Launched last year, we have been using the Elite Direto XR Indoor Trainer ever since the pandemic. At a premium price of $949, the Direto offers much for the spend. That’s if ultimate accuracy is important to you. A maximum gradient of 24% too.
We use Zwift with the Direto XR. Considered buying a Peloton, but with a princess and a pea bike fit between, wanted to train inside using a known setup. A trainer with minimal space requirements is a bonus. Switching bikes is easy as well.
Note: this isn’t a technical review, just a real experience of why the Direto is so good. YouTubers have the technical reviews dialed and also how-to’s in order to set it up properly. Which, by the way, is really easy.
Before training with the Direto XR a fluid trainer with Bluetooth is all we had. And, before that? Well, both Pam and I have been doing this so long we either rode (and yes, fell off) the rollers or trained on a magnetic trainer that burned through tires.
In short, If you haven’t made the switch to a smart trainer, do it.
Gonna get one? Here are a few things to plan ahead for:
- Be near an electrical outlet. You’ll have to be plugged in.
- Set yourself up on a level and solid floor.
- It does make some noise. No more than a fan.
- You need a compatible cassette and if you use campy, plan on an adapter part.
- Get that dialed before your trainer arrives so you’ll be on the bike within minutes of it being out of the box.
Here’s the best feature: no glitches with ERG when doing intervals or high-intensity surges like the fluid trainer. It’s hard enough to get in the zone the first time but constantly being shut off and having to re-calibrate when using the fluid trainer is frustrating. That doesn’t help build any strength towards a getting stronger goal. With the Direto XR, just turn on a Zwift training workout, have a lot of water handy, turn on a fan, and follow along with the program. No shifting, no glitching, no getting to the right power level 20 seconds into a 30-second surge.
Instead, put your head down, turn your legs, and the trainer does the rest.
Find the Direto XR at a bike shop near you or online; including, from Amazon. As of today, they have 2 left.
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