Zwift compatible resistance control smart trainer £500?

[wemorgan]

Hi.

As per the title I'm after a Zwift compatible resistance controlled smart trainer that's <£500?
Happy with wheel-on or direct drive format.
Will be connected to a Windows 10 laptop.

I originally thought the bkool smart pro would be OK. But then on the Zwift forum I've read of ANT+ connectivity issues. It wasn't clear if this was for iOS users only?

Quite a few cheaper trainers on this list:
https://support.zwift.com/en_us/which-trainers-doe...
say "needs ANT+ FE-C update" But it's not clear how the update is checked for or achieved.

Failing that, I could spend a bit more on the Wahoo KICKR SNAP or Tacx flux.

Any clear advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

[Gareth79]

The Tacx Flux is currently £450 at Halfords and Sigma Sport (possibly an extra 10% off with memberships + cashback with Halfords). Apparently the internals were changed in June/July so the failures people have reported are fixed - although I'll be checking for a manufacturing date on the box if I get one! The same internals are used on the new Flux S (which seems is the same but takes long-cage rear mechs).

The Snap isn't direct drive, which I assume means it makes more noise/vibration if that's an issue.

[Dannbodge]

Don't get a flux. It will just break.
Doesn't matter what the build date is, it makes no difference

Refurbished Kickr Snap would be my choice, or maybe a touch more money and the Kickr core/Elite Direto (you may even get a Direto for £500)

[anonymous-user]

I have the Kickr Snap

You can get a reconditioned one from Wahoo direct for £399.99 sometimes (out of stock at time of writing)

https://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers/...

But, even at £499.99, I think it is a fair buy

[wemorgan]

Cheers for the feedback.

Pity that the information on the Bkool Pro 2 is ambiguous (needs ANT+ FE-C), as at £350 it's quite a bit cheaper.
I'm less concerned with accuracy as I don't ride with power on the road anyway.

[Usget]

If you don't necessarily want a direct drive (wheel-off) trainer, you'll be fine with one of these:

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/tr...

[dojo]

JPJPJP said:

I have the Kickr Snap

You can get a reconditioned one from Wahoo direct for £399.99 sometimes (out of stock at time of writing)

https://uk.wahoofitness.com/devices/bike-trainers/...

But, even at £499.99, I think it is a fair buy

What else would you need to run Zwift if you got this??

Membership, Laptop/TV, A couple of fans... anything else??

[wemorgan]

dojo said:

What else would you need to run Zwift if you got this??

Membership, Laptop/TV, A couple of fans... anything else??

I've also ordered this under bed style table to rest my laptop on.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XD9V1DG/ref...

[anonymous-user]

dojo said:

What else would you need to run Zwift if you got this??

Membership, Laptop/TV, A couple of fans... anything else??

Cadence sensor is almost essential to do the structured training - I have the wahoo one

I use an iPad. Both the trainer and cadence sensor both Bluetooth to it perfectly well

To use zwift properly requires a reasonably good internet connection too

[Dannbodge]

Heart rate monitor if you want to race etc (some DQ if you don't have HR data)

Wahoo tickr is generally the best.

[wemorgan]

Just to follow up: I bought the BKool smart pro 2. After some faffing with my IT, it works well with Windows 10 using ANT+ dongle.
The Bkool isn't a popular choice I know, but for the money the specification is decent.
On reflection I can see why people spend +£100/200 and get an entry level direct drive trainer.
But I'm happy with what I've got.
Cheers all for the input.