Garmin

Tacx Flux S Smart Direct Drive Trainer

The Flux S Smart Direct Drive Trainer has all the capabilities most cyclists will require for off-season training. Its watts ceiling, simulated incline, and accuracy are lower than the more expensive models, but it reproduces nearly any conditions we could want. It tops off at 10% inclines, but real-world climbs like Alpe d'Huez do, too, so it's still more than enough to get the job done for most riders.

The Flux S also features all the functionality you'd expect from a smart trainer, including ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity to apps ranging from Tacx to heavy hitters like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, and Strava. If you're not into the social or virtual training modes, the Flux S is smart enough to function in a vacuum. When used without a device and training app, the Flux S provides a progressive resistance curve to match the effort you're putting out and mimic the experience of riding on a flat road—no additional software or setup required.