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Tacx Neo 2T Smart
The Tacx flagship delivers very precise performance values, does not need to be calibrated and even works without electricity. The lateral flex of the wheel suspension and the varying degrees of vibration depending on the road surface ensure a realistic riding experience. The sophisticated control technology inside reacts quickly and the volume remains moderate even at high speeds. All standard thru axles and 12-speed MTB cassettes are supported (accessory adapter).
- Weight: 21.5 kg
- Max. Power: 2200 Watt
- Volume: 68 decibels (TOUR measurement at 66 km/h)
- Price: 1299 Euro >> e.g. available here
Wahoo Kickr Headwind
Full power during hard intervals, a gentle breeze when warming up: The intelligent fan from Wahoo adjusts the airflow depending on your riding speed or heart rate. All you have to do is pair it with the smart trainer or chest strap via ANT+. However, you can also control the four levels manually from the saddle using the app. The cooling effect at the highest level is impressive, while the background noise of the fan is quieter than a smart trainer.
- Weight: 5.4 kg
- Max. Speed: 48 km/h
- Volume: 28-48 decibels (manufacturer's specification)
- Price: 230 Euro >> e.g. available here
Elite Sterzo Smart
The movable front wheel support transmits steering movements wirelessly to the Zwift world. This allows you to manoeuvre much more realistically on the Zwift MTB track. For tyres up to 56 mm wide. Price: 89 Euro >> available here.
Wahoo Kickr Climb
With the automatic climbing simulator for the front wheel, climbs of up to 20 per cent in virtual worlds become quite real. Standard MTB thru axles can also be fitted. Price: 550 euros >> e.g. available here.
Training mat
The luxury version of the simple insulating mat: almost all major manufacturers offer waterproof roller trainer mats. They generously cover the area around the bike and have a non-slip surface. From 50 euros >> e.g. from Chainreactioncycles.
Zwift
The US company is the undisputed market leader in terms of community (3 million accounts), variety of routes and range of races. The German market alone grew by over 90 per cent in 2020. The rewards system (bikes, clothing, routes) encourages regular sessions on the roller.
Overall, the Zwift environment is more reminiscent of modern gaming products than training software and impresses with its successful game dynamics. The event calendar is huge: you can take part in countless virtual group rides, joint training sessions and highly competitive races every day.
Zwift now offers four training plans tailored to off-road bikers. However, special MTB events such as the virtual Cape Epic edition are still an exception. Even though Zwift is offering more and more formats with a steering function, there is still only one short, controllable MTB route.
- Fun factor : 5/6
- Cost: 14.99 euros per month
- Info: www.zwift.com
You can find out more about roller trainers here:
Interview with Christoph Soukup (31), marathon racer KTM Factory Team
BIKE: What opportunities does roller training offer you as a marathon racer?
Christoph Soukup: I've always been on the roll. For over two decades, usually from November to February. My bike training is sometimes limited to the roller for weeks at a time. In recent years, I have refined this further. The interactive world has given me new motivation and brought new vigour to my winter training.
Virtual races are also becoming increasingly popular. Are you also involved in e-racing?
I race about once a week. I've ridden around 120 e-cycling races in the last few years. I also prepare for them. You always meet certain teams and strong riders there. Afterwards, I compare my own performance and can really check my form.
Can cross-country racing and e-racing be compared in terms of stress?
I see it completely separately. Starting position and riding technique are very important in cross country. In e-racing, you also can't see who is suffering and how. That's why you can't compare a CC World Cup with Zwift races. Everything is more fluid virtually. There are also special game functions and tactical tricks that you need to know.
