I am also now shopping for a new trainer set-up. So far, I have consumed all of the DCRainmaker and GPlama contents available, read as many reviews as possible, but still cannot decide.
Here is my reasoning randomly for both sides, so any feedback would be appreciated.
- Noise is the most important factor. In ERG mode, most high-end smart trainers are quiet enough, but in sim/slope mode the decibels get high really fast. I would spend 90% of my time in ERG mode (TrainerRoad), but hate the feeling of being limited. With this set-up, I could not do Zwift free rides or racing, because of the noise.
- If purchasing a smart trainer, I would also be getting a dedicated trainer bike. The good thing is, in case my pride and joy were to break down or have a mechanical, I could still use Bike #2 and ride it outside. (Would most likely get an aluminum frame gravel bike for the geometry and ability to actually ride gravel if ever needed)
- My PM is spider-based, so I could not use bike #2 with power outside, but that would only be a minor issue, but an issue nevertheless.
- Price for a smart bike or a smart trainer plus a dedicated trainer bike would be around the same I reckon
- I would be using the unit alone 99% of the time for now, but hopefully move together with my significant other within a year, who would also use the unit, thus having the ability to quickly change rider position would be more important.
- Most of the reviews emphasize smart bikes are still Gen1 and have their issues, but based on the fact that there were no new models during this year’s bike shows, a new version might not come any time soon. I have heard many good things about Wahoo customer support, so in case it were to break down, I am confident I could get support quite fast.
- I have zero mechanical skills, so having a bulletproof unit that I could hop on at any given moment just sounds very appealing.
Random thoughts in random order, but I just need some external validation before making such a big investment.
Looking forward to any comments!