PAIN CAVE NECESSITIES

Canadian triathletes are all too familiar with the realities of training through the winter—read, we all know that a trainer of some sort is a critical part of our equipment needs. Here’s a look at some great options to add to your pain cave, whether to get you through a long-winter, or to enhance your summer training with some time-efficient workouts.

Dare2Ride Fuego 1.0

$1,155 Having made its debut on the market in the winter of 2021, the Fuego 1.0 is the first trainer from Dare2Ride, a spinoff company of Dare2Tri. The initial run of trainers was quickly swept up by Europeans, including Norway’s Olympic gold medalist Kristian Blummenfelt, but Canadian triathletes can order the Fuego 1.0 online. With ANT+, ANT+FE-C and Bluetooth Smart connection capabilities, you can easily connect this trainer to any cycling platforms, including Zwift. This quiet trainer (52 dB at 30 km/h) offers a max power output of 2,500 watts and a max simulated incline of 20 per cent, enough to challenge even Blummenfelt. The trainer comes with all the hardware you’ll need to connect either a disc- or rim-braked bike.

Tacx Neo 2T

$1,820 With an ability to simulate inclines of up to 25 per cent and 2,200 watts of resistance, the Neo 2T packs a lot of punch in a relatively small footprint. Accurate to one per cent, this remarkably silent trainer provides a realistic road feel using dynamic inertia to simulate outdoor riding. If you’re using the Tacx software or Zwift the Neo 2T even vibrates to simulate riding on different road surfaces, and the Ultimate Immersion feature provides a realistic feel for descents, too. Connected to a compatible bike computer, you’ll also get left/right power balance to get the most out of your training, too.

Wahoo Kickr Core

$1,300 With a 12-lb. flywheel to help simulate an outdoor riding experience, the Kickr Core is very quiet, is accurate to within two per cent and provides up to a 16 per cent grade simulation. As with all Wahoo products, set up is a breeze, and the Kickr Core provides ANT+, ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s compatible with other Kickr products including the Headwind and Climb, while also providing third-party power meter support. It’s also easy to set up a variety of different bikes—everything from discor rim-brakes and thru- or regular axles.

Elite Nero Roller

$1,035 For those looking to ride a set of rollers, but also want to be part of the online cycling boom, the Nero rollers are the answer. With ANT+ and Bluetooth connection options, you get to utilize training apps like Zwift while also working on your balance and bike handling skills. The Nero can simulate slopes of up to 7 per cent. You get a remarkably road-like feel, while the floating system and parabolic shape of the three rollers makes it easier for those new to riding rollers, too. Once you’re done the rollers fold to half their size, making storage a breeze.—KM