Smart Bike decision input

[Calpol]

I've decided to buy a smart bike.
I've been using a Kickr Snap for a few years and I'm kinda of sick of the faff involved with setting up for a session. So I've cleared the garage and will be constructing a dedicated training room. I've done a ton of research online including almost every Youtube video, DC Rainmaker and I'm tending towards the Stages SB20 but also considering the Tacx Neo bike and Wattbike Atom. The Wahoo Kickr bike is out of budget and has too many moving parts.

The candidates

Tacx Neo - can get for £1740. Downside is that it might not fit the Mrs and daughter who could use it occasionally and are c5'5"
Wattbike - can get for c£1700. I like the design but don't like the notion of fixed crank length
Stages SB20 - Can get for £1700 - Seems to fit the bill. built like a tank

There are reliability horror stories all over the forums and pro's and cons for all of the above.

Does anyone own one of these and can offer any endorsement? Decision to be made this weekend. Thanks.

 

[PikeyPriest]

I’ve got the SB20, but I’ve only been on it once today as the first ride. It really is tank and there is hardly any noise beyond a high pitched whine from the resistance magnet.

Compared for the Kickr Snap I would say it rides much better for general riding. From the box the resistance change with hills was very pronounced, but this resolved when I reduced the difficulty in the stages app (zwift was still at 50%).

The ERG mode takes time to ramp up, so the first 5-10s will fluctuate until you hit the target. The readings do not average over 2s like the snap, so you will see the numbers go under and over, but I find it best to just ignore them the absolute values. The power output graph will be spiked rather than smooth, but you still need to make the average power. If you are a big fan of <30s intervals it may prove tricky, though you can use the brakes to pump resistance up quickly for big changes.

The ‘bike’ has a smaller footprint than the bike&turbo setup and is very customisable to position. Quality wise feels similar to what you would use at a commercial gym rather than home equipment.

Overall very positive so far, but only had two free rides and one ERG workout today so not the most comprehensive reviews.

 

[wonko]

I've had an SB20 for about 18 months and have no regrets. There was an initial noise caused by the belt rubbing on the plastic cover, but that was quickly sorted and since then it hasn't missed a beat with near daily use with Zwift and 18000 virtual km (so Strava tells me). I don't use ERG mode so can't comment on that.

 

[Calpol]

I’ve got the SB20, but I’ve only been on it once today as the first ride. It really is tank and there is hardly any noise beyond a high pitched whine from the resistance magnet.

Compared for the Kickr Snap I would say it rides much better for general riding. From the box the resistance change with hills was very pronounced, but this resolved when I reduced the difficulty in the stages app (zwift was still at 50%).

The ERG mode takes time to ramp up, so the first 5-10s will fluctuate until you hit the target. The readings do not average over 2s like the snap, so you will see the numbers go under and over, but I find it best to just ignore them the absolute values. The power output graph will be spiked rather than smooth, but you still need to make the average power. If you are a big fan of <30s intervals it may prove tricky, though you can use the brakes to pump resistance up quickly for big changes.

The ‘bike’ has a smaller footprint than the bike&turbo setup and is very customisable to position. Quality wise feels similar to what you would use at a commercial gym rather than home equipment.

Overall very positive so far, but only had two free rides and one ERG workout today so not the most comprehensive reviews.

I've had an SB20 for about 18 months and have no regrets. There was an initial noise caused by the belt rubbing on the plastic cover, but that was quickly sorted and since then it hasn't missed a beat with near daily use with Zwift and 18000 virtual km (so Strava tells me). I don't use ERG mode so can't comment on that.

Thanks both - I've ordered the SB20, gutted the garage and will be looking forward to suffering soon.

 

[Calpol]

Quick update
Stages bike arrived in the week. It's solid and hefty but wasn't too bad to build and set up. 1 complaint I would have was that the first time I spun the pedals there was a bit of scraping noise which took some time to identify and rectify. Had to loosen all the drive chain cover / faring and reposition it. It seems that is not uncommon as there was a fix identified on the Stages website with instructions and photos. Anyway its sorted and the thing is near silent. Only had quick try of Zwift which is my first time Zwifting and it worked well especially with the gear changing.

I probably need to spend a bit more time setting a position but overall I'm pleased. The ability to just climb on and ride, leaving my road bike for outside and no faff with wheels, tyres and tension setting is a big win. Is it £1600 worth of win. Hmmmm time will tell but I've now got a tidy setup in the garage so far less excuses. Painted the walls and ceiling, laid a rubber floor and bought a tool box for ...er tools and bike stuff.