Are you ready to revolutionize your indoor cycling experience? Say hello to smart trainers, the game-changing technology that transforms your living room into a virtual cycling haven when paired with Zwift. In this post, we’ll delve into the world of Zwift smart trainer, exploring the pros and cons for Zwift enthusiasts, how to choose the right one, and the endless possibilities they bring to your indoor cycling adventures.
If you want a comprehensive list of everything you should consider when buying a smart trainer, check out our Knowledge Base guide.
Wahoo KICKR CORE
Best smart trainer for Zwift in 2024
The Wahoo Kickr Core provides the best value for money. It has rock solid durability, precise measuring and support any bike.
The Wahoo KICKR CORE is our recommended Zwift smart trainer in 2024. If you would like to explore other options, which might be a better fit for you, we’ll take a look at other smart trainers below.
Wahoo KICKR SNAP: A Solid Zwift Smart Trainer
Description
The Wahoo KICKR SNAP is a popular smart trainer known for its ease of use, reliability, and compatibility with various cycling apps, including Zwift. It’s a wheel-on trainer, meaning you mount the bike into the trainer as it is. You should consider a separate trainer wheel or tire, if you plan to use the trainer a lot. Riding with the wheel on will wear your tire, and thus have less puncture resistance and grip when riding outside. A dedicated trainer tire will also give you better grip on the trainer, so you don’t spin your wheel in accelerations.
Pros
Compared to some high-end direct-drive smart trainers, the KICKR SNAP is generally more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cyclists looking for a good balance of features and cost. If you are uncertain of your use of a smart trainer, starting cheap is good.
The KICKR SNAP is built with a solid frame that provides stability during intense workouts. The trainer is compatible with a wide range of bikes. Including road, gravel and mountain bikes, making it versatile for different cycling disciplines.
Cons
While quieter than some wheel-on trainers, the KICKR SNAP can still produce some noise during operation. If noise is a significant concern, especially in shared living spaces, you might want to consider direct-drive trainers.
While the power accuracy of the KICKR SNAP is generally good, it may not be as precise as direct-drive trainers. Sepcially during accelerations. Some users find the fixed resistance curve limiting, especially if they want a more customizable training experience.
Tacx FLUX 2: A Compact Powerhouse for Indoor Cycling
Description
The Tacx Flux 2 is a solid choice for cyclists seeking a reliable and feature-rich smart trainer for indoor training. Its impressive power capabilities, realistic road feel, and accurate measurements make it a standout in the market. While the initial setup may require a bit more effort, the overall performance and connectivity options make the Tacx Flux 2 a valuable investment for serious indoor cyclists. Whether you’re aiming for structured workouts or virtual races, the Tacx Flux 2 is up to the challenge.
Pros
With a maximum resistance of 2000 watts, the Flux 2 ensures you won’t hit the sealing, even as a high level sprinter dashing for that Zwift finish line. The large 7.6 kg flywheel provides a realistic road feel, enhancing the immersive sensation of outdoor riding during indoor sessions. The redesigned internals contribute to a notably quiet operation, ensuring that your indoor rides won’t disturb others in your living space.
Cons
Some users find the initial assembly and calibration process a bit more involved compared to other trainers, requiring attention to detail. The Flux 2 is not as portable as some wheel-on trainers, which may be a consideration for those with limited storage space. Positioned at a mid-to-high price range, the Flux 2 may be on the higher end of the budget for some cyclists.
Wahoo KICKR Core
Description
While you have seen the Wahoo KICKR Core is our recommended Zwift smart trainer for 2024, we haven’t dived into why yet. The Core is the cheap version of the KICKR direct-drive series. But in reality, the only real difference reason to go to the top of the range, would be if you are competing at the highest level of online races.
Pros
The design is rock solid. It has precise power measurement, providing cyclists with reliable data to optimise their workouts. It simulates changes in terrain perfectly realistic. With a maximum resistance of 1800 watts, few riders will be able to break the sealing. You can fold it up to have a very small footprint if you need to pack your trainer away between sessions. The durability might be its most impressive feature. We have one, which has been sitting in an uninsulated shed for 4 years exposed to cold and moist. It even got a temporary short circuit due to water at one point, but after 20 minutes of drying, it was ready to go again. It has never required any maintenance, and provides terrific value for money.
Cons
While noise levels are not virtually silent, we have been able to ride it next to a sleeping baby many times, without ever waking it. But if you live in an apartment, your downstairs neighbour won’t be impressed with you due to the vibrating bass like sounds. We had one issue going up Alpe du Zwift, where one of the feet came off due to excessive rocking back and forth. It required a short jump off the bike to fix – nothing significant.
Elite Suito-T: Unleashing Seamless Smart Training
Description
The Elite Suito-T impresses with its user-friendly design, reliable performance, and competitive price point in the smart trainer market. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a hassle-free setup or a seasoned rider seeking a cost-effective yet high-performing trainer, the Suito-T ticks many boxes.
Pros
With a pre-assembled design and a straightforward setup process, users can get riding within minutes of unboxing, making it an excellent choice for those new to indoor training. The foldable design makes the Suito-T relatively compact, and the built-in handle facilitates easy transportation and storage.
Cons
While the power meter is generally accurate, some users have reported slight discrepancies at very high wattages during intense sprints. The design may pose pedal clearance issues for certain bike geometries, requiring attention to bike setup for optimal usage. The flywheel is only 3.5 kg, won’t provide as realistic a feeling as other direct-drive trainers like the Tacx Flux 2.
Wahoo KICKR Smart Bike: Taking Zwift Smart Trainers to a New Realm
Description
In the ever-evolving landscape of indoor cycling, the Wahoo KICKR Bike has emerged as a standout contender. It promises a transformative experience for your Zwift experience. With a smart bike, you no longer need to using your outdoor bike on the trainer, or need to have a spare bike dedicated to the trainer. There’s also been a lot of discussion about whether or not carbon frames will crack on the trainer. And whether those damages are covered by the guarantee or your insurance. With a smart bike, you don’t have to worry about those things. The Wahoo KICKR Bike impresses from the first glance with its sleek and sturdy design. Constructed with a robust aluminum frame, the bike exudes durability while maintaining a compact footprint.
Pros
The KICKR Bike stands out for its exceptional level of customization. Users can fine-tune their riding position with adjustable saddle height, fore/aft positioning, and handlebar adjustments. This adaptability ensures that riders of different sizes can find their optimal position. The realistic gear shifting functionality replicates the sensation of changing gears on an outdoor bike. The bike also changes gradient in real-time for an even more immersive experience. Something you would require a separate front-wheel stand for on a normal bike.
Another big pro is for riders who like to experiment with their riding position. See our bikefit guide, if you want to dive into it yourself. This bike is way easier to adjust than a typical bike. That can save you both the time and money of going through everything from various stem lengths and angles to crank arm lengths.
Cons
One of the most significant considerations is the premium price tag associated with the Wahoo KICKR Bike. This high-end smart bike may be a substantial investment compared to a regular smart trainer. The bike is relatively heavy and may lack the portability of traditional stationary bikes. Moving or storing the KICKR Bike could be a challenge for those with limited space.