Which turbo trainer?

[WhisperingWasp]

Hi all. First post in this section.

Looking at getting a turbo trainer but have absolutely no idea what I am looking for. Very much at the novice end of things and needs/budget probably reflect that but all opinions welcome.

Was in Halfords today and noticed that they have a few Tacx turbo trainers on sale. The "smart" one with an associated app looks the best bet to me but it is £120 down from £150 whereas the "booster" one seems the better deal @ £100 down from £220...

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/tra...

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/tra...

Any thoughts on these would be gratefully received. As would suggestions of alternatives around the same price-point.

Thanks all.

[Crippo]

Get an FE-C trainer so you can use it with Zwift, anything less is a waste of money as you won't use it

[WhisperingWasp]

Crippo said:

Get an FE-C trainer so you can use it with Zwift, anything less is a waste of money as you won't use it

Thanks Crippo. So would the smart one fit the bill do you think/know?

[lufbramatt]

Zwift is good but be aware:

- you need up to date computer hardware to run it (my ipad 4 is too old, and my laptop graphics wont handle it)

- you need a decent internet connection where your trainer is set up (no wifi in my garage...)

Pretty much any turbo can be converted to use "virtual power" with a Bluetooth/ant+ speed+cadence sensor that attaches to the bike, such as the wahoo blue SC, although you don't get the automatic resistance effect of a true smart trainer.

[WolfieBot]

That first one you've linked is only smart one way, so the app will see the data from the turbo but the app won't be able to control the resistance. That will be done via a lever on the handlebars.

The Tacx flow (£220 in halfords) is smart both ways so the app will automatically control the resistance for you.

I bought one yesterday but unfortunately need to take it back as there are so bits missing. I started a thread earlier in the week of the same topic.

[WhisperingWasp]

Thanks all. Will check out your thread too Wolfie.

The issues mentioned above re computing power and wifi signal will certainly apply so I think I'll be looking to keep things relatively simple.