Interactive smart trainers make roller training really fun - whether in winter or as a training supplement in summer - in the evening or in bad weather. Interval units can be completed on the roller without being affected by road traffic or the weather. TOUR tested six new roller trainers from leading suppliers - from the comparatively affordable Tacx Flux for 799 euros to the professional indoor bike (Life Fitness IC8) costing almost 3,000 euros. In addition to the ride feel and background noise, we also scrutinised the associated software - and tested it for compatibility with playful software solutions such as Zwift, Bkool and others.
Cycleops Hammer
1,290 euros, 2,000 watts, 20 % incline, 22.2 kilograms
The heavyweight among the power trainers has the largest flywheel mass, which you can feel when setting off. Subjectively, the ride feels very solid with comparatively low background noise. The feet, which can be folded out a long way, are clever and provide very stable support for the device, while also allowing it to be stowed compactly in no time at all. Adapters for all axle types are included. Cycleops does not have its own app, but the Hammer is compatible with all common apps.
Elite Direto
890 euros, 1,400 watts, 14 % incline, 15.1 kilograms
The Drivo's little brother is comparatively light and easy to handle, but surprises with a sufficiently full pedalling feel. The brake regulates smoothly and powerfully, and in ergometer mode even tricky tasks such as hill intervals with a low cadence can be performed well. The brake can also be used smoothly when riding freely without the app and the trainer is relatively quiet. The associated Elite app is free for the first year and then costs €9.99 per year, making it one of the cheaper options. In detail, we would like to see a tidier menu and better pre-selection buttons in ergometer mode; however, we like the option to easily create intervals.
Life Fitness IC8
2,995 euros, 3,800 watts, individually adjustable resistance
The IC8 from Life Fitness (formerly Tomahawk) is the exotic bike in the test field: an indoor bike for professionals that can be adjusted as desired and provides an extremely realistic riding experience thanks to its immense weight. The triathlon handlebars and the wide range of adjustment options are particularly appealing to time trialists. The integrated bike computer displays performance data including left/right measurement. Motivation for intervals at the limit: the screen shows a flaming tunnel as a symbol for maximum exertion. The other intensity ranges are also marked with colours, enabling watt-accurate training. As the resistance can and must be set using a small wheel, training with software such as Zwift or Bkool is not practical - despite the possibility of pairing via Bluetooth and ant+.
Taxc Flux
799 euros, 1,500 watts, 10 % incline, 21.8 kilograms
The trainer works with flywheel mass and eddy current brake and has comparable characteristics to the high-end trainers. The sound is pleasant and quiet up to medium speeds. The braking power is more than sufficient for normal riders. The ride feel is good, the resistance control is not the fastest, but still okay. You can also train on the Taxc Flux without the app - the resistance then increases progressively with the speed. The free Tacx app only offers basic functions. However, the trainer can be used with third-party apps without any restrictions.
Techno Gym MyCycling
1,790 euros, 2,100 watts, incline: not specified, 18 kilograms
The MyCycling comes pre-assembled in a practical carrying case, a mobile phone holder is also included. The pedalling feel is realistic, only the noise is slightly louder than that of the test competitors. In addition to the indoor trainer, the MyCycling concept includes a training app that contains various multi-week workouts as well as road bike-specific strength exercises as videos. Helpful: the trainer measures the performance achieved for each leg individually. The training programmes are made up of short, intensive units and are structured to match the threshold power (FTP) determined by the initial test. One small drawback is the connection to virtual training software: a connection to Zwift is possible, but the resistance is not adapted to the virtual terrain. An update is still pending to remedy this.
Wahoo Kickr
1,199 euros, 2,000 watts, 20 % incline, 20.6 kilograms
The game changer. When the first Kickr came onto the market five years ago, it was a sensation. It offered a pedalling experience that had previously been reserved for much more expensive devices. The developers showed foresight by opening up the Kickr to third-party software right from the start. The 2017 model has been slightly revised. The Kickr now accepts all axle standards, the cable connection is more accessible and status LEDs provide information about the connection. The riding experience is still great: the flywheel mass is brought up to speed with the gear shift on the wheel. This can lead to increased volume at high speeds. The Wahoo app is very well suited for the ergometer mode and is free of charge.
