Zwift Hub £449
When unboxing a smart trainer you’re often left with a lot of unnamed parts to assemble. But not with the Zwift Hub. The parts are simple and the instructions easy to follow meaning you can set the trainer up in around five to 10 minutes – it even comes with a cassette included.
Connecting the trainer to Zwift, or any other platform for that matter, was easy to do thanks to the ANT+ connection (you can also connect via Bluetooth). A real triumph of the unit’s connectivity is the ability to use the trainer as a bridge, meaning you can broadcast your heart rate, speed, cadence and power numbers all in one data stream.
While aimed at the less tech savvy and those wanting to just get going on Zwift, the Hub does actually boast some pretty decent numbers. It has a claimed accuracy of +/- 2.5%, a maximum resistance of 1,800 watts and it can simulate gradients up to 16%.
The ride sensation was smooth and measured and only occasionally choppy at lower cadences. I found the 4.7kg flywheel spun up fairly quickly; however, at the other end, I didn’t feel as though I was spinning the trainer out at the higher power numbers. The sound is relatively quiet too, an on a par with other trainers in the price bracket.
Currently, you do have to perform a spin-down calibration, but Zwift is working to include a software upgrade which means it will be automatic.
Stability was always going to be slightly compromised with the two-bar format legs but I only found it to be an issue when really giving it the beans out of the saddle.
Overall, when you consider the features that are packed into this trainer, along with the simple set-up and sheer value it provides, it’s a bit of a no-brainer for anyone looking to start training indoors.