Power numbers aside, I think this is a great idea for a trainer and would consider buying it, if the price was just a bit cheaper and it came with a 3 year comprehensive warranty. If you just wanting to get fit, you don't need any detailed, super accurate power measurement, nor even an interactive trainer to build up strength and endurance by doing some 20 min efforts. Wheel-on trainers around this price are just too noisy for apartment use and I want something that allows for the user or bike shop to change the bearings or a belt. I like that it does not have complicated electronics which can completely disable the product, if it fails (like many high end smart trainers). If they could somehow make an attachment that grabs the drive side QR nut and anchors to both the front and back stand (like wheel-on trainers), it would be a great low cost, stable, reliable trainer. I'd also like to see you disassemble this to show how difficult getting to the bearing and changing the belt would be as well as showing how solidly-constructed the unit is.
Thanks for the review and the comments below have been useful. I have been thinking about buying one for awhile as my first trainer and have just done so, £249.99 on Amazon :) now looking forward to some Zwifting during the winter.
Seems like it would work really well for a lot of Trainerroad and similar workouts where the intervals are longer and steadier. If this is your only power source and it's off it doesn't really matter as long as it's repeatable - you would still get great workouts and get faster. And hey, if you tell your friends (honestly, as far as you know) that your FTP is only 300 when it's actually 330 and you're crushing them up climbs, that's not a horrible feeling either.
It’d be great for the girlfriend. The power levels are consistent and therefore seems a software update could bump it a little and thereby making it more accurate. Great to have a budget trainer like this on the market. I’ve been using the Neo smart since it first came out.
This is a very good device. Benefits of direct drive with simplicity of a fluid trainer BUT with added power measurement without requiring strain gauges.
Seems like a really great device for getting the zwift experience for the non elite rider. Smooth and not too loud, just go and ride around watopia. Better than my old wheel on fluid trainer.
My biggest question is, why does this unit have smarts at all. Its doing an internal "z-power" calculation on speed, so why not just nail down the power curve really precise and have a magnet in the flywheel to use an external speed sensor. Removing the electronics could save $, people already have speed sensors, and the accuracy would be the same.
Haven't read all the comments, but last time I checked, the shipping costs for this trainer is insane!!! Somewhere around 150 us dollars I believe! (I'd buy one if shipping costs were reasonable...
I had very little issues with stability at "normal" people wattage (over 350w) sprints. It doesn't have ERG mode which explains lag in the interval training. T100 is a good trainer for base miles endurance...
@@EastofVictoriaPark $599 compared to this dumb trainer at $399. For me having a smart trainer is definitely worth an extra $200. But yeah just my opinion
Seems like a great idea, personally i would like to have a direct drive trainer that is good for warmup at races. A trainer that replaces the old wheel-on tacx trainer that adjust resistance with a lever at the handlebar. So something like that, but only direct drive. But also similarly priced.
It costs about $235 USD including shipping here in China which obviously makes a lot more sense. But, I guess shipping big heavy trainers really adds to the costs.
@@gplama Yeah, I agree. I put the local Chinese prices in a few of my videos and they weren't very happy. I think trainers are so heavy though, not many people are gonna be selling them on AliExpress. Their power meters on the other hand seem a lot easier for people to source at closer-to-Chinese prices via AliExpress, eBay, etc. Edit for clarity: They weren't very happy, but I didn't change or edit the prices out. :)
Magene is the manufacture for Wahoo. Wahoo is also an investor in Magene and the One lap. They make the Kickr. I guess that's why we will never see the T300 in the US. Can you get the T300 in Australia?
@@gplama Have they told you if there will be any restrictions on what countries it be sold or not sold and at what price? Perhaps, since it resembles more like the Saris Hammer Wahoo cant make a claim? Thanks
Excellent vid, as usual. I owned a T100 and I'm very happy with it. I can take it anywhere. I also owned a magene crank power meter. To me it happens all the opposite. In zwift, my T100 reads 10-15w higher than the reading of my crank. Is that normal? Which would be the "real" reading? 🤔
Hi Shane, little late over here haha. I was wondering about between getting myself either the thinkrider a1 or the magene t100. One of the cons that you mentioned about the thinkrider a1 is it doesn't count with a speed sensor. I was wondering if that is the same case with the t100.
Hi Shane, great review, thanks so much. I'm looking for a budget direct drive to just link up to my Garmin Edge 520 only, no zwift etc.to show my speed and distance during my workout as that's all I am looking for. Would you recommend this or any other please? Many thanks
Hi. Thanks for the review. I have been using a tacx vortex for 2 years. It gives me a great workout. I only use the tacx/garmin app to incline slightly (which I guess just increases resistance) and I keep my bike in the highest gear. I don't pay attention to watts. I'd like something that feels closer to riding outside and have been considering the flux s. Because of my limited use of these trainers, should I consider this and save $400?
Hi Shane miller, may I ask I have a magene T100 & I just bought Favero Uno power meter, but why that 2 power data read is different so many? My T100 smart trainer power around 200W but my Favero Uno only around 140W. Is it Favero Uno need calculate 2x cause it just a single power meter? But even 2x the power also over a lot with T100. I have calibrated my Favero Uno power meter but also same issue like that, now I don’t know is my Favero Uno wrong read my power or my Magene T100 wrong read… the power totally different too many😭😞. Hope you can give me some advice this issue 🙏
Hi, Shane. Have spent more time watching your videos than actually cycling since I got a bike 7months ago and started looking for a smart trainer because of your zwift videos, your reviews are pricless. Bought a Tacx neo (which is great) but am having an issue I havn't seen covered in any video... Have a 9speed cassette that works perfectly on the bike, but when on the tacx neo it hops on the 11t gear, doesn't skip or jump or try to get to another gear, it just hops on that single gear and I can't use it at all as there's no torque, what's that all about?
@@fergusdenoon1255 it could be your chain is worn and works on the worn cassette on the bike but not on the trainer one. I would try a new chain and if that fixes it also put a new cassette on your bike wheel.
@@IanPayne new chain, new cassette, both new and old cassette work perfectly on my wheel, both do exactly the same on the trainer... I know, it's a head scratcher. But I've concluded it's not the chain, not the cassette, I'm wondering if the derailer sits in a different position on the trainer than the wheel, although I've adjusted the derailer so it's in the perfect position, could it be angled somehow? I don't know, I've run out of ideas.
I've had one for almost a year in the Lama Lab. Acer wanted feedback. I provided this to them (and Zwift). I guess 12 months means game on for a review? I'll see if they've released any updates and schedule it in.
I used this thing with Zwift for round about a year now. Started at C/Low B Cat, and it pushed me up to currently A. You def. can build your base, and even more than that. The reason I just ordered a real smart trainer is, that, as stated in the video, it only goes up to 700w, is not really responsive and sprints are impossible since at some point you are spinning too much and don't get the power on the pedals. If you wanna be really competitive in races, this is not your choice.
Hi Shane. I’ve just purchased one of these trainers. Just a question when I start peddling and connected to Zwift I get one solid blue light and one flashing for around 10 seconds then both blue lights go out for the rest of my ride is this correct many thanks
@@gplama looking forward to the review of the t300. Based on what you've said about the 100 it might have some potential. Thanks for the great review as always.
@@timbruner4628 I am waiting as well. They only have a few Suito trainers left here so want to choose between the Suito and the Magene T300. The price is the same here so we begging Champ GPLama for that review on the T300.
Im in the market for a Trainer. I Dont have a large bugdet and dont Care about zwift or any other smart trainer features ( I like to suffer on my own ;) ) but im not sure which one to get there are no real reviews on trainers Like that. So which one would you recommend ( around 200€ ) and is there a trainer where you can use the Power that you Put into ( to Power your Phone or Something Else ) that would be a really cool Idea but havent found Something Like that. So is there Something on the market like that ?
Quick question, seeing this power difference it reminded me of my issue. I've had Kickr 18 for some time and recently got 4iii Precision PM (Left side only) which reads 10% higher than my Kickr. It kinda sucks but I'm willing to roll with it, but what I'm interested in is, if there is such obvious issue with 1 (or both) devices, is that mostly just because of bad "initial calibration" of those devices or is there possibility of later larger drift? How often is issue somewhere else and could it get worse over time? I can't really guess where this inacurracy is coming from, but can I atleast hope that precision will stay the same? Thanks, love your work, gl hf!
Have you considered that your "LEFT" leg is far stronger than your RIGHT leg giving you 10% higher reading? I have a Kickr and it matches with my Sigeyi almost 1:1 (except some minor edge cases at higher wattages) I had a 4iiii before and it reads about 5% higher than my Kickr but it's because my left leg is stronger.
@@ooitzeyang Yes, that's why I'm not panicking and just rolling with it, but with no way of knowing is it power discrepancy, drivetrain loss, opposite % device errors etc, I would at least like to know how "stable" just devices are in the long run because 10% is really on the outer edge of what I'm comfortable with, and no one better to ask about devices than Shane :D
@@MP-jh4vh haha stability? You realized you also put out different LR differences at different power bands? Rabbit hole mate. Save up and go with a proper full power meter in the future if you want numbers that ports around easily.
@@ooitzeyang You are not reading what I'm asking. I'm not looking for an answer where does imprecision in my specific case coming from, I am aware of all the factors that could be in play and I'm fine with it. My question is simply how often is it manufacturing error that can deteriorate with time (if it can, is that even a thing?).
£300 seems like a lot for something so feature poor. Also, 700W is very low. I would be surprised if there are many people unable to top that in a sprint.
Many people can throw down a bigger sprint than 700W but doing so on a trainer is...kinda dangerous, and bad for your bike potentially. The trainer has the only features that really matter: reporting power, providing variable resistance (which you select with your gears, just like on the road). Perfect.
@@JackMott if you say so. I like my erg mode and barely ever use anything else for training. If I want to race, I'm not going to get very far with 700W. My wife can kick out 900W so it's not even any good for womens racing! Oh, and I can and do hit 1200W on my trainer regularly. Chinese carbon bike is fine and trainer is fine. Not dangerous at all.
I have no confidence in used one, especially when the high end smart trainers are usually used by the pros whose ftp is so high and have so many hours on them:(
Power numbers aside, I think this is a great idea for a trainer and would consider buying it, if the price was just a bit cheaper and it came with a 3 year comprehensive warranty. If you just wanting to get fit, you don't need any detailed, super accurate power measurement, nor even an interactive trainer to build up strength and endurance by doing some 20 min efforts. Wheel-on trainers around this price are just too noisy for apartment use and I want something that allows for the user or bike shop to change the bearings or a belt.
I like that it does not have complicated electronics which can completely disable the product, if it fails (like many high end smart trainers). If they could somehow make an attachment that grabs the drive side QR nut and anchors to both the front and back stand (like wheel-on trainers), it would be a great low cost, stable, reliable trainer. I'd also like to see you disassemble this to show how difficult getting to the bearing and changing the belt would be as well as showing how solidly-constructed the unit is.
Thanks for the review and the comments below have been useful. I have been thinking about buying one for awhile as my first trainer and have just done so, £249.99 on Amazon :) now looking forward to some Zwifting during the winter.
Seems like it would work really well for a lot of Trainerroad and similar workouts where the intervals are longer and steadier. If this is your only power source and it's off it doesn't really matter as long as it's repeatable - you would still get great workouts and get faster. And hey, if you tell your friends (honestly, as far as you know) that your FTP is only 300 when it's actually 330 and you're crushing them up climbs, that's not a horrible feeling either.
I appreciated your comments on the TR forum re the Kickstarter power meter. Saved me the time/money
More coming soon. I’ve spent the last few days throwing it at the watt gods.
It’d be great for the girlfriend. The power levels are consistent and therefore seems a software update could bump it a little and thereby making it more accurate. Great to have a budget trainer like this on the market. I’ve been using the Neo smart since it first came out.
This is a very good device. Benefits of direct drive with simplicity of a fluid trainer BUT with added power measurement without requiring strain gauges.
Seems like a really great device for getting the zwift experience for the non elite rider. Smooth and not too loud, just go and ride around watopia.
Better than my old wheel on fluid trainer.
My biggest question is, why does this unit have smarts at all. Its doing an internal "z-power" calculation on speed, so why not just nail down the power curve really precise and have a magnet in the flywheel to use an external speed sensor.
Removing the electronics could save $, people already have speed sensors, and the accuracy would be the same.
Thanks a lot. Waiting for the T300 version review
Here it is. Magene T300 Smart Trainer: Details // Ride Review // Lama Lab Tested: czcams.com/video/H6By1BYufeo/video.html
@@gplama thanks a lot
Haven't read all the comments, but last time I checked, the shipping costs for this trainer is insane!!! Somewhere around 150 us dollars I believe! (I'd buy one if shipping costs were reasonable...
Yeeeouch! That's all the more reason for the other companies to make something similar at the lower end.
I had very little issues with stability at "normal" people wattage (over 350w) sprints. It doesn't have ERG mode which explains lag in the interval training. T100 is a good trainer for base miles endurance...
Honestly looking at these the Flux S price just seems better and better
almost double the money, I'd hope so.
@@EastofVictoriaPark $599 compared to this dumb trainer at $399. For me having a smart trainer is definitely worth an extra $200. But yeah just my opinion
Seems like a great idea, personally i would like to have a direct drive trainer that is good for warmup at races. A trainer that replaces the old wheel-on tacx trainer that adjust resistance with a lever at the handlebar. So something like that, but only direct drive. But also similarly priced.
It costs about $235 USD including shipping here in China which obviously makes a lot more sense. But, I guess shipping big heavy trainers really adds to the costs.
They list $399 all over their own site. This is poor practice for them to advertise at one price when it's nowhere near that locally.
@@gplama Yeah, I agree. I put the local Chinese prices in a few of my videos and they weren't very happy. I think trainers are so heavy though, not many people are gonna be selling them on AliExpress. Their power meters on the other hand seem a lot easier for people to source at closer-to-Chinese prices via AliExpress, eBay, etc. Edit for clarity: They weren't very happy, but I didn't change or edit the prices out. :)
Magene is the manufacture for Wahoo. Wahoo is also an investor in Magene and the One lap. They make the Kickr. I guess that's why we will never see the T300 in the US. Can you get the T300 in Australia?
I have a T300 here
@@gplama Have they told you if there will be any restrictions on what countries it be sold or not sold and at what price? Perhaps, since it resembles more like the Saris Hammer Wahoo cant make a claim? Thanks
I'm not across the retail/commercial side of things with this company.
Great video!. Thanks. Do you will test the Magene T300?. Thanks!!!
Yes
Here it is. Magene T300 Smart Trainer: Details // Ride Review // Lama Lab Tested: czcams.com/video/H6By1BYufeo/video.html
@@gplama please review the t200 too shane. im thinking of choosing between the t200 or thinkrider x5-2
Is the through axle 142 fit in this trainer?
Excellent vid, as usual. I owned a T100 and I'm very happy with it. I can take it anywhere. I also owned a magene crank power meter. To me it happens all the opposite. In zwift, my T100 reads 10-15w higher than the reading of my crank. Is that normal? Which would be the "real" reading? 🤔
FYI, U can actually get these for about 200USD in China... The T300 is around 500USD. Cheers.
Now that's a pretty good deal.
Hi Shane, little late over here haha. I was wondering about between getting myself either the thinkrider a1 or the magene t100.
One of the cons that you mentioned about the thinkrider a1 is it doesn't count with a speed sensor. I was wondering if that is the same case with the t100.
Hi Shane, great review, thanks so much.
I'm looking for a budget direct drive to just link up to my Garmin Edge 520 only, no zwift etc.to show my speed and distance during my workout as that's all I am looking for.
Would you recommend this or any other please? Many thanks
Hi. Thanks for the review. I have been using a tacx vortex for 2 years. It gives me a great workout. I only use the tacx/garmin app to incline slightly (which I guess just increases resistance) and I keep my bike in the highest gear. I don't pay attention to watts. I'd like something that feels closer to riding outside and have been considering the flux s. Because of my limited use of these trainers, should I consider this and save $400?
Try and review a Thinkrider X7 or X5
Hi Shane miller, may I ask I have a magene T100 & I just bought Favero Uno power meter, but why that 2 power data read is different so many? My T100 smart trainer power around 200W but my Favero Uno only around 140W. Is it Favero Uno need calculate 2x cause it just a single power meter? But even 2x the power also over a lot with T100. I have calibrated my Favero Uno power meter but also same issue like that, now I don’t know is my Favero Uno wrong read my power or my Magene T100 wrong read… the power totally different too many😭😞. Hope you can give me some advice this issue 🙏
Hi, Shane. Have spent more time watching your videos than actually cycling since I got a bike 7months ago and started looking for a smart trainer because of your zwift videos, your reviews are pricless.
Bought a Tacx neo (which is great) but am having an issue I havn't seen covered in any video... Have a 9speed cassette that works perfectly on the bike, but when on the tacx neo it hops on the 11t gear, doesn't skip or jump or try to get to another gear, it just hops on that single gear and I can't use it at all as there's no torque, what's that all about?
You need a spacer behind the cassette.
@@IanPayne there is a spacer behind the cassette :/
@@fergusdenoon1255 it could be your chain is worn and works on the worn cassette on the bike but not on the trainer one. I would try a new chain and if that fixes it also put a new cassette on your bike wheel.
@@IanPayne new chain, new cassette, both new and old cassette work perfectly on my wheel, both do exactly the same on the trainer...
I know, it's a head scratcher.
But I've concluded it's not the chain, not the cassette, I'm wondering if the derailer sits in a different position on the trainer than the wheel, although I've adjusted the derailer so it's in the perfect position, could it be angled somehow? I don't know, I've run out of ideas.
@@fergusdenoon1255 I don't know, I am on my 5th neo and have never had this issue.
Is this better than thinkrider a1?
Hi Shane. Which trainer is better, Magene T100 OR Thinkrider Power?
Great review. How about the T300? Will you be coming up with a review of it? Thanks Shane!
Yes. Soon.
Here it is. Magene T300 Smart Trainer: Details // Ride Review // Lama Lab Tested: czcams.com/video/H6By1BYufeo/video.html
Have I missed it or are you still to get a Xploza Noza into the Llama lab? Very quiet, solid and stable but... It would be good to hear your opinion
I've had one for almost a year in the Lama Lab. Acer wanted feedback. I provided this to them (and Zwift). I guess 12 months means game on for a review? I'll see if they've released any updates and schedule it in.
Does the perceived resistance float upward as the trainer gets hot? An issue inherent with fluid trainers
There was a very small amount of thermal drift in my 10min ERG efforts. Around 3-4w easier over the 10min period.
It should be priced at less than 400usd.
If it cloud handle 1200watt sprints I would consider it
Any long term reviews?
I used this thing with Zwift for round about a year now. Started at C/Low B Cat, and it pushed me up to currently A. You def. can build your base, and even more than that. The reason I just ordered a real smart trainer is, that, as stated in the video, it only goes up to 700w, is not really responsive and sprints are impossible since at some point you are spinning too much and don't get the power on the pedals. If you wanna be really competitive in races, this is not your choice.
Appears it would be like riding a fixie.
This unit still freewheels (and you can change gears). You’re right about the resistance, faster is harder - that’s fixie stylin’
Hi Shane. I’ve just purchased one of these trainers. Just a question when I start peddling and connected to Zwift I get one solid blue light and one flashing for around 10 seconds then both blue lights go out for the rest of my ride is this correct many thanks
One for Magene support. I don’t know the answer here.
Can I ask where you purchased it from? Was it Amazon by any chance?
Are you planning on doing Elite Tuo review?
Maybe. The test unit I had has been returned. If I can get another then yes.
you should get a t300, t100 is the first generation, try the newest one
I have a T300 here. It's not a generation thing. It's a different product (interactive).
@@gplama looking forward to the review of the t300. Based on what you've said about the 100 it might have some potential. Thanks for the great review as always.
Here it is. Magene T300 Smart Trainer: Details // Ride Review // Lama Lab Tested: czcams.com/video/H6By1BYufeo/video.html
If you go over the max watts does it break or just not measure?
It isn't able to sustain the resistance past max watts. It'll measure it (as best it can) but then it'll just spin out.
Didn’t catch it. How much does the unit weigh?
15kg in the box I believe.
I didn’t receive all of the parts when I ordered mine. Disappointing.
Between Direto Xr and kickr core which do you recommend? I do most of my training in Erg Mode
They’re very similar units. Test ride either of you can prior to purchase.
@@gplama in your opinion which one perform better in erg mode?
Will u try the T200?
If one comes my way.
How you get it to work with Zwift?
Bluetooth
Can I use this for GTBikeV?
In theory with the latest updates for GTBikeV that support power meters only, yes. (Early mods required FE-C and speed)
Magene are kickstarting power cranks which is odd for a supposedly established company.
I have it here. History tells us Kickstarter and power meters are a bad idea.
They are a well-established company. It's just a marketing method.
Are you planning review for t300?
Yes
Please hurry..😜
@@gplama Really interested in your review of the T300.
@@timbruner4628 I am waiting as well. They only have a few Suito trainers left here so want to choose between the Suito and the Magene T300. The price is the same here so we begging Champ GPLama for that review on the T300.
Here it is. Magene T300 Smart Trainer: Details // Ride Review // Lama Lab Tested: czcams.com/video/H6By1BYufeo/video.html
Im in the market for a Trainer. I Dont have a large bugdet and dont Care about zwift or any other smart trainer features ( I like to suffer on my own ;) ) but im not sure which one to get there are no real reviews on trainers Like that. So which one would you recommend ( around 200€ ) and is there a trainer where you can use the Power that you Put into ( to Power your Phone or Something Else ) that would be a really cool Idea but havent found Something Like that. So is there Something on the market like that ?
Tacx Flow... maybe. There's not a lot of options at that level. None with any power return/ports/etc.
@@gplama hmm thats a shame. Someone should geht behinde that.
Thought the same... Give yourself few rides
Quick question, seeing this power difference it reminded me of my issue. I've had Kickr 18 for some time and recently got 4iii Precision PM (Left side only) which reads 10% higher than my Kickr. It kinda sucks but I'm willing to roll with it, but what I'm interested in is, if there is such obvious issue with 1 (or both) devices, is that mostly just because of bad "initial calibration" of those devices or is there possibility of later larger drift? How often is issue somewhere else and could it get worse over time? I can't really guess where this inacurracy is coming from, but can I atleast hope that precision will stay the same?
Thanks, love your work, gl hf!
Have you considered that your "LEFT" leg is far stronger than your RIGHT leg giving you 10% higher reading?
I have a Kickr and it matches with my Sigeyi almost 1:1 (except some minor edge cases at higher wattages)
I had a 4iiii before and it reads about 5% higher than my Kickr but it's because my left leg is stronger.
drivetrain loss. a trainer power should be less than a pedal pm
@@ooitzeyang Yes, that's why I'm not panicking and just rolling with it, but with no way of knowing is it power discrepancy, drivetrain loss, opposite % device errors etc, I would at least like to know how "stable" just devices are in the long run because 10% is really on the outer edge of what I'm comfortable with, and no one better to ask about devices than Shane :D
@@MP-jh4vh haha stability? You realized you also put out different LR differences at different power bands? Rabbit hole mate. Save up and go with a proper full power meter in the future if you want numbers that ports around easily.
@@ooitzeyang You are not reading what I'm asking. I'm not looking for an answer where does imprecision in my specific case coming from, I am aware of all the factors that could be in play and I'm fine with it. My question is simply how often is it manufacturing error that can deteriorate with time (if it can, is that even a thing?).
£300 seems like a lot for something so feature poor. Also, 700W is very low. I would be surprised if there are many people unable to top that in a sprint.
Many people can throw down a bigger sprint than 700W but doing so on a trainer is...kinda dangerous, and bad for your bike potentially. The trainer has the only features that really matter: reporting power, providing variable resistance (which you select with your gears, just like on the road). Perfect.
@@JackMott if you say so. I like my erg mode and barely ever use anything else for training. If I want to race, I'm not going to get very far with 700W. My wife can kick out 900W so it's not even any good for womens racing!
Oh, and I can and do hit 1200W on my trainer regularly. Chinese carbon bike is fine and trainer is fine. Not dangerous at all.
I'm not sure that it could be useful direct drive non smart trainer...
Why would one buy this when for the same money one could have smart one? ;-)
What direct drive smart trainer is in this price bracket?
@@gplama used one
I have no confidence in used one, especially when the high end smart trainers are usually used by the pros whose ftp is so high and have so many hours on them:(