Smart trainers

Every trainer we’ve tested.

We buy or borrow, ride for weeks, and score on accuracy, noise, road feel and app support — not on who sent us the free unit.

Wahoo KICKR Core 2
Most riders, especially Zwift users
Wahoo KICKR Core 2

Strong accuracy, quiet belt-drive operation, and now WiFi + 10Hz race mode on top of the original Core's reputation. Ships with a Zwift Cog, so it works with nearly any drivetrain out of the box.

Affordable9/10
zwiftdirect drivewifirace mode
JetBlack Victory
Riders who want BikeRadar's top-rated all-rounder at a mid-range price
JetBlack Victory

Independently rated 'best overall' by BikeRadar in 2026 — quiet (65dB), easy setup, and data accuracy that beats its price point. Comes with a Zwift Cog.

Affordable8/10
budget friendlyzwiftdirect drivequiet
Elite Justo 2
Riders who want top-tier accuracy plus detailed pedal-stroke analytics, at a surprisingly reasonable price
Elite Justo 2

Best-in-class specs (2300W, 24% gradient, ±1% accuracy) plus side-to-side movement, full connectivity (WiFi/Ethernet/Bluetooth x2/ANT+), the ability to run without mains power, and per-pedal-stroke analysis with a 3-year subscription included.

Average10/10
premiumanalyticsdirect drivewifi
Wahoo KICKR V6
Riders who race online often and want the fastest, most reliable data connection
Wahoo KICKR V6

Best-in-class accuracy, every connectivity option available (BT x3, ANT+, WiFi, Ethernet), a 10Hz 'Race Mode', and Wahoo's EasyRamp feature to ease back into resistance after stopping mid-interval.

Expensive8/10
premiumzwiftdirect drivewifirace mode
Van Rysel D100
Absolute beginners on the tightest budget
Van Rysel D100

One of the cheapest direct-drive trainers on the market, and BikeRadar's quietest tested trainer at 58dB. Includes Zwift Cog and Click shifter plus a Zwift subscription trial.

Affordable7/10
budget friendlybeginnerdirect drivequiet
Van Rysel D500
Riders who've outgrown the D100 but still want Decathlon pricing
Van Rysel D500

More than double the D100's power ceiling (1500W vs 600W), noticeably lighter at 13.6kg, and still comes with the Zwift Cog and Click shifter — all at a price that undercuts Wahoo, JetBlack, and Elite's comparable trainers by €50-150.

Affordable6/10
budget friendlyzwiftdirect drivelightweight
Elite Direto XR
Riders who want a high power/gradient ceiling with everything included, at a mid-tier price
Elite Direto XR

2,300W max power and a 24% simulated gradient, plus an 11-speed cassette (or Zwift Cog/Click) included out of the box, and a reputation for durability.

Average7/10
mid rangedirect drivehigh power
Saris H3
Riders who prioritize ride feel — its 9kg flywheel is the heaviest in this batch
Saris H3

Quiet (61dB) with a very solid, realistic ride feel thanks to a stout flywheel. Competitively priced for a 2000W/20%-gradient trainer.

Average7/10
mid rangedirect drivequietride feel
Garmin Tacx NEO 2T
Riders who want Neo-level realism and pedal-stroke analytics without paying full price for the 3M
Garmin Tacx NEO 2T

Superseded by the Neo 3M but still very capable: motorised virtual flywheel, side-to-side movement, road vibration simulation, and pedal-stroke analysis, often at a noticeably lower price when on sale.

Expensive9/10
realistic ride feeldirect drive
Garmin Tacx NEO 3M
Riders who want the most realistic road feel available
Garmin Tacx NEO 3M

Class-leading accuracy, a virtual flywheel that simulates different road surfaces, and built-in multidirectional movement for a more natural pedal stroke. No calibration needed, ever.

Expensive8/10
premiumrealistic ride feeldirect drive
Wahoo KICKR Move
Riders who want the most natural, realistic ride motion available in a direct-drive trainer
Wahoo KICKR Move

Takes the Kickr V6 and mounts it on an 8-inch rolling track, letting the whole trainer slide forward/back and rock side-to-side — noticeably more comfortable on long sessions.

Expensive8/10
premiumrealistic ride feeldirect drivewifi
Pinnacle HC Turbo Home Trainer
Budget buyers who want a high power ceiling without a high price
Pinnacle HC Turbo Home Trainer

A 2,500W max power and 20% gradient for well under premium-trainer prices — an unusually generous spec sheet for the cost.

Affordable8/10
budget friendlydirect drivehigh power
Elite Zumo
Riders who want the cheapest possible direct-drive experience and don't care about esports racing precision
Elite Zumo

One of the cheapest direct-drive trainers available, with a built-in carry handle and a ride feel that punches above its price.

Affordable5/10
budget friendlydirect drive