The ride feel is high quality, it's highly accurate with power accuracy a claimed +/-1%, and not even world-class sprinters will trouble its wattage ceiling at a huge 2,200 watts. The Wi-Fi connection is claimed to be 65% faster than Bluetooth or ANT+, so if you race on indoor training platforms like Zwift it's probably the best on the market for ensuring nothing cuts out mid-event. Interestingly, according to Elite, they claim that the maximum resistance offered by the Qubo is 1,070W, which for the vast majority of people would be enough, however if you are someone who often sees past this output then this is unlikely to suit your needs. On the other hand, the accuracy for measuring power is pretty impressive given it’s one of the cheapest smart trainers on the market. In addition to the impressive accuracy, for a wheel-on turbo trainer, this unit is pretty quiet in comparison to others of a similar design, but it unfortunately cannot beat the quiet nature of the direct drive turbos. Cooling System: External, self-cooling mechanisms, including patented fan design, keep unit performing better, But, just because this offering from Saris is cheap doesn’t mean you have to miss out on riding with friends or using your favourite indoor riding apps. Usefully fitted with a speed/cadence sensor, this means that the unit works with training apps like Zwift and Rouvy. Therefore, although basic, you can still enjoy some visual stimulation and motivation for a fraction of the price of other turbo trainers. That being said, it isn’t as quiet as a direct drive turbo and the simulated power reading won't be accurate.

An indoor bike trainer is a great way to not let your prowess on the bike fall down over the colder months. Even if you head out as often as the sun is shining you're going to be sitting at home on the sofa more often than you would be over summer. An indoor bike stand trainer gives you the option not just to train but to train on your road bike, without having and extra cost and maintenance of a spinning machine - let alone the extra space needed to house another large piece of equipment. Equipment While I do have a power meter I used for most of my training on the Fluid2, I did put a few sessions in using Zwift's zPower estimate from the Saris speed/cadence sensor. Against the power meter readings my zPower was overreading quite considerably, but then again neither Zwift nor Saris claim the estimated power is accurate. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. Also, it overreads quite consistently, so if you just want a number and aren't particularly bothered if it's real-world, it's cheaper than going for direct drive.Cooling System: External, self-cooling mechanisms, including patented fan design, keep unit performing better, longer

Personally I was pleasantly surprised with the pretty gentle whirring from the roller. It doesn't bother my other half – who can be watching telly less than 10 metres and one door away – and I had no complaints from next door. Saris claims the Fluid2 is 69 decibels loud at 20mph; for me on a flat road that's about 200 watts, and using the dB Meter app on my phone, I found that claim pretty much spot on. Value With the legs folded out ready for action, the M2 has a footprint of 58cm long x 77cm wide x 40cm tall. With the legs folded in for storage it reduces the size to 33cm long x 52cm wide x 49cm tall, which makes for easy storage. What happens when you pair a speed sensor with a #1 best-selling bike trainer? You get a combo that’s ready for any virtual – or non-virtual – training ride. It’s the ideal setup for budget-conscious athletes looking to join fun, virtual communities, like Zwift, without a traditional smart trainer.

The trainer can also replicate graidents of up to 15 percent. Claimed power accuracy is +/- 5 percent. Simon Bromley/Immediate Media We'll deal with smart trainers first. These sophisticated trainers are trying to replicate the outdoor riding experience from the comfort of your own home, and if this is what you want then it's useful to practise your outside riding habits like changing gear. If you want to take part in virtual cycling events like Zwift races, you'll need to use your gears to react to changes in gradient or catch breaks, so it's just as important that your gears are shifting properly indoors as outdoors. Even when you're cycling inside you still need to wear the right clothes for a successful ride, you'll be out of the weather so we recommend cool cycling clothing. You'll be on your bike with the same chances of slipping a pedal and smashing your shin, so a cycling shoe is still a good investment. If the items we have sent you are faulty, damaged or not as we described, we will cover the cost of collection and the delivery of the correct item. Better health. Faster splits. More me-time. Whatever your goals may be, the Fluid² helps you get the most out of each indoor training ride.

Want to train with Zwift? All you need is a speed sensor. Visit our setup guide to learn how to get started. Want to train with cycling tech apps like zwift or cycleops virtual training? All you need is an easy to add speed sensor to make your Saris Fluid 2 Smart Trainer compatible. Features Still, the Fluid 2 has a relatively natural feel, and it's near enough to the road that it's not a distraction or frustrating, the way the slippier tire drive models can be. For its low cost and simplicity, it's an excellent choice, especially for riders just looking to get a few hours in a week for a short indoor season. Design

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Saris says the Fluid2 is 'power-tuned for a road-like feel'... I don't really know what that means, but I do know that for a trainer that isn't smart, the ride is definitely the best I've tried. It doesn't feel exactly road-like, of course – and it's not as good as a high-quality direct drive – but the gear switching element and clever progressive resistance-matching is arguably even more realistic than smart training where the machine does the work. The large, precision-balanced flywheel on the Saris Fluid 2 Turbo Trainer (with patented fan design) lets you easily customise each ride simply by shifting gears, just as you would outside. This design also helps keep your fluid2 working better - longer. And thanks to our built-to-last manufacturing process, the fluid2 can help you conquer one goal after the next.Want to train with zwift or cycleops virtualtraining? All you need is a speed sensor. Visit oursetup guideto learn how to get started. The Saris H3 is another very well-priced direct drive smart trainer which offers the rider a quiet, solid and accurate ride for a lot less money than many other rivals within the market. It’s also pretty user friendly in terms of setting it up and is a great all round option for those looking in the mid-price range but still want a quality feel.