The Best Indoor Smart Bike Trainers for Triathletes in 2026

Cycplus R200

On paper, the R200 looks almost too good to be true. It packs nearly all the features you’d expect from higher-end smart trainers and delivers similar – if not better – headline specs. So what’s the catch?

Out of the box, there isn’t an obvious one. The unboxing experience itself is polished and unintimidating, especially for riders new to smart trainers, and noticeably neater than most options in this category. The R200 itself feels premium right away: compact, relatively lightweight at 28 pounds (over 20 pounds lighter than the Tacx Neo 3M), and easy to move thanks to its integrated handle. That handle proved more useful than I initially expected because the R200 can be used completely cable-free, and it’s easy to imagine athletes using this feature to complete a warm-up before a race. At this price point, that portability alone makes you question how the cost is so low.

Setup is equally straightforward, with no calibration required. Through the app, you enter your height and weight along with your bike’s weight, and the trainer automatically adjusts from there.

That said, performance is where the R200 really starts to punch above its weight. It claims +/- 1% power accuracy, which is on par with the three-times-more-expensive Elite Justo 2 and exceeds the Kickr Core 2. Maximum power output is also rated at 2,200 watts. And while my legs couldn’t quite get there (or even close), I did push well past 600 watts – a ceiling you’re limited to on the cheapest budget option – the Van Rysel D100. In testing, the accuracy felt consistent, data never dropped out, and an integrated fan helps keep temperatures in check during longer rides and harder efforts.

The R200 pairs with the Cycplus app, which offers a surprising amount of customization. You can adjust uphill and downhill coefficients, chain transmission coefficients, and ERG-mode power smoothing. The initial ride feel is slightly stiffer than some competitors’, but once you’re rolling, it settles into a smooth feel comparable with the top trainers, while Cycplus’s PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) design produced a quiet humming noise, which I found made it easier to tune out the drivetrain noise over time compared to others.

There are a few limitations worth noting. The R200 doesn’t ship with a cassette, so you’ll need to purchase one or swap your current one out from your rear wheel. It’s also not compatible with the Zwift Cog. That said, if you’re after a no-manual-shifting experience and just want to ride in one gear, Cycplus’s BC2 adapter enables virtual shifting in their app, and it works surprisingly well. You can choose resistance steps of 5, 7, or 12 percent per shift, which feels intuitive once dialed in. Furthermore, although the handle helps with portability, it doesn’t fold up, and you have to remove the legs to reduce its footprint. Lastly, if you’re looking for high-end virtual racing capabilities, this lacks the 10hz data transfer you’ll see on the similarly priced JetBlack Victory or the Kickr Core 2.

Overall, the R200 is hard not to recommend. If cable-free riding is a feature you’ve wanted but didn’t want to pay double to get, this trainer delivers. And if the Van Rysel D100 doesn’t quite check every box – or you want something more robust that can handle higher power and includes a cadence sensor – the R200 stands out as the no-brainer budget smart trainer option. -Travis Mundell

Wahoo KICKR Core 2

Wahoo’s updated Kickr Core 2 builds on one of the most popular smart trainers ever, adding several upgrades over the original. The headline addition is WiFi connectivity, which enables “Race Mode” and support for the Kickr Bridge. That bridge allows devices to connect through the trainer itself, a real advantage when using hardware like Apple TV with limited Bluetooth connection slots, while Race Mode boasts faster, more responsive power data transfer. Other notes include automatic updates, a simplified four-bolt frame design, new LED indicators, and compatibility with the Zwift Cog and Click. Still, on paper and in person, to me, it’s more of a well-rounded refresh rather than a full redesign.

After owning the original Kickr Core for years without issue, I was happy to see it retain its form and build. The steel construction feels robust and built to last, and I was glad to see the small upgrades didn’t vault the Core 2 out of the budget price range. Buyers can choose between a version that includes a cassette or one bundled with the Zwift Cog and Click. At this price point, having a cassette included is a genuine win – sourcing and installing one separately, or pulling it off your rear wheel, feels unnecessary when purchasing a trainer (especially your first one). That said, it would be nice to see a lower-cost option for riders who don’t need a cassette, especially since the included option is limited to 11-speed – a standard many newer drivetrains are moving away from, with 12-speed becoming increasingly popular. Most of our testing was done with a Zwift Cog, though we also spent time shifting through the traditional cassette.

Immediately, the Core 2’s updated leg design was noticeably more stable at higher wattages, likely because the bike now sits centered over the platform rather than slightly offset to the right as on the previous version – a simple, yet very appreciated update. The Kickr flywheel remains smooth and impressively quiet – jokingly, almost too quiet – to the point where drivetrain noise becomes the only sound you’ll notice.

The Core 2 rides exceptionally well for a “budget” smart trainer, with its heavy flywheel providing some of that natural inertia you would feel if you were riding on the roads. Although you definitely notice that flywheel – not in a good way – if you’re in ERG mode and you get behind in an interval or take a break and try to jump back in. The regular, more expensive Kickr features ERG Easy Ramp to allow you to ease back into the interval gently, and it seems like a simple enough feature that could have been added here. In saying that, it remains relatively lightweight and portable thanks to its folding design. And at this price point, it’s hard to justify stepping up to the full Kickr at nearly double the price just for its ERG feature, five degrees of side-to-side movement, a carry handle, and marginal gains in accuracy and maximum wattage.

Specs-wise, for the price, the Core delivers enough, with 1800 maximum watts and 16%/-10% grade simulation limits and +/- 2% accuracy; however, in today’s crowded market, these stats aren’t at the top for the price point as it now competes with the likes of the Cycplus R200, which reads higher in almost every department. On the other hand, one thing many of its competitors, including Cycplus, don’t offer is Race Mode. This was the most intriguing upgrade to test, and, albeit marginal, it is actually noticeable in race scenarios (it is not usable or applicable to ERG mode). While I’m not an avid virtual racer, the peace of mind knowing the trainer delivers up to 10 power updates per second instead of just one previously provides a real peace of mind when responding to attacks or trying to hold the draft of riders ahead of you, and I could imagine how important that would be to actual racers.

Simply put: For serious, consistent riders seeking lasting build quality from a reputable brand, a realistic road feel, and the fastest possible connection, the Core is an easy recommendation. -TM

Van Rysel D100

A trainer for $300 with a Zwift Cog and Click that sets up in minutes and lets you ride almost any bike you own? Surely not. It’s 2026, and no trainer setup that’s actually good is this inexpensive anymore. That’s exactly what I was thinking as I stepped back and looked at my bike mounted and ready to go. I’d been wanting to test this product for a while, but it wasn’t until recently that it became available in the U.S. Still, I knew there were some catches – I was just eager to see if they were acceptable at this price.

First off, the ride feel is surprisingly good, especially when tested immediately alongside higher-end trainers. You can tell it has a lighter flywheel, so it doesn’t quite replicate the “road feel” you get with something like the Kickr Core 2, but that’s being picky. It’s still smooth and as quiet as anything else on this list. Stability is solid too, with a wide base, and thanks to catch number one – a 600-watt limit – you simply can’t load it hard enough to get it rocking underneath you. That limitation may be a dealbreaker for serious riders or racers, though, but 600 watts is likely enough for 99% of riders, especially triathletes who would rarely push that kind of power in training.

Catch number two is tougher to overlook: There’s no cadence sensor. Once you’re used to riding with cadence data, especially indoors, it’s hard to go without. Knowing your optimal cadence helps you settle into the correct gear for the power you’re targeting and is essential for cadence-based workouts. Not including it feels like an unnecessary sacrifice on Van Rysel’s part and arguably costs them more customers than it saves. That said, if you’re brand new to smart trainers and start without cadence, you may notice its absence far less than I did.

On the positive side, ERG mode is where this trainer shines most. It works without issue at mid to higher wattages, though you may need to shift a gear or two at the top end to keep cadence (which you won’t know) consistent. The stated +/- 5% accuracy isn’t amazing compared to most trainers, but it’s difficult to notice unless you’re comparing it directly to a secondary power source like power pedals. In SIM mode, power response isn’t nearly as quick as pricier options, which made it harder for me to settle into a target wattage without some see-sawing. That could make racing more difficult … if you’re willing to give it a go with the 600-watt limit. On the other hand, climbs are noticeably easier, thanks to catch number three: Gradient simulation is limited to just 6%, which is a significant drawback if you’re in the mood for challenging, steep climbs on Zwift or similar platforms.

So, the verdict you’ve been waiting for, is this the budget trainer everyone should buy? Well, yes, but also no. This trainer is clearly aimed at the entry-level rider starting their indoor riding journey, and that’s exactly where it makes the most sense. That’s where my wife was this winter, and for her, this trainer was everything she needed plus more. It connects quickly to every app, is foldable and lightweight – the lightest on this list – and easy for her to move and set up each day. It feels stable, durable, and accurate enough for most age-group triathletes to get their money’s worth.

Even with a cheap cadence sensor, you’re still getting an indoor smart trainer bundled with the $50 Zwift Cog and Click for the lowest price on the market. With that said, if you’re willing to spend an extra $100 to $150, you’ll find yourself with more capable options like the JetBlack Victory or the Cycplus R200. But would I buy one of those instead of the D100 for my wife or someone in a similar situation? Probably not. There’s just enough performance and functionality here to justify saving the money and putting it toward a good fan or accessories like a desk or mat. -TM

Zwift Ride

The Zwift Ride was released in early summer 2024 and Zwift has been marketing it as a “smart bike” ever since.

The Ride is actually two separate pieces of hardware: a Wahoo KICKR Core smart trainer with Zwift Cog v1 and the Zwift Ride Smart Frame.

The Ride offers +/- 2% power accuracy, which isn’t quite as good as the Wahoo KICKR’s +/- 1% of accuracy, but is an improvement from the KICKR Snap’s +/- 3% accuracy. Additionally, the Ride features a maximum power output of 1,800 Watts, which again, doesn’t quite compete with the Wahoo KICKR’s max output of 2,200 Watts, but is an improvement from the KICKR Snap’s 1,500 Watts. Lastly, the Ride’s flywheel is 12 pounds, as compared to the KICKR’s 16 pounds.

In total, the Ride’s trainer and the bike frame weigh 78 pounds and take up nearly two feet of space horizontally and about 4.5 feet vertically, which is why the Ride earned a single star for “portability.” You can dismantle the trainer and the frame if you absolutely had to transport them in, say, the trunk of a car, but it’s bulky and cumbersome to do so. The Ride is ideally set up in one spot and used only in that place for the vast majority of its lifetime.

In terms of set up, the Ride can be assembled from start to finish in under 30 minutes when you follow the directions. The Zwift Cog comes mounted on the Wahoo KICKR Core and according to Wahoo, is “compatible with the great majority of 8-12 speed drivetrains.” If you wanted to use the Wahoo KICKR Core with the Zwift Cog with another non-Zwift Ride bike, you could do that, but you’d be missing out on the “smart” features of the Ride bike frame.

The Ride frame is easy to assemble and comes with the Allen key needed for any minor torquing. So long as the controllers are charged and the trainer is plugged in, it’s an easy final step to connect the controllers (via Bluetooth) and trainer (via Bluetooth or ANT+) to your Zwift account on your preferred smart device such as an iPad.

As for how riding the Ride felt … this is a tough one. For those who typically ride a road bike and can mimic their road bike fit on the Ride frame, riding the Ride feels smooth and realistic, especially with the Zwift controllers, which let you brake, shift, and steer within Zwift.

However, if you are a triathlete who is used to riding a time-trial or triathlon bike, it will be difficult to replicate your exact fit on the Ride. For starters, you will need to purchase aftermarket clip-on aero bars, as Zwift does not currently sell Ride-specific aero bars. Secondly, the geometry of the Ride frame does not mimic the more forward geometry of most triathlon bikes, so it will be very difficult to exactly replicate the feel of your triathlon bike fit.

In all, for $1,300, which is the same price as a standalone Wahoo KICKR, the Ride is a pretty sweet deal; you get both a trainer, a stationary bike frame, and “smart” aspects like the Zwift controllers. If you ride indoors a lot and don’t want to put your fancy racing bike through the wringer of corrosive sweat all winter, the Ride could be just the solution for you. -Kristin Jenny

Tacx NEO 3M

The Tacx NEO 3M is a top-of-the-line direct drive smart trainer. It is the most expensive smart trainer on the market, costing even more than some indoor smart bikes. But does the quality justify the cost?

In terms of specifications, the NEO 3M is basically the same as the Tacx NEO 2T, as well as comparable smart trainers from other manufacturers. The NEO 3M has a price tag of nearly $2,000, but it comes with a claimed +/-1% power accuracy, maximum power output of 2,200 Watts, and gradient simulation of up to 25%. One of the biggest differences between the NEO 3M and comparable trainers is its flywheel and road-feel simulation.

Using a set of 32 magnets inside the trainer body, the NEO 3M does not use an actual flywheel like other smart trainers. This changes the way the trainer feels while pedaling – some riders love it, while other riders hate it. Having ridden each of these trainers, I can say that the NEO 3M feels significantly different. Perhaps the magnetic resistance is something that you can get used to.

The NEO 3M includes forward drive, which keeps the flywheel spinning when you’re coasting downhill in a virtual world. This helps add to the realism of the trainer, setting it apart from its competitors. This feature only works when the trainer is plugged in; but you actually don’t need to plug the NEO 3M into the wall for it to function. Unlike comparable smart trainers, the NEO 3M has its power supply built into its frame behind the flywheel, that’s why this part of the trainer is so bulky.

One of the downsides of the NEO 3M is its lack of Wi-Fi connectivity. Tacx’s competitors launched Wi-Fi in their smart trainers more than a year ago, but the NEO 3M only offers ANT+ connectivity and dual Bluetooth wireless technology.

However, a few features set the NEO 3M apart, such as trainer movement and road-feel simulation. The NEO 3M comes with Tacx motion plates, offering fore-aft movement that can be locked out if you prefer. There is also some side-to-side movement built into the NEO 3M. Road-feel simulation is also built into the trainer, simulating the bumpiness of gravel, cattle guards, and other surfaces directly through the NEO 3M.

Like other smart trainers, the NEO 3M has foldable legs, which help increase its portability and storability. However, the NEO 3M is quite a large trainer – larger than comparable smart trainers with dimensions (when folded) of 27.4 x 14.0 inches (695 x 355 mm) and a weight of 52 pounds (23.6 kilograms). The trainer’s large frame is something to note when you’re setting up your bike – make sure you watch your derailleur cage, as it may bump up against the NEO 3M as you’re attaching your dropouts to the trainer.  -Zach Nehr

Elite Justo 2

Of all the trainers that I’ve ever tested, the Elite Justo 2 is my favorite. The overall capabilities are right in line with comparable smart trainers, and the price point isn’t as bad as you might think. For $1,200, the Elite Justo 2 offers +/-1% power accuracy, gradient simulation up to 24%, Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in Flex Feet, and 10 Hz data transmission.

There are three main differences between the Elite Justo 1 (officially called the Elite Justo) and Elite Justo 2: built-in Wi-Fi, a heavier flywheel (7.2 kilograms versus 6.2 kilograms), and a 12-speed cassette included with the trainer. The Wi-Fi and cassette are excellent features that effectively reduce the cost of the Justo 2 – previously, Wi-Fi connectivity devices and 12-speed cassettes were sold separately, adding up to an extra $100+.

The Justo 2’s ride feel is what separates it from the pack. While other smart trainers might feel heavy or clunky, the Justo 2 feels smooth and fast. It feels easier to spin up a heavy gear, or to quickly change cadences during a race. After talking to many elite racers, most prefer the ride feel of the Justo 2 to all other trainers.

While the Justo 2 doesn’t have motion built in, it does have Flex Feet on either side, which offer a small range of side-to-side movement. You can also swap these feet out if you prefer to limit trainer movement. Race Mode is available on the Justo 2, as well as 10 Hz data transmission, which Elite claims “ensures rapid transmission of power, speed, and cadence data.”

The biggest downside to the Justo 2 is ERG mode. For whatever reason, the resistance from the Justo 2 is not always steady while riding in ERG mode. You could be riding a 10-minute interval at 300w, for example: In ERG mode, the resistance should be constant, keeping you bang on 300w, but sometimes, the Justo 2’s resistance comes slightly in and out, so it feels like you are riding at 250w, then 350w, and then 300w. Not all users experience the same issue, and in my testing, this occurrence was extremely rare.

The Justo 2 is of course compatible with Elite accessories like the incline-simulating Rizer, and adaptive smart fan, Aria. Despite some issues with ERG mode, the Elite Justo 2 is my favorite overall smart trainer for 2024. -ZN

JetBlack Victory

I in my full JetBlack Victory review, I was tempted to call it a budget smart trainer, but that would be a disservice to the quality and features that it offers. The Victory direct-drive smart trainer is listed at $400, less than half of the price of other high-quality smart trainers, and less than a quarter of the price of top-of-the-line smart trainers. You might be starting to wonder: What’s wrong with it?

After hours and hours of testing, I have failed to discover any major flaws. Sure the Victory doesn’t have the best ride feel in the world, but it is far from the worst. The Victory doesn’t have +/-1% power accuracy, but this is irrelevant for 99% of its users. Power accuracy is a manufacturer’s claim anyway, and after extensive testing, the manufacturer’s claim rarely lines up with reality.

Overall, the JetBlack Victory is one of the better smart trainers that I’ve ever tested. You will notice a lot of similarities between the Victory, Wahoo KICKR Core, and Zwift Hub. That’s because JetBlack, Zwift, and Wahoo have all collaborated at various points to produce these high-quality, budget-price smart trainers.

The Victory’s ride feel is nearly that of the Wahoo KICKR Core. It is a polarizing ride feel, one that I don’t love personally, but that many other cyclists do. At the time of this writing, the JetBlack Victory comes with a Zwift Cog and Zwift Click, which enable virtual shifting in Zwift only. Once the Victory comes back into stock, it may be available to purchase with a cassette of your choosing (plus, the Victory is compatible with 9, 10, 11, and 12-speed cassettes).

Portability is one of the Victory’s few downsides, since the trainer’s feet are fixed in position. This can make the Victory a bit challenging to move and store, especially if you are training in a small room or apartment.

In line with comparable direct-drive trainers, the Victory offers a maximum gradient simulation of 16%, and maximum wattage of 1,800W. It is also compatible with Wi-Fi and USB in addition to the usual ANT+ and Bluetooth, which is a huge plus for a trainer at this price point. Auto calibration is included as well, so there are few features that you are missing here compared to top-of-the-line smart trainers that cost $2,000.

Overall, the JetBlack Victory is a fantastic smart trainer designed especially for beginners and the budget-friendly. There are only a handful of downsides to the Victory, but these won’t bother the vast majority of indoor cyclists. The Victory could be the perfect trainer for a first-time buyer: It is easy to set up and even easier to use, and it costs a fraction of what the smart trainer market offered only a few years ago. Given its overall quality and features, the JetBlack Victory is bordering on the description of “unbeatable value.” -ZN