INDOOR SMART BIKES – TRAIN SMART THIS SEASON

 

We recently took a detailed look at our wide range of Smart Trainers currently in stock at Wheelbase which are compatible with the best training Apps including Zwift. The impact of Zwift on the indoor smart trainer market cannot be overstated; this brilliant interactive App brings cyclists from all over the world together to train and compete in a virtual screen-based cycling world. As the technology of smart trainers has improved and the Zwift App has gained global popularity, riding indoors on a static trainer doesn’t fill cyclists with dread the way it used to.

When it comes to when and where you train indoors, your own riding preferences and circumstances at home will all be a little different. It may be that you have to steal time late or early in the day and quickly set up your indoor trainer temporarily in whatever space you can find without getting in the way of the people you share your home with; alternatively you may be lucky enough to have a permanent space to set up your trainer, creating a setting that makes your indoor training more consistent and productive.

If you’re already lucky enough to have a permanent ‘pain cave’ set up you may start to question how you continue to use your bike; do you find yourself continuously moving your best bike in and out of your static home smart trainer? Swapping wheels in and out of your bike and fitting the bike to your trainer? As smart trainer technology has progressed we’re seeing a constant arms-race between rival brands in pursuit of the most cutting-edge, authentic feeling trainer. Part of this technological revolution has recently seen the development of static ‘smart bikes’ alongside conventional smart trainers. It makes a lot of sense; if you’re going to invest in a smart trainer and have a designated space in your home to ride in you may prefer to use a smart bike instead.

We currently stock a choice of smart bikes from Wahoo, Tacx and Stages which all include the most up-to-date cutting-edge technology to bring your home training experience to the next level. Read on below for a full breakdown on each smart bike and the features included in each model…

 

Wahoo Kickr Smart Bike

Features:

• Optimised flywheel technology: KICKR BIKE has a unique combination of a 13lb flywheel and enhanced motor that offer unrivalled accuracy, responsiveness, and realism while training indoors.
• Virtually silent operation: The balanced, belt driven motor on KICKR BIKE combines years of engineering knowledge to create a virtually silent riding experience.
• Controlled resistance: When connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer, KICKR BIKE automatically sets your resistance via your favourite app or software.
• Realistic ride feel: The KICKR BIKE flywheel and enhanced motor is an innovative technology that emulates the power and inertia experienced during outdoor riding. It provides the most realistic ride feel especially when using virtual riding/training platforms like Zwift, The Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad.
• Real-time physical grade changes: The KICKR BIKE simulates grade changes in real-time by not only providing changes in resistance, but also physically raising and lowering the bike to match ascents up to 20% and descents as steep as -15%.
• +/- 1% power accuracy: Proven power accuracy that provides our most accurate power measurement of +/- 1% and generates up to 2200W of resistance.
• Calibration free: KICKR BIKE continuously offers accurate power and doesn’t require a calibration procedure.
• Easy app set-up: Our simple and intuitive Wahoo Fitness app offers guided instructions on how to set-up the KICKR BIKE and personalize the fit to mirror the geometry of your outdoor bike using 3 options – professional fit, measure my bike, and measure my body.
• 5 points of adjustable fit: Adjust the fit of the KICKR BIKE with easy access quick-release levers across 5 points – stack, reach, setback, saddle height, and frame height.
• Adjustable crank arm: KICKR BIKE supports 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175mm crank lengths.
• Programmable virtual shifting: Customise the KICKR BIKE shifting controls to match shifters from the leading manufacturers – SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo.
• Programmable gearing: Replicate your outdoor bike down to the exact gearing configuration by selecting the number of speeds and cassette tooth count.
• Virtual braking: A combined electromagnetic flywheel and motor allow for quick braking to create a precise feel while shifting and while riding downhill.
• Customisable kit: Customise the KICKR BIKE with your favorite saddle, bars, and pedals to dial in the perfect setup.
• Ant+ and bluetooth connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities allow it to connect to both smartphones and GPS devices simultaneously or separately.
• Multiple simultaneous bluetooth connections: KICKR BIKE supports up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections for a trouble-tree start to your workout.
• Manual control of grade changes: The control unit on the KICKR BIKE contains an lock/unlock button, which allows you to turn on and off the physical tilt control of an app while still allowing the app to control the resistance.
• Digital led display: LED display indicates gear selection and grade percentage, so you can get information with just a quick glance during your ride.
• Professional grade durability: Robust aluminum and steel construction ensures the KICKR BIKE will withstand years of heavy abuse.
• Measures speed, distance, power, and cadence: Get these vital cycling metrics on your indoor ride on the KICKR BIKE without connecting any extra sensors.
• Elemnt bike computer compatible: Connect the KICKR BIKE to any ELEMNT Bike Computer to relive rides or perform planned workouts.
• Third party app compatibility: Works with popular training apps such as Zwift and Wahoo SUF Training.

 

Tacx Neo Smart Bike

 

Features :

• Physical dimensions: 54.7″ x 29.5″ (1390 x 750 mm)
• Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
• Height: 46.1″ (1170 mm)
• Wireless communication: ANT+ connectivity, BLUETOOTH wireless technology
• Control by: Smartphone, tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer connection via ANT+ antenna
• Read out on: Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna
• Connection indicator (ant+/bluetooth): 2 LEDs
• Power indicator: Multicolor LED, spot on floor
• Magnets: 32 neodymium magnets
• Electrical requirement: 110-240 Volts
• Gear ratio: Chainring set-up: up to 3 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 22 and 53; rear cassette: up to 12 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 11 and 40
• Q-factor: 147 mm
• Max power: 2200 Watt
• Max incline: 25%
• Simulation of descent: Yes
• Max torque: 88 Nm
• Max brake force: 260 N
• Flywheel: Virtual
• Mass inertia: Variable to 275.6 lbs (125 kg)
• Calibration: No calibration needed
• Output: Speed, cadence, power
• Accuracy: <1%
• Measured speed: Yes
• Measured cadence: Yes
• Measured power: Yes
• Magnets: 32 neodymium magnets
• Transmission: None
• Electrical requirement: 110-240 Volts
• Power indicator: Multicolour LED, spot on floor
• Connection indicator (ANT+/Bluetooth): 2 LEDs
• Gear ratio: Chainring set-up: up to 3 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 22 and 53; rear cassette: up to 12 sprockets, teeth per sprocket adjustable between 11 and 40.
• Q-factor: 147 mm
• Max power: 2200 watt
• Max incline: 25%
• Simulation of decent: Yes
• Max torque: 85 Nm
• Max brake force : 250 N
• Flywheel: Virtual
• Mass inertia: Variable to 275.6 lbs (125 kg)
• Calibration: No calibration needed
• Footprint: 54.7″ x 29.5″ (1390 x 750 mm)
• Height: 46.1″ (1170 mm)
• Weight: 110 lbs (50 kg)
• Wireless communication: ANT+ connectivity, Bluetooth wireless technology
• Control by: Smartphone, Tablet, ANT+ bike computers, stand alone, computer connection via ANT+ antenna
• Output: Speed, cadence, power
• Read out on: Smartphone, tablet, bike computer, computer with ANT+ antenna
• Accuracy: <1%

Stages Smart Bike SB20

 

Features:

• Bike Weight: 138lbs
• Bike Dimensions: 62.2in x 22.2in x 46.7in
• Drivetrain: CarbonGlyde featuring Gates® Carbon Drive™
• Shifting: Configurable buttons – additional Sprint Shifters included + Ports for up to 2 additional shift locations
• Frame: High strength steel
• Hardware: Stainless Steel
• Flywheel: 50lbs
• Connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth
• Power: Stages Power LR – Dual-Sided Power
• Accuracy: 1.5%
• Max Power: 2200w @ 130RPM
• Q-Factor: 157mm
• Max Rider Weight: 300lbs
• Rider Fit: 4’10″in – 6’10″in
• Two USB ports
• Tablet & phone holder
• Dual water bottle holders
• Standard road bar (31.8 mm) with sprint shifters
• Climbing and Aero shifters available separately
• Compatible with Aero Bars and Aero shifters (available separately)
• Compatible with four different crank lengths – 165 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm (pedals not included)

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

Have you seen our weekly Fast Bike Friday feature? Missed some of our best bikes? You can now see all of our featured bikes in one place over on Pinterest where you’ll find links to each of our Fast Bike Friday Blogs too!

Click the link below and search our archive…