My 2023 Guide to the Best Smart Bike Trainers for Zwift

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Folks, with holidays just around the corner, you can find all the bike trainer deals here: www.smartbiketrainers.com/deals

[@JoshuaJansen]

Got my Stages SB20 earlier this month and I'm loving it. I've had a wheel-on and a direct-drive trainer from Wahoo before, but this full on smart bike experience is definitely my favourite. It's as quiet and sturdy as everyone says and I love that it's "just there", instead of having put my dear outdoor road bike in an unnatural position.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the SB20 👍

[@dhodges1911]

Same here. I had the Wahoo Kickr v5 and recently bought the Stages Sb20 and I love it!

[@pawer99412]

Mam SB20 od 2020r i jestem zadowolony.

[@tinshield]

Be careful with SB20. Mine has been decent but Stages appears to be circling the drain and their support in the US is horrendous.

[@tonks1968]

I’ve been really happy with my Wattbike Atom …. 3 years and hasn’t missed a beat. And all at a very competitive price

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

That’s great to hear… thanks for sharing your experience with the Wattbike 🙏🏼

[@Boingyuk]

I got my SB20 a year and a half ago for £1400 ($1750) in the UK, and has been an absolute game changer. Super quiet and solid. Great value smart bike 👍

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Awesome. Glad you are enjoying your smart bike. Thanks for sharing your experience with the SB20 🙏🏼

[@andrecrispim3209]

For a car price, it better be a game changer.

[@Boingyuk]

@@andrecrispim3209 it is 😀

[@n00bslayherttv92]

I appreciate the personability its rare these days

[@FFPowercz]

You may not have noticed it yet, but Decathlon has released a pretty interesting trainer, the Domyos Challenge Bike 1500 W. Maybe some test soon? ;)

[@nalissa77]

Thanks again for the compressive options. I have the Zwift hub classic and I love it as a non competitive cyclist is fits my needs adequately. That Stages smart bike is pretty tempting though. lol

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The price on the SB20 is a steal 👌

[@dregm]

January of this year they had a 1399 deal with 1 year of Zwift that was incredible !

[@zaahierstanley955]

Nice summary and suggestions

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Glad you liked it

[@ArdGeal]

I've got my V5 on a Saris MP1 Infinity Platform (I snapped up new at £149, bargain of the century!)....contemplating the Climb as the final upgrade. One thing with the Move in combination with the Climb is that technically as one point is fixed and one is moving this is effectively lengthening/shortening the wheelbase as you use it unlike all of the equipment sitting on a Rocker Plate?? (and you need to buy the rubber boot Kroc....)

[@DaveRider719]

What do you think about Tacx Neo Bike Smart Trainer T8000 the price ist really close to the SB20 here in germany

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It’s a great bike. It’s pricey but very good.

[@DaveRider719]

@@SmartBikeTrainers thx a lot

[@TaichoCyclist]

The Hub One and Hub are fundamentally not that dissimilar product. Following the settlement between Zwift and Wahoo, it appears the Hub took the hit by being discontinued. With the news announced of the removal of the Classic Hub and Kickr Core now listed on Zwift's ecommerce markets, I won't be surprised if the Hub One will soon be out of stock before going out of sight. So I am not sure if Hub One is still the way to go on the budget.

[@DanKla91]

But the kickr core is a piece of cheap sh*t. There still so many problems with it because wahoo didnt changed anything since 2018.

[@jmkoeller]

I bought the Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift last month after watching your review. I didn't need the few things extra things that the Bike v2 offered, and the Shift landed at a pricepoint that I could more easily afford. It's been excellent so far.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

That’s great to hear. It’s a great bike with a lot of functionality. Happy to hear are enjoying it 👍

[@Twinaviation1]

Great Review. I have a few questions, Tariq. Regarding adjustability between SB20 and Wahoo Bike, it seems they are the same, 6 adjustability modes to match the Retul bike fit? I checked your SB20 detail review and I like the price point of SB20 vs Wahoo Bike. Yet if you would compare both models what would be the highlights for Stages vs Wahoo Bike? Thanks

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I think they are both great bikes. I really like the media tray option available on the SB20. I would say the KICKR Bike V2 is better when it comes to power accuracy, ERG mode, and overall ride feel.

[@Twinaviation1]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Thanks for responding. Now in comparison to the Wahoo product, I am leaning toward Shift vs V2. Compared to Wahoo Shift vs. SB20, in your opinion, what would be a better trainer, considering adjustability for taller riders, ERG mode, and power accuracy?

[@therealpinkyskull]

Here I am with the first generation kickr that I bought in 2016, the thing refuses to die but I’m trying to justify buying a new trainer anyway.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Buy one for your other bike. If you don’t have another bike get one 😂 In all seriousness, that’s impressive and glad to hear your 2016 kickr is still going strong 👍

[@tomsewell2462]

I'm a former racer, retired guy in USA thinking of getting a Stages, SC3 bike and mywhoosh (free) for this winter at home. will they work? or should i geta SB20? I like those bot rides but dont care about real online group rides. help? used bike?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The SB20 will give you a much better experience overall with Zwift and other smart apps. The SC3 will not give you the same interactivity with smart apps like the SB20.

[@tomsewell2462]

@@SmartBikeTrainers all I want it to do is connect to have those various rides one can do, maybe with other "bot" riders and my "ghost" rider from last time I rode that ride. I found a SC3 for $1300us used. Will it connect to mywhoosh? i dont care about all the other stuff much. or should i find a SB20?

[@davidwebster2616]

I recently had my Wahoo Kickr V6 sent back to Wahoo. My Kickr stopped reading the power/cadence and it just spun freely. I bought it 2 years ago and Wahoo accepted my unit and will be providing me with a refurbished unit. I needed the original purchase receipt though. 20 dollars for FEDEX to provide a box and do that service. Otherwise Wahoo paid for the shipping via a PDF label to my email. Knowing this, wahoo is hard to beat. I would definitely PASS on the larger wahoo bike or any bike for that matter. I wouldn't want to go through the process of returning a bike.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Glad to hear Wahoo was able to sort things out for you and get you a new bike trainer. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏🏼

[@KdM_BigRingBubba]

Sad to see Garmin/Tacx nowhere near the list. My Neo2T is a great trainer and I was happy to buy it 3 years ago, but where's the innovation/development on their front? At least add some of the low hanging fruit like dual bluetooth, wifi connectivity, etc... I wish the pricing on the SB20 was as competitive in Canada as it seems to be in the US right now!

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Garmin took Tacx and sadly buried that brand. Simply adding some of those features you mentioned would put some life back into Tacx. But for now, there are plenty of other options that I would recommend over Garmin/Tacx.

[@KdM_BigRingBubba]

@@SmartBikeTrainers 100% agreed. I'm very happy with my Neo, but at this point there's no reason to consider it unless you get it on a whopper of a deal as there are other options with many more features at better price points.

[@scottintexas]

Do the 3M or the Neo Plus Smart Bike solve these issues? What other trainer/bike replicates road feel?

[@joseluislopez4245]

Hi what do you think about elite Direto trainer?

[@BrentNeal1979]

I wish smart bikes weren't so prohibitively expensive. Given how much I ride indoors I'd love to transition from a trainer to smart bike if they were a little more reasonably priced. Has Stages resolved the massive customer service issues that have been plaguing the SB20 recently?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The SB20 has been out for a while so hopefully all issues has been sorted by now. My SB20 has been solid and haven’t seen much complaints posted on social media either in the past year or so.

[@n22pdf]

Is the v6 a lot better than v5 ? I don’t need the wi fi on v6 as my connection on my core has always been fine,, I’m thinking of getting one from wahoo site reconditioned which I think is a v5.. 849 in uk ? Pete

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Only difference is WiFi and race mode, it’s the same trainer. I would go for the reconditioned option 👍

[@n22pdf]

Many thanks for the reply and recommendation 😊😊❤

[@chipaway]

do you think other platforms like Rouvy will eventually make the Hub One compatible?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

They will probably implement some virtual gearing functionality that is similar to what’s in indieVelo for example. But for it to be as seamless as it is in Zwift it will take some work on the hardware side from trainer manufacturers or partnership with Zwift for that to happen.

[@AleksandrFomin03]

Maybe I didn't get or missed the information, but I guess, it's always worth mentioning that it's paid AD, and not a real review of the width of TT we have in the market. Where is, e.g., Neo 2T or Elite Suito / Drivo II and etc? 😢

[@Gufolicious]

It is a video about „the best trainers“. The ones you mentioned are inferior products so he did not mention them.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It is not an ad or sponsored video. I purposely wanted to simplify it and not mention every trainer out there. Like I said at the beginning of the video, these are trainers that I would personally get today. You might have a different opinion and that’s fine 👍

[@sama8670]

How about a review of Rouvy on Apple TV? I’m considering Rouvy instead of Zwift.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

I have done a video on cycling apps on Apple TV which you can find here: Top 6 Cycling Apps You Can Find On Apple TV 4K kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqSYqKucmJ5qeKs

[@sama8670]

@@SmartBikeTrainers I watched that. I only mentioned it because it’s my understanding that they made a significant update a few weeks ago. Most with the navigation in the app. Thanks 🙏🏻 I’ll be trying the 14 day trial in a couple of weeks. All the best for you in the new year.

[@mister_ray]

Actually winter does not come to Northern Hemisphere until around Dec 21. I have the Elite Justo, Rizer and Aria setup. Seems to work well. A promised firmware update is giving faster power and cadence data reporting.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It’s freezing up here 🥶

[@PureNRG2]

For me, my Zwift Cog was a great budget buy to get into direct drive. My only complaint is the lack of Zwift Play for aero bars. I’m hoping there’s enough of a demand for Zwift Play for aero bars (or at least an adapter) that this eventually becomes an option.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Definitely would be nice to have an option for TT Bikes. Glad to hear your are enjoying the HUB One 🙌🏼

[@edgardwill4932]

There are solutions in software... No need a hardware to do virtual shifting... Indievelo is there to prove it... Just a keyboard and the + and - keys... Any app can do that... Come on...

[@freebird61885]

SB20 is simply inaccurate for some folks. When they respond, Stages are great, but they have been known to disappear for months.

[@robertnobles8189]

I got the Kickr Bike for under $2000 last Black Friday. The shifters have had to be replaced three times though. Whaoo must have some bugs to work out.

[@Gufolicious]

I have the kickr bike for 1,5years and i had to replace the shifters last week. But the customer service was okish. In hindsight the bike is pretty shit but compared to other options i had to go for it since no competitor has 165 crank options. Especially shifters suck, the handlebar is a joke for the pricepoint, the levers to lock fore aft are constantly going lose. The seatpost and the handlebar post are slipping all the time if you dont reapply carbon paste every few months. All in all the bike is way to expensive for what it is and i would not have gotten it if wattbike or any other supplier would offer 165 cranks.

[@ShaneOSullivanky]

Hi Tariq, would the Wahoo Rollr be a contender as I like the fact you can put your bike on it quickly for the shoulder months while transitioning to indoor. Presuming you already have a power meter.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

The ROLLR is really great and I always enjoy using it. It is particularly good if you primarily plan on using it in ERG mode. I was using the ROLLR all summer long because I didn’t want to bother with removing the rear wheel.

[@MattSwain1]

I’m very tempted by the Zwift Hub and Cog setup. I’ve currently got an original Tacx Neo trainer but the bike on it is worn out. I’m considering a few options such as a Smart bike ($$$) or finding a decent bike that’s compatible with my Neo ($$) but the most reasonable/flexible option seems to be the Hub One which is compatible with all my bikes at once (rather than needing adaptors and cassettes for use with the Neo)

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

It is a solid choice and will simplify your setup.

[@edgardwill4932]

Virtual shifting is free in Indievelo (Zwift free oponent)! There's no need to all that hardware! Just the keyboard! Keep that in mind! And it's for free!

[@darthvulcanis4002]

I have the Zwift Hub. Wouldn't recommend it, unless you rarely ride indoors AND you don't race. Also the Hub One will MOST LIKELY be discontinued as well.

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Interesting. What don’t you like about it?

[@LouieBaLLz]

2 of the cons you have listed for the SB20 are not accurate. You get a visual gear display via their app, and you also have an option for shifting feedback via the app too.

[@edgardwill4932]

Virtual shifting is free in Indievelo (Zwift free oponent)! There's no need to all that hardware! Just the keyboard! Keep that in mind! And it's for free! 😉👍👍

[@floecki9715]

das sb20 als sehr ruhig zu bezeichnen, finde ich maßlos übertrieben. Es vibriert und gehört sich nicht zu den leisen Rädern.

[@Boingyuk]

My SB20 is super quiet. Go ride a kickr or tacx bike and then you see how quiet it is

[@rainerzufall9943]

Wenn dein Schwungrad vibriert, ist das nicht normal. In diesem Fall sollte dein SB20 innerhalb der Garantiezeit vom Stages Service instandgesetzt werden.

[@joaomac7]

Sorry, but I don’t agree with zwift trainer…. It will be discontinued…. Replaced by wahoo kickr core

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

Possibly but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. It was just a matter of time until they discontinued the Hub classic and the deal with Wahoo came in the right time.

[@MijoMontego]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Any particular reason you pointed out the Zwift Hub One over the Kickr Core when they are the same price, come with 1 year of Zwift, but Wahoo has a better/history/build/product than JetBlack (the manufacturer that Zwift rebranded the Hub One to)?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

@@MijoMontego because of its direct integration with Zwift and virtual shifting. Once you try virtual shifting you will appreciate its seamless operation. It has auto calibration, faster power broadcasting, and heart rate broadcasting. I think the kickr core is great but still missing some of these functionalities.

[@joaomac7]

???@@SmartBikeTrainers the zwift trainer is not available anymore in zwift page, only wahoo kickr core is available…

[@edgardwill4932]

Virtual shifting is free in Indievelo (Zwift free oponent)! There's no need to all that hardware! Just the keyboard! Keep that in mind! And it's for free! 😉👍👍

[@sama8670]

HELP ME PLEASE I’m just getting started with indoor riding/training. I currently have no equipment, tv, I currently don’t even have internet 🛜 at my house. I don’t use a pc or Mac computer, just my iPhone. So where do I start??? I’m planning on purchasing iPad. Originally I was going with wahoo X not zwift. But without RGT it might be a bit boring. I have several people buying gifts for me this year. So it’s a cost. Within reason 😆 My somewhat uninformed wish list: INTERNET KICKR V6 or zwift trainer? IPAD or ??? Apple TV ? What should I do? What would you do?

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

You do need internet but you can get away with your phone and a possibly use it for Zwift or get the Apple TV and use your phone as a hotspot. I would go with Zwift Hub to save some $$ and get a TV 🙂

[@sama8670]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Thank You My plan is to get my internet Get kicker or zwift hub Get smart tv After that I’m not sure what to do. Apple TV is that needed for zwift? Since I want to train as well as virtual social rides. The goal is get everything I need and it work technical hassles. Thanks again

[@SmartBikeTrainers]

@@sama8670 You will need a device to run Zwift. Apple TV is great and affordable way to run zwift. It connects directly via HDMI cable to your TV. Then all you need to do is download the Zwift app on Apple TV and you are good to go.

[@sama8670]

@@SmartBikeTrainers Okay 👍 sounds like a plan. Wahoo vs Zwift Hub One will be my first decision. I mostly ride outside year round, but as I get older inside has some appeal and advantages. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@sama8670]

@@SmartBikeTrainers ok wahoo kickr on the way, Apple 🍏 TV in hand. The internet 🛜 installation will take a bit longer. I have a wahoo Elmnt bolt with routes. Will this get me on the trainer? I found an older video of yours that shows this works.