CycleOps has been producing sturdy, long-lasting trainers for years, but the Wisconsin company got some serious competition when the likes of Wahoo and Tacx launched so-called smart trainers that offered easy compatibility and interaction with various training apps. With its new aggressively priced Magnus, CycleOps now has a solid competitor.
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CycleOps has been producing electronic trainers for well over a decade. While some of the recent offerings pigeonholed themselves — the PowerSync came in Bluetooth or ANT+ — the new Hammer direct-drive smart trainer pushed ahead by offering both wireless frequencies plus compatibility for quick release and thru-axle. The Hammer is similar in price and function to the Wahoo Kickr.
With the new $599 Magnus (UK pricing not immediately available), riders can use whatever wireless frequency they like, with whatever app they like. CycleOpsVirtualTraining continues to be refined, but riders can also use Zwift, Kinomap or TrainerRoad just as easily.
Pricewise, the Magnus comes in under the $699 Wahoo Kickr Snap, and just above the Tacx Vortex. (We will update this story with GBP pricing as soon as we receive it from CycleOps.)
CycleOps claims the Magnus responds more quickly than past trainers to external control with its electromagnetic design, which offers up to 1,500w of resistance.
The hand-built steel frame is tried and true, using the company’s Classic Series design plus its proprietary clutch knob, which is like a torque wrench for tension between the trainer’s roller and bike’s rear tire.
The legs fold in for storage, and the feet can be adjusted for uneven surfaces.
Power measurement works on PowerTap technology, which BikeRadar has found to be reliable and accurate over many years.
Noise is a claimed 65-69 decibels at 20mph, which makes it quieter than its competitors.
The Magnus is compatible with frames that have 120mm, 130mm and 135mm rear dropouts. It does not appear to support the 142x12 thru-axle standard used on some disc-equipped road bikes.
