtual shifting. It's a neat idea.

[@NeverTakeNoShortcuts]

Why would anyone buy anything else?

[@rongurney48]

The flywheel looks pitiful, less than 5 lbs at most. In comparison, the Kickr V6/Move flywheel weighs 16 lbs. The difference is quite noticeable and easily felt.

[@decoherence926]

yes, at 4 times the cost. who cares, it's all indoor cycling. can't fool your brain

[@Dcrainmaker]

The Flywheel size is 10.3lbs. Remember: Size isn't the only thing that matters in flywheels. Specifically, the routing of the belt/gearing matters (like a pulley system). Almost nobody can tell the difference between this and the KICKR when it comes to inertia.

[@kennethdarlington]

How this compatible with garmin head units? Shifting/trainings etc

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, follows ANT+ FE-C, so no issues there.

[@jimmynickles828]

Reminds me of my Magene Gravat

[@ErickMoreno]

This is amazing! Great great product.

[@JoeWilensky]

zwift only is good to know.

[@brettoau84]

Wow, they have thought of everything

[@ma7mgte]

Awesome, so this should also work with ROUVY?

[@Dcrainmaker]

In ERG mode, yes. But not in SIM (simulation) mode unless you swap out the cassette.

[@GloriousMordoriusGM]

So basically it's a Zwift Hub with Wi-Fi and a USB port. Small design differences - handle, disc to keep them from getting sued again and the new zwift cog v2, I'll save my comment on what I thing about it... For me the bigger issue is the support and the feeling that this is another device, which in a year will be left with almost no support and updates...

[@Dcrainmaker]

The VOLT V2 was announced two years ago, and is still getting updates...

[@s8jiwa]

DC which fan are you using in the corner of the video?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Jetblack one.

[@74aztlan]

Oh yes! Very interesting. 😀

[@RyanWilkersonM]

Does the $400 include a year of Zwift? That would be an insane value

[@josep9599]

@@RyanWilkersonM nope sadly so it’s comparable in price to the kickr core

[@RyanWilkersonM]

@@josep9599 thank you for your response. The price definitely makes more sense now. Still impressive considering the increased profit margin zwift has from including a program that costs virtually nothing to include with the kickr core. If I was in the market, this would be at the top of my list and I’d probably just throw on a cassette and use it with MyWoosh since it’s free. I am locked into Zwift with my kickr core/zwift one until at least February but may consider putting a cassette on after that and switching once my membership ends.

[@maartenrigole4540]

Why is the pice in € so much higher? It doesn’t really make sense imo.

[@Dcrainmaker]

VAT tax is included, which is roughly 20% in the EU and inclusive, versus in the US, that's charged afterwards.

[@maartenrigole4540]

@@Dcrainmaker makes sense like that 🙂. Thanks!

[@AchternaamPaul]

Thx mate. Needed this