In our Interbike coverage we wrote briefly about Elite’s new Turbo Muin Smart B+ direct drive trainer that offers an immersive online riding experience and progressive resistance based on speed, connected to all of your ANT+ and Bluetooth devices. While it is still a lot less than the 1300€ Real version with its electronically controlled resistance, not everyone is ready, willing, or able to drop 550€/$750+ for the Turbo Muin Smart B+. So for those with slightly more down to earth budgets for riding indoors, Elite has partnered with Performance and Nashbar in the US and Madison in the UK to offer pared down versions that keep the same direct drive and progressive fluid resistance without the built in electronics. Join us after the break for a closer look and US/UK pricing…
The US Turbo Roteo and the UK Volano are effectively the exact same trainers, with a slightly different finish and different names. Elite see them as a Muin for the masses, offering a the performance of a direct drive trainer in a lighter, lower cost version. While neither trainer includes wireless connectivity, both offer a mount for Elite’s Misuro B+ Bluetooth & ANT sensor so they could be upgraded in the future if desired. It is essentially the omission of the wireless communication that is able to keep the costs down vs. the Muin.
The fluid drive unit should lend a familiar smooth and quiet ride, and the direct mount design means it gets a solid platform to crank out the power. The progressive resistance goes all the way up to 1200+ Watts for plenty of pushing. With no cables or settings, it’s just a case of the faster you go the harder it gets. A benefit of the smaller form factor is that the trainers fold for easy storage, and have a handle for easy transport. The built in hub is compatible with 130, 135 and 142 x 12mm axle standards, and comes with a 9/10/11sp friendly Shimano/SRAM freehub body. You need to buy a cassette seperately, as well as a separate freehub adaptor for Campagnolo compatibility.
The Turbo Roteo is available only in the US through either Performance Bike or Nashbar’s websites with a retail price of $500 (although Performance has it on sale right now.) Availability is expected in the first week of November, just in time for winter weather.
The Volano is exclusive to Madison and sells for £350. It should also be available in a few weeks time.
