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Elite unveils Rizer indoor gradient simulator with micro movement steering

Rizer simulates climbs up to 20% and descents as low as -10%, and can be set up for automatic or manual changes

Elite launches new Rizer indoor gradient simulator adding inclines up to 20% and declines down to -10%, as well as micro steering to work every muscle as you would on outdoor slopes, all for an immersive indoor riding experience when riding on platforms such as Zwift.

> Video: Everything you need to know about indoor trainers

2021 Elite Rizer 5

Elite's new Rizer rivals Wahoo's Kickr Climb indoor grade simulator which we reviewed back in 2018. The new Rizer connects to your front fork and automatically changes gradients by communicating with third party apps via your smart trainer.

Elite explains it can be used in this simulation mode or manual mode to increase or decrease the gradient by a percentage point, or more.

The Rizer features Elite’s new patented steering system that’s designed to improve pedalling fluidity and the handlebars feel, replicating the feeling of fighting the bike as do when riding on steep terrain outdoors.

The steering system, Elite claims, “improves the handlebars’ feel when you’re going uphill, and help you work every muscle as you would do if you were riding outdoors”.

“The movement of Elite’s Rizer platform will provide with improved comfort on all legs and  shoulders muscles as it recreates the same motion dynamics that you would find on the road,” Elite adds.

2021 Elite Rizer 1

The new Rizer is compatible with Elite’s Direto XR, Direto XR-T, Suito, Suito-T and Tuo trainers, and steering is enable with Bluetooth and Ant+  FE-C.

> 12 of the best smart home trainers for 2021 — get fit indoors

Elite has developed a dedicated app that’s available for iOS and Android devices. The app can be used when riding to display your current simulated gradient, to switch from Simulation to Manual mode, and also to set up and manage up to five different profiles for each user, bike and trainer.

The Rizer features an aluminium structure connected to a platform made in steel for a sturdy base. Then for easy transportability and set up, it has a carrying handle and adjustable feet.

2021 Elite Rizer 2

The Rizer is compatible with all commercially available bikes with disc brakes and 12mm thru-axles. An adapter for 15mm thru-axle is also included in the box.

Available now, the Elite Rizer costs £824.99. That's £375 more than Wahoo's Kickr Climb option.

www.elite-it.com

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6 comments

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EddyBerckx | 2 years ago
1 like

How can it cost so much when all it does it go up and down?!? No power meter, cadence or speed sensor to push the price up like on a smart trainer...my elite direto xr cost less than this. Bit of a missed opportunity I feel, something like this but a fair bit cheaper than the wahoo version would've gained them buyers for their trainers as well...

Avatar
PRSboy replied to EddyBerckx | 2 years ago
0 likes

EddyBerckx wrote:

How can it cost so much when all it does it go up and down?!? No power meter, cadence or speed sensor to push the price up like on a smart trainer...my elite direto xr cost less than this. Bit of a missed opportunity I feel, something like this but a fair bit cheaper than the wahoo version would've gained them buyers for their trainers as well...

Agreed... its more even than my Kickr Core.  Looks like something built in a shed too.

The solution I feel is to rig up a platform under the front wheel, with a car trolley jack underneath.  When you see a hill approaching, pump away on the lever and you get an arm workout as well as added realism.

Avatar
Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
2 likes

How much!  So steering uphill is worth another £300. 
Lawks a Lordy!

Is it explicitly supported by Zwift yet?

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brakesmadly replied to Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
0 likes

Secret_squirrel wrote:

Is it explicitly supported by Zwift yet?

You literally didn't get past the headline then.
"all for an immersive indoor riding experience when riding on platforms such as Zwift."

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mdavidford replied to brakesmadly | 2 years ago
0 likes

mbrads72 wrote:

Secret_squirrel wrote:

Is it explicitly supported by Zwift yet?

You literally didn't get past the headline then.
"all for an immersive indoor riding experience when riding on platforms such as Zwift."

I imagine they're referring to the steering functionality, rather than the gradient simulation. Steering's pretty new, and Zwift only explicitly mention a few options for using it.

Oddly, both this review and Elite's own sales page seem to focus only on the 'ride feel' of the steering system and completely ignore the interactive steering aspect - you have to dive into the spec sheet to find anything about it.

 

Avatar
shufflingb replied to Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
1 like

In fairness to Elite, the Wahoo Kickr Climb is only compatible with Wahoo's trainers. This is open and (in theory anyway) can work with most smart trainers. The main caveat being physical clearance between the trainer housing and bike frame/brakes etc as the front is raised and lowered.

Zwift support for gradient - if the trainer broadcasts it for a say a GPS headunit to display - as apparently most do - then it should just work. Steering, if it's supported in the Zwift event it will just work.

The reason for the cost is adding steering significantly complicates the engineering necessary to maintain stability while raising and lowering the front end (it doesn't just go up and down).  Can't say I'd ever pay for it, but whether they'll sell any at that price who knows ....

DCR has the full skinny on it over here

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