CycleOps M2

As the only wheel-on smart trainer in the guide, the M2’s magnetically controlled Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C performs nearly as well as its direct-drive competition. Sturdy construction, easy setup, and a surprisingly quiet system (of course, this depends on the tire used) prove that a tire-contact trainer still has its place in the lineup. The M2 is likely the best choice for those who aren’t planted onto the trainer for weeks on end (think the Southwest) and need to quickly and easily change from trainer to road. As with all tire-contact trainers, the M2 still has the possibility of tire slippage, but there was little—even up around 600-800 watts of sprinting. Noise can also be a factor, due to spinning spokes and tire choice, but the flywheel and spinning drum are shockingly silent.