Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
TACX Satori Smart trainer
May 21, 2016
I visited The Brick Multisport Store to check out B&H bikes but learned that they don't have the MTB models. Instead, I was introduced to this BMC Speedfox SF03 and since I was looking for my first full suspension bike, I got interested.
When I lifted it, it was pretty heavy and I'm done with heavy, i.e., greater than 13kg.
Looking around, I saw new stocks of Elite trainers and to my surprise, a lone Tacx Satori Smart is standing next to them. On that day I wasn't planning to make any purchase, but I can't pass up the opportunity and I took it home.
The Tacx Satori Smart is an interactive trainer with magnetic brake and handlebar resistance lever. It uses ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart to transmit the cadence and speed data into a compatible device such as mobile phone or tablet. Some devices may need an ANT+ USB adaptor for compatibility.
Inside the box, is a small packet for documentation and the unit itself.
The packaging is well thought of and as compact as possible.
Setting it up with the Giant Toughroad SLR 1 is relatively easy. I just need to replace the rear skewer with the Tacx supplied one and I'm ready to roll.
The Toughroad SLR 1 is a bit wide, it's good thing that the contact point is still within the limits. I have a plan to optimize this in the future.
The flywheel is 16.93kg and is controlled by a magnetic brake to offer up to 7% grade with a maximum brake power of 950W.
The unit itself is battery powered (batteries included) so plugging in to AC power is not needed.
The unit is very sturdy and firm in actual use.
The supplied Skyliner front wheel support ensures that the level of both wheels are even.
The lever provides up to 10 resistance levels.
Compatibity
The advantage of the Tacx Satori Smart is its dual protocol transmission using both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. I can use my Garmin Edge 25 to receive the cadence and speed data via ANT+ and simultaneously use my Apple iPhone 6 using Bluetooth Smart.
Certain devices from Samsung and Sony Mobile support built-in ANT+ protocol. Since my heart rate monitor is ANT+ only, I use my Garmin Edge 25 for training. Using Garmin Connect, it syncs to Strava for further analysis.
Apps
The free Tacx Training software for iOS and Android offers Slope, Power, and Heart Rate workouts and since the iPhone doesn't have ANT+ I can't use Heart Rate mode.
Looking at alternatives, I downloaded Elite's My E-Training and find it to be more comprehensive so it is what I mostly use.
I will write a comprehensive comparison between the two apps soon.