Which Elite smart trainer?

road_runner12

Hi all,

Currently looking to start my journey towards Zwift. Looking at the smart trainers available and I've seen a few on Halfords where I can apply a further 10% discount.

Elite Direto
Elite Drivo
Elite Suito

All are similarly priced. Does anyone have any experience of these trainers or can help me identify which one gives the best experience for the money?

Many thanks in advance (this is all new to me)

cruff

When I was looking a couple of years back, the Drivo was their best model, but the Direto was almost as good for a couple of hundred quid less. I'd be inclined to say go for the Drivo if the price difference is minimal

dannbodge

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/the-smart-trainer-recommendations-guide-winter-2019-2020.html

have a read of the above, should help you make a decision.

sadlybiggins

I have the Drivo 1. Overall it's good but in need of a software update - when training on Trainerroad, it struggles to keep up with rapid changes of FTP as it will take around 45 seconds to catch up properly with any increase in power being put down to match an increased FTP target. I tend to do more of the sweetspot/VO2 max programmes with longer intervals so this is not a big problem for me, but something to be aware of if you're aiming for rapid changes in power

StillGoing

The Direto is nowhere near as good as the Drivo. If you want bang for your bucks and insistent on Elite, I'd go for the Suito. If you want reliability and can afford it, go for the Drivo. For reference, I had a Direto and got rid of it it was that bad for drop outs and the back up from Elite was non-existent. If you can afford the Drivo, buy a TACX Neo. Even the version 1 is better.

gotwood25

I have one of these, you can get it for £387 with BC discount and with the latest firmware (which is out and installed by a phone app) is as good as anything on the market sub £1k. It is an awesome piece of kit especially for the money.

I especially like the Power Meter Link feature on this, means I use my Vectors as the power source and the Zumo adjusts based on that. Means same measurements inside and out.

For reference, I use this on TrainerRoad and time to establish power is around 3 seconds. Which handily starts when you get the 3 second beep so you are always about bang on.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/standard-turbo-trainers/elite-zumo-smart-interactive-turbo-trainer-244622.html

cruff

I've never had an issue with my Direto, but the QA is apparently not great - with others reporting issues. Dropouts are usually a result of interference rather than the turbo itself - try getting a USB extension cable for the dongle and placing it near the turbo.

There's a known problem with v1 Diretos where the belt can break - resolved by getting a replacement pulley from elite - can't comment on the effectiveness of that as I've not had a belt problem yet with something like 500 hours of use over two years

StillGoing

I got rid of it a while ago and yes V1. Drop outs virtually every use and way too slow to cope with sprint intervals on workouts. I replaced it with a TACX Neo and can't fault that. Same set up and never a drop out.

lettingthedaysgoby

Well, I've just ordered a Suito, will report back when it arrives and I've had a chance to play.

teebs_123

Any reviews yet?

yellowv2

@stillgoing what is the Neo’s response time for the sprint intervals? I’ve had a direto for just over 2 years and it’s ok, not as bad as your experience by the sounds of it but not without fault.

StillGoing

Not sure without putting a stop watch on it, but it is infinitely better than the Direto V1 I had. The electronic tension screw in the Direto is supposedly the problem in that it takes too long to react. The Neo with it's ring of powerful magnets is is less mechanical.

daniel_b

yellowv2 said:

@stillgoing what is the Neo’s response time for the sprint intervals? I’ve had a direto for just over 2 years and it’s ok, not as bad as your experience by the sounds of it but not without fault.

I would say 1-2 seconds, and that's the 1st generation one.

yellowv2

Thanks Daniel,
that’s about 3-4 seconds quicker than my Direto which seems to run between 3-6 seconds.

mw22

@lettingthedaysgoby how are you finding the suito?
I've just picked one up and it seems to have ALOT of flex in the unit. The legs are stable on the ground and it feels solid till there's a bike on it. Feel like I'm going to come off!
Running it alongside a tacx flux which feels like a brick in comparison and much more reassuring.

df3er342

https://www.ourdiploma.com/

have a read of the above, should help you make a decision.

lettingthedaysgoby

mw22 said:

@lettingthedaysgoby how are you finding the suito?
I've just picked one up and it seems to have ALOT of flex in the unit. The legs are stable on the ground and it feels solid till there's a bike on it. Feel like I'm going to come off!
Running it alongside a tacx flux which feels like a brick in comparison and much more reassuring.

Doesn't seem too bad, maybe you're kicking out more power than me!