The world of smart trainers is getting more and more crowded, and choosing the best turbo trainer for your needs can be a challenge. This is especially true for those just starting to cycle indoors. With this end of the market in mind, Zwift released Hub. This is a smart trainer that is easy to set up and use and all at an affordable price.
Zwift Hub: Build and Set Up
(Image credit: Future)
Usually when you open a smart trainer box, you may find many unnamed parts and a manual to help you assemble it. This norm is in stark contrast when you take the Zwift Hub out of the box. The parts are simple, the instructions are easy to follow, and even the least tech-savvy person can set up the trainer in about 5-10 minutes. Mounting your bike is also very easy with a card designed to help you measure your bike’s dropouts and an easy-to-follow adapter built in.
Connecting the trainer to Zwift or any other platform was very easy thanks to the ANT+ connectivity. However, you can also connect via Bluetooth. A true benefit of unit connectivity is the ability to use the trainer as a bridge. This means you can broadcast heart rate, speed, cadence and power numbers all in one data stream. Especially useful for devices with limited device connectivity such as Apple TV. The connection is solid, and while I was with my trainer, I didn’t experience any signal dropouts, despite the ANT+ protocol being prone to signal interference from other devices.
This unit was created to bridge the gap between less tech-savvy consumers and those just wanting to get started with Zwift, but the hub actually comes with a $499/£449 price tag. It boasts pretty decent numbers. It has a claimed accuracy of +/- 2.5%, a maximum resistance of 1800 watts and can simulate gradients up to 16%. The flywheel weighs 4.7 kg and the trainer he is controllable with ANT+, FEC and Bluetooth FTMS.
Zwift Hub: Ride
(Image credit: Future)
The ride was smooth and measured, only occasionally choppy at lower cadences. I didn’t feel like I was there.
The ERG mode was smooth and responded quickly to changes in the game’s gradation. Currently, you have to run a spin down calibration, but Zwift is working to include a software upgrade, which means it’s automatic.
(Image credit: Future)
The nice thing about being a Zwift product is that all software updates are downloadable through Zwift itself, making usership a lot easier. One aspect was the power and cadence numbers, which were compared to other trainers using the same connection method, namely ANT+. Stability is always slightly compromised by leg layout. This is common with trainers that use the parallel 2-bar format, but I’ve found that it’s only a problem when actually getting the beans out of the saddle.
The sound of the trainer is relatively quiet, on par with other trainers in this price range. It’s not dedicated, but the hub’s ERG mode was actually pretty easy to use, so using it is a viable option compared to other trainers that can put you in a death spiral of ever-increasing resistance I live in an apartment on the top floor, so I think my neighbors who live below were subconsciously very grateful for ERG mode.
If you like research and are looking for all the other options in the $500 to £500 smart trainer price range, you may have come across the JetBlack Volt. You might also wonder why the trainer looks so familiar. Sure, they share a lot of the same DNA, but Zwift is committed to making the trainer compatible with any bike with adapters and modified trainers his housing. . We’ve also upgraded the internal components to improve the trainer’s performance and durability.
A few other drawbacks of this trainer are the lack of carry handles.There is no obvious place to pick it up, so it is rather awkward when moving around.The weight is definitely better than others in this category. I’m here. This is a positive. However, it’s not the most convenient to store or carry because it doesn’t have foldable legs.
Overall, considering the features packed into this trainer and the simple setup and sheer value it offers, it’s a little easier for anyone looking to start training indoors. I think it’s the best bang for the back trainer out there.
Zwift Hub: Value
Considering the Zwift Hub is priced at $499 / £449, it offers best-in-class value. The aforementioned JetBlack Volt 2 retails for $499 / £699 (US prices have recently been reduced to match the hub, but many UK retailers have also reduced prices). Max drag and grade simulations are the same, but with the lighter flywheel and testing we found the ride to be noticeably ‘choppy’ at times.The Tacx Flux S costs $749 / £549, but Slightly less accurate than Zwift Hub. Wahoo’s Kickr Core, on the other hand, matches the maximum resistance of the hub, but is considerably more expensive at full retail at $899.99 / $699.99.
specification
- Power accuracy: +/- 2.5%
- Maximum Wattage: 1800 watts
- Maximum gradient simulation: 16%
- Connectivity: Bluetooth FTMS and ANT+ FE-C
- Flywheel weight: 4.7kg / 10.3lbs
- gross weight: 15kg / 33lbs
