In winter, the exercise bike becomes the preferred accessory and training partner for many cyclists to perfect their physical condition. And with connected models, the sessions can even be a lot of fun. Here you will find our selection of devices from €250.
If there is one area that has developed completely in around ten years, it is the area of indoor training and home trainers. For a long time it was considered a boring exercise that only a few die-hard lovers enjoyed. Today it is a much more interesting, entertaining exercise and fully integrated into the annual preparation.
Of course, this is thanks to the introduction of new platforms such as Zwift (launched in 2014) and the development of connected models that allow you to move from training in your corner to being connected to the whole world. At the same time, the training sessions are more varied and more accessible, offering the opportunity to compete with cyclists who are riding the same routes at the same time almost anywhere in the world.
The exercise bike: an excellent alternative in unpredictable weather
The other accelerator was the (too) long period of the pandemic, which left all athletes and therefore cyclists at home for many weeks. The only solution to train and escape from everyday life is the exercise bike. The rate of equipment then experienced a very sharp increase, causing a global shortage for several months and, by capillary action, increasing the number of users of these online interfaces such as Zwift, the market leader that has more than 2.5 million subscribers worldwide.
All of these reasons have meant that training on the exercise bike has now become a matter of course for many athletes as soon as the weather is too wet or too cold. And for some it is even an essential form of training, as shown by the creation of e-cycling championships or leagues with specialists in the genre. Without being extreme in practice, training with this device proves to be an excellent alternative to car journeys and allows you to start the next season in mild weather and good conditions.
Founded in 2014, indoor cycling platform Zwift has nearly 2.5 million subscribers worldwide. Photo/DR Zwift
A worthwhile investment
If you are not yet equipped or would like to renew your equipment, we offer a diverse selection of models at all prices that should suit your needs. Proof that the market is dynamic and concerns more and more cyclists, there are countless accessories that make your training even more realistic or comfortable.
Purchasing a connected exercise bike requires a minimum budget to be able to ride virtually with other cyclists or take advantage of various connected training applications. However, if you ride a bike regularly, it is worth purchasing, as these devices will easily last for several years, require little maintenance and can easily be stored in a corner if you do not have the opportunity to constantly put them in a designated place for the year.
Then you still have to decide what type of training you want to complete. For maintenance, fitness and a few more advanced sessions, models under €500 should suit you perfectly. If you are considering slightly more advanced programs, want to participate in virtual races or closely monitor the progress of your training, you need to invest in more advanced products, with finer precision in power calculation, the possibility of unlimited power increase in watts, etc. Finally, the most accurate simulation of the to have an incline.
You will then need to configure your device in the best possible way with the connected device on which you are conducting your session. Finally, find out about the compatibility of your computer, tablet or phone with the selected model so that it can be used easily while driving. Depending on the platform you choose, the technical specifications are always provided to check that your equipment is not too old.
Models under €500
ELITE – Tuo
CHARACTERISTICS : Interactive model with applications and software connected via Ant+ or Bluetooth (Zwift, Kinomap, Elite My E-Training, etc.). Elastogel roller that reduces noise and tire wear. Maximum possible power of 1300W with an accuracy of +/-5%. Maximum gradient of 10%.
COMPATIBILITY : Wheels from 26 to 29 inches
WEIGHT:10.3kg
PRICE : €499.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Shimano France
The + : Compact shape
THE – : Tire wear
SARIS – M2 Smart Kit
CHARACTERISTICS : Interactive device via Bluetooth or Ant+ with the Smart Kit, a cadence and speed sensor that allows connection to dedicated applications such as Zwift, Rouvy, etc. Incline simulation up to 15%, 1500W maximum power and precision of +/-5%. Light alloy flywheel to reduce noise.
COMPATIBILITY : Wheels from 26 to 29 inches
WEIGHT:9kg
PRICE : €389.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Now company
The +: Maximum performance limit
THE – : No front support
Van Rysel – D100
CHARACTERISTICS : Connected product sold without a cassette and compatible with all training platforms (Zwift, Kinomap, BKool, etc.) (via Bluetooth only). Maximum power of 600W with a measurement accuracy of +/-5% and a maximum simulated gradient of 6%.
COMPATIBILITY : Cassette body compatible with Shimano (8 to 12 V) and Sram (8 to 12 V)
WEIGHT : 10.5kg
PRICE : 250 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Decathlon
The + : Price for a direct drive
THE – : Limited tilt simulation
VAN RYSEL: D500
CHARACTERISTICS : Model capable of developing a maximum power of 1,500W with an accuracy of 2%. Maximum simulated gradient up to 12%. Compatible with all applications (Zwift, Kinomap, BKool, etc.) via Bluetooth or Ant+. Handle for easy movement.
COMPATIBILITY : Cassette body compatible with Shimano and Sram (8 to 12 V in both cases)
WEIGHT : 19kg
PRICE : 450 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Decathlon
The + : Front wheel support available
THE – : No cassette included
TACX – Flow Smart
CHARACTERISTICS : Model connected via Bluetooth or Ant+ to applications such as Zwift or Tacx, allowing inclination simulation of up to 7% with a maximum power of 800W and an accuracy of approximately 5%. Plastic flywheel that absorbs vibrations.
COMPATIBILITY : Wheels from 26 to 29 inches. WEIGHT: 9.4kg
PRICE : €349.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Garmin
The +: Wheel support available
THE – : Limited tilt simulation
CYCLE – ZPro
CHARACTERISTICS : Works with automatic resistance that acts on the tire depending on the type of route chosen. Maximum power of 1200W and simulation of a slope of up to 15% with an accuracy of +/-3%. Can be connected to all connected applications (Bluetooth or Ant+) such as Zwift, Rouvy, BKool…
COMPATIBILITY : All wheel types from 20 to 29 inches. WEIGHT: 11.3kg
PRICE : 399 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Casa Masferrer
The + : Ease of use and universal compatibility
THE – : Rear tire wear
Device between 500 and 800 euros
ELITE Suito-T
CHARACTERISTICS : Very compact and tapered when the legs are folded, the Suito can simulate inclines of up to 15% with an accuracy of +/- 2.5% and a maximum power of 1,900W. Compatible with all apps on the market. In Ant+ or Bluetooth. Automatic management of automatic resistance.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano 9 to 12 V (and 12 V for mountain bikers), Campagnolo (9 to 12 V), Sram 12 V
WEIGHT : 14.5kg
PRICE : €579.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Shimano France
The + : Compatibility with wide wheels and axles
THE – : Price of the cassette to be added
ELITE – Direto XR-T
CHARACTERISTICS : Built-in power display, accuracy of +/- 1.5%. Inclination simulation up to 24%. Maximum power of 2,400 W. Ant+ or Bluetooth. Automatic resistance management depending on the route. Possibility to test pedal analysis as a paid option in the My E-Training app.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram/Campagnolo from 9 to 12 V, Sram 12 V
WEIGHT : 16.2kg
PRICE : €699.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Shimano France
The + : Front support available
THE – : Price of the cassette to be added
TACX – Flux 2 Smart
CHARACTERISTICS : Evolution of the Smart model with higher resistance, allowing power up to 2,000W with an accuracy of +/- 2.5%. The gradient simulation can be up to 16%. With the Ant+ or Bluetooth connection, all training apps are available. Automatic resistance calculation.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano and Sram cassette from 8 to 11 speeds
WEIGHT : 23.6kg
PRICE : 799 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Garmin
The + : Stability during full effort
THE – : Model weight
WAHOO – Kick Core
CHARACTERISTICS : Steel construction that allows you not to move during exercise, even during intense exercise. Maximum power of 1,800W, tilt simulation up to 16% with a claimed accuracy of +/- 2%. The resistance is controlled directly according to the route and application chosen for your training. Ant+ or Bluetooth connection.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram (8 to 12 speeds), thru axles (12 x 142 and 12 x 148)
WEIGHT : 18kg
PRICE : €699.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Sport Pulsion
The + : Basic stability
THE – : No support at the front
XPLOVA – Noza S
CHARACTERISTICS : Maximum power of 2,500 W with a maximum possible gradient of 18%. The accuracy is +/- 2.5%. Connection via Ant+ and Bluetooth to the various connected apps. Increased stability under load from both feet at the front and back and protected by rubber coverings.
COMPATIBILITY : Suitable for road bikes and mountain bikes (650/700 wheels)
WEIGHT : 17 kg PRICE: 800 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Alternative sports
The + : Wide bike compatibility
THE – : Price of the cassette to be added
ZWIFT – Hub One
CHARACTERISTICS : New model from Zwift with the Zwift Cog system pre-installed, replacing the cassette. The speeds are activated with the Zwift Click mounted on the handlebars. Connected device that allows a maximum power of 1,800W and an accuracy of +/- 2.5%. Maximum tilt simulation up to 16%.
COMPATIBILITY : Universal with 8 to 12 V chain
WEIGHT : 15 kg PRICE: €599
DISTRIBUTOR : Zwift
The +: 1-year subscription to Zwift included, compatibility
THE – : No carrying handle
VAN RYSEL – D900
CHARACTERISTICS : Model with a maximum power of 2,000W and an accuracy of 2%. Maximum simulated gradient up to 20%. Compatible with all applications (Zwift, Kinomap, BKool, etc.) via Bluetooth or Ant+. Handle for easy movement. COMPATIBILITY : Cassette body compatible with Shimano and Sram (8 to 12 V in both cases)
WEIGHT : 19kg
PRICE : 600 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Decathlon
The + : Front wheel support available
THE – : Price of the cassette to be added
CYCLE – ZPro
CHARACTERISTICS : Works with automatic resistance depending on the route type selected. Maximum power of 1800W and up to 20% tilt simulation with +/- 2.5% accuracy. Can be connected to all connected apps (Bluetooth or Ant+) such as Zwift, Rouvy, BKool…
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano and Sram from 8 to 12 V
WEIGHT : 17kg
PRICE : 699 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Casa Masferrer
The +: Carrying handle
THE – : Cost of the cassette to be added
Products over €800
ELITE – Justo
CHARACTERISTICS : Equipped with a power sensor that enables precision with less than 1% error, tilt simulation up to 24% and maximum power up to 230W. Flexible and interchangeable feet for the best possible pedaling experience. Compatible with Rizer Simulator.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram/Campagnolo 9 to 12 V, Sram 12 V
WEIGHT : 17 kg PRICE: €999.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Shimano France
The + : Dual-channel Bluetooth for connecting two devices at the same time
THE – : Cost of the cartridge to be added
OREKA – 05 RC
CHARACTERISTICS : Model that reproduces the sensations of the road and controls the cyclist's oscillation according to his pedaling style with a damping system connected to a central air tank that adjusts the rolling during exercise. Maximum developed power of 2,500 W and tilt simulation of up to 25%. Connection via Ant+
COMPATIBILITY : 130mm, 135mm, 142x12mm and 142x18mm hubs
WEIGHT : 30kg
PRICE : €1,470
DISTRIBUTOR : Oreka training
The + : Balance effect when pedaling
THE – : Weight
WAHOO – Kickr Smart Trainer
CHARACTERISTICS : Product with adjustable feet to allow side-to-side pivoting. Maximum power of 2,200W, tilt simulation up to 20% with a claimed accuracy of +/- 1%. The resistance is controlled directly according to the route and application chosen for your training. Ant+ or Bluetooth connection.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram (8 to 12 speeds), thru axles (12 x 142 and 12 x 148)
WEIGHT : 22kg
PRICE : €1,299.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Sport Pulsion
The + : 11-speed cassette included
THE – : No front support
WAHOO – Kickr Move
CHARACTERISTICS : The new model in the range with a 20cm front/rear swing system. Maximum power of 2,200W, tilt simulation up to 20% with a claimed accuracy of +/- 1%. The resistance is controlled directly according to the route and application chosen for your training. Ant+ or Bluetooth connection.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram (8 to 12 speeds), thru axles (12 x 142 and 12 x 148)
WEIGHT : 29kg
PRICE : €1,599.99
DISTRIBUTOR : Sport Pulsion
The + : 11-speed cassette included
THE – : Model weight
SARIS – H3
CHARACTERISTICS : Model with electromagnetic resistance that allows it to be reactive and powerful depending on the type of route chosen. Tilt simulation up to 20%, 2000W maximum power and accuracy of +/- 2%. Quieter device than its predecessor (H2). Carry handle for easy storage.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano/Sram from 9 to 11 gears
WEIGHT : 21.3kg
PRICE : 999 €
DISTRIBUTOR : Now company
The + : Front wheel support
THE – : No cassette included
TACX – Neo 2T Smart
CHARACTERISTICS : The top model from Tacx develops a maximum power of 2,200 W with an error margin in power calculation of +/- 1%. The slope simulation can be up to 25%. Connects to connected applications via Bluetooth and Ant+. Front support available.
COMPATIBILITY : Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo cassette from 9 to 12 V
WEIGHT : 21.5kg
PRICE : €1,299
DISTRIBUTOR : Garmin
The + : Tacx library with 100 HD videos
THE – : Price of the cassette to be added