Review on Magene Bike Resistance Turbo Trainer: Semi-Smart Stationary Bicycle Stand for Indoor Riding - Quiet & Portable Design, ANT+& Bluetooth Compatible by Ben Demers

This was my first purchase of an exercise bike. I was considering trainers for their price but then came across this direct drive trainer which is about the same price as the top rated trainers. I've never heard of Magene brand, but it seems to be a popular brand in China. The unit is very solidly built and installation was easy. I really like the simple design, it goes well with the look of my bike. Magene apparently makes bike trainers for Wahoo, but Wahoo probably wouldn't want you to know since they're significantly more expensive. The unit is also very quiet - all I hear is chain noise and creaking from my carbon bottom bracket and seatpost, things you don't typically hear unless it's very quiet, for better or worse. Like some of the other reviewers, I wasn't initially able to get the transmit power data in Zwift or RGT, even with Bluetooth connecting with no issues. Note. Bluetooth initiates communication only after you turn around (to any speed) and then slow down completely. The user manual was missing from the package, but I was able to download it, and one of the sections hid a requirement to first download the Magene Utility app and register the device. But even that didn't solve the problem. You must complete the calibration process in the app by accelerating to 25 km/h and then slowing down. This part was not clearly stated in the manual as a requirement before transmission of performance data. Once calibrated, it reliably displayed performance data. I have no way of verifying the accuracy of the power readings, but based on GPLama's review of the Magene T100 it appears to show a drop of around 10%. Maybe a firmware update can help. Or maybe it was due to a disabled calibration. The lack of smarts (ie smart trainers automatically adjust resistance based on terrain) doesn't bother me, especially considering the price of the machine. Let's hope the mechanical simplicity translates to improved reliability over the long term. I think we have to see that. But overall it's an impressive piece of equipment if you're just starting out in the world of indoor exercise bikes.