Elite has just dropped details on its latest sub-$1,000 direct drive smart trainer, the Direto. Priced at $899, the Direto slots in just under the brand's flagship Elite Drivo smart trainer ($1,300), and in the same price range as the likes of the the Tacx Flux Smart ($899).
It’s still not cheap by any standard, but you do get Elite’s Optical Torque Sensor power meter, which is claimed to offer +/- 2.5-percent accuracy compared to the Flux’s +/- 5-percent — most power meters claim +/- 2-percent accuracy.
The Optical Torque Sensor is said to measure power at 12 points around your pedal stroke, and Elite’s E-Training software can analyse individual left and right power.
With a 4.2kg / 9.26lbs flywheel and up to 1,400 watts of resistance available at 40kph, the Direto can also can simulate up to a 14 percent grade — for reference, the Elite Drivo does 2,296 watts at 40kph and can simulate a 24 percent grade, and the Flux will do 1,500 watts at 40kph and a 10 percent grade.
The new trainer offers dual-band ANT+FE-C and Bluetooth Smart connectivity and control, and is compatible with Elites own My E-Training software as well as popular third-party options such as Zwift, TrainerRoad, The Sufferfest, Kinomap and Bikevo.
Like the Flux Smart, the new Direto requires an external power source.
The new unit is also compatible with 130–135 x 5mm quick release as well as 142x12 thru-axle and 9-, 10- and 11-speed SRAM/Shimano cassettes. Adaptors for Campagnolo cassettes are available as an after-market purchase.
Weighing in at 15kg / 33.1lbs, the unit sees a stable 840mm x 650mm base, and the legs fold away to bring the footprint down to just 300mm x 650mm, meaning the Direto can be stashed behind the couch or next to a desk should you not have a dedicated training cave.