Indoor innovations 2021: The most important smart training news for road cyclists

August makes everything new: while the professional cycling season is only gradually picking up speed after a long coronavirus lockdown, part of the cycling industry is already looking ahead to the coming winter. The spring with Europe-wide lockdowns has shown the potential of indoor cycling, and hopes are high that the boom will continue in winter 2020/2021. We took a look at the new development and have already tested it ourselves as far as possible:

New smart trainers

Wahoo Kickr v5

The Wahoo empire is back and once again presents a revamped version of its flagship "Kickr". The direct drive smart trainer is now in its fifth generation and is said to be superior to its predecessor in the following respects: Better accuracy (to a manufacturer-claimed 1 per cent), better stability with simultaneous flex of up to five per cent thanks to the AXIS feet with different attachments, automatic calibration of the device, which makes the previously necessary spindown before the first ride obsolete.

A detailed test of the new Wahoo Kickr V5 You are expected to find out more in the December issue of TOUR.

Oreka o5

The Basque company Oreka is still a relatively new face on the indoor market. After the Treadmill-like model o2 the company is now presenting a Direct Drive smart trainer for the first time. The o5 model boasts a number of promising features. For example, the trainer is said to be easy to transport thanks to its foldable feet and small wheels. Another plus point for use when travelling: The o5 does not require a power source and works in a similar way to the top model from Tacx, the Neo 2T Smarteven without a power supply. Calibration before first use is also not necessary, according to Oreka.

One feature that the Basque company attaches great importance to is the ergonomics of the trainer, which should come very close to the movement of a ride on the road. Flex variants such as the Tacx Neo Smart or the new Wahoo Kickr are now widespread, but the solution using pressure equalisation via an air tank inside the trainer is new. This allows the rider to individually control how much freedom of movement the trainer should have.

<<All relevant smart trainers from previous years can be found in our large indoor special >>.

Even more realism: Spectacular accessories

Saris Motion Platform MP1

In the USA, "rocker plates", wobble plates that use joints and hinges to bring more movement into previously rigid indoor training, have been a hit since last winter season. The Model MP1 from the US company Saris follows the motto "Don't mess around, go big". This means a high price (999 euros RRP) and an immense weight (28 kilograms) - but also a lot of riding fun. The combination of lateral flex and frontal movement should also make seating problems caused by the otherwise rigid seating position on the roller a thing of the past - we are currently investigating this manufacturer's promise in the TOUR test.

In any case, the MP1 brings noticeably more movement into play than the previously known concepts of Bkool Smart Air and the connection of old Wahoo Kickr and Wahoo Climb.

Elite Sterzo Smart

The device from the traditional Italian company Elite aims to fulfil a promise that all previously presented steering products have failed to deliver: A functioning control system that significantly increases the movement possibilities in virtual worlds - and thus integrates driving experience and tactics as new facets into indoor training. Cost: 89 euros >> z. e.g. available here. The predecessor model "Elite Sterzo" is already available for 39 euros >> z. e.g. available here.

A first test by TOUR shows: Manoeuvring on the Zwift mountain bike course is much more realistic than with the previous Zwift steering app for smartphones. Tactical finesse now also plays a greater role on virtual rides in larger groups. By making small swerves to the right or left, you can ride past fellow riders and decide for yourself when you want to rest in the slipstream and when it's time to attack - exciting!

Nike SuperRep Cycle

Do you need a road cycling shoe specifically for indoor training? Even if the majority of cyclists will answer this question in the negative, the new indoor shoe from industry giant Nike is a sensible product: for 119.99 euros (RRP), you get a lightweight, breathable shoe that can visually keep up with the established road bike shoe brands. And of course, the shoes are also suitable for outdoor rides - at least in summer temperatures >> e.g. available at Alltricks.