Bought this one about 3 weeks ago, happy camper. Great unit. The printer hum doesn’t bother me one bit. When sitting on the bike the noise level is a lot less than what this video makes you think it is. I can comfortably use this at 5am in the big ring at 40kph without waking anyone up in the room next door. The trainer sits on tiled floors, we have no carpets or any of that sort and live in an apartment. I had expected noise to be an issue and the flooring to transfer it well, the walls on reflect a lot but a TV at conversational volume drowns it out. Loving it. Thanks Shane and DCRainmaker for the reviews!
I got a humming production unit as well. On the first ride it was slightly irritating and I was concerend it would annoy me in the long run, but when I spent some time on it riding on Zwift I hardly ever noticed it. All in all it is a very solid trainer and I'm very happy with it so far.
just changed my vortex smart for the elite direto based on your review.really happy with this trainer .definitely a level up .great trainer. keep up the good work with your videos 🖒
Thanks shane because of your videos i finally ordered today the Direto. I think it is a good choice. Thanks for your review. I only paid 650 Euro in Germany I‘m looking forward for your videos.
This is my first smart trainer (former Cycleops Jet Pro) and i must admit it makes Zwift more of a challenge. My unit makes the humming noise and I was also having an issue when I shifted down to the smallest cog on my cassette. I have a 2016 Specialized Roubaix and I found the noise was due to Specialize's CSC hub spacing. I went to my LBS and got a non-CSC hanger and the noise went away like magic. It took me a couple days and several hours to figure this out, so I hope it helps. Thanks Shane, I'm addicted to your channel and Zwift!
isabela castro My bike is a QR. Specialized has this SCS spacing for bikes with disc brakes. The hanger has an offset of 2.5 mm inwards which wasn’t allowing proper shifts onto the small cog. I bought a non-SCS hanger and everything is shifting properly now.
I have just bought a Direto and I have to say i'm really happy with it so far. Very smooth and responsive, the feet were a real pain to fit as the metal plate at the bottom of the unit was tightened too much which left the bolt holes for the feet slightly out of line. However, after a loosen up of the 5 phillips screws on the bottom of the machine I was able to seat the leg bolts in correctly and tighten everything up ok.
Thanks Shane for a nice review, which helped me choose between the Flux and Direto. Have only used the Direto for a couple of weeks, but it's great so far. Keep up your good reviews!
Just in time... I'm about to put my order in for one of these. Glad to see an updated review now that you've had more hours on the unit. Unfortunately the Canadian supplier is out of stock until early December :/. Thanks for the update Shane!
Shane, You and Ray have convinced me to step up and drink the kool-aid. I ordered the Direto, used Ray's coupon too. Woo! I will use a Campy Veloce cassette on the Direto as my trainer bike is a 1994 Specialized Allez with Campy. Got the Elite adapter. Appreciate your attention to those details in your 1st Direto post. Now I am waiting for delivery. Thanks!
Thanks for the through review. I´m in the market for the first time for a hoimetrainer and had actually decided for the Tacx Flux but thanks to your efforts I think my choice the Direto
Great update, as always Shane. Looking at the prices in the UK and they are dropping already seen them being sold for £520!!! One for my Christmas list me thinks.
Brand new www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-direto-smart-b-trainer-power-mtr-interactive?as=athlete&kwd_id=20051-AGI-45033100986-ASI-309062458493-ASEL0171001&gclid=CjwKCAjw6szOBRAFEiwAwzixBXjA6gTspeIhYcVwF9UDq5DJE2ebuyfmOPgHhjneUBLh4hOjbPH0mhoC9MwQAvD_BwE
But have they actually got any in stock? Got mine a week or so ago from Halfords (full price, but it was only place in the UK I could find them in stock).
I ordered from athleteshop at £520 on 30/09 with 17/10 delivery date found out today 30/10 that delivery was delayed until feb-18! Took cash upon order feel it was a scam to get orders in with no intention to fulfil!
DCRs UK link from his blog still quoting £749.99 with availability 'early November'. Think I'll wait till I'm sure the stock is there before parting with any cash.
I've had my Direto since Nov 2017, first used it with Zwift, then moved onto TrainerRoad and have stayed with TR. There is no hum, no weird noises. There is the stepping motor but for me it sounds cool, I know it's working, it's an electronic noise. If you are a first time Indoor trainer user these trainer noises is not a concern. In the real world your Box fan used to cool you off will be way louder, that and the video's and music coming off the PC. It's a great machine, no regrets, no I don't work for Elite : )
I am on Qubo too, if Direto price comes down to around $800 (AU), I will pull the trigger, no brainer, this is the best value for money Direct Drive FE-C trainer.
Probably purchasing this unit after trying to decide on a Kickr17 or Neo. Was going to go Neo but I'm no pro or even elite expert. This looks like a great unit at $600 less. Thanks for the great info.
I got the non humming one! And I love it, I've put about 700km on it. I got mine for 999 Canadian. Setup was a breeze and the ride is awesome. For this price point I think it woops on the Flux and the Kickr. Don't hesitate!
I got mine at my local bike shop, but please contact him, I'm sure he will ship. Here's the link www.ols.ca Brett is the owner, tell him Chris sent ya!
Looks like this could be the first real step forward in the market towards decent affordable smart trainers. Will be interesting to see pricing and availability in Australia.
I contacted Cassons, the Australian Importer for Elite, they will be A$1299 and landing in Mid November. Decent price, should shake the market up a bit.
Thanks for all your great vids! awesome. my wife and i are having a Baby, so we have talked about getting me a smart trainer, so i can be home, but still able to train. we live in an aparment, so noise levels are key! i am currently looking on the Direto vs, the Flux. About the same price in Denmark. Flux sound a bit more soft, but i like the more skinny Direto (storing) and the fact that it produces more watts... the main purpose, would be to go on to Zwift. i will buy noise/vibration cancelling mats, but which trainer would you suggest? which one gives me the full potential of Zwift? gradients, easy to use, storage etc.. Again, thanks alot for a great channel.
Hey Shane, I got the "humming" Direto since three weeks and it is great; so far 230 km in. My first bike and so indoor seasson this year. It is really hard not train when entering home and seeing the Direto in front of the TV. :-) REALY got addicted to Zwift and the Direto. Thanks for the follow-up. What I find annoying is the fact that you need the myETraining app to do the calibration. What I was wondering about is the "Power smoothing" feature and how it works. When starting it then only "Do not stop peddeling" is displayed and thats it. Thanks for all the reviews and your channel. All the best and ride on!
I've found calibration only needs to be done once.... maybe once every few months? It's not required every ride for optimal accuracy like wheel-on trainers. RE: Smoothing: "smoothing it to give a more pleasant visualization. In these cases, only the displayed data is modified while the developed power remains the same" - Elite support forums.
Thanks Shane for the response. Single calibration is a great thing. I think I go for calibration every now and than, just for the good feeling that I take things serious enough. :-P And also thanks for the "Power Smoothing" thing. As there is no big red "FORUM" button at the elite website, I did not know that the is one. Now it is in my bookmarks. Bests and ride on!
I have had one of these for a week now. The unboxing video was really helpful. So far a bit of a bumpy ride. Biggest problem has been connecting to Zwift. It took a lot of exchanges with Zwift support and experimenting with different bits of kit. I had to try 3 different phones before I got a link to Zwift. There seems to be a known issue with Android. Now I can ride but the trainer is not recognized as a Smart Trainer. It only shows in the Power and Cadence sections. I have seen reported that other people have a similar issue. If I can get it to work properly I'm sure it will be a great piece of kit and it's not too noisy.
Their focus on Android has always been a low priority. I've speculated why a few times. People get angry. Get an ANT+ dongle or adapter to bypass all the issues with BLE.
Congratulations on the video. Have you ever noticed that during long FTP training sessions for the same power, the ERG mode appears to be easier than the level mode? Thank you
Having read your update (and DC Rainmaker) AND having ridden the Flux , Direto and Drivo. I'm going for the Direto. I don't need the extras on the Drivo and I'm not so keen on how the Tacx model feels
I have just invested in one of these. I admit its still a chunk of cash to find but after wasting months and money trying to 'save' money on the crappy TACX products Im loathe to ever use them again. Sure, you get what you pay for sometimes. Arrives in few days and so looking forward to it after 2 months of being messed around
Great video! Basic question: do you connect via BLE or ANT+? I have some problems that the Direto does not properly work when connected via Bluetooth. Then TrainerRoad/Zwift dont control the Direto until I completely reconnect the trainer in the app and put the iOS device shortly into air plane mode. With ANT+ it seems to be working fine...
Hi Shane, thanks for the useful tests and reviews. Would you recommend this unit for a “beginner” in indoor training? Or something like the Turno (or Kura) would be better? Never used trainers before but I think I need to up a bit my cycle training - especially in winter.
Great in depth videos. I am trying to choose a good smart trainer. I am 51yrs old and bike for fitness. I do push hard. The Elite Direto seems to be a good choice for someone like me. The tacx flux scares me with all the break downs reported. Any insight would be great. I can afford the Tacx Neo but I don't think I need it.
If you can, drop into a local bike shop and test ride with your own bike. They should be able to help you choose which is best for your riding. And most of all - help you with any after sales support.
I live hours from any bike shop that carries them. Closest would be Montreal Canada, but I am in the US and would have to pay duty on the purchase. I just purchased the Direto aka "Dorito" online today. Should be in next week. I have watched all of your video's and DC Rainmakers as well. You guys really go in depth and I think I made the correct choice. Zwift bound!! Winters are LONG in Upstate N.Y. in the US LOL! Again great work breaking down all of the pros, cons, strengths, and weaknesses of all trainers. Thank you for the swift response!
I’ve observed something strange with the Direto. When pairing with zwift on a win10 machine using ant+, the direto resistance only changes up to slopes of 7 to 8%. It remains at its highest resistance level from then on. You can clearly hear there is no more zooming of the stepper motor. I’ve observed the same thing in the elite myetrainer application. So they spec 14%, but find it is only 50% of that. I also found it behaves different when paired using ant+ vs using the iphone as a BT bridge. It feels more realistic. Both of course with the realism setting- or whatever it is called- to 100%. The strange thing with ant+ is that you continuously hear the stepper motor zooming. You’d expect that it simply changes the break resistance for a certain slope and then stays there until a grade change comes on the route. Thus only happens with ant+. In BT via iphone, it changes as expected but slope range is far more limited than expected. In the climb to the transmission tower I’m continuously on max resistance even though slope varies between 10 and 17%. It can’t track that. I wonder if it is a problem with my unit or a general problem with the direto. As an fyi, if a so call level training in myetrainer SW is chosen, the can hear the resistance change for each of the steps (1-16). Shane, could you check if you observe the same thing?
To add to the above: confirmed by Elite. The slope is a setting that is controlled by the direto based on speed. Any fluctuation in speed makes the direto adapt the resistance. Also, Elite confirmed that slope grade is not 15% at lower speeds. They can share a nice diagram that shows what power is max possible at the highest resistance setting vs speed. For 10kph this is typical 216 W. For a rider my weight, this corresponds, according to the model they use, to a slope of 9.5% (78 kg, 0 kg of the bike). I don’t know what the weight of the bike is that I’m using on zwift. It is is 8 kg, that slope would be 8.5%. Fortunately, zwift adapts the speed to the power your pushing and that is measured very accurately. This is like the effect of going to a bigger cog on the rear cassette. Probably a cog you don’t have in real life for a slope of 14% :-). The other option to have the real feel for 14% with the actual gear you have on the bike, is to produce more power that matches the power I would have to produce to ride 10.6 kph with 70 rpm cadence: 364 W. Also Elite explained Zwift is using a faulty implementation of the BT Elite specific protocol. This is why the behavior with BT trough the zwift mobile link is different than the one with using ANT+ FE-C. The latter is the better one.
I'll be ordering mine at the end of the week. Need to have something to do over the Wisconsin winters! Lama - should I get a 105 cassette to put on my trainer instead of an ultegra one to save a few bucks?
My direto doesn't make any noise when I plug it in and the resistance doesn't change with Zwift or even the elite app when connected via bluetooth. I wonder if I have a defective unit.
I recently switched to a doritto (sorry, direto) after a year on Zwift with a dumb Fluid2 wheel-on trainer. The main reason for the switch was to get (more) accurate power readings (also the Fluid2 was starting to vibrate a bit). Over the past year I found that my average speed on Zwift with the Fluid2 was about 30 km/h (over about 5000 km), compared to about 25 km/h on the road (again over about 5000 km) I'm not a strong rider (Zwift FTP ~ 200W), and as I don't have a power meter on my road bike the only way I can compare road to Zwift power output is to use average speeds, although Strava usually estimates my average power output over a 2-3 hour ride at ~ 160W. I can think of all sorts of reasons for this discrepancy, some of which are probably specific to the way I ride, but I thought that the one thing I could control was to use a trainer with a more accurate power measurement, hence the doritto (I don't race or compete so I'm not going to splash £500 on power pedals). Blow me down, having switched to the doritto my Zwift FTP has gone UP by 20W and my average speed increased by 2 km/h (admittedly this is only over 250 km so far), so the discrepancy is increased by switching to a more accurate trainer, not decreased. Is this sort of difference (about 20 %) between road and Zwift typical, and always in the same direction (i.e. Zwift "more efficient" than road)?
Hi Shane, really enjoy your videos keep'em coming! Got a quick question for you. On the non drive side of the Direto a washer is used along with the skewer. The washer has a smooth side and a knurled side. Would you know which side faces the Direto? The instruction manual doesn't mention the orientation of the washer. Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the great videos GPLama. Would the Elite Direto be able to support an 11-32 shimano cassette + the longer derailleur ? Is there enough clearance? Haven't been able to find this out anywhere. Thank you.
Hi Shane, awesome review! I bought myself a Direto. Now in you review you compared power of the Direto and you bike power meter in 1 graph. Any tips/ trick to do that? I want to compare my power meter and Direto as well.. thanks
Hey Shane, love the videos. I currently use a cycleops powerbeam pro and was looking for something quieter to not wake the family. Do you consider direct drive or wheel on trainers to be quieter? Was looking at the direto or cycleops hammer, thanks
Thanks Shane, ya the Neo is incredibly quiet, surprised that other hi -ends trainers are unable to match. Coming from the cycleops powerbeam, are wheel on trainers louder than direct? Kickr (V1) sounds terrible and the direto seems like viable option but want to know if I would actually tell the difference, baby #2 on way can't wake family.
Thanks! If you had to choose between the Kickr Snap and the Direto which would you buy? Besides wheel-on and wheel-off, are there any other significant performance differences?
i would really like a comparison of the direto vs the flux, they are at pretty much the same price in europe and atleast for me (a person that has a power meter on his bike) these entry level direct drive trainers are very interesting, why spend 400+€ more on a high end, thanks for the awesome content
Hey Shane, I know it's difficult to compare , but what would you buy today if it was your money. The kickr snap (wheel on) or this elite direto (direct drivetrain)?? I'm looking for some great work-outs on zwift and with maximum road feel and with limited noise. After reading all the reviews and video's, can't make up mind. Your opinion would be very appreciated!
Thanks for the video. It partly influenced my choice to order a Direto, which worked gently and silent the first 500 km's, but then came up with an occasionally occurring noise that sounds like an unbalanced rotating piece going into resonance (like badly aligned brake discs). It usually comes up when I am changing from high to lower power input. Anyone else who shares this experience?
Shane, if price is not an issue.. between Direto and Kickr'17 which one would you choose? Don't care about 'Wahoo climb", but need durability, accuracy and compatibility with TA and disk brakes. Thank you!
I'm no good at this role play... let me check the trainer room. OK. The bike is on the Kickr at the moment. Does that help? (But I was on the Direto yesterday) :)
Returned Direto and got the kickr'17, like it better, easier to store and also less hustle to mount my bike on it. For some odd reasons I had hard time mounting my Synapse on Direto, even with different QR. Thank you, I guess :))))
Hi Shane. Now that you have tested so many trainers, maybe you could give me some advice. :) I am in need of a trainer to perform ramp test to failure, and preferably max power test as well. I am involved in BMX, and have elite BMX'ers in my club who will be using it as well. (>1500 watts max power) Which trainer would you recommend for that purpose?
Hi, I am confused. Seems like a good unit. But what would be a trethold to get level up - a Wahoo kick or taco neo? The director would only have the prize in Germany. Is it just about budget? Or looks?
Either way... I struggle to tell people to buy 'this or that' as I don't know your specific requirements. This may help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html
Shane, quite a few owners have had belt problems with the Direto and I've just noticed rubber "shavings" collecting below the cassette on mine. Have you had anything like this on your test model? If so, have you had any reaction from Elite?
Hi Shane, I am getting the same ERG mode problem as other report. I am in ERG mode on Zwift doing the 4wk FTP Builder. As I move from say 140W to a sprint at 400W or even 260 it takes 10-15 seconds to settle into the new power level. Which is a pain when it is a 10-30 second set. Then I get the same oscillation, even though I am at a pretty steady cadence. The 10-15 second delay is a real pain and make short intense sprints are nearly impossible, even if I try to build the cadence slowly. Not impressed as this sort of training is why I bought the trainer. Have you not seen this at all Shane? I am using my little ring (39) (see your comments elsewhere here). I am in the middle of the cassette. I get the impression I do not need to change gear as I change power, but simply increase my power and wait for the machine to choose the new power - properly...
10-15 seconds is too long. Try the Elite MyETraining app ERG and see how that performs. Zwift do make changes to their program unannounced... and have recently changed something to FEC and FTMS. Remove them from the picture for testing and see how it goes. If the steps are only repeatable on Zwift, there’s the root cause.
Thanks for reply Shane, (Great videos and stuff by the way). 10-15 seconds definitely sounds too long. Actually I did a series of tests this afternoon using the Elite My-E-trainer in workout (erg) mode by setting up a set of six 30x30 tests and testing different "power smoothing settings". the power smoothing seems makes no difference. The trainer was consistently taking 3-4 seconds before it would respond to the change from 130W to 350W, and then taking almost 10 seconds to "transition" to the 350. When each set ended it would stay at 350W for another 3-4 seconds after the interval, before starting to drop down to 130 again (which again took another 9-10 seconds). If I changed cadence or gear in the process it would take much longer to settle down. It does not seem right. DCR suggests the transition is 3-4 seconds. I am finding a 3-4 second delay BEFORE the transition starts. I did another test with 50W increases to see if the jump made a difference. it was the same. Seems to eliminate Zwift from the problem. It does not seem right does it. What do you think? PS I realised that what is happening with Zwift is that in that 3-4sec delay period I am spinning up to try and chase the new power level, that has not started yet. However it is not there and I shoot from 90-110rpm at which point, 3-4 seconds in, the new power level starts to kick in. I end up at a much higher cadence and then have to manage that down in the interval. It can't be how the trainer is supposed to work in erg mode, is it? I am using ANT and a PC.
@@StrategyPerformance Changing cadence or gears while in ERG will require it to re-adjust. Here's my video on ERG: ruclips.net/video/LbeliW8uObk/видео.html
@@StrategyPerformance Yes! And i really don't get why in all those reviews this never is an issue? I'm starting to doubt my own judgement. I have a lot of respect for Shane, I wish he would make a tutorial to show how he does short Zwift intervals on the Elite Direto. I bought the Direto because of his and DCRainmakers positive reviews. (And yes, I do understand ERGO Mode, hence my note that I remain the same cadence). In my paranoid moments I think all those reviews are sponsored....
hi Miller. one question. spindown/calibration you mentioned is in the advanced configuration category in the e-training app? which literally takes a few seconds? I was expecting more like kickr’s advanced spindown which takes longer than a few seconds.
Hey Shane, now that you have tested the Tacx Vortex Smart as well, I was wondering how the Direto and the Vortex compare in terms of noise. I am currently using a Vortex Smart and honestly think that it is quite loud, loud enough for me to use it only with isolating in ear headphones. I am also about to move to a new apartement, so I was planning on purchasing a new, quieter trainer so I won't annoy my new downstair neighbours with early morning or late night ergo sessions :) With that in mind, would you say that the Direto is a worthwhile upgrade over the Vortex? How would similarly priced (direct drive) trainers, like the Tacx Flux, compare in terms of noise?
Sorry for the all the questions, but you seem to know more about these trainers than elite and the shop I bough it from. How do you calibrate the trainer using the iOS app? Every time I try, it detects the trainer, then moves onto speed and cadence sensor, but when it gets to calibrating the power metre, it just tells me to start peddling, which I do, but gives me no indication for how long? Ive also tried it straight after a zwift race with the same results. Do you have a video on this? Many thanks.
G’day Lama, I am about to purchase a Dorito and just wondered if I need anything else before I submit purchase; have the trainer wheel chock cassette and tools and mat in my cart and will be running it with an EDGE810 Ant+ HRM & Cadence. Do I need a Bluetooth HRM or can the trainer act as a hub to the iPad for Zwift etc. Cheers
Hey Shane, I'm wondering if you may have thoughts on an issue I have. As you know zada have created the +-2% accuracy limit. I won't go down the absolutely shocking customer experience of the world's qualifications that zada provided. Do you have any correspondence with Elite that may help get the Direto accreditation with Zada? Or even someone I can contact in Elite who isn't just a support desk jockey? I know the easy answer is to just buy a new trainer, but it's not exactly ideal is it, especially as I've paid money for a trainer that in all intents and purposes is exactly what I'd be getting by spending big money.
There's a story here..... The original Direto was 2.5% (iirc?) the later models also called the Direto (not the X or XR) were rated at 2%. This is up to Elite to address. The % rating is questionable at best. Trainers and power meters need to be TESTED not just blindly trusted by ZADA.
@@gplama yep, it's a shame they created the 2% cut-off given it's based on absolutely nothing as you say. I'll try my luck with Elite updating the official rating but it's all out of my depth really.
Hi Shane I am conemplating buying a Direto since I have a problem with the watts distribution on my Tacx trainer: in intervalls it shifts from one sec to the next from 100 to 400 watts and I have to programm increments of 20w every 4 sec in order to have a smoother transition from one interval level to the next - is this any better with the Direto or can I programm a smoother curve on the elite Training app? Thx for a feedback - Marc/Switzerland (just having completed the Croc Trophy in Cairns..... so its good to hear some fair dinkum Aussie accent)
ERG is a beast. It can depend on what software you're using too, I believe Trainer Road had some smarts built in to preempt interval changes. Maybe try a few different programs (most have free trials) and go from there.
Thx Shane - saw your ERG mode video - is there a better mode to do intervalls - say 12 x 75 sec with 60 sec rest phases and 300 watts in between high and low??
I bought it after your review but I really regret it. In steady state ERG, the power is very variables. Interval training is very frustrating, it takes 10 seconds to increase power. I am thinking of moving back to Kickr now.
Hello Shane, Good videos, very Good tutorial and very very apreciated informative about the trainers. Im am in a doubt buying a smart interactive trainner. I Don't know if the Drivo is better than direto. Drivo is expensive, but i have a second hand near to me, and im not sure which of this Two trainers are best. Drivo I read a little pHases off the less power, and suddently hard brake making impossible to training correctly, otherwise I read a delay of the 2-3 seconds with direto on the hills and.....very very confuses. Can you Give me a opinion please? Thank you in advance!
@@gplama yes but where im living it's imposible take a test. Im not between technical options, im between knowing problems to this units and it's dificult choose the best option. Can this problems solved in the futures firmwares? What you think?
@@gplama i don,'t know this zwift and smart trainers world, and seems amazing, healty and adictive. I'll follow your chaneel. Thank you and I pray to choose the correct trainer. When Im fitting the bike faster than you in a trainer I'll be old. Amazing
Shane, I have a new direto and a bolt. All works fine over ant+, but having some issues with speed. Can you tell me what wheel circumference you have in the bolt / elemnt app? For me 0.174 works and seems to be accurate but only up to 19mph. Accelerate past that and the bolt just reads lower speeds... Would love to know your thoughts.
This was a while back. I can't recall using the Element or setting wheel size within the Wahoo app. Wahoo Support are the best port of call on this one.
Based on your review i plan to buy the Direto. While doing my homework I noticed that, compared to the tacx flux (the other contender) the flywheel of the Direto is only 4,2 kg while that of the flux is 7kg. Does size (weight) really matter and what about the "virtual" weight? Or is it better to compare the power output in watts (which is Flux/Direto comparable)? My gut feeling says the "the heavier, the better" for the road feel of the trainer? Or am I wrong?
Flywheel size matters... but so does the internal gearing of the unit.... so the best option is to always ride them yourself if you can and go from there.
Hi Mate, Just unboxed the new Direto. Rode about 25km and it went fine. Tonight I jumped on and did about 10 pedal strokes and the trainer ceased. I fiddled for a while thinking it may have been the cassette or the bike. In the end I noticed that the belt was slightly off the fly wheel. I took the casing off and this seems to be the issue. I have tried to shift the belt back into place but have had no luck. After getting very frustrated I gave up.... Any tips? Understand that your not the mechanic but thought you may have a quick fix. I did buy the unit from your review. Thanks
I just got myself a Direto (in part to your and DC Rainmaker's reviews) and unfortunately I haven't been very lucky. When moving the pedals it feels very lumpy at slow speed, and putting any power down (even when turning the cranks with my hands) it locks up with a grinding noise. Not awesome. I've contact their support team and we'll see where we go from here.
Hi Shane. I am looking to upgrade my Wahoo Kickr Snap to direct drive. Do you still think this is the best value to money in this price range if I care about the accuracy and don't need kickr climb? Also, is there any free app to control the ERG / resistance mode? I have a coach and don't use Zwift :) I found myETraining but without the trainer, I can't try it to see how it works :) Thanks a lot.
The Direto is getting on in years now and has some stiff competition. First up from the Direto X, the update/refresh. The Kickr CORE is another option in this general price bracket. App wise, MyETraining should do what you're after. Also have a look at the Wahoo Fitness app. It has manual control of SIM/ERG/Level of most trainers. If you can test ride any trainer you're thinking of before purchase, I recommend it.
Hi Shane, I have a quick question about calibration, I’m hoping I’m right in saying that the wheel circumference setting (in my etraining) is between 2095-21110? To account for 23mm-25mm tyres? Also with the elite direto on zwift....do I need to perform any other calibration there?
The Direto replaces the rear wheel, so the default in MyETraining (2070?) is fine if you're using that app. Perform one calibration within MyETraining after about 10 minutes use and you're set for weeks (maybe months). No need to do it within Zwift for the Direto.
Hi Shane, i own a specialized p1 all mountain mountain bike which has 3 gears in the front, 8 speed cassette and 135mm shimano's 135mm hub. reading Direto's tech info it is compatible only with 9/10/11 cassette. contacting Elite they answered me that a cassette spacer could help. do you think the bike will fit that trainer?
Elite are the best source to check with, so I'd trust their word on it. Maybe take your bike into a local store who has a Direto to see if they can demonstrate the compatibility.
Hello Shane, thanks for your great reviews! You have cleared way more doubts with your videos than even by contacting Elite directly! Something I still cannot find is any info regarding if it will be compatible with my 2014 cyclocross Ridley X-fire. I’m not sure how to measure my bike either. Any ideas? Thanks !
Hello again Shane, after doing the calibration on myETraining it’a to harder going over 300W (I’m using 52x15) It’s normal that dificult on the Direto?
Hey Shane need some advice I have a Felt IA with Rotor Inpower meter and I want to get a trainer for the winter. I expect to use Trainer Road...I am trying to decide between the Direto or the Elite Quo B...I am leaning towards the Direto but thini I can accomplish 90% of the same thing with a trainer that's half the price or less...basically I would be using it for FTP workouts and endurance rides...thoughts?
The Direto 2 has 2% power accuracy and the original has 2.5%. Also Direto 2 comes w riser block. I think my original Direto is more accurate than 2.5 %.
The Direto isn't too bad in ERG. It does require the use of the small chainring to keep within the best working zones of the resistance unit. Test ride one if you have the chance to see if it meets your needs.
If you bring the Direto to warm-up before a race, what kind of resistance does the Direto have when not plugged? Can you reach 400W? And if you plug it but you don't connect it to any app, does it have a resistance "by default", let's say the same resistance on a flat road at a given speed?
I haven't tried this to be honest, it's not a use case I look into. Smart trainers don't handle the elements very well (they're computers). I believe it'll supply 0% slope, so should be able to get up into those ranges. I highly recommend a cheaper trainer for race day warm ups.
Hi Shane, I'm a bit of a sprinter with a 5s max of about 1500w. Looking at specs, the Direto should still be ok as although it's 1400w at 40kph it also states 2200w at 60kph. In your opinion would the Direto be fine for me (will mostly be doing Sufferfest and maybe some Zwift) or should I be looking for something with more resistance?! Cheers
It'll be fine. The wattage limits are usually quoted around the sustainable watts, once the flywheel is up to speed. So if you're smashing 1800W on the pedals as it ramps up (10-15 seconds to get up to speed?), and the belts/gearing can tolerate it, you'll be good. As always, purchase locally and keep your receipt if you're smashing those kind of numbers! :)
I started with calibrating MyE-training in my mobile app before my zwift training. In zwift opted for the hilly loop in Watopia in settings i opted for 50% difficulty. The power show now 105-125w even if slope was 10% and i was in the big ring the hole time! Is there anythig else i should try?
@@bhavinderjassar6394 Elite don't have a firmware update process (that's easy to follow... or published for the public, so no). And I haven't looped back to the Flux S. Not enough interest to make it worthwhile, or time in the day to loop back on this.
@@gplama Thanks for your kind help Shane, I appreciate it. I can get the direto at a good price, i will go for that. Thanks once again and keep up your review videos, they are first class.
I’ve just purchased a direto off the back of these reviews, I have 10 speed on the bike I’m using, so I have to index the gears each time I swap between the trainer and the road, or have I installed something incorrectly? Thanks.
Shane Miller thanks for the reply. That’s what I thought, I got told I’d need to index each time I put the bike on the trainer. That would be too much hassle.
Hi Shane,i have a new direto and i have tested it against vector 3 (3-4 times)and against a p2max ngeco.now my problem is that on indoor the vector 3 and direto measure almost equal ,i mean maybe 1watt per entire ride .with the p2max the direto measures lower by 4-5 watts.Now i have used earlier(few weeks ago) the vector 3 in conjunction with p2max(rotor3d24) and the vector 3 were lower by 3-7 watts on average.now i don t want to keep moving them from bike and i m not sure what to think.on the bike with vector 3 pedals i have dura ace 9100 with 53/39 chainring (1 month old)on the other one i have rotor 3d24 with rotor aldhu no q chainrings(52/36).Could the difference between powermeters and direto be the efficience of the drivetrain?Also i think that i spot that if the direto is not mounted very stabil(flat floor)and rocks too much this can affect it s accuracy.i really would apreciate your opinion as you have a lot of experience with this stuff.the direto is my first smart trainer and i m very happy with it anyway.
It's hard to comment without a ton more data, knowing the testing protocol, etc, etc. Take a look at the latest post by DCRainmaker which outlines the process(es) about power accuracy for power meters and smart trainers.
Shane, Recently I moved from Wahoo Kickr Snap on to Elite Direto on Zwift. While I did the Zwift calibration, I have not done the Elite Calibration. One thing I have noticed is that resistance seems to fluctuate unusually, and I seem to either have lost power and as a result I am falling behind in riding....overall I am working much harder then on the Wahoo Snap on. I have seen many posts on this but yet to find a fix. I will continue to look , but thought I check in with you sir, Any suggestions ?
A similar question was posted on Reddit yesterday. I'll cut and paste the answer I posted there: The stepper motor and magnet resistance units in these Elite trainers can really pour the resistance on abruptly. Going from 0% to 1% outside is almost undetectable unless you're really paying attention. There's almost always a slow transition. On some trainers this step feels very digital, which in turn makes it feel like hitting a small wall for a few seconds until you push into it and keep the gear turning over.Wahoo trainers have always been pretty good for turning up the screws on the resistance. Maybe even a little too slowly in some cases. As mentioned here in the comments, playing with that in-game slider (trainer difficulty slider) may help.
@@gplama This is exactly what I am seeing. I did reduce that slider, but not all the way and it seemed a tad better. I will try sliding it down all the way and see what impact it has on the feel. Its so discouraging when you are chasing a group and keep getting these sudden fluctuations in resistance, and when you are on the verge of your limit, its enough to make you throw the towel in. Is this a Zwift issue or Direto ?Its almost as if Zwift should be telling the Directo specific trainer the rate of change of resistance in a more granular manner than say the Wahoo, given Direto is making abrupt digital changes. Lets see what you suggestion leads to. Thanks for your prompt response mate.
Oh, to confirm, since all your reviews on all cycling products, I have followed a fair few...Direto, Assioma, GoPro Black etc....so your word and advise have been solid. Keep up the great work.
It depends who you ask as to where the issue is. Zwift will say Elite, Elite will say Zwift. My 2c - It's the hardware, so Elite. The way in which they change resistance is different to most as I've been told... but that's up to them and Zwift to work together to provide the best experience for riders.
Hey guys I have one and love it was just wondering if any of you found that it felt a bit Grindy when in the higher gears in particular your highest gear I seam to be perfectly indexted and can live with it but wondered if I should. I’m running Shimano 105 10 speed with tigra cassette to Match what’s on my wheel from the bike manufacture
Thanks mate. Seriously considering this one. Wish it was available now. Come for a road trip and check it out when I set up eventually. For now tho I have the Aus championship course at my front door in Bunninyong
Shane , can you help as my directo always "seizes" up at the beginning of every session, having to push with all my might for the first few minutes before it normalises. Tks bro
I find direct drive is a better option than wheel-on. But... having said that most wheel-on trainers provide a good riding experience when it comes to that automatic control on hills. I'd go the Direto if you're going to be cranking some good hours indoors this trainer season.
I’m struggling with my new Direto. I can’t get it to calibrate. After cycling for 16 mins averaging 100-150 watts (according to my Garmin 800), I tried three times. All three times it it told me to speed up and then nothing happened. I was doing between 40-50kph for over 30 seconds. How long does it take? Secondly, when I went over 200 watts, the cadence went all over the place. It would alternate between 120-220rpm even though I knew my cadence was being kept constant at 90-100rpm. I bought this when my fourth stages power meter died. All of them told me my FTP fluctuated between 220-240watts. Doing a power test the Elite told me I was only knocking out 140. So far emailing Elite has yielded no response. Clearly this probably all stems from having difficulty calibrating the machine in the first place. Anyone else had these issues or may I have got a lemon?
I bought one and am stuck trying to bloody register with elite for the app/website. All I get are timeouts and errors (in Italian) for both. Can they at least make sure their servers are working and website addresses on the media with Directos actually exist. So frustrating
Bought this one about 3 weeks ago, happy camper. Great unit. The printer hum doesn’t bother me one bit. When sitting on the bike the noise level is a lot less than what this video makes you think it is. I can comfortably use this at 5am in the big ring at 40kph without waking anyone up in the room next door. The trainer sits on tiled floors, we have no carpets or any of that sort and live in an apartment. I had expected noise to be an issue and the flooring to transfer it well, the walls on reflect a lot but a TV at conversational volume drowns it out. Loving it. Thanks Shane and DCRainmaker for the reviews!
Ugh, after your previous review of the Direto, I found Doritos on sale and just had to buy two bags. Thanks for refuelling my Doritos addiction!
I got a humming production unit as well. On the first ride it was slightly irritating and I was concerend it would annoy me in the long run, but when I spent some time on it riding on Zwift I hardly ever noticed it.
All in all it is a very solid trainer and I'm very happy with it so far.
Waiting for mine, can’t wait ! I have never had a trainer at home and seeing all that the Direto and apps offer, it just seems amazing!
just changed my vortex smart for the elite direto based on your review.really happy with this trainer .definitely a level up .great trainer. keep up the good work with your videos 🖒
same here.... can't wait for it to arrive now, looking forward to making the direct drive 'jump'
Thanks shane because of your videos i finally ordered today the Direto. I think it is a good choice. Thanks for your review. I only paid 650 Euro in Germany I‘m looking forward for your videos.
This is my first smart trainer (former Cycleops Jet Pro) and i must admit it makes Zwift more of a challenge. My unit makes the humming noise and I was also having an issue when I shifted down to the smallest cog on my cassette. I have a 2016 Specialized Roubaix and I found the noise was due to Specialize's CSC hub spacing. I went to my LBS and got a non-CSC hanger and the noise went away like magic. It took me a couple days and several hours to figure this out, so I hope it helps. Thanks Shane, I'm addicted to your channel and Zwift!
Axman, I assume your bike is 12x135? How did you get it to work on the direto? I thought it did not support 12x135
isabela castro My bike is a QR. Specialized has this SCS spacing for bikes with disc brakes. The hanger has an offset of 2.5 mm inwards which wasn’t allowing proper shifts onto the small cog. I bought a non-SCS hanger and everything is shifting properly now.
Bought mine a few weeks back and am really enjoying it
I have just bought a Direto and I have to say i'm really happy with it so far. Very smooth and responsive, the feet were a real pain to fit as the metal plate at the bottom of the unit was tightened too much which left the bolt holes for the feet slightly out of line. However, after a loosen up of the 5 phillips screws on the bottom of the machine I was able to seat the leg bolts in correctly and tighten everything up ok.
Love the collaboration you and @dcrainmaker have. I should order one based on your reviews. Hopefully it’s the non-hummer!
Thanks Shane for a nice review, which helped me choose between the Flux and Direto. Have only used the Direto for a couple of weeks, but it's great so far. Keep up your good reviews!
Awesome. Thanks for the comment. Happy riding indoors and out mate!
Just in time... I'm about to put my order in for one of these. Glad to see an updated review now that you've had more hours on the unit. Unfortunately the Canadian supplier is out of stock until early December :/. Thanks for the update Shane!
MEC website showing in stock.
Thanks to yours and Rainmakers reviews I sprung for the Direto while Performance had it for 20% off. Score!
Shane,
You and Ray have convinced me to step up and drink the kool-aid. I ordered the Direto, used Ray's coupon too. Woo!
I will use a Campy Veloce cassette on the Direto as my trainer bike is a 1994 Specialized Allez with Campy. Got the Elite adapter. Appreciate your attention to those details in your 1st Direto post.
Now I am waiting for delivery.
Thanks!
Thanks for the through review. I´m in the market for the first time for a hoimetrainer and had actually decided for the Tacx Flux but thanks to your efforts I think my choice the Direto
Hej Thomas er du tilfreds med diretoen?
Just got mine, impressed so far, very smooth, easy to set up and quiet too.
Great update, as always Shane. Looking at the prices in the UK and they are dropping already seen them being sold for £520!!! One for my Christmas list me thinks.
Dave Bibby was that brand new or second hand
Brand new www.athleteshop.co.uk/elite-direto-smart-b-trainer-power-mtr-interactive?as=athlete&kwd_id=20051-AGI-45033100986-ASI-309062458493-ASEL0171001&gclid=CjwKCAjw6szOBRAFEiwAwzixBXjA6gTspeIhYcVwF9UDq5DJE2ebuyfmOPgHhjneUBLh4hOjbPH0mhoC9MwQAvD_BwE
But have they actually got any in stock? Got mine a week or so ago from Halfords (full price, but it was only place in the UK I could find them in stock).
I ordered from athleteshop at £520 on 30/09 with 17/10 delivery date found out today 30/10 that delivery was delayed until feb-18! Took cash upon order feel it was a scam to get orders in with no intention to fulfil!
DCRs UK link from his blog still quoting £749.99 with availability 'early November'. Think I'll wait till I'm sure the stock is there before parting with any cash.
Shane, your videos are fantastic. I always enjoy your videos and they are so informative. Thanks for educating us on all of these products. 👍
I've had my Direto since Nov 2017, first used it with Zwift, then moved onto TrainerRoad and have stayed with TR. There is no hum, no weird noises. There is the stepping motor but for me it sounds cool, I know it's working, it's an electronic noise. If you are a first time Indoor trainer user these trainer noises is not a concern. In the real world your Box fan used to cool you off will be way louder, that and the video's and music coming off the PC. It's a great machine, no regrets, no I don't work for Elite : )
Love your content and advice 🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴🏴
Just got a Direto online for a good deal. Thanks for helping me make the decision.
How is the trainer performing?
Awesome video :), I am figuring out which one to get when I outgrow the elite qubo, I think it's a better buy than the tacx flux ...
I am on Qubo too, if Direto price comes down to around $800 (AU), I will pull the trigger, no brainer, this is the best value for money Direct Drive FE-C trainer.
I went from the qubo smart b+ to direto. Its larger, heavier and more complicated to set up. However once up youll never look back, awsome bit of kit
Probably purchasing this unit after trying to decide on a Kickr17 or Neo. Was going to go Neo but I'm no pro or even elite expert. This looks like a great unit at $600 less. Thanks for the great info.
I got the non humming one! And I love it, I've put about 700km on it. I got mine for 999 Canadian. Setup was a breeze and the ride is awesome. For this price point I think it woops on the Flux and the Kickr. Don't hesitate!
I've been quoted $1050 from one of the suppliers. Care to share where about's in Canada you ordered your's ?
Where did you get your trainer in Canada?
There are two distributors and both are located in Montreal. www.marinoni.qc.ca & www.damourbicycle.com.
I got mine at my local bike shop, but please contact him, I'm sure he will ship. Here's the link www.ols.ca Brett is the owner, tell him Chris sent ya!
Thanks.
Looks like this could be the first real step forward in the market towards decent affordable smart trainers. Will be interesting to see pricing and availability in Australia.
I contacted Cassons, the Australian Importer for Elite, they will be A$1299 and landing in Mid November. Decent price, should shake the market up a bit.
www.probikekit.com.au/turbo-trainers-bicycle-rollers/elite-direto-direct-drive-smart-b-power-meter-turbo-trainer/11526674.html?affil=thggpsad&switchcurrency=AUD&shippingcountry=AU&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_HOBRBaEiwAvLBbokN7XZ0O2yI5ueICyUte1kV35LR7OtnZ5tq3PcD4SroG6kqZbBwFwhoCI84QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CInP_sPZ5dYCFc2bvAodPxgJNg
Oh if only we'd known. We would all have invested in smart trainers lol.
i have the power source and conrollable trainer the same now! and it is working!
Thanks for the review!
Thanks for all your great vids! awesome. my wife and i are having a Baby, so we have talked about getting me a smart trainer, so i can be home, but still able to train. we live in an aparment, so noise levels are key! i am currently looking on the Direto vs, the Flux. About the same price in Denmark. Flux sound a bit more soft, but i like the more skinny Direto (storing) and the fact that it produces more watts... the main purpose, would be to go on to Zwift.
i will buy noise/vibration cancelling mats, but which trainer would you suggest? which one gives me the full potential of Zwift? gradients, easy to use, storage etc..
Again, thanks alot for a great channel.
Hey Shane,
I got the "humming" Direto since three weeks and it is great; so far 230 km in. My first bike and so indoor seasson this year. It is really hard not train when entering home and seeing the Direto in front of the TV. :-) REALY got addicted to Zwift and the Direto. Thanks for the follow-up.
What I find annoying is the fact that you need the myETraining app to do the calibration. What I was wondering about is the "Power smoothing" feature and how it works. When starting it then only "Do not stop peddeling" is displayed and thats it.
Thanks for all the reviews and your channel.
All the best and ride on!
I've found calibration only needs to be done once.... maybe once every few months? It's not required every ride for optimal accuracy like wheel-on trainers. RE: Smoothing: "smoothing it to give a more pleasant visualization. In these cases, only the displayed data is modified while the developed power remains the same" - Elite support forums.
Thanks Shane for the response. Single calibration is a great thing. I think I go for calibration every now and than, just for the good feeling that I take things serious enough. :-P
And also thanks for the "Power Smoothing" thing. As there is no big red "FORUM" button at the elite website, I did not know that the is one. Now it is in my bookmarks.
Bests and ride on!
I have had one of these for a week now. The unboxing video was really helpful. So far a bit of a bumpy ride. Biggest problem has been connecting to Zwift. It took a lot of exchanges with Zwift support and experimenting with different bits of kit. I had to try 3 different phones before I got a link to Zwift. There seems to be a known issue with Android. Now I can ride but the trainer is not recognized as a Smart Trainer. It only shows in the Power and Cadence sections. I have seen reported that other people have a similar issue. If I can get it to work properly I'm sure it will be a great piece of kit and it's not too noisy.
Their focus on Android has always been a low priority. I've speculated why a few times. People get angry. Get an ANT+ dongle or adapter to bypass all the issues with BLE.
Followed the ANT+ route and now all is working well. Just a pity it took a while to get there.
Congratulations on the video. Have you ever noticed that during long FTP training sessions for the same power, the ERG mode appears to be easier than the level mode? Thank you
Having read your update (and DC Rainmaker) AND having ridden the Flux , Direto and Drivo. I'm going for the Direto. I don't need the extras on the Drivo and I'm not so keen on how the Tacx model feels
I have just invested in one of these. I admit its still a chunk of cash to find but after wasting months and money trying to 'save' money on the crappy TACX products Im loathe to ever use them again. Sure, you get what you pay for sometimes. Arrives in few days and so looking forward to it after 2 months of being messed around
Great video! Basic question: do you connect via BLE or ANT+? I have some problems that the Direto does not properly work when connected via Bluetooth. Then TrainerRoad/Zwift dont control the Direto until I completely reconnect the trainer in the app and put the iOS device shortly into air plane mode. With ANT+ it seems to be working fine...
Hi Shane, thanks for the useful tests and reviews. Would you recommend this unit for a “beginner” in indoor training? Or something like the Turno (or Kura) would be better? Never used trainers before but I think I need to up a bit my cycle training - especially in winter.
Sure. Note both the Turno and Kura are non-interactive, so no "hills" and no ERG mode.
Great in depth videos. I am trying to choose a good smart trainer. I am 51yrs old and bike for fitness. I do push hard. The Elite Direto seems to be a good choice for someone like me. The tacx flux scares me with all the break downs reported. Any insight would be great. I can afford the Tacx Neo but I don't think I need it.
If you can, drop into a local bike shop and test ride with your own bike. They should be able to help you choose which is best for your riding. And most of all - help you with any after sales support.
I live hours from any bike shop that carries them. Closest would be Montreal Canada, but I am in the US and would have to pay duty on the purchase. I just purchased the Direto aka "Dorito" online today. Should be in next week. I have watched all of your video's and DC Rainmakers as well. You guys really go in depth and I think I made the correct choice. Zwift bound!! Winters are LONG in Upstate N.Y. in the US LOL! Again great work breaking down all of the pros, cons, strengths, and weaknesses of all trainers. Thank you for the swift response!
I’ve observed something strange with the Direto. When pairing with zwift on a win10 machine using ant+, the direto resistance only changes up to slopes of 7 to 8%. It remains at its highest resistance level from then on. You can clearly hear there is no more zooming of the stepper motor. I’ve observed the same thing in the elite myetrainer application. So they spec 14%, but find it is only 50% of that. I also found it behaves different when paired using ant+ vs using the iphone as a BT bridge. It feels more realistic. Both of course with the realism setting- or whatever it is called- to 100%. The strange thing with ant+ is that you continuously hear the stepper motor zooming. You’d expect that it simply changes the break resistance for a certain slope and then stays there until a grade change comes on the route. Thus only happens with ant+. In BT via iphone, it changes as expected but slope range is far more limited than expected. In the climb to the transmission tower I’m continuously on max resistance even though slope varies between 10 and 17%. It can’t track that. I wonder if it is a problem with my unit or a general problem with the direto. As an fyi, if a so call level training in myetrainer SW is chosen, the can hear the resistance change for each of the steps (1-16). Shane, could you check if you observe the same thing?
To add to the above: confirmed by Elite. The slope is a setting that is controlled by the direto based on speed. Any fluctuation in speed makes the direto adapt the resistance. Also, Elite confirmed that slope grade is not 15% at lower speeds. They can share a nice diagram that shows what power is max possible at the highest resistance setting vs speed. For 10kph this is typical 216 W. For a rider my weight, this corresponds, according to the model they use, to a slope of 9.5% (78 kg, 0 kg of the bike). I don’t know what the weight of the bike is that I’m using on zwift. It is is 8 kg, that slope would be 8.5%. Fortunately, zwift adapts the speed to the power your pushing and that is measured very accurately. This is like the effect of going to a bigger cog on the rear cassette. Probably a cog you don’t have in real life for a slope of 14% :-). The other option to have the real feel for 14% with the actual gear you have on the bike, is to produce more power that matches the power I would have to produce to ride 10.6 kph with 70 rpm cadence: 364 W. Also Elite explained Zwift is using a faulty implementation of the BT Elite specific protocol. This is why the behavior with BT trough the zwift mobile link is different than the one with using ANT+ FE-C. The latter is the better one.
Thanks for the review! You somehow always said Dorito instead of Direto btw hahahah
Now you've made me hungry! ;)
Hi Shane, I'm thinking of buying a new trainer. Which will be better: Elite Direto X or Tacx Flux S?
I'll be ordering mine at the end of the week. Need to have something to do over the Wisconsin winters! Lama - should I get a 105 cassette to put on my trainer instead of an ultegra one to save a few bucks?
I use Ultegra. Use whatever you like/can budget.
My direto doesn't make any noise when I plug it in and the resistance doesn't change with Zwift or even the elite app when connected via bluetooth. I wonder if I have a defective unit.
I recently switched to a doritto (sorry, direto) after a year on Zwift with a dumb Fluid2 wheel-on trainer. The main reason for the switch was to get (more) accurate power readings (also the Fluid2 was starting to vibrate a bit).
Over the past year I found that my average speed on Zwift with the Fluid2 was about 30 km/h (over about 5000 km), compared to about 25 km/h on the road (again over about 5000 km) I'm not a strong rider (Zwift FTP ~ 200W), and as I don't have a power meter on my road bike the only way I can compare road to Zwift power output is to use average speeds, although Strava usually estimates my average power output over a 2-3 hour ride at ~ 160W.
I can think of all sorts of reasons for this discrepancy, some of which are probably specific to the way I ride, but I thought that the one thing I could control was to use a trainer with a more accurate power measurement, hence the doritto (I don't race or compete so I'm not going to splash £500 on power pedals).
Blow me down, having switched to the doritto my Zwift FTP has gone UP by 20W and my average speed increased by 2 km/h (admittedly this is only over 250 km so far), so the discrepancy is increased by switching to a more accurate trainer, not decreased.
Is this sort of difference (about 20 %) between road and Zwift typical, and always in the same direction (i.e. Zwift "more efficient" than road)?
Zwift and the road can't really be compared. ruclips.net/video/gT--ftOFbfc/видео.html
Hi Shane, really enjoy your videos keep'em coming! Got a quick question for you. On the non drive side of the Direto a washer is used along with the skewer. The washer has a smooth side and a knurled side. Would you know which side faces the Direto? The instruction manual doesn't mention the orientation of the washer. Thanks for the help!
I'd go with smooth against the trainer, textured one against the bike dropout.
Shane thanks for the fast reply!
Gonna buy it today and get hooked on Zwiftin!
Thanks for the great videos GPLama. Would the Elite Direto be able to support an 11-32 shimano cassette + the longer derailleur ? Is there enough clearance? Haven't been able to find this out anywhere. Thank you.
I don't know to be honest. Check the Elite website, or with Elite Support.
I have an 11-32 cassette on mine
Hi Shane, awesome review! I bought myself a Direto. Now in you review you compared power of the Direto and you bike power meter in 1 graph. Any tips/ trick to do that? I want to compare my power meter and Direto as well.. thanks
DCR Analyzer Tool Overview & Manual: goo.gl/ShUDuZ
Hey Shane, love the videos. I currently use a cycleops powerbeam pro and was looking for something quieter to not wake the family. Do you consider direct drive or wheel on trainers to be quieter? Was looking at the direto or cycleops hammer, thanks
Quiet = Neo. There's only one option there at the moment.
Thanks Shane, ya the Neo is incredibly quiet, surprised that other hi -ends trainers are unable to match. Coming from the cycleops powerbeam, are wheel on trainers louder than direct? Kickr (V1) sounds terrible and the direto seems like viable option but want to know if I would actually tell the difference, baby #2 on way can't wake family.
Thanks! If you had to choose between the Kickr Snap and the Direto which would you buy? Besides wheel-on and wheel-off, are there any other significant performance differences?
What I choose isn't helpful to anyone... I choose them all. This might help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html
i would really like a comparison of the direto vs the flux, they are at pretty much the same price in europe and atleast for me (a person that has a power meter on his bike) these entry level direct drive trainers are very interesting, why spend 400+€ more on a high end, thanks for the awesome content
This might help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html
Hey Shane,
I know it's difficult to compare , but what would you buy today if it was your money.
The kickr snap (wheel on) or this elite direto (direct drivetrain)?? I'm looking for some great work-outs on zwift and with maximum road feel and with limited noise. After reading all the reviews and video's, can't make up mind. Your opinion would be very appreciated!
I can't make my mind up either, that's why I collect them all. This might help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html
I returned mine. I just couldn't get it to stay smooth in erg mode. I find a dumb fluid trainer with assiomas works the best for me.
That one was a great review and helped me make the choice 😁 now I'm a happy direto zwifter #zwiftriders
Any issues with it yet like a y noises coming off the unit?
Hi shane which would you prefer the Drivo or the Direto or is the Neo defiently worth the extra money thanks Shane
Your call. See Gplama.com Trainer Guide.
Thanks for the video. It partly influenced my choice to order a Direto, which worked gently and silent the first 500 km's, but then came up with an occasionally occurring noise that sounds like an unbalanced rotating piece going into resonance (like badly aligned brake discs). It usually comes up when I am changing from high to lower power input. Anyone else who shares this experience?
Yes I get this, but haven't been able to get to the source of it. Did you?
Shane, if price is not an issue.. between Direto and Kickr'17 which one would you choose? Don't care about 'Wahoo climb", but need durability, accuracy and compatibility with TA and disk brakes. Thank you!
I choose them all. Entirely up to you what to go with.
You didn't make it any easier :). Let me try to ask another question.. Which one you like better and more likely use more often?:)
I'm no good at this role play... let me check the trainer room. OK. The bike is on the Kickr at the moment. Does that help? (But I was on the Direto yesterday) :)
Is it still on the Kickr ?:)
Returned Direto and got the kickr'17, like it better, easier to store and also less hustle to mount my bike on it. For some odd reasons I had hard time mounting my Synapse on Direto, even with different QR.
Thank you, I guess :))))
Hi Shane.
Now that you have tested so many trainers, maybe you could give me some advice. :) I am in need of a trainer to perform ramp test to failure, and preferably max power test as well. I am involved in BMX, and have elite BMX'ers in my club who will be using it as well. (>1500 watts max power)
Which trainer would you recommend for that purpose?
Kickr or Drivo for that purpose. BMX power is dangerous levels of torque! :)
Thx. Have been looking at the Drivo, just wanted to hear if that would do the job. :)
Hi, I am confused. Seems like a good unit. But what would be a trethold to get level up - a Wahoo kick or taco neo? The director would only have the prize in Germany. Is it just about budget? Or looks?
Either way... I struggle to tell people to buy 'this or that' as I don't know your specific requirements. This may help: gplama.blogspot.com.au/p/indoor-trainer-guide-gplama.html
Thanks. That is fair. Your Rating helped! BR from german winterland.
Shane, quite a few owners have had belt problems with the Direto and I've just noticed rubber "shavings" collecting below the cassette on mine. Have you had anything like this on your test model? If so, have you had any reaction from Elite?
Nothing noticed on my unit(s) I've had. I will keep an eye out though on the floor, and on the forums.
Hi Shane, I am getting the same ERG mode problem as other report. I am in ERG mode on Zwift doing the 4wk FTP Builder. As I move from say 140W to a sprint at 400W or even 260 it takes 10-15 seconds to settle into the new power level. Which is a pain when it is a 10-30 second set. Then I get the same oscillation, even though I am at a pretty steady cadence. The 10-15 second delay is a real pain and make short intense sprints are nearly impossible, even if I try to build the cadence slowly. Not impressed as this sort of training is why I bought the trainer. Have you not seen this at all Shane?
I am using my little ring (39) (see your comments elsewhere here). I am in the middle of the cassette. I get the impression I do not need to change gear as I change power, but simply increase my power and wait for the machine to choose the new power - properly...
10-15 seconds is too long. Try the Elite MyETraining app ERG and see how that performs. Zwift do make changes to their program unannounced... and have recently changed something to FEC and FTMS. Remove them from the picture for testing and see how it goes. If the steps are only repeatable on Zwift, there’s the root cause.
Thanks for reply Shane, (Great videos and stuff by the way). 10-15 seconds definitely sounds too long. Actually I did a series of tests this afternoon using the Elite My-E-trainer in workout (erg) mode by setting up a set of six 30x30 tests and testing different "power smoothing settings". the power smoothing seems makes no difference. The trainer was consistently taking 3-4 seconds before it would respond to the change from 130W to 350W, and then taking almost 10 seconds to "transition" to the 350. When each set ended it would stay at 350W for another 3-4 seconds after the interval, before starting to drop down to 130 again (which again took another 9-10 seconds). If I changed cadence or gear in the process it would take much longer to settle down. It does not seem right. DCR suggests the transition is 3-4 seconds. I am finding a 3-4 second delay BEFORE the transition starts. I did another test with 50W increases to see if the jump made a difference. it was the same. Seems to eliminate Zwift from the problem. It does not seem right does it. What do you think?
PS I realised that what is happening with Zwift is that in that 3-4sec delay period I am spinning up to try and chase the new power level, that has not started yet. However it is not there and I shoot from 90-110rpm at which point, 3-4 seconds in, the new power level starts to kick in. I end up at a much higher cadence and then have to manage that down in the interval.
It can't be how the trainer is supposed to work in erg mode, is it?
I am using ANT and a PC.
@@StrategyPerformance Changing cadence or gears while in ERG will require it to re-adjust. Here's my video on ERG: ruclips.net/video/LbeliW8uObk/видео.html
@@harbour3857 Frustrating isn't it
@@StrategyPerformance Yes! And i really don't get why in all those reviews this never is an issue? I'm starting to doubt my own judgement. I have a lot of respect for Shane, I wish he would make a tutorial to show how he does short Zwift intervals on the Elite Direto. I bought the Direto because of his and DCRainmakers positive reviews. (And yes, I do understand ERGO Mode, hence my note that I remain the same cadence). In my paranoid moments I think all those reviews are sponsored....
hi Miller. one question. spindown/calibration you mentioned is in the advanced configuration category in the e-training app? which literally takes a few seconds? I was expecting more like kickr’s advanced spindown which takes longer than a few seconds.
Yep, that's the one. It's only short on these units.
Hey Shane, now that you have tested the Tacx Vortex Smart as well, I was wondering how the Direto and the Vortex compare in terms of noise. I am currently using a Vortex Smart and honestly think that it is quite loud, loud enough for me to use it only with isolating in ear headphones. I am also about to move to a new apartement, so I was planning on purchasing a new, quieter trainer so I won't annoy my new downstair neighbours with early morning or late night ergo sessions :) With that in mind, would you say that the Direto is a worthwhile upgrade over the Vortex? How would similarly priced (direct drive) trainers, like the Tacx Flux, compare in terms of noise?
Quiet = Neo. There's only one. The Direto from memory is a little less loud than the Vortex. But... Neo.
Sorry for the all the questions, but you seem to know more about these trainers than elite and the shop I bough it from. How do you calibrate the trainer using the iOS app? Every time I try, it detects the trainer, then moves onto speed and cadence sensor, but when it gets to calibrating the power metre, it just tells me to start peddling, which I do, but gives me no indication for how long? Ive also tried it straight after a zwift race with the same results. Do you have a video on this? Many thanks.
Disconnect everything first, then try again. It sounds like something has control of the trainer stopping the MyETraining calibration from working.
Shane Miller thanks for the reply. I had tried this and have tried again, still doesn’t seem to do anything. I’ll contact elite. Thank you.
I would say if you push hard enough, you have no free capacity to listen to the humming anyways :D
G’day Lama, I am about to purchase a Dorito and just wondered if I need anything else before I submit purchase; have the trainer wheel chock cassette and tools and mat in my cart and will be running it with an EDGE810 Ant+ HRM & Cadence. Do I need a Bluetooth HRM or can the trainer act as a hub to the iPad for Zwift etc. Cheers
The Direto won't bridge ANT+ to Bluetooh. Look at something like a Tickr for an ANT+/BLE HRM if you're using an iPad.
Hey Shane, I'm wondering if you may have thoughts on an issue I have. As you know zada have created the +-2% accuracy limit. I won't go down the absolutely shocking customer experience of the world's qualifications that zada provided. Do you have any correspondence with Elite that may help get the Direto accreditation with Zada? Or even someone I can contact in Elite who isn't just a support desk jockey? I know the easy answer is to just buy a new trainer, but it's not exactly ideal is it, especially as I've paid money for a trainer that in all intents and purposes is exactly what I'd be getting by spending big money.
There's a story here..... The original Direto was 2.5% (iirc?) the later models also called the Direto (not the X or XR) were rated at 2%. This is up to Elite to address. The % rating is questionable at best. Trainers and power meters need to be TESTED not just blindly trusted by ZADA.
@@gplama yep, it's a shame they created the 2% cut-off given it's based on absolutely nothing as you say. I'll try my luck with Elite updating the official rating but it's all out of my depth really.
Hi Shane
I am conemplating buying a Direto since I have a problem with the watts distribution on my Tacx trainer: in intervalls it shifts from one sec to the next from 100 to 400 watts and I have to programm increments of 20w every 4 sec in order to have a smoother transition from one interval level to the next - is this any better with the Direto or can I programm a smoother curve on the elite Training app? Thx for a feedback - Marc/Switzerland (just having completed the Croc Trophy in Cairns..... so its good to hear some fair dinkum Aussie accent)
ERG is a beast. It can depend on what software you're using too, I believe Trainer Road had some smarts built in to preempt interval changes. Maybe try a few different programs (most have free trials) and go from there.
Thx Shane - saw your ERG mode video - is there a better mode to do intervalls - say 12 x 75 sec with 60 sec rest phases and 300 watts in between high and low??
I bought it after your review but I really regret it. In steady state ERG, the power is very variables. Interval training is very frustrating, it takes 10 seconds to increase power. I am thinking of moving back to Kickr now.
Trade it up and get a Direto XR (released this week).
Hi Shane
Have you any info on the Direto X model update> When due in Aus
Hello Shane, Good videos, very Good tutorial and very very apreciated informative about the trainers. Im am in a doubt buying a smart interactive trainner. I Don't know if the Drivo is better than direto. Drivo is expensive, but i have a second hand near to me, and im not sure which of this Two trainers are best. Drivo I read a little pHases off the less power, and suddently hard brake making impossible to training correctly, otherwise I read a delay of the 2-3 seconds with direto on the hills and.....very very confuses. Can you Give me a opinion please? Thank you in advance!
Test ride and see what you like. It looks like you're across the technical differences between the two.
@@gplama yes but where im living it's imposible take a test. Im not between technical options, im between knowing problems to this units and it's dificult choose the best option. Can this problems solved in the futures firmwares? What you think?
@@oriolnegre The limitations of the Direto wattage floor in ERG are due to physical limitations, so no. Neither are 'bad' trainers.
@@gplama i don,'t know this zwift and smart trainers world, and seems amazing, healty and adictive. I'll follow your chaneel. Thank you and I pray to choose the correct trainer. When Im fitting the bike faster than you in a trainer I'll be old. Amazing
Shane, I have a new direto and a bolt. All works fine over ant+, but having some issues with speed. Can you tell me what wheel circumference you have in the bolt / elemnt app? For me 0.174 works and seems to be accurate but only up to 19mph. Accelerate past that and the bolt just reads lower speeds... Would love to know your thoughts.
This was a while back. I can't recall using the Element or setting wheel size within the Wahoo app. Wahoo Support are the best port of call on this one.
Hi Shane - Have you experienced (or if not could you envisage) any issue with a long cage rear mech with this trainer in the easier sprockets? Thanks
I don’t have any long cage rear mech bikes sorry.
Based on your review i plan to buy the Direto. While doing my homework I noticed that, compared to the tacx flux (the other contender) the flywheel of the Direto is only 4,2 kg while that of the flux is 7kg. Does size (weight) really matter and what about the "virtual" weight? Or is it better to compare the power output in watts (which is Flux/Direto comparable)? My gut feeling says the "the heavier, the better" for the road feel of the trainer? Or am I wrong?
Flywheel size matters... but so does the internal gearing of the unit.... so the best option is to always ride them yourself if you can and go from there.
Hi Mate, Just unboxed the new Direto. Rode about 25km and it went fine. Tonight I jumped on and did about 10 pedal strokes and the trainer ceased. I fiddled for a while thinking it may have been the cassette or the bike. In the end I noticed that the belt was slightly off the fly wheel. I took the casing off and this seems to be the issue. I have tried to shift the belt back into place but have had no luck. After getting very frustrated I gave up.... Any tips? Understand that your not the mechanic but thought you may have a quick fix. I did buy the unit from your review. Thanks
Return the unit.
I just got myself a Direto (in part to your and DC Rainmaker's reviews) and unfortunately I haven't been very lucky. When moving the pedals it feels very lumpy at slow speed, and putting any power down (even when turning the cranks with my hands) it locks up with a grinding noise. Not awesome. I've contact their support team and we'll see where we go from here.
What was the end result?
Hi Shane. I am looking to upgrade my Wahoo Kickr Snap to direct drive. Do you still think this is the best value to money in this price range if I care about the accuracy and don't need kickr climb? Also, is there any free app to control the ERG / resistance mode? I have a coach and don't use Zwift :) I found myETraining but without the trainer, I can't try it to see how it works :) Thanks a lot.
The Direto is getting on in years now and has some stiff competition. First up from the Direto X, the update/refresh. The Kickr CORE is another option in this general price bracket. App wise, MyETraining should do what you're after. Also have a look at the Wahoo Fitness app. It has manual control of SIM/ERG/Level of most trainers. If you can test ride any trainer you're thinking of before purchase, I recommend it.
@@gplama thank you so much!
Hi Shane, I have a quick question about calibration, I’m hoping I’m right in saying that the wheel circumference setting (in my etraining) is between 2095-21110? To account for 23mm-25mm tyres? Also with the elite direto on zwift....do I need to perform any other calibration there?
The Direto replaces the rear wheel, so the default in MyETraining (2070?) is fine if you're using that app. Perform one calibration within MyETraining after about 10 minutes use and you're set for weeks (maybe months). No need to do it within Zwift for the Direto.
Thanks for the very quick reply! And keep up the awesome work👍🏻
Hey Shane, what is the noise level between the direto and the drivo? Great video! Thanks
+Peter Popel iirc the Drivo was a little quieter.
thanks for your fast answer... makes my decision a little bit easier! Greetings
Hi Shane,
i own a specialized p1 all mountain mountain bike which has 3 gears in the front, 8 speed cassette and 135mm shimano's 135mm hub. reading Direto's tech info it is compatible only with 9/10/11 cassette. contacting Elite they answered me that a cassette spacer could help. do you think the bike will fit that trainer?
Elite are the best source to check with, so I'd trust their word on it. Maybe take your bike into a local store who has a Direto to see if they can demonstrate the compatibility.
Hello Shane, thanks for your great reviews! You have cleared way more doubts with your videos than even by contacting Elite directly!
Something I still cannot find is any info regarding if it will be compatible with my 2014 cyclocross Ridley X-fire. I’m not sure how to measure my bike either. Any ideas? Thanks !
Arhhh.. specific bike compatibility is a tricky one. If you can take your bike to a local bike store and mount it, that's the best way.
Shane Miller forgot to specify, but what I really meant to ask is about “disc brake clearance”. Any thoughts on that ?
This may help: ruclips.net/video/W5iNvkdsmpw/видео.html
It did. Thanks a million!
Hello again Shane, after doing the calibration on myETraining it’a to harder going over 300W (I’m using 52x15) It’s normal that dificult on the Direto?
Best contact Elite Support. 300W and hard is a subjective thing. Elite will be able to review the hardware side of things.
Hey Shane need some advice I have a Felt IA with Rotor Inpower meter and I want to get a trainer for the winter. I expect to use Trainer Road...I am trying to decide between the Direto or the Elite Quo B...I am leaning towards the Direto but thini I can accomplish 90% of the same thing with a trainer that's half the price or less...basically I would be using it for FTP workouts and endurance rides...thoughts?
Go the direct drive trainer if you can. Wheel-on trainers are fine, but direct drive are more robust (no tyre wear)
Trying to decide between this and the Tacx Flux any thoughts.
Do you know if there is a difference between the Elite Direto and the Elite Direto II? If so, how could one tell them apart?
Off the top of my head, no I don't. One for Elite support.
The Direto 2 has 2% power accuracy and the original has 2.5%. Also Direto 2 comes w riser block. I think my original Direto is more accurate than 2.5 %.
Hi Shane, is this trainer any good on erg mode. Does it change resistance quick enough and hold a steady power? Thanks.
The Direto isn't too bad in ERG. It does require the use of the small chainring to keep within the best working zones of the resistance unit. Test ride one if you have the chance to see if it meets your needs.
@@gplama Thanks for the reply Shane, going to buy one tomorrow as their is a good deal on at the minute in my local shop.
Should I go for the Dorito, Zumo or Turno?
If you bring the Direto to warm-up before a race, what kind of resistance does the Direto have when not plugged? Can you reach 400W? And if you plug it but you don't connect it to any app, does it have a resistance "by default", let's say the same resistance on a flat road at a given speed?
I haven't tried this to be honest, it's not a use case I look into. Smart trainers don't handle the elements very well (they're computers). I believe it'll supply 0% slope, so should be able to get up into those ranges. I highly recommend a cheaper trainer for race day warm ups.
Hi Shane, I'm a bit of a sprinter with a 5s max of about 1500w. Looking at specs, the Direto should still be ok as although it's 1400w at 40kph it also states 2200w at 60kph. In your opinion would the Direto be fine for me (will mostly be doing Sufferfest and maybe some Zwift) or should I be looking for something with more resistance?! Cheers
It'll be fine. The wattage limits are usually quoted around the sustainable watts, once the flywheel is up to speed. So if you're smashing 1800W on the pedals as it ramps up (10-15 seconds to get up to speed?), and the belts/gearing can tolerate it, you'll be good. As always, purchase locally and keep your receipt if you're smashing those kind of numbers! :)
Shane Miller perfect cheers!
Elite zumo £450 at halfords atm. Good price i think.
I started with calibrating MyE-training in my mobile app before my zwift training.
In zwift opted for the hilly loop in Watopia in settings i opted for 50% difficulty.
The power show now 105-125w even if slope was 10% and i was in the big ring
the hole time! Is there anythig else i should try?
Hello,
I am thinking about purchasing my first direct drive turbo trainer, which one would you recommend? This Direto or the tacx flux s? Thanks
Based on my own experience, the Direto.
@@gplama Thank you so much, I watched your videos on both those turbo trainers.Have you tested it with the latest firmware?
@@bhavinderjassar6394 Elite don't have a firmware update process (that's easy to follow... or published for the public, so no). And I haven't looped back to the Flux S. Not enough interest to make it worthwhile, or time in the day to loop back on this.
@@gplama Thanks for your kind help Shane, I appreciate it. I can get the direto at a good price, i will go for that. Thanks once again and keep up your review videos, they are first class.
I’ve just purchased a direto off the back of these reviews, I have 10 speed on the bike I’m using, so I have to index the gears each time I swap between the trainer and the road, or have I installed something incorrectly? Thanks.
If you're using a 10 speed cassette on the Direto, no. It should line up 1:1 for the gearing.
Shane Miller thanks for the reply. That’s what I thought, I got told I’d need to index each time I put the bike on the trainer. That would be too much hassle.
Hi Shane,i have a new direto and i have tested it against vector 3 (3-4 times)and against a p2max ngeco.now my problem is that on indoor the vector 3 and direto measure almost equal ,i mean maybe 1watt per entire ride .with the p2max the direto measures lower by 4-5 watts.Now i have used earlier(few weeks ago) the vector 3 in conjunction with p2max(rotor3d24) and the vector 3 were lower by 3-7 watts on average.now i don t want to keep moving them from bike and i m not sure what to think.on the bike with vector 3 pedals i have dura ace 9100 with 53/39 chainring (1 month old)on the other one i have rotor 3d24 with rotor aldhu no q chainrings(52/36).Could the difference between powermeters and direto be the efficience of the drivetrain?Also i think that i spot that if the direto is not mounted very stabil(flat floor)and rocks too much this can affect it s accuracy.i really would apreciate your opinion as you have a lot of experience with this stuff.the direto is my first smart trainer and i m very happy with it anyway.
It's hard to comment without a ton more data, knowing the testing protocol, etc, etc. Take a look at the latest post by DCRainmaker which outlines the process(es) about power accuracy for power meters and smart trainers.
Hi Shane, what is the circumference do the wheel to be able to calibrate the power meter no the Direto? And how I should calibrate?
Direto needs to be calibrated within the MyETraining App ONLY. Wheel size 0173 when entered into a Garmin or other head unit, not the MyETraining app.
Shane, Recently I moved from Wahoo Kickr Snap on to Elite Direto on Zwift. While I did the Zwift calibration, I have not done the Elite Calibration. One thing I have noticed is that resistance seems to fluctuate unusually, and I seem to either have lost power and as a result I am falling behind in riding....overall I am working much harder then on the Wahoo Snap on. I have seen many posts on this but yet to find a fix. I will continue to look , but thought I check in with you sir, Any suggestions ?
A similar question was posted on Reddit yesterday. I'll cut and paste the answer I posted there:
The stepper motor and magnet resistance units in these Elite trainers can really pour the resistance on abruptly. Going from 0% to 1% outside is almost undetectable unless you're really paying attention. There's almost always a slow transition. On some trainers this step feels very digital, which in turn makes it feel like hitting a small wall for a few seconds until you push into it and keep the gear turning over.Wahoo trainers have always been pretty good for turning up the screws on the resistance. Maybe even a little too slowly in some cases. As mentioned here in the comments, playing with that in-game slider (trainer difficulty slider) may help.
@@gplama This is exactly what I am seeing. I did reduce that slider, but not all the way and it seemed a tad better. I will try sliding it down all the way and see what impact it has on the feel. Its so discouraging when you are chasing a group and keep getting these sudden fluctuations in resistance, and when you are on the verge of your limit, its enough to make you throw the towel in. Is this a Zwift issue or Direto ?Its almost as if Zwift should be telling the Directo specific trainer the rate of change of resistance in a more granular manner than say the Wahoo, given Direto is making abrupt digital changes. Lets see what you suggestion leads to. Thanks for your prompt response mate.
Oh, to confirm, since all your reviews on all cycling products, I have followed a fair few...Direto, Assioma, GoPro Black etc....so your word and advise have been solid. Keep up the great work.
It depends who you ask as to where the issue is. Zwift will say Elite, Elite will say Zwift. My 2c - It's the hardware, so Elite. The way in which they change resistance is different to most as I've been told... but that's up to them and Zwift to work together to provide the best experience for riders.
Hey guys I have one and love it was just wondering if any of you found that it felt a bit Grindy when in the higher gears in particular your highest gear I seam to be perfectly indexted and can live with it but wondered if I should. I’m running Shimano 105 10 speed with tigra cassette to Match what’s on my wheel from the bike manufacture
No issues here. I use Ultegra cassettes (so I can swap them to my race wheels when needed)
Thanks Shane I have the same cassette on my road wheel as on the trainer maybe I need new chain to go with new cassette
by Zwift? i dont understand it so good? is that the key?
Hi Shane. Do you know where it can be purchased from . Im in Ballarat
+forthdimensiondive These hit Australia mid next month.
Thanks mate. Seriously considering this one. Wish it was available now. Come for a road trip and check it out when I set up eventually. For now tho I have the Aus championship course at my front door in Bunninyong
Shane , can you help as my directo always "seizes" up at the beginning of every session, having to push with all my might for the first few minutes before it normalises. Tks bro
Check it’s on the latest firmware with the Elite ‘Upgrado’ app.
Is the Direto worth the extra $250 over the Rampa? I already have a power meter, I just want a trainer to give feedback on the hills.
I find direct drive is a better option than wheel-on. But... having said that most wheel-on trainers provide a good riding experience when it comes to that automatic control on hills. I'd go the Direto if you're going to be cranking some good hours indoors this trainer season.
Thanks for the fast reply. Trainer season is long in Canada..so I'll try the Direto.
I’m struggling with my new Direto. I can’t get it to calibrate. After cycling for 16 mins averaging 100-150 watts (according to my Garmin 800), I tried three times. All three times it it told me to speed up and then nothing happened. I was doing between 40-50kph for over 30 seconds. How long does it take? Secondly, when I went over 200 watts, the cadence went all over the place. It would alternate between 120-220rpm even though I knew my cadence was being kept constant at 90-100rpm. I bought this when my fourth stages power meter died. All of them told me my FTP fluctuated between 220-240watts. Doing a power test the Elite told me I was only knocking out 140. So far emailing Elite has yielded no response. Clearly this probably all stems from having difficulty calibrating the machine in the first place. Anyone else had these issues or may I have got a lemon?
I bought one and am stuck trying to bloody register with elite for the app/website. All I get are timeouts and errors (in Italian) for both. Can they at least make sure their servers are working and website addresses on the media with Directos actually exist. So frustrating
Hi uncle Shane
That's creepy. Unless your initials are CT, LT, or AD....? (there's also more, but that's my first guess!) ;)