Because if your pockets were like mine, your metrics might be different. I’m not interested in an argument though thanks. If I have to measure the worth of a component on its necessity/performance gain, then to me that is not a poor metric and its unfair of you to call it that, as you say, its entirely personal. Its an opinion post, you didnt need to poo poo mine.
Ok that’s enough boys
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I think you actually both agree. You’re essentially both saying “to each their own”, which I agree with too. One is saying “this is all I can afford, so I make my choices based on speed, but ymmv, especially if you can spend more” and the other is saying “we all have our own goals, so what matters to me may not matter to you”. I’ll take that as agreement.
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I think you are focusing on (and misinterpreting) a singular word. If speed is your metric, great. I’m not judging you based on that.
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Have you ever compared the vortex to any other power meter? My vortex was wildly inaccurate. Anywhere from 20 to 70 watts off.
Other than that it works fine. Probably great for zwift. 
No I haven’t, but as long as it’s consistent then my training will be too 
All my clients prefer the Direto. If not previous to consultation, then after! ;-D
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Still on my Kickr v1 here…had it since launched and so far so good. I use it with Power Match to my Quarq so am not worried about the fact that its not the most accurate trainer out there any more.
Just out of interest, what does upgrading to a new Neo or Kickr v5 really get me in terms of tech or features? (apart from disc frame compatibility etc).
Direct K1 to K5:
- Automatic calibration of the K5 (no need to do spindowns) is likely the biggest single feature for many.
- Silent belt drive system.
- Heavier flywheel (16 lbs vs 12 lbs IIRC) for more “road feel”.
- 3 BLE connection options vs 1 in the original.
- Axis feet with adjustable rocking motion.
- A carrying handle that actually works
- As you mentioned, direct thru-axle compatibility, but also more clearance for rear disc calipers.
- Port for the wired connection option.
Neo is also direct thru-axle (but has some real clearance issues with many bikes/calipers), and includes:
- Road Feel simulation
- Downhill drive simulation
- Frame flex for comfort
- Option to use it without external power (excluding the downhill drive).
- Super quite compared to the K1
- No calibration needed (or even possible)
- Virtual flywheel based upon rider weight, supposed to be more realistic compared to a physical flywheel of fixed mass and rpm.
That’s what I can come up with off the top of my head and not cheating on DCR’s site 
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I did the same thing. Best money I ever spent was getting the Neo2.
I just took advantage of this deal and purchased a Kickr. Can’t wait to get it!
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thanks Chad - appreciated. The one thing I wonder about is speed of reaction to big changes in power eg changing resistance for stuff like a 30/15 session? My K1 is too sluggish to make these achievable really, and messing around with toggling erg/resist modes isn’t really practival either. A super responsive trainer would be a real benefit.
Last ? - does anyone simply use the trainer power these days and not use PM from a crank or pedal? Is it accurate enough to do that now and fairly comparable to numbers you’d see riding outdoors? My K1 certainly isnt and the ‘offset’ to my Quarq isnt the same all the way up the power curve either. Maybe newer ones are more accurate and consistent?
Do you have any data on this maybe? I own a older Direto and use powermatch together with a power2max cranck power meter. But it does seem that the Direto reads 15-20w high. Would be good to get some extra assurance on this.
I use the power from my Neo. I had issues with power match when it first came out, so I turned it off and never tried again. I just skew my outdoor pedals to match the Neo number.
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My Kickr V5 is within a percent of my Assiomas. Neo 2T was 4-10% low. It’s a lottery, but that’s why I only recommend the Kickr now. My friends with V5s have all been able to get that 1% accuracy after doing factory spindowns if needed.
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The Neo 2T is probably the fastest responding trainer out today. Some people actually think it’s too harsh with big jumps (I don’t. But I have read this). If you’re not paying attention to the beginning of an interval it’s like hitting a wall. My bike is normally on a Direto but if I have huge peaky intervals or very fast on/off I’ll switch over to the Neo (wife’s normally).
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Yup….my trainer bike does not have power. Just rely on my Direto X.
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[Removed Duplicate Post] Sorry, clumsy hands.
Until the pink pops out on the side. 
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Yup, as mentioned, the Neo series is about as fast as possible/practical for transition speed. The Neo 2T initially released had issues with being too fast with the “brick wall” effect. Tacx added back a little delay to stop that in a firmware update and make it less harsh. But from most accounts, it is still the fastest switching trainer.
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I don’t know if the K1 to K5 is a similar change time or better for the new one. I run my K3 in the small ring and have no real issues with the short/short stuff in ERG. That may be different for people using higher gearing, but I am guessing at that.
- I have used trainer power as my main source inside for many years. The K3 at this point for the last 2+ years. Before that I used my Hammer and then H2 for power. I had a brief stint with my Neo 2 before I handed it over to my wife. In all cases, when I did some loose checks with my power meter pedals, the trainer seemed close enough to use as the primary source, for my needs at least.
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