Most Accurate Indoor Trainer for Winter 2020-21

The most accurate indoor trainer isn’t necessarily the best indoor trainer. However, accuracy IS an important consideration for many of us so, without further ado, let’s have a look at the most accurate pain cave torture implements in existence.

Levels of Accuracy

I’m looking here at the accuracy stated by the manufacturer, so you may not experience such good accuracy perhaps due to poor (no) calibration, old firmware or even variations due to manufacturing tolerances. That said, accuracy on ‘bedded-in’ models where the manufacturer has addressed all teething problems should be close to the stated accuracy levels. Even if they’re not quite as you expect, you probably wouldn’t notice in many cases (not you…other people wouldn’t notice).

Most Accurate Turbos – +/-1% or better. Ranked by accuracy then cost, older models generally omitted pre-2018

1. Elite Drivo II (2018) – +/- 0.5% – $1200rrp or as low as $900,
2. Tacx Neo Smart Bike <+/-1% – $3199.99, £2299.00, Eu2593.27
3. 4iiii Fliiiight – +/-1% – $600rrp
4. Wahoo Kickr 2020 – +/-1% – $1199.99, £999.99, Eu1127.99
5. Tacx Neo 2/2T – +/-1% – $1399.99, £1199.00, Eu1352.47
6. Wahoo Kickr Bike – +/-1% – $3499.99, £2999.99, Eu3382.87

Perfectly Acceptable Accuracy – within 2%

1. Elite Direto X – +/-1.5%  – $900, £825
2. Elite Direto XR – +/-1.5%  – $950, £850
3. Saris H3 – +/-1.5%  – $999.99, £747.99, Eu957.67
4. Stages Bike SB20 – +/-1.5% – $2899.00, £2700.00, Eu3045.60
5. Elite Direto – +/-2% – $850rrp, £769
6. Wahoo Kickr Core – +/-2% – $899, £699.99, Eu789.59
7. WattBike Atom 2020 – +/-2% – $2600rrp

Possibly OK Accuracy – within 3%

1. Elite Suito – +/-2.5% $800rrp, £649
2. Tacx Flux 2 – +/-2.5% $899, €799, £699
3. Wahoo Kickr Snap – +/-3% $499, £429, Eu483.91.
4. Elite Zumo – +/- 3% $700rrp
5. Tacx Flux S – +/-3% $750rrp , £549

In my opinion, less accuracy than 3% would suggest that you’re not too concerned about accuracy. Which is fine.

Take Out

Of the manufacturers, clearly Elite is the best bang for your accuracy buck and Wahoo might edge Garmin-Tacx by the same measure.

If you want to take other factors into account then y ou might, instead, come up with these lists 

Best Indoor Trainer – Mid-Range

1. Wahoo KICKR SNAP – $499, £429, Eu483.91.
2. 4iiii Fliiiight $599 –
3. Saris/CycleOps M2 – $499

Best Smart Trainer – High-End

1. Tacx Flux 2 (2020) – $899, €799, £699
2. Wahoo Fitness KICKR CORE – $899, £699.99, Eu789.59
3. Elite Direto X –  out of stock

Best Premium Indoor Smart Trainer for Home Usage

1. Tacx NEO 2T – $1399.99, £1199.00, Eu1352.47
2. Wahoo KICKR 2020 – $1199.99, £999.99, Eu1127.99
3. Saris H3 (CycleOps Hammer 3) – $999.99, £747.99, Eu957.67