Complete Tri

Menu
Menu

Workout Gear

Elite Suito Review

by

When it comes to indoor biking trainers, Suito has flown a bit under the radar, at least in North America.  The Elite Suito bike trainer is Elite’s answer to good-but-affordable trainers from other manufacturers, in a class with TACX Flux.  The Suito has everything that cyclists need for winter training or indoor warmups.  We gave the Suito the test like we did with the others in its class, and you can find our professional review of the Elite Suito Bike here and make your decision accordingly.  Elite Suito Bike Trainer Specifications Elite Suito bike trainer has a slope simulation of 15%, an accurate measurement of 2.5%, and a power output of 1900w.  Generally speaking, this is the type of spec you will see in models like the Wahoo Kickr Core, which along with the Tacx Flux might be the Suito’s stiffest competition.  The trainer is quiet, solid, powerful, and provides users an interactive experience. Its futuristic design offers an accurate, safe, realistic, and easy indoor biking workout. Unlike other indoor bike trainers, you do not have to assemble the Elite Suito Trainer, as it is pre-assembled, packed in a box for your ease.  Its pre-installed features are an 11-speed cassette or equivalent Shimano 105. Suito is highly compatible with the majority of bicycles, and with a compact outline, it provides an easy Plug and Play option.  Find it here at REI. What’s New? This trainer is completely compatible with the more common 9, 10, and 11 speed cassettes from Shimano or SRAM, but for a 12 speed, the user needs to purchase an additional cassette adaptor. The pre-assembled Elite Suito Bike trainer box also comes with adaptors for both thru-axles having a measurement of 142x12mm and a quick release skewer of 130mm and 135mm. Setting up these parts is a piece of cake as you have to only rip off the packaging, extend the legs, fit the aforementioned skewers, plug the machine, and then you are ready to hit it hard and get your indoor bike training season underway.  Within 10 minutes of opening the box, the bike trainer becomes ready to use. After the set-up the approximate measurement of Elite Suito becomes 49 cm tall, 76 cm wide, and 57cm long, and it is easy to store when its legs are folded inside. This is because the width is minimised to 20 cm while height and length remain the same, which is impressive and different from other indoor bike training models which make the product too easily pushed under the bed or stuck in a cupboard.  The productive specifications are quite impressive, but a different freehub is needed for the Campagnolo componentry. With its highly advanced technological features, it can be connected to and controlled through laptops, smartphones, and tablets via Bluetooth, FE-C and ANT+, and it is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.  The use of the product is undoubtedly amazing and no issues arose while connecting the product to the software, such as Zwift (on which a one-month free trial is provided by Elite as well for your ease).  Extended Features   Plug and play The Suito excels when it comes to the initial setup.  As compared to other Elite home trainers, Suito is the most innovative as it is configured with a practical Plug and Play option.  It is specially designed to give users easy, safe, and quick indoor cycling training sessions.  The main characteristic of this indoor bike trainer is its fully assembled structure with a smooth paddle.  You neither have to assemble the legs nor the sprocket cassette of the home trainer.  Exclusive Design Elite Suito bike trainer has a durable steel structure, making it a long-lasting and reliable product. The product has ensured durability and stability throughout the strong sprints. Elite Suito’s design is not only powerful, solid, aggressive, and elegant, but its design also features pre-assembled legs and a wider support base for your comfort.  Its design is extremely effortless because when left unfolded, the trainer locks automatically.   If you are looking for something on which you can start your workout as quickly as possible, then the Elite Suito bike trainer is the best fit for you. Additionally, the product is designed in such a way that it becomes compatible with different sprockets sets in the market and various bicycle models.  The model weighs 14.5 kilograms, and its wide handle makes the product easy to carry anywhere. The model ensures reduced clutter and its reduced size take less space and makes it easily portable anywhere.  With an integrated handle, slim profile and smooth paddle, you can enjoy an extraordinary athletic indoor biking experience.  Power and Precision For those who are trying to be highly-structured or adding precision to their training plan, the power and precision of the product are of crucial importance.  With many other advantages, Elite Suito is able to simulate the indoor cycling slope experience up to 15% with an accuracy range of +/- 2.5. At the speed of 40 km/h, Elite Suito trainer shows 1900 watts resistance.  In the current market, Suito can be considered a strong contender in the $800 to $1,000 price range, as it holds the potential to accommodate the most demanding sprints and release your strength in the most effective manner. For a precise, measured, and accurate workout or cycling experience, the product also has a built-in supply of power measurements.  Sensorless Cadence Elite Suito indoor bike trainer has innovated on several smart features, like the other brands have. This home trainer immediately sends the cadence, speed, and power data, a standard feature in today’s smart trainer market.  You want as little lag as possible when you hit a hill, or when you stand and really crank on the frame.  We did not sense any latency in the Suito. It worked great to observe that with sensorless technology, the trainer was able to accurately measure the cadence, and as a function of speed variation, it is calculated at Suito.  Impression The adequate weight … Read more

Saris Bones Review

by
Saris Bones EX

For years, the Saris Bones has been one of the most reliable bike racks on the market, and one of the best when it comes to managing the budget. Its ease of use, quick installation, wide versatility on vehicles of all sizes, and reasonable price point make it perfect for families who are itching to get on the trails. The Saris Bones is an appealing choice because its adjustable design allows it to be mounted on most vehicles. Unlike some of the higher-end models that we profiled in our piece on best bike racks, you don’t need a hitch receiver or a certain-sized vehicle to use the Bones. In addition, the bike rack doesn’t require a hitch and can be easily mounted onto the back of your car. What really makes the Saris Bones bike rack stand out against other bike carriers on the market? Read on to read the full review to see if this bike rack is right for you! Saris Bones Trunk Rack Models The Saris Bones comes in three different models, the Bones, Bones EX, and SUPERBones. Deciding which one to go with will depend on your vehicle, bike capacity, and budget.  You can find all of the Saris rack here. A brief description of the lineup is: Saris Bones This is the original style and the most affordable bike rack with a price point ranging between $170 and $200. The Saris Bones is said to fit 70% of cars on the market, so make sure you keep your receipt just in case yours is in that 30%. Depending on your needs, it is available in a two or three bike capacity. Saris Bones EX If you are looking for a non-hitch rack that has more versatility, then the Saris Bones EX is worth a look. The EX has more adjustabilities making it compatible with 90% of vehicles on the market. Like the original Saris Bones, the EX comes in a two or three bike capacity but has a higher price point ranging from $210-$240. Saris SUPERBones Taking a jump in price (around $400) and luxury is the Saris SUPERBones. The SUPERBones has additional features such as a retractable strap and a locking system for locking the rack to the car and the bike to the rack. This particularly handy for consumers living in city areas who don’t want to dismount their rack after every use. The SUPERBones does only come in a three bike capacity and is said not to fit as many vehicles as the EX model. What Makes the Saris Bones Stand Out? There are several reasons to consider the Saris Bones bike racks. The first thing that is beneficial is that it comes out of the box ready to install. It is also pretty lightweight at 9 lbs, making it easy for anyone to mount on a vehicle. Consumers may be cautious because the Saris Bones doesn’t require tools and is only mounted by its mounting straps. However, the Saris Bones are durable and surprisingly strong when carrying two or three adult bikes. As we stated above, these bike racks are adjustable and can be mounted to a wide range of vehicles. What we didn’t mention is that it is also a great bike rack for a wide range of bikes. In addition, when loading your bikes, the Saris Bones doesn’t require front-wheel removal. The Saris Bones is mounted with direct contact to the vehicle, but not to worry, it won’t cause any damage. It has rubber-coated feet that provides protection to your vehicle while still ensuring a reliable mount. Who Is the Bones Rack Best For? The Saris Bones is a basic bike rack but works great for people looking for one that is easy to use and doesn’t break the bank. It is a perfect fit for smaller families who have three or fewer bikes. Also, if you plan to take your bike rack off after each use, this is a good choice because of its lightweight and no-tool design. If convenience is high on your priority list, then the Saris Bones might be the right rack for you. Who Is It Not Good For? While it is a great bike rack for the minimalist on a budget, the Saris Bones isn’t for everyone. The different models max out at three bikes, so it isn’t a good fit for larger families. If you are a person who would like to keep your rack on the vehicle majority of the time, these models probably aren’t the best choice. This is solely because you can’t access the vehicle trunk or the rear windshield wiper when it is mounted. Lastly, the Saris Bones and Saris Bones EX don’t have any security features, so people in busy areas might want to look at other options. Mountain and road bikes can be expensive, and the last thing you want is someone taking your bike as their own. If security is a must, you can upgrade to the SUPERBones, but keep in mind that you take a significant jump in price. How It Stacks Up Against Other Bike Racks If you aren’t fully convinced the Saris Bones bike racks are right for you and your family, then no need to worry because there are several bike racks on the market to choose from. Let us take a look at how the Saris Bones compares to other no-hitch bike racks. Thule Passage Similar to the Saris Bones, the Thule Passage has two or three bike capacities. It’s said to be a stable and sturdy no-hitch bike rack thanks to the Thule Passage “Stay-Put” anti-sway cages that help keep the bike in place while driving. Consumers have noted that the bike rack does well on long road trips and doesn’t come loose as other no-hitch racks do. While this is a good bike rack, there have been some complaints reported. Some consumers have said that the Thule Passage has a tight fit causing damage to their bikes. … Read more