What Bike Smart Trainer Should I Get?

We asked the squad what indoor trainers they recommend. Here's what they said:

Coach Gunnar Elite Suito T ($550). This is what I use and recommend.

Coach Martin

I was late to the smart trainer scene but got a good deal on a Elite Suito T. It came without a cassette which meant I had to buy one separate and had some trouble fitting it (using the required spacers). Figured it out eventually and since have had no major issues. Very occasionally it will disconnect but I just unplug and replug it and it will work again.

Coach John

Look on Facebook marketplace. You can almost always find a used one cheap. I typically recommend Wahoo Kickrs ($1,400) but that’s because that’s what I got and it works. Haven’t tried anything else.

Coach Crystal

I really like my Garmin Tacx NEO 2T ($1,400). I’ve had no issues. It’s a little pricey but you can literally feel the cobblestones and boards of the bridges in Zwift when you ride over them!

Rebecca I recently upgraded to a smart trainer and am so glad I did! Training indoors is so much more convenient. I’m surprised by how fun it is, too! I considered sticking with my resistance trainer and just getting a power meter, but I think a smart trainer gives me more of what I need to improve my performance. I decided to purchase the Zwift Hub for $500. Although it’s a newer product on the market, the design is actually not new, just rebranded and being sold for less according to DCRainmaker. Compared to the similarly-priced Elite Suito T, the Zwift Hub has a little bit heavier flywheel, supposedly making it a better riding experience or something like that. The cassette can come already installed. They offer really helpful setup videos, too.

Jack I would have purchased the Zwift Hub if it was foldable, but it’s not, so I purchased the Elite Suito like Gunnar instead. I need to fold mine and put it away in the closet after each use. If you don’t need to put it away each time, get the Zwift Hub

Taylor

Saris / CycleOps Fluid 2 ($175). I’m using this trainer I bought used from Jack. It’s not a smart trainer. It does the job and I feel like I’m getting a good workout. It’s convenient when the kids are napping.

Emma

I like my Saris H3 Direct Drive Smart Trainer ($799). Easy to set up/break down and haven’t had any issues with calibrating! Pairs well with Zwift, Rouvy, Fulgaz, etc. and seems to be fairly accurate. Only con is that it doesn’t pair well with Garmin, and won’t show accurate MPH/RPM on my watch while cycling. I also have many “dumb” spin set ups (similar to kickr snap). They’re just collecting dust.

Sridevi

I have the Wahoo Kickr Core ($899) since 2020 and super happy with it. I can do Training Peaks structured workouts etc and also have Rouvy membership for virtual routes. I didn't try any other smart trainers though to compare.

The squad meets every Thursday morning for a coached Zwift workout. Exclusively for TCMTriSquad members.