General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Affordable zwift compatible trainer Rss Feed  
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2017-10-28 9:58 AM

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Subject: Affordable zwift compatible trainer
I'm looking for a trainer that is zwift compatible. I would like it to be interactive and be able to train on climbs and stuff but I definitely don't have the budget for a direct drive. I would love to get one for 300ish but could go up to 400. What is everyone's recommendation?


2017-10-28 2:02 PM
in reply to: jnuger

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

I'll let Ray respond for me:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/10/annual-trainer-recommendations.html

Your $400 price point is a tough one for automated controls and emulating hills and such.  To accomplish that you're looking more in the $500-600 range.

2017-10-28 3:27 PM
in reply to: jmhpsu93

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer
Thank you for the response. I feel like I've spent more time researching these today than just buying a more expensive one. lol. what about this one?

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/ProductDisplay?storeId=10053&langId=-1...

I think this will work. Anyone have any experience with this?
2017-10-29 9:34 PM
in reply to: jnuger

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer
I know there is a risk of buying used and they have been discontinued but I wouldn't hesitate to by a used computrainer for $300 if you can find one.
2017-10-31 2:01 PM
in reply to: pschriver

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

Does anyone here have the Tacx Satori Smart Trainer?

I'm considering it and would be interested in anyone's thoughts who has it (I've read the DC Rainmaker write-up). 

2017-10-31 4:37 PM
in reply to: lisac957

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

Originally posted by lisac957

Does anyone here have the Tacx Satori Smart Trainer?

I'm considering it and would be interested in anyone's thoughts who has it (I've read the DC Rainmaker write-up). 

I just read that review and it sounds like "Smart" in the name is misleading.  it doesn't allow an app like Zwift to control resistance on it.  So I don't see much advantage over a dumb trainer with virtual power.



2017-11-01 8:36 AM
in reply to: spudone

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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

Originally posted by spudone

Originally posted by lisac957

Does anyone here have the Tacx Satori Smart Trainer?

I'm considering it and would be interested in anyone's thoughts who has it (I've read the DC Rainmaker write-up). 

I just read that review and it sounds like "Smart" in the name is misleading.  it doesn't allow an app like Zwift to control resistance on it.  So I don't see much advantage over a dumb trainer with virtual power.

I currently have NO power measurement, so I was thinking this would be a step in the right direction - and on a budget. I read some reviews that said it's not a big deal to manually adjust the resistance, maybe it is to others. I'm not interested in spending more than around $400 and this one looked like the best in that price range that would give me data.

2017-11-01 9:28 AM
in reply to: lisac957

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

Originally posted by lisac957

Originally posted by spudone

Originally posted by lisac957

Does anyone here have the Tacx Satori Smart Trainer?

I'm considering it and would be interested in anyone's thoughts who has it (I've read the DC Rainmaker write-up). 

I just read that review and it sounds like "Smart" in the name is misleading.  it doesn't allow an app like Zwift to control resistance on it.  So I don't see much advantage over a dumb trainer with virtual power.

I currently have NO power measurement, so I was thinking this would be a step in the right direction - and on a budget. I read some reviews that said it's not a big deal to manually adjust the resistance, maybe it is to others. I'm not interested in spending more than around $400 and this one looked like the best in that price range that would give me data.

Lisa, the route I went was to keep using Trainer Road with virtual power (using a KK Road Machine and the Garmin speed sensor - about $300 all-in), until I bought a Powertap wheel (used on eBay for $210 shipped).  So now I have real power inside and out.  I still don't get the "road feel" of dynamic/variable resistance from the apps but you can mimic that with shifting (to a point).

I guess it's all what you're willing to spend and what your priorities are.

2017-11-01 12:11 PM
in reply to: jmhpsu93

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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

I ended up finding a deal on the Vortex so pulled the trigger on that one. Can't wait!

2017-11-01 1:31 PM
in reply to: lisac957

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

Originally posted by lisac957

I ended up finding a deal on the Vortex so pulled the trigger on that one. Can't wait!

But it only goes up to 950W - you be careful, now.

2017-11-02 9:37 AM
in reply to: jmhpsu93

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer

I'm really curious to see what the Thanksgiving sales for smart trainers will be.  Might get pulled into a wheel-on one.  At the same time, It might be better to keep using my KK Road Machine and get a power meter.  That would pay off both inside and out.



2017-11-02 2:41 PM
in reply to: jnuger

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Subject: RE: Affordable zwift compatible trainer
I ended up getting a great price on a 4iiii crank based power meter and use a dumb trainer on Zwift...works great and I have consistent power readings from both my indoor and outdoor rides.
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