They are, but you need to make sure you are getting one of the “smart” models that have a “B+” in the name. Or, in case you get one used, you can also buy the sensor afterwards and upgrade your unit. The Volano “only” has 1400 W of resistance, which is plenty. The Turno goes a tad further with 1580 W, while the Muin tops out at 2200 W, which should be enough for anyone except perhaps the most elite track sprinters out there. Perhaps with training I might get close to that number during sprints in the future, but I reckon even then the thing isn’t going to explode because I manage to peak at 1400 W for 5 seconds
The only improvement I’d like is adjustable and foldable feet. But ok, I got mine used for about $210, so I can’t argue with the value I’m getting. I can’t tell how quiet they are compared to the quietest smart trainers, but after “suspending” the trainer, my drive train and my fan are louder. (I used rubber tiles below my mat and carpet tiles and wood boards below the feet of the trainer. This dampens vibrations very well, and I haven’t heard complaints from my neighbors, despite me training at 5:30 regularly. On hard concrete floor, these aren’t necessary.)
In case you do end up getting one of these trainers: get a closely spaced cassette, e. g. 11-25 for the Volano or Turno (if you have a compact crankset). I never use a smaller gear than 34:25 on mine, and I’d like some more closely spaced gears to adjust my cadence properly. On the Muin, you’d probably want an 11-28 cassette, these have a reputation of being hard core. (Right now, I am just using my old 11-32 Ultegra cassette on there, but I plan to upgrade it next year.)
At the time of purchase, I was also tempted by one of the Road Machines (with either the “rigid” frame or the frame that allows for some movement of the bike), but I knew I’d have to get another rear wheel, training tire, etc. It was cheaper at the end to go for a direct drive fluid trainer. Another option I considered were the cheap wheel-on smart trainers. But these seem quite loud in comparison and meh in terms of performance.
That’s the route I took and I couldn’t be happier. Having power outside when you are riding or racing is really, really a game changer. Price-wise it was a wash.
Hi,
I’m new to both turbo trainer and trainer road. I am about to purchase the Elite Muin Smart B+. Can anyone confirm how the resistance works in the turbo trainer? I’ve heard riders need to increase their cadence in order to generate greater resistance on the trainer, along with changing the gears.
Can anyone confirm what their experience has been like with this trainer and using resistance, along with using a trainer road training session e.g. billats/ramp test etc.
Thanks,
Dane.
Correct, this is a “dumb” trainer that does NOT offer ERG mode control via the training app. You must shift and/or change cadence to hit your desired power target.
Also note, that the power reported from the “smart” function is that the trainer does report “power”. I put that in quotes because this trainer is notorious for over-reporting power to a large degree. It is beyond generous and will give you false numbers.
This is ok if you are using it for trainer purposes to set power zones, and check your progress over time. It is NOT a great option if you are planning to use it for gaming like Zwift. It will lead to an inflated ego and a shock to the system if/when you get to use an accurate trainer or power meter.
Cool. Thanks for the update. I watched a video on Youtube, which states that the trainer does inflate the power. The video goes on to show how to fix the issue, to get a more accurate reading (comparing to a Garmin pedal power device). Here’s a link to the video:
Do you think I should fix the resistance like the cyclist in the video describes?
Thanks
I had one of these for YEARS. Only got rid of it a few months ago. It does overreport power, and the lack of erg mode is a bit annoying, but it does feel great to ride and it is basically silent. If you’ve got a power meter and don’t mind missing out on erg mode, I’d say this is one of the best trainers to have.
I’d actually love to have one, and just use a power meter instead.
The idea of a wheel-off fluid trainer is great, and I wish Kinetic would do one with the Road Machine resistance unit.
