JetBlack Z2 Fluid Trainer

The JetBlack Z2 Fluid Trainer is a good trainer that is easy to set up, folds flat, provides a smooth ride and is pretty quiet. It's a good investment if you want to introduce some specific interval sessions to your cycle training without spending a fortune.

Arriving assembled, the Z2 Fluid is easy to set up: pull it out of the box, unfold the frame, use the supplied quick release skewer to replace the one on your bike, fit the frame and adjust the roller onto the tyre. It's really that easy to get going, and the handle that adjusts the roller onto the tyre helpfully indicates the required turns (1.5) that are needed to press the roller against the tyre for consistent resistance from one session to another.

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The frame looks a bit spindly and it's not that heavy, but it's very sturdy when you're pedalling away – even during high-intensity efforts and sprints – and the weight means it's easy to move around the house, or carry out to the car if taking to the start of a race or time trial. Because it folds flat it takes up little space in the cupboard under the stairs or in the shed.

As the name suggests, the resistance unit is a fluid one, which offers a much more realistic ride feel than the magnetic units used on cheaper trainers. It's quieter too; this trainer won't annoy your housemates or neighbours when you're thrashing out an interval session. Because the unit basically comprises an impeller revolving in oil, it can feel lumpy when you first start pedalling, but give it 5-10 minutes to warm up and it becomes smooth and reasonably realistic to riding on the actual road. It's not the smoothest trainer – there's a big difference between this and something like the Wahoo Kickr, for example – but it's passable.

There are no resistance levels. Instead, you adjust the resistance by using the gears on your bike. It's simple, but it works well, and JetBlack has given the trainer a resistance curve that ramps up progressively to 900 watts, which is enough for most people and most interval sessions.

You can download a free Lite Training app which offers coaching features and lets you train with cadence, speed, heart rate and virtual power, but since the trainer doesn't come bundled with any of the ANT+ accessories you need to make use of the app's features, I didn't use it. You can read about Dave's not-very-good impressions of the app in his review of a cheaper JetBlack trainer here.

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To test the trainer's consistency, I used a PowerTap rear wheel and a heart rate chest strap synced to a Garmin Edge power unit. Riding the trainer on multiple occasions, it's clear the Z2 provides consistent results, with predictable resistance from one session to another.

For not a huge amount of money, the JetBlack Z2 Fluid is ideal for the occasional indoor training cyclist. It has a smooth and quiet performance, it's easy to use and set up, and is capable of providing enough resistance for hard threshold and interval sessions or warm-up rides before a race.

Verdict

Smooth and reasonably quiet turbo that makes a good introduction to indoor training