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 budget 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.