Reviews
Every trainer we have tested
Hands-on reviews, scored out of 10 after weeks of real riding.
- 8.6Structured Zwift and TrainerRoad riders moving up from wheel-on
Tacx Flux 2 Smart
The best-value direct drive trainer for riders doing three or more structured sessions a week, with a heavy flywheel and reliable power data.
- 7.5Riders who want a tough, quiet, long-lasting dumb trainer and do not care about Zwift ERG control
Minoura B60 LiveRide
A beautifully made Japanese wheel-on magnetic trainer that out-builds its rivals, let down only by no smart connectivity and a UK price that asks you to pay for that engineering.
- 7.3Riders who want a quiet, simple trainer and run their own power meter or app
Saris CycleOps Fluid 2
A genuinely quiet, progressive fluid trainer that nails ride feel for structured efforts, let down only by the lack of any electronics.
- 7.2First-timers training on heart rate or feel
BDBikes Magnetic Trainer
The most honest sub-£70 way to start indoor training, as long as you do not need power data or quiet running.
- 7.2First-time Zwift riders on a tight budget
Tacx Flow Smart
A genuinely affordable entry into smart training that holds Zwift together well, as long as you accept loose power numbers and wheel-on noise.
- 7.0Occasional riders and budget club cyclists who want a sturdy wheel-on trainer
Elite Novo Force
A well-built, fair-value wheel-on magnetic trainer for occasional and budget club riders, but the lack of true power measurement holds it back for structured training.
- 6.8Riders on a tight budget who want simple, reliable winter base training
Elite Magnetic Cycle Trainer
A solid, well-built manual magnetic trainer for steady winter base miles, but the fixed resistance steps and roller noise show their age next to smart trainers.
- 6.5First-timers testing whether indoor training is for them
Velo Pro Turbo Trainer
A cheap, do-the-job magnetic trainer for absolute beginners, but it is loud, basic and not dumb-trainer accurate.
- 6.0Beginners on a tight budget who just want to spin indoors
Tesla 3 Riva Sport
A cheap, sturdy 7-level magnetic trainer that does the basics well, but it is loud, dumb and easily outgrown.