steveinnorthants
Veteran
Hi all, apologies, but another thread asking some questions on turbo trainers. I have spent the last week or so researching on the web and e-bay but still have a few specific questions I am hoping you experts will be able to help with.
I fancy a smart turbo trainer, or one I can link to Zwift, as I think I will get bored of a classic style. I know I can enhance a classic trainer by adding a speed/cadence sensor and still connect to Zwift etc. That was my intention but am concerned I will quickly outgrow that and want a smart trainer. What I am pondering over is:
(a) the need (and hassle) to buy and switch the tyre (or buy a second wheel/tyre and cassette) - would an upgrade to a direct drive unit be worth it?
(b) For direct drive I still need to buy a cassette, chain whip and tool to install it, but seems less hassle switching with this set up.
(c) If I go down that route, will my gears need adjusting each time I put the bike back on the road wheel?
(d) My wife has a hybrid, with an 8 sprocket shimano cassette (same number as my road bike but different group sets). Could they both run on the same 8 sprocket cassette on the trainer?
(e) For a bit more I could get a smart unit which changes resistance based on terrain, but is that enhancement worth the cost?
(f) If a go with a smart unit, say a Tacx Flux (as thats about the top of my budget) do I need any extras to get on Zwift (apart from the recommended fan, top bar cover etc - I have the necessary laptop/phone/screen). Have heard about ANT dongles and that some lower end smart trainers still need sensors.
The indecision is doing my head in, and I know that even if I decide I may struggle to find what I am after in stock! Many thanks.
I fancy a smart turbo trainer, or one I can link to Zwift, as I think I will get bored of a classic style. I know I can enhance a classic trainer by adding a speed/cadence sensor and still connect to Zwift etc. That was my intention but am concerned I will quickly outgrow that and want a smart trainer. What I am pondering over is:
(a) the need (and hassle) to buy and switch the tyre (or buy a second wheel/tyre and cassette) - would an upgrade to a direct drive unit be worth it?
(b) For direct drive I still need to buy a cassette, chain whip and tool to install it, but seems less hassle switching with this set up.
(c) If I go down that route, will my gears need adjusting each time I put the bike back on the road wheel?
(d) My wife has a hybrid, with an 8 sprocket shimano cassette (same number as my road bike but different group sets). Could they both run on the same 8 sprocket cassette on the trainer?
(e) For a bit more I could get a smart unit which changes resistance based on terrain, but is that enhancement worth the cost?
(f) If a go with a smart unit, say a Tacx Flux (as thats about the top of my budget) do I need any extras to get on Zwift (apart from the recommended fan, top bar cover etc - I have the necessary laptop/phone/screen). Have heard about ANT dongles and that some lower end smart trainers still need sensors.
The indecision is doing my head in, and I know that even if I decide I may struggle to find what I am after in stock! Many thanks.