As indoor training season approaches for many in the northern hemisphere, Elite has launched the Drivo direct-drive smart trainer, a quiet unit that's compatible with modern training software like Zwift and TrainerRoad and one that boasts a claimed power accuracy of +/- 1%.
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The term 'smart trainer' means a unit that interacts with smartphones, computer and bike computers to measure power and adjust resistance. On a standard trainer, resistance is controlled by shifting the bike or cranking the resistance wheel against your bike's tire. On a smart trainer, resistance is controlled via specified settings on a cycling computer, smartphone or computer, or, even better, in response to simulated virtual courses like those in Zwift or Kinomap, or to power-specific workouts like those in TrainerRoad.
The Drivo integrated power meter has a 24-point measurement system that claims to be accurate within +/- 1%. It can handle up to 2,000w — basically more than anyone can produce — and simulate slopes up to 24%.
The unit is compatible with road and mountain bikes, as it works with 130-135 x 5mm quick-release frames and 142x12mm thru-axle frames.
While a motor controls the amount of resistance, a hefty 6kg flywheel provides inertia for a real-world feel.
Elite claims that trainer is "super quiet" and "guarantees that the only noise to be heard while training is that of the bicycle chain", according to a press release, but the company does not specify the decibel level.
The Drivo works on both ANT+ Fe-C and Bluetooth Smart.
The drivo retails in the UK for £1,099.99 (international pricing tbc), the unit weighs 26kg (57lbs)
