Hi team – As I have looked at Kickr and Kickr Core, I am realizing some of the issues with compatibility and Campy v Shimano hubs/cassettes, etc. I have
So, my question is how much I “lose” with a simple wheel-on smart trainer versus direct drive trainer. I’m not a huge trainer person but expect to become more trainer oriented in the next 1-2 years. I have a mix of bikes and the compatibility issue is not ideal but I am willing to deal with it if the upgrade is really worth it versus wheel-on.
I started with a wheel on trainer (Kickr Snap) and within 3/4 months upgraded to a Kickr. No way would I go back to wheel on. But I train on the trainer 2-4 times a week.
To me, if your trainer is only to be able to ride when the weather is bad, wheel on is ok. But if your trainer use is going to be somewhat regular, I would recommend wheel off if you can afford it.
I have a Kickr bike that saves me from having to clean my bike before I put it on the trainer to avoid the “you’re not bringing that bike in the house!” Comment. Happy wife, happy life. Additionally, she started riding Zwift on it because it’s so easy to adjust from her size to mine. Maybe one day she’ll do structured training?
I have a H1 and had Kickr Snap. I got the kicker snap for my wife. We didn’t like the kickr snap because if I didn’t have the “torque/tightness” right every time we’d be mid-workout and spinning away not going anywhere.
My vote is to get a direct drive trainer and I agree with @sandy.draper comments.