In 2020 even those of us that would scoff at the idea of walking down into the basement to ride your bike learned to hammer with friends and strangers all over the internet. Some of us had already embraced the benefits of cramming a good workout in to your lunch break while working a full time job and still helping around the house. With our family, my partner and I set aside 2 days during the week to knock out a couple TrainerRoad sweet spot workouts in between Kindergarten sessions and Zoom meetings.
Our Basement has slowly become a spin and yoga studio over the pandemic. Thankfully there is a nice draft with the door open and the funk clears out. During the transformation of our basement we have been able to test a number of products and ideas that have helped make it a functional and productive space. We are able to get an effective workout in and keep the noise down for other family members to still be able to work or read.
Best Direct Drive Trainers
Saris H3 and H2 Hammer Direct Drive Trainer
These are the trainers we use here at the house. The first one we had was the H2 Hammer and after one and a half years of abuse it is still running great. I have used it with a just about every type and style of bike thanks to the provided quick release and thru axel ends. When we realized that having two trainers would make for more training time together in the winter months we opted for the quieter H3 model.
Pros
- Accuracy: +/- 2%
- Price
- Quietest of the Premium Trainers
Cons
- Heavy – My partner has a hard time moving it on her own.
- Front tire block is hard to get in a good spot. Cheap to replace.
Garmin only supplies the best quality of products and the Tacx Neo 2T is no different. This is the top of the pile and continues to be a favorite in the industry. With best in class quietness and the most accurate “road feel” of all the Smart Trainers on this list. When riding on Zwift, if you drive over gravel roads, the road feel changes beneath you. There is a premium for this functionality, but I have always felt that it is priced fairly. I find it to be the best looking of the Direct Drive trainers too, if thats worth anything.
Pros
- Quiet
- Advanced road feel functionality
- Stunning good looks (lol)
- Best in class software/ app
Cons
- Price
Honorable Mention: Elite Suito Direct Drive Smart Trainer
The Elite Suito makes the list because direct drive trainers are easier to use than wheel on (See my review of the top ones HERE) but there is a price premium for direct drive. Not to mention that there is the need for a cassette. The Elite Suito comes in just above the price of the best Wheel-on models but offers you the direct drive option in a lightweight, compact, and affordable package. If direct drive is important to you but price is a limiter, I would start the hunt here.
Pros
- Price
- Size, shape, and weight
- Noise
- Ability to travel with the trainer
Cons
- Size of the Fly Wheel is smaller than competitors
Pain Cave Accessories (Necessities IMO)
Just placing a trainer near your bike, or in your garage, will not make you any faster or allow you to keep up with your friends on the hills near your house. Youll want to work on opportunities (weaknesses) and further your strengths. That comes with training and intention. In order to do so, there are some parts that should not be ignored such as Cooling, ventilation, comfort, and the overall connection of your trainer or treadmill to all the other devices you plan on using to get fitter and stronger.
Below are a list of MUST HAVE items to make all that torture…I mean training… possible.
Lasko High Velocity Pivoting Fan
I was blown away when this thing arrived at our doorstep. Pun intended. Like anyone who has ever tried to workout indoors, I thought that my little box fan was enough. I even remember saying that having the window opened “really helped”. Its not enough and no the window doesn’t help. Get one of these fans and you will likely earn some personal bests. This Fan is made for drying out flooded basements or ventilating work spaces. having one at the house is never a bad idea. We’re on our second Lasko fan and are considering getting a third for ultimate cooling and venting in the summer.
RAD Cycle Products Adjustable Table
To go with our two Saris Hammer Direct Drive Trainers we have two of these tables. At first this thing held our phones and a gel. Now they hold extra bottles, books, and all sorts of things that our kid brings us mid ride. We have put our tablets on this table for help with the workouts and I have even attended meetings and connected via my laptop. They seem pricey at first but become a part of the process. I like these because–believe it or not– they are cheaper than a lot of the competition and the wheels have great locks to keep them from moving. Sometimes you will want to do a long course on Zwift or Rouvy and having your food prepped and waiting for you can ensure you hit your goals.
Having a sturdy and grippy mat under your heavy equipment helps dampen noise, protect your devices if they fall, protect the floors underneath, and help you create more space for other activities like yoga, kettlebell, and core work. These mats are affordable and have worked very well in our Pain Cave. They work really well under our smart treadmill too. If you live in an apartment, having mats like this will mitigate the noise that your trainer will create. as for the noises that come out of YOU, no mat can really help you with this.
Pair all this with your smart phone using a few well placed Smart Plugs and you have the makings of a Pain Cave. All of the platforms used for indoor cycling (TrainerRoad, Zwift, Sufferfest, Rouvy, etc) have mobile platforms that work perfectly via Bluetooth. A “Pain Cave” just needs to be a place where you can go to get your sweat on, work towards summer goals, or just get some aggression out.
If you have any questions about My Set up, or how to get your own room or corner ready for pain, don’t hesitate to email me or leave a question in the comments. If there are any items you’d like to see reviewed or compared please let me know and I will start working through them.