I own one of these for a 2 weeks now. I have to say I'm pretty happy with it. I think the "beep" sound is the resistance kicking in, which is indeed strange when its not spinning. It's the exact same sound you can hear when you start pedaling and the trainer is starting to "produce" resistance. Xplova might have some design flow here. The units get very hot after one hour @ 230W. The temperature of the flywheel was over 55°C ten minutes after I stopped the training. Temperature indoor was around 15-17 °C. It is, however, transmitting speed data. At least, when connected with ANT+ to my Garmin Edge 520 plus or RGT Cycling app.
I don't understand these companies producing products, but half arsing the features. Really? The standard has been set by Tacx and Wahoo. If you can't match the feature set don't even try... just wow!
It's nice to see so many asian companies jumping on the smart trainer hype. Few iterations to catch up with the more established brands like Wahoo and Tacx and they will ultimately help bring the prices down.
For the rrp its no comparison to the kicker, but chainreaction had these at £500 and was the only trainer available during lockdown. For that money its a whole lot better than nothing.
My first thought: if it's about the same price as the Kickr Core but doesn't transmit cadence / speed I'd probably get a Kickr Core instead.. BUT 2020 is a bit of a strange year.... I think people will buy whatever they can get their hands on - trainers have been sold out for months :)
Kickr Core or Kickr doesnt do cadence / speed also. You will need to install a cadence sensor on your crank arms. Speed is calculated virtually with the apps. The only thing is if the price is about the same I would rather buy a Kickr Core for the reliability / brand name and better integration with Zwift and other apps as its been on the market far much longer. That said the Xplova does have higher max power output and gradient %, but then the majority of us will never push higher than 1800watts (max on the Core) anyways. If Xplova priced this trainer more competitively then it might be more interesting competition for the bigger brands.
@@marcuswong1797 the core does do cadence actually! (But they have only recently added that to the ANT signal). Before that you could only get cadence over bluetooth.
Ah, I was waiting for this review :-) glad I held out and got a kickr core in the end, when it finally became available. Let's hope mark 2 will solve the current issues and produce a better trainer or at least drop the price down to something a bit more adequate
I was thinking about smart trainers for those of us that have power meters on the bike - let's face it, that's how most people end up going anyway. But I don't think making a kickr level trainer sans power meter is going to be significantly or even a little less costly given how they measure power by flywheel speed? Maybe I just need to wait until more trainers flood the market. My kickr gen1 is providing great service even after this lockdown period (needs its own dedicated fan to stay cool though), and given i use the assiomas for power source, the only thing I miss is a quiter unit when racing or free riding on zwift (in erg, flywheel speed is low).
Really interesting, good work. I own this trainer and a couple of comments are a little harsh I think. The audible beep really is not noticeable, unless in a completely quiet room. Would have thought if there are major evidenced issues with power accuracy then Xplova, or Acer as the parent company, would have been pressed to address this through a firmware update? I expect they've done many lab controlled tests themselves (you don't ship a product on a best guess) so if they're selling at advertised 2.5% variance then they have a responsibility to ensure that is correct, or surely a case for false advertising? I can only compare with previously owned tacx units and this one is within a few watts, but I'm no expert and it is my first direct drive unit tbf. The spikes you detail are at a level I can only dream of. So for someone at my very amateur level, typically riding in region 250 to 300w on zwift, i don't think this is a huge issue. Ride feel and response, especially on climbs, is very good and at several hundred cheaper than the top end tacx and wahoo DD units, still decent value for me. Completely agree on the cadence but I use a garmin sensor anyway so not a problem, but yes, should be included at this level, and an extra £30 or so to factor in if you need one. I'm happy up to now. Sweat is sweat!!
I'm not here to make advertisements for companies, which a lot of smaller RUclipsrs do to help them grow. I publish my experience and data based on my proven testing protocol. See my video on the Magene T300 where I discuss my testing protocol and also how consumer protection bodies will soon get involved here. Companies in this space self-certify. There's no 'standards body' to keep them honest....so it's the wild west and I'll tell it like it is. I'm on the side of the consumer. These products need to be better.
No its a great review and absolutely don't doubt your findings, they're evident. Maybe I'm expecting more from the manufacturers, from a standards perspective, but clearly a QA gap in the market. Cheers.
@@gplama just a thought Shane. Taking into account the thermal variance that you detected. What would happen if I did a spin down calibration straight after a longer hard ride after say 1.5hrs, when the trainer is hot. Would this offset the problem or just cause issues when the trainer is operating earlier into a ride at a cooler working temp? I guess it might then cause underpower in the earlier stage of a ride?
I can get this for £250 now brand new, would you recommend at that price as a first smart trainer just mainly to use for zwift and not too worried about the accuracy.
I came to this video because the former Canadian distributor is selling these for $349 CAD. I was like “wow, I can get into the direct drive trainer game”. But after this video I’ll stick with my Saris M2 wheel on.
@@gplama I appreciate the reply. I went to the Xplova website to see if any of the specs have changed (ie cadence added) or to look for recent firmware. When landing on the page I received a notification about feature changes that are going to take place on Jan 1 2020. This didn’t inspire me with confidence that Xplova has been iterating to really improve their product. Oh well. Lots of used Kickr’s and Suito’s around if I do want to take the plunge.
it's crap after 2700 km or 6 days of use it will make a scrap noise and if you have exceeded the warranty time did not believe that the company will make a move to you
it's crap after 2700 km or 6 days of use it will make a scrap noise and if you have exceeded the warranty time did not believe that the company will make a move to you
I was able to get this at $460 AUD delivered. At this price it really puts it into a different category as other "mid tier" trainers. Thanks for the insightful review. Knowing the accuracy issues concerning this unit, is there any suggestions of how to offset these? i.e. spindown every week
Interesting. But as a low level (strength and fitness) rider, the thing I want most is smoothness, not data. The Kickr Core is ok, but not exactly buttery. Is that just my unit, or is that a common issue? It just feels a bit granular.
@@gplama Thanks, mate for the quick response. The only thing I haven't checked is gear hanger. I've seen other similar comments on recent uk forum sites though. www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/wahoo-kickr-core-vibration/39228
Which firmware rev did you use for the lama lab test. I have just bought one of these and use my powerbox pm for any racing etc on Zwift. My version has a cadence signal in the ant+ that reads as a powermeter on Zwift. Current FW is 1.134. They are currently selling these at $699.
When you turn it on do both lights come on? My Bluetooth light isn’t working and I cannot get it to connect to my app. Is it a problem that I don’t have an ANT+ dongle?
That depends. ANT+ Power only will allow for calibration over BLE. ANT+ "control" and/or ANT+ FE-C will mean Zwift tries to wrangle control of the trainer, so it's best to unpair and do it cleanly.
Do you know if they have updated the thermal drift problem since the release of this video? Its a year old and they have some close to me at a good price point. Awesome vid as always Lama!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are quite a few of copycats out there that’s what it looks like a copy paste of the wahoo kickr core design. I thought that Wahoo would protect their designs, or do they? Anyways, once more it is obvious that it are also the internals that count and not being externally very similar to another one. Thank you Shane for being once again for this great product test/review!
I don't think that you can protect what you call the design (the shape of the device) especially when there is enough difference in the shape. Also, they would need to sue every single company that tries to copy their design or their one or two lawsuits can be considered invalid. Why would they waste time when they have one of the best products on the market and the best customer service?
@@SkaiDragon that's very true. Sueing anybody that sounds more something like the "brand that shall not be said (but is starting with a P)" would do. 100% agree, that Wahoo doesn't need lawsuits to make people buy their excellent stuff ;-)
But.... it's not sold out! So better than nothing... as a smart trainer noob pretty happy with mine, albeit probably would have bought the Wahoo were it in stock.
Yeah, agree with the availability. It's nice to have some fun and exercise when we have to re-enter lock-down. Definitely will be great to see some improvements such as cadence from Xplova to their next generation. For what it's worth, nice to see a check on good ride feel, quiet and SIM mode. Guess I'm not pro enough to compete in Zwift so... good to just simply enjoying a ride 😅😅
These companies making smart trainers should be able to do all of this analysis before they even put their product to market. Why put out an inferior product from the beginning.
Lama do you know if the noza can transmit cadence through Bluetooth yet? struggle to do erg mode without cadence! would love a update from them similar to the kickr update
@@gplama love it. technology company not wanting to improve technology. Tried the partners NOZA today and just blew my mind I had to use alternative connections to have cadence, power and controllable trainer.
Do you know of a way to change my effective gear ratio in zwift @gplama? As in, I want to be riding further up the cassette. This will help lower flywheel speed/noise and also I will save on drivettain wear, I sit too often in the 12/13 tooth even in a 53 chainring - the disadvantage of getting fit enough to race A grade zwift....
@@gplama yeah gen1, it doesn't spin out easily. But I do end up sitting in the 53/12 at about 90rpm on the fast flat courses when the speeds pick up from the A+ guys surging, and am very often in the 13. It's not a huge deal, just wondered if i could utilise the larger cogs a bit more in the flat races with a circumference setting somewhere.
Nothing comes to mind on that one. The trainer difficulty setting works in the opposite direction (making things easier)... but that doesn't help at 0% gradients.
I've had a bunch of erg issues with trainerroad, where the erg instruction never seems to hit the trainer (using both normal & power match). I've had to resort to controlling the erg mode with the mobile app.
@@gplama version 1.134. I also had issues when doing the first update via the Noza S Patch app (it crashed on my phone), so that probably plays into it.
Yeah but still. Every 60 seconds? How does one of their engineers ride this for 3 minutes and not realise how annoying it is? What other trainers beep that much if at all?
Hi. Thanks for a great review. I bought this trainer two months ago for 500£ and i'm happy with it for my use. But i think there might be someting wrong with the one you testet. Because mine transmit speed and do not have that bleep everey 60 second. I have the latest firmware. And it's transmiting speed to my fenix 6. No cadence. but i already had a cadence sensor.
A dealers here in Chile is selling them as an alternative to stocking Garmin Taxc. In Chile we buy what there is though. I guess you also know that end being at of the supply chain feeling.
I own one of these for a 2 weeks now. I have to say I'm pretty happy with it.
I think the "beep" sound is the resistance kicking in, which is indeed strange when its not spinning. It's the exact same sound you can hear when you start pedaling and the trainer is starting to "produce" resistance.
Xplova might have some design flow here. The units get very hot after one hour @ 230W. The temperature of the flywheel was over 55°C ten minutes after I stopped the training. Temperature indoor was around 15-17 °C.
It is, however, transmitting speed data. At least, when connected with ANT+ to my Garmin Edge 520 plus or RGT Cycling app.
I don't understand these companies producing products, but half arsing the features. Really? The standard has been set by Tacx and Wahoo. If you can't match the feature set don't even try... just wow!
Xplova seems like an ominous name :p
Thank you Shane for all of your time and efforts.
It's nice to see so many asian companies jumping on the smart trainer hype. Few iterations to catch up with the more established brands like Wahoo and Tacx and they will ultimately help bring the prices down.
For the rrp its no comparison to the kicker, but chainreaction had these at £500 and was the only trainer available during lockdown. For that money its a whole lot better than nothing.
with no cadence data, that thing has a drawback for use it with a Apple TV - Kickr core would be a better buy, if you can get one ;-)
Hmmmm, my Acer laptop would overheat too! Lol. ;)
My first thought: if it's about the same price as the Kickr Core but doesn't transmit cadence / speed I'd probably get a Kickr Core instead.. BUT 2020 is a bit of a strange year.... I think people will buy whatever they can get their hands on - trainers have been sold out for months :)
Kickr Core or Kickr doesnt do cadence / speed also. You will need to install a cadence sensor on your crank arms. Speed is calculated virtually with the apps. The only thing is if the price is about the same I would rather buy a Kickr Core for the reliability / brand name and better integration with Zwift and other apps as its been on the market far much longer. That said the Xplova does have higher max power output and gradient %, but then the majority of us will never push higher than 1800watts (max on the Core) anyways. If Xplova priced this trainer more competitively then it might be more interesting competition for the bigger brands.
@@marcuswong1797 the core does do cadence actually! (But they have only recently added that to the ANT signal). Before that you could only get cadence over bluetooth.
Could you do a review on the thinkrider X7 ? Seems to be worth it? Thanks - I love your work!
Ah, I was waiting for this review :-) glad I held out and got a kickr core in the end, when it finally became available. Let's hope mark 2 will solve the current issues and produce a better trainer or at least drop the price down to something a bit more adequate
I was thinking about smart trainers for those of us that have power meters on the bike - let's face it, that's how most people end up going anyway. But I don't think making a kickr level trainer sans power meter is going to be significantly or even a little less costly given how they measure power by flywheel speed? Maybe I just need to wait until more trainers flood the market. My kickr gen1 is providing great service even after this lockdown period (needs its own dedicated fan to stay cool though), and given i use the assiomas for power source, the only thing I miss is a quiter unit when racing or free riding on zwift (in erg, flywheel speed is low).
no speed or cadence data!!!
Yes, pretty bloody poor
Another great review Shane, I will keep looking for a kickr core for now.😁👍
Really interesting, good work. I own this trainer and a couple of comments are a little harsh I think. The audible beep really is not noticeable, unless in a completely quiet room. Would have thought if there are major evidenced issues with power accuracy then Xplova, or Acer as the parent company, would have been pressed to address this through a firmware update? I expect they've done many lab controlled tests themselves (you don't ship a product on a best guess) so if they're selling at advertised 2.5% variance then they have a responsibility to ensure that is correct, or surely a case for false advertising? I can only compare with previously owned tacx units and this one is within a few watts, but I'm no expert and it is my first direct drive unit tbf. The spikes you detail are at a level I can only dream of. So for someone at my very amateur level, typically riding in region 250 to 300w on zwift, i don't think this is a huge issue. Ride feel and response, especially on climbs, is very good and at several hundred cheaper than the top end tacx and wahoo DD units, still decent value for me. Completely agree on the cadence but I use a garmin sensor anyway so not a problem, but yes, should be included at this level, and an extra £30 or so to factor in if you need one. I'm happy up to now. Sweat is sweat!!
I'm not here to make advertisements for companies, which a lot of smaller RUclipsrs do to help them grow. I publish my experience and data based on my proven testing protocol. See my video on the Magene T300 where I discuss my testing protocol and also how consumer protection bodies will soon get involved here. Companies in this space self-certify. There's no 'standards body' to keep them honest....so it's the wild west and I'll tell it like it is. I'm on the side of the consumer. These products need to be better.
No its a great review and absolutely don't doubt your findings, they're evident. Maybe I'm expecting more from the manufacturers, from a standards perspective, but clearly a QA gap in the market. Cheers.
@@gplama just a thought Shane. Taking into account the thermal variance that you detected. What would happen if I did a spin down calibration straight after a longer hard ride after say 1.5hrs, when the trainer is hot. Would this offset the problem or just cause issues when the trainer is operating earlier into a ride at a cooler working temp? I guess it might then cause underpower in the earlier stage of a ride?
@@paulc5623 Likely you're on the money there. In theory it'd be accurate at the temperature the spindown was performed at.
@@paulc5623 Further to that, I wonder if the thermal variance could be mitigated by aiming a small fan and on the vented (drive side) of the flywheel.
Thanks for sharing. Very informative. I'll stick to my kickr snap it does a decent job and it didn't cost the earth.
Sounds like a self-destructing meringue cake
Underrated dad joke
For my first Zwift trainer, would you suggest getting Xplova NOZA S or Wahoo Kickr Snap? They are both in the sub $800 here in Canada.
Unless Xplova have made significant updates to their firmware, I’d lean towards the CORE or even a Suito direct drive trainers.
I can get this for £250 now brand new, would you recommend at that price as a first smart trainer just mainly to use for zwift and not too worried about the accuracy.
Hello I'm always looking forward to watching your video. Do you know Japan's first Smart Trainer MINOURA KAGURA LSD9200?
I know it, yes. I don't have one to put through the Lama Lab at this point in time.
I came to this video because the former Canadian distributor is selling these for $349 CAD. I was like “wow, I can get into the direct drive trainer game”. But after this video I’ll stick with my Saris M2 wheel on.
This video is a few years old now. Maybe they’ve made a few updates, I’m not sure I haven’t tested the latest version.
@@gplama I appreciate the reply. I went to the Xplova website to see if any of the specs have changed (ie cadence added) or to look for recent firmware. When landing on the page I received a notification about feature changes that are going to take place on Jan 1 2020. This didn’t inspire me with confidence that Xplova has been iterating to really improve their product. Oh well. Lots of used Kickr’s and Suito’s around if I do want to take the plunge.
it's crap after 2700 km or 6 days of use it will make a scrap noise and if you have exceeded the warranty time did not believe that the company will make a move to you
it's crap after 2700 km or 6 days of use it will make a scrap noise and if you have exceeded the warranty time did not believe that the company will make a move to you
I was able to get this at $460 AUD delivered. At this price it really puts it into a different category as other "mid tier" trainers. Thanks for the insightful review. Knowing the accuracy issues concerning this unit, is there any suggestions of how to offset these? i.e. spindown every week
Thanks for the video!
very nice video,late to watch this review 😥😥😥😥 your right continue 😥hot hot hot
Can you use the trainer safely without plugging it in? Wish to know I can use it as a 'dumb' trainer without damaging it.
what an absolutely incredible video review. concise, broken up into chapters, and to the point. FANTASTIC video
Now that CRC selling Nova S on sale, is it worth buying?
Very interesting, has the Kickr Core issues been sorted now, is it safe to buy one trouble free?
I’m don’t see any reports rolling in from new owners like there were years ago.
Interesting. But as a low level (strength and fitness) rider, the thing I want most is smoothness, not data. The Kickr Core is ok, but not exactly buttery. Is that just my unit, or is that a common issue? It just feels a bit granular.
It shouldn't feel granular... check chain/cassette/etc.
@@gplama Thanks, mate for the quick response. The only thing I haven't checked is gear hanger. I've seen other similar comments on recent uk forum sites though. www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/wahoo-kickr-core-vibration/39228
Hey Shane,
as i was researching trainers I stumbled upon a new trainer from explova called noza v. Is there any chance of you reviewing it ?
Acer were keen to send one over when I met with them at Taipei Cycle back in April. I haven't heard from them since.
Which firmware rev did you use for the lama lab test. I have just bought one of these and use my powerbox pm for any racing etc on Zwift. My version has a cadence signal in the ant+ that reads as a powermeter on Zwift. Current FW is 1.134. They are currently selling these at $699.
I can't recall sorry. This was a while ago.
When you turn it on do both lights come on? My Bluetooth light isn’t working and I cannot get it to connect to my app. Is it a problem that I don’t have an ANT+ dongle?
Best contact Xplova for this one.
Out of curiousity... if you have it connected via ANT+ on Zwift, could you leave it connected whilst you use the Bluetooth connection to calibrate?
That depends. ANT+ Power only will allow for calibration over BLE. ANT+ "control" and/or ANT+ FE-C will mean Zwift tries to wrangle control of the trainer, so it's best to unpair and do it cleanly.
Using ANT+ can show cadence
Do you know if they have updated the thermal drift problem since the release of this video? Its a year old and they have some close to me at a good price point. Awesome vid as always Lama!
I'm not sure. No updates I've been made aware of.
If you're using a 3rd party power meter to control the trainer, do the weaknesses fall away a bit?
Yep.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but there are quite a few of copycats out there that’s what it looks like a copy paste of the wahoo kickr core design. I thought that Wahoo would protect their designs, or do they? Anyways, once more it is obvious that it are also the internals that count and not being externally very similar to another one. Thank you Shane for being once again for this great product test/review!
I don't think that you can protect what you call the design (the shape of the device) especially when there is enough difference in the shape. Also, they would need to sue every single company that tries to copy their design or their one or two lawsuits can be considered invalid. Why would they waste time when they have one of the best products on the market and the best customer service?
@@SkaiDragon that's very true. Sueing anybody that sounds more something like the "brand that shall not be said (but is starting with a P)" would do. 100% agree, that Wahoo doesn't need lawsuits to make people buy their excellent stuff ;-)
But.... it's not sold out! So better than nothing... as a smart trainer noob pretty happy with mine, albeit probably would have bought the Wahoo were it in stock.
I just hope Acer/Xplova continue the ongoing development to support owners to eventually match the specs as they've sold.
Yeah, agree with the availability. It's nice to have some fun and exercise when we have to re-enter lock-down. Definitely will be great to see some improvements such as cadence from Xplova to their next generation. For what it's worth, nice to see a check on good ride feel, quiet and SIM mode. Guess I'm not pro enough to compete in Zwift so... good to just simply enjoying a ride 😅😅
These companies making smart trainers should be able to do all of this analysis before they even put their product to market. Why put out an inferior product from the beginning.
I ask myself the same question.
Covid monies
Lama do you know if the noza can transmit cadence through Bluetooth yet? struggle to do erg mode without cadence! would love a update from them similar to the kickr update
No idea sorry, they’ve gone quiet on me since this review. They weren’t happy with a technical analysis. 🤷🏻♂️
@@gplama love it. technology company not wanting to improve technology. Tried the partners NOZA today and just blew my mind I had to use alternative connections to have cadence, power and controllable trainer.
Hope to see your review of Xplova Noza V posted!
Didn’t even know it existed. I’ll keep an eye out for it at the Taipei Cycle show next week.
Aren't xplova and magene one in the same?
Different companies
Do you know of a way to change my effective gear ratio in zwift @gplama? As in, I want to be riding further up the cassette. This will help lower flywheel speed/noise and also I will save on drivettain wear, I sit too often in the 12/13 tooth even in a 53 chainring - the disadvantage of getting fit enough to race A grade zwift....
No way I know of in SIM mode. Is this a Kickr GEN 1? (guess from your other comment). That shouldn't spin out easily in the 53/12 in races.
@@gplama yeah gen1, it doesn't spin out easily. But I do end up sitting in the 53/12 at about 90rpm on the fast flat courses when the speeds pick up from the A+ guys surging, and am very often in the 13. It's not a huge deal, just wondered if i could utilise the larger cogs a bit more in the flat races with a circumference setting somewhere.
Nothing comes to mind on that one. The trainer difficulty setting works in the opposite direction (making things easier)... but that doesn't help at 0% gradients.
@@gplama cheers, if I figure out something I'll let you know.
I've had a bunch of erg issues with trainerroad, where the erg instruction never seems to hit the trainer (using both normal & power match). I've had to resort to controlling the erg mode with the mobile app.
Which firmware version are you on?
@@gplama version 1.134. I also had issues when doing the first update via the Noza S Patch app (it crashed on my phone), so that probably plays into it.
Do you do TR and zwift simultaneously?
@@mrwezbo No tr on the phone only, with all other apps closed. I have not yet tried ant + on a desktop, might try that one day
Hola buenos días, se puede colocar un cassette pignarelo de 9v a este rodillo
The freehub will be compatible with a 9 speed HG (HyperGlide) cassette.
Gracias
isn't the beep to remind you to disconnect from power/mains?
No.
Yeah but still. Every 60 seconds? How does one of their engineers ride this for 3 minutes and not realise how annoying it is? What other trainers beep that much if at all?
My xplova Trainer dosen't beep. The firmware is 1.134
Hi. Thanks for a great review. I bought this trainer two months ago for 500£ and i'm happy with it for my use. But i think there might be someting wrong with the one you testet. Because mine transmit speed and do not have that bleep everey 60 second. I have the latest firmware. And it's transmiting speed to my fenix 6. No cadence. but i already had a cadence sensor.
Ok.. You have good ears 👌 There is a low beep. But i can only hear it when it's completly silent in the room.
Didn't have to be immediately!
?
@@gplama Last week I asked if you planned to do a review of the Noza and less than a week later..Le voilà!
A dealers here in Chile is selling them as an alternative to stocking Garmin Taxc. In Chile we buy what there is though. I guess you also know that end being at of the supply chain feeling.
@@Never_unknown Ahhh. :)
Out of interest - how does the Kickr CORE calculate cadence and how accurate is it?
All the details here: ruclips.net/video/xmWW4Np7P7g/видео.html
Thanks Shane. Specifically, how accurate have you found the KICKR CORE’s cadence calculations to be?
@@petew8350 Really good for me. It does depend on the rider and pedal stroke smoothness/etc.
How about a round up of smart trainers for Campag users. And answer the question if it really is all ok mixing Sram/Shimano/Campag with 11 speed.
I don't have anything Campy here. Most trainers have the option for users to switch to a Campy native freehub.