Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer

£699.99

In use it feels smooth and stable while providing accurate and reliable data however hard you push it, and the ERG mode is one of, if not the best out there.

The Core can simulate gradients up to 16%, and generate up to 1,800 watts of resistance. Yes, that's less than the 22% and 2,200W capability of the V5, but there aren't many riders who will be troubling those kinds of numbers, so it's more than sufficient for the vast majority.

Wahoo claims that the Core has a power recording accuracy of +/-2% which is competitive at this price point. Once calibrated, the Core tracked an ever-reliable Quarq power meter within a few watts for a fortnight at a time, with recalibration only required when the trainer was moved, so it wasn't much of a hardship.

On rolling Zwift, RGT and Rouvy courses the Core is quick to react to changes, giving you the most lifelike ride possible, and when it comes down to the all-important sprint, the wide base of the trainer is secure and rigid.

Put simply, the Core is quiet, accurate and reliable as well as being easy to set up and connect. It's missing extremely little of the functionality of £1,000 trainers and outperforms turbos of a similar price.