Fully capable Smart trainers have entered price points previously unknown. With full dual band ANT+, ANT+ FE-C , and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, the Magnus Smart Trainer from CycleOps can be controlled via any of the major third-party such as TrainerRoad and Zwift, as well as CycleOps Virtual Training, and head units such as the Garmin Edge ANT+ FE-C enabled units. As a Classic series trainer, the Magnus Smart uses the folding tripod-style frame that ensures a stable training experience and offers considerable wheel size and rear dropout flexibility including 12mm x 142/148mm thru-axles. With an electromagnetically controlled 1500 watt peak resistance at 20mph and producing a reasonably quiet 69 decibels, with over the air firmware updates via Bluetooth Smart, this rear wheel-on trainer can meet the training needs of most cyclists.

PowerTap technology drives the Powertuned electromagnetic resistance of the Magnus Smart. To use the system, you need to have an AC power source. There is a base mode, which is similar to the resistance of the Fluid 2 trainer, that can be used without AC power. Other great CycleOps features include the Clutch Knob, which simplifies setting the 2" roller to your tire and delivers perfect tension. It is recommended you ensure your tire pressure is consistent, and generally that level should be close the max rating for the tire. The roller itself is precision machined, from aluminum, which helps to reduce wear over time and tire slippage at a spike in effort. The tripod style base is stable, and eccentric feet allow you to level it side to side. The quick release mounting system has three standard width starting points and the ability to quickly get set-up. A wheel block or leveler for the front wheel is required.

A note on applicable tire/wheel sizes. The roller and resistance unit set-up roller allows for 650b, 700c, 26", 27", and 29" (up to a 2.0" 29er tire). The obvious missing size is 650c, and there is now way to adapt for that, or wheels smaller than 26" or 650b. We, and CycleOps both recommend that you use a trainer tire to both reduce wear and the risk of contaminants on the aluminum roller. Trainer tires also wear much longer, and don't get as hot as a standard tire, which have been known to blow up and/or off. The Magnus Smart is pretty quiet at 69 decibels, but remember that tire type and tread, room acoustics and drivetrain noise can impact your actual results.

Our feeling is that CycleOps has very viable Smart Trainer in the Magnus at the price point. It hits all the bases for connectivity and integrates seamlessly to many devices through ANT+ FE-C or via Smart phone with popular third party software. CycleOps has been steadily building and improving their VirtualTraining system and it makes data handling and transfer a snap. If you have a limited budget and really want the advantages of Smart training, you should really consider the Magnus Smart. It offers for wheel and dropout flexibility than its competitors, with more a more future-proof design, is consistently accurate when use a calibration/roll down at the start of every use, is stable, and backed by one the most dedicated power training innovators in the cycling world with a limited Lifetime Warranty.