Indoor cycling all inclusive: The Truebike from Truekinetix put to the test
Marc Strucken
· 18.10.2024
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Tacx, Elite, Wahoo - there are already a few major manufacturers vying for customers with beautiful devices for autumn indoor cycling. The Dutch manufacturer Truekinetix, whose Smarttrainer "Truetrainer" we had already testedhas been offering a complete indoor bike for some time now. Unfortunately, for logistical reasons, only the Dutch public had the opportunity to buy the fitness equipment until now. Since this summer, the Truebike has also been available to German customers. So it's time for us to give the indoor cycle a try.
The Truebike indoor cycle rolls in
The logistics of the Truebike are indeed still a challenge: the device weighs 44.5 kilos without packaging and with pedals - in other words, more than 2 crates of beer. It also comes in packaging that is more than the size of a washing machine. Moving the box and bike alone is therefore almost hopeless. So the Truebike is unpacked on the street and manoeuvred into the flat on its wheels, which it fortunately has. This works quite well as long as there are no stairs in the way.
The Truebike itself is then quickly assembled, adjusted to your own physiognomy - a suitable Allen key is placed on the seat post - and the monitor is aligned. This is the first thing that sets the Truekinetix indoor bike apart from others: You can use it straight away and don't need an additional device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop that has to be paired first.
Various settings, training, tracking data - everything can be called up via the tablet-sized display. Because that is the manufacturer's philosophy: connect the power, get on and get started. You can even create an account with the app beforehand, but you can just as easily leave it alone. The connection to the home WLAN works well, as does the connection to various chest straps.
You can find out more about indoor cycling here:
The first impression of the Truebike
You got the impression that the Truebike must be very robust as soon as you transported it into the house. And the first time you get on it confirms it completely. The indoor cycle is super stable, pedalling at 1 million watts ;-) - no problem. Even the saddle is of good quality and simply stayed on the bike during my test.
The construction and workmanship of the entire device are obviously designed for durability, even if the plastic panelling of the solid frame could be more elegant and more precise. However, this is only a visual minus point. However, it also applies to the graphical user interface of the software, which somehow seems to have fallen out of time; as of around the beginning of 2000, at least if you are used to the user experience of Garmin, Zwift & Co. Anyway, the Truekinetix software works very well!
Unfortunately, during the first ride, it becomes apparent that the Truebike is quite loud. Initial attempts with rubber sound insulation mats underneath (yes, the ones for the washing machine) were not very successful. Consultation with the manufacturer Truekinetix did not lead to any significant improvement.
This is all the more astonishing because their Smarttrainer was much quieter and basically ran with the same "engine". So it remains to be said that the Truebike hardly works with television on the side, and even less with a partner next door on the sofa. The sound is comparable to that of a powerful hoover.
Software & virtual corridors
A positive parallel to the Truetrainer is the huge selection of gears and gear combinations - the manufacturer specifies 400 gear sets. Thanks to the implemented virtual gears, practically any physical gear can be adjusted - including oval chainrings, which are only optional. You can therefore ride your MTB combination (40 front, 50 rear) as well as a professional road bike combination (54/40) for training. Everything is quickly set up via software.
The software connects to the various training platforms such as Zwift or Rouvy and also offers the option of creating your own training routes or simply selecting a gear and starting a ride according to no plans at all.
The measurement fields are varied. The wattage measurement including a right-left distribution is particularly worth mentioning, as it shows in real time whether the pedalling is really round. After training, the data is transferred to the Truekinetiv app and any other connected platforms via Wi-Fi, as is the case with other manufacturers.
Operation using the 9 buttons on the handlebars is intuitive because the control panel is always mirrored on the display and assigned functions there. This works much more easily than the game controller on the Zwift Ride, for example.
The price of the Truebike from Truekinetix in comparison
Finally, of course, the price also plays a role in the attractiveness of a product. An indoor cycle is initially more expensive than a smart trainer. With Truekinetix, the Truetrainer at 1699 euros (version 8.2) and 1049 euros (smallest version) to the Truebike (incl. display) at 3595 euros and 3095 euros (without display) respectively. Based on the two top models, that's a difference of just under 1900 euros.
In contrast to the roller trainer, the Truebike is a completely self-sufficient system in the living room. You don't need an additional end device or an extra bike that has to be clamped in and removed again when needed or is only available outside the indoor season. At least the latter remains a fundamental decision that all manufacturers have to make. The top-of-the-range Truebike model from Truekinetix already has the screen on board.
The price of the Truekinetix Truebike Indoor Cycle compared to other manufacturers and their indoor bikes looks like this:
- Zwift Ride with Kickr Core - 1299 Euro
- Tacx Neo Bike - approx. 2500 Euro* >> e.g. available here
- Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift - 2499.99 euros >> e.g. available here
- Truekinetix Truebike - 3595 Euro
- Wahoo Kickr Bike - 3799,99 Euro >> e.g. available here
(The prices are RRP. * is the current street price)
The data on the Truekinetix indoor bike
- Width: 57 cm
- Length: 159 cm
- Height (saddle at max. extension 63 cm): 125 cm
- Weight: 44.5 kg (self-measured, with pedals)
- Peak power: 2600 watts
- maximum gradient of 26 % and 15 % slope
- Power accuracy: 0.5 %
- Frame made of high-quality steel with plastic panelling
- Possible crank arm lengths: 170 mm, 172.5 mm or 175 mm
- Connects to laptop, mobile device or tablet via Bluetooth or ANT+
- Compatible training platforms: Zwift, Rouvy, SufferFest, FulGaz, TrainerRoad, RGT Cycling, Kinomap and others
- Top model with display
- Suitable for frame sizes between S-XL
- Height: min. 155 cm - max. 200 cm
- Max. Body weight: 150 kg
Advantages & disadvantages: Conclusion on the Truekinetix Truebike
The Truebike from Truekinetix makes an extremely stable impression. The design and workmanship are perfect, even if the plastic panelling could be of a higher quality. The motor control, which Truekinetix cites as its main selling point, is very comfortable when pedalling and provides resistance until the doctor comes. Thanks to the virtual gears, it also offers huge customisation options. It's worth trying to ride the same workout with a different gear combination.
The steel trainer also stoically accepts powerful pedalling in a standing position. In our opinion, the slightly flexible feet could absorb the movements of the indoor bike even better, even though Truekinetix explicitly advertises the "natural wobbling motion". The indoor cycle is also very loud, which unfortunately can hardly be influenced. We can only hope that the manufacturer will be able to make improvements in the next product update. The heavy weight may also be an argument against buying it, for example if the Truebike cannot be given a permanent place in the home.
The operation of the in-house software is functional and works smoothly. Yes, the look of the interface could be more attractive - or even more purist. Is the high purchase price for the indoor training system worth it? Well, unfortunately we can't take the decision away from anyone, you have to make it yourself: either Smarttrainer plus extra bike on the one hand or the indoor bike all inclusive on the other. However, we can make a recommendation on the criteria that will help you decide: Space, frequency of use and if you already have your own bike fleet.
Advantages
- All-in-one solution including display
- Super stable & robust
- 400 virtual gear combinations
- Natural acceleration and driving feel thanks to motor control
Disadvantages
- High weight
- High price
- High volume
- less appealing, rustic look
Marc Strucken
Editor
