WAHOO KICKR CORE R17 999, wahoofitness.co.za

This is the smallest and most straightforward trainer from Wahoo Fitness. “It’s a great option if you’re on a budget,” says Jarryd Haley from East City Cycles. “Most of us don’t need all the features of the KICKR 5.0, which costs R7k more.” The main differences between the two relate to the physical operation of the unit, not the way it feels or integrates with the software – on that front, they’re nearly identical. The Core doesn’t come with a cassette, for example, whereas the KICKR 5.0 does; and the 5.0 is height-adjustable, if you want to tweak the fit with various bikes. (Turn the page for more trainer options – Ed.)

If you’re going to invest in an older road bike and use it more or less permanently fitted to the trainer, the Core is a winner. It’s superquiet and offers a realistic ride feel, and it takes up hardly any room in your pain cave.