wheelhot

Hi,

So as per title, which one do you guys recommend?

Here are the specs:

Tacx Genius Smart
Accuracy: <5%
Max Slope: 20% (that's even higher than the Flux Direct Drive!)
Max Power: 2000 Watt at 40km/h (again higher than the Flux)

Wahoo Kickr Snap
Accuracy: <3%
Max Slope: 12%
Max Power: 1500 Watt


From the specs, it seems clear to me that the Tacx has a better "spec" but the odd thing is, I can't seem to find any new reviews on that Tacx model, in particular, DCRainMaker review is from the 2013 model which I guess is outdated.

Also looks like I have to buy either of the models outside of my country and have it shipped cause:
1. The Wahoo sold is ridiculously overpriced, close to double of US MSRP
2. Can't seem to find Tacx Genius being sold here, only the Vortex and even then it's on the overpriced side.

So warranty and customer support come to play? I read horror stories on Tacx but again, those are old, did they improve the past few years?

I'm also open to other trainer suggestions around the same price range.

datlas 

Read up on them. I suggest DC Rainmaker's site. I expect both are viable.

I personally have the KICKR Snap and am pleased with it.

xodondum

I paid retail for the Snap; I researched for a couple months and couldn't find them any cheaper than full retail. I am pleased w/it.

ksryder

Did you read the part where he said "From the specs, it seems clear to me that the Tacx has a better "spec" but the odd thing is, I can't seem to find any new reviews on that Tacx model, in particular, DCRainMaker review is from the 2013 model which I guess is outdated."

datlas 

I am guessing either the 2018 model is SUPER NEW or it's the same model as that old review. DC Rainmaker is pretty good at updating reviews for new releases.

mvnsnd

My 2 cents. Although the Tacx might read as a better unit, its accuracy is lower, which I think is more important. 5% is 10 Watts at 200W, 15 at 300. That's significant in my book.

A 12% slope is going to be tough enough. And 1500 Watts should be plenty for most people.

For yet another option, you might want to look for a discount on the Elite Direto. It's direct drive, ±2.5%, 14% slope and 1400-2200 Watts, depending on speed.

Often Performance Bike has a 20%off sale or Clever Training with the DCRainmaker discount can bring the cost down

TrojanHorse

If you can find a way to swing it, the direct drive models are better, but they can cost close to 2x. Still, you won't be posting about assploding tires or getting wonky results from having your tire tension set incorrectly.

If I were you, I'd prefer a model that could be serviced locally just in case, and I don't know what that would be in Malaysia. If you have to mail a Snap back to the USA or a Tacx to germany, your wallet will end up very thin indeed.

drewguy

They don't discount, but a lot of places offer 10% or 20% coupons off "anything" (of course, there are always some restrictions, but Wahoo doesn't seem to put those in place). I used an REI coupon to that effect (although then gave up the 10% rebate).

Sy Reene

Just curious though.. at the eg. 200w example, the 2% difference is only 4 watts different (unless their the 2 models are inaccurate in opposite directions (then it's 14 watts difference).. would this matter if your trainer is your only power meter access (ie. nothing on the bike for outdoor rides)? IOW if FTP and training modules are set from a slightly inaccurate power meter, aren't all the workouts relatively the same anyway?

mvnsnd

Agreed, if the trainer is your only power source, then it really is not important. In my case, outdoor power is from a Powertap hub, so I wanted good accuracy (correlation) between the trainer (Direto) and the hub

wheelhot

Thanks for all the comments guys! I thought of Direct Drive but as others mentioned, it is usually 2x the price and can't find any of those fabulous discounts as I'm in Malaysia.

At the moment, I am leaning towards the Snap as I notice the highest grade I've rode in my area is 13% so 12% should be alright, if I ever need higher, guess it'll be a DD Trainer in the future.

Though I read some people drop a few gears to "emulate" the effect of a higher grade? How does this work? And wouldn't pairing the Snap with the Climb make the "workout" even tougher?

I kept reading horror stories regarding Tacx durability and if I have to get it from the grey market, then that will be a serious issue.

Regarding the overpriced Wahoo products sold here, did contact Wahoo and it seems the obscene prices has to do with the local distributor, filed my complaint and will see how it goes. In case you're wondering, a Kickr Snap here cost about USD985!

whitemax

Not all direct drive smart trainers are twice the price. The Snap retails for $600 and the Elite Direto which is direct drive for $900. I got my Direto from Competitive Cyclist with 10% off just for asking with free shipping. I've been very happy with it for the 700 or so miles I've put on it so far.

whitemax

Since you're looking at the Snap and the Genius, you might want to also research and consider the Cyclops Magnus which also retails for $600 Cyclops is a very good company to deal with.

wheelhot

Hmm, so it seems when it comes to USD600 trainers, all 3 from Tacx, Wahoo and Cyclops tend to be the same, though it seems Wahoo tends to get the slight edge. I guess it all downs to customer service that you get from the region?

Sy Reene

Then again, it would be good to know for sure, if those +/- ranges tend to prove out to be consistent and in the same direction, and don't actually apply at any given point in time, in either direction. Ie.. 5% could be huge if it could mean that on the same trainer workout, 200 watts can be really 210 watts or 190 watts, and that these variances could occur within seconds or minutes of trainer use.

datlas 

Probably. I did a lot of research before I bought my trainer this past winter, and that's pretty much the conclusion I came to. All three are reasonably good and what's different about them is less than what's similar. So consider the nuances, customer support/return policy, and choose whichever one seems right.

I am happy with my KICKR snap but I suspect I would also be happy with the others at that price point.

Munk69

I have the Cycleops Magnus and I like it a lot. However, I have also read some negative reviews around the power plug in location as we well as the clutch knob breaking. None of these have been an issue for me with the 800+ miles I have ridden on it.