Wahoo Fitness
KICKR CORE 2
Wi-Fi, three Bluetooth clients and the proven 1,800 W / 16 % / ±2 % resistance unit.
- Trainer type
- direct-drive
- Maximum resistance
- 1800 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 16%
Buying guideUpdated 1 Nov 2026
Best smart trainers
A specification-based shortlist by price band and drive type. Hands-on testing is scheduled; until then every figure is a sourced manufacturer claim.
Selection criteria
What qualifies: currently sold (or with a named successor), Bluetooth FTMS declared, ERG mode available, specifications published by the manufacturer or a cited source.
How the order is decided: one pick per price band, ranked within the band by maximum simulated gradient, then claimed power accuracy, then connectivity breadth (Wi-Fi, concurrent Bluetooth connections, ANT+ FE-C).
What does not count: affiliate commission, retailer stock, or whether we have a link at all.
Status: specification comparison. Labels describe the band and design, not a test result.
Elite
Justo 2
24 % declared gradient and a ±1 % accuracy claim with a little built-in sway.
- Trainer type
- direct-drive
- Maximum resistance
- 2300 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 24%
Check price at Elite storeDetails
Garmin (Tacx)
Tacx NEO 3M
Motor-driven flywheel for descent simulation and road feel, plus built-in motion.
- Trainer type
- direct-drive with built-in multidirectional motion plates
- Maximum resistance
- 2200 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 25%
Van Rysel (Decathlon)
D100 (Home Trainer with Zwift Cog and Click)
FTMS and ANT+ FE-C declared at the lowest band.
- Trainer type
- direct-drive
- Maximum resistance
- 600 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 6%
Elite
Tuo
Current wheel-on unit for riders who swap bikes.
- Trainer type
- wheel-on
- Maximum resistance
- 1300 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 10%
Check price at Elite storeDetails
JetBlack Cycling
VICTORY
Direct drive with a complete protocol set below the mid-range.
- Trainer type
- direct-drive
- Maximum resistance
- 1800 W
- Maximum simulated gradient
- 16%