The Decathlon D100 sensible coach is well the most effective funds sensible coach available on the market right this moment. With a traditional value of 249EUR, and occasional sale value all the way down to 199EUR, it’s unimaginable to beat regardless of how or what you evaluate towards. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply there aren’t higher trainers for just a little bit more cash. Nor does it imply it’s flawless.
Actually, there’s numerous pretty notable caveats on this unit. A few of them are paper caveats that aren’t truly significant in real-life, and others are very legit blockers for sure riders.
Effectively, each myself and my spouse have been placing this unit (or slightly, two models that I purchased) by way of their paces for months, since again in November. And the outcomes shocked me: It exceeded my expectations in lots of areas, however face-planted in others. Whether or not or not it really works for you’ll rely your wants. Thus my aim right here is to present you all the knowledge you want to make that call your self. And whereas Decathlon isn’t promoting this unit within the US, the D100 is just a rebranded Magene T110, which is offered within the US for $299USD (and as I’ll define, the Magene variant consists of some options disabled by Decathlon).
With the – let’s get into it.
Lastly, be aware that I purchased each of those models myself (sure, I purchased two of them). When you discovered this evaluation helpful, think about turning into a DCR Supporter, which will get you an ad-free web site, plus the behind-the-scenes video sequence between each myself (and my spouse) on every little thing that occurs within the DCR Sports activities Tech Cave/universe.
The Key Specs:
First up, we have to dive into the important thing specs, as this one’s just a little bit totally different than most trainers. Decathlon has deliberately disabled options right here after rebranding the Magene T110 coach. Magene makes and has made trainers for a lot of firms within the area, together with a few of the greatest indoor coach manufacturers, in addition to a slate of small manufacturers/firms/retailers you’ve by no means heard of. Besides on this case, Decathlon took the additional step of disabling extra options than most. Whether or not or not that’s as a result of Magene is charging them much less for the coach, or as a result of Decathlon needs to upsell you on equipment is unclear. However there are implications for that I’ll get into.
Thus, the spec checklist:
– Direct drive coach: This implies you take away your rear wheel
– Flywheel: It has a flywheel weight of 1.6kg
– Cassette: Provided with each Zwift Cog V2 cassette (€299) or no cassette (€249)
– Sound: Basically silent. Solely the sound of your drivetrain is heard
– Deal with: No
– Protocol Compatibility: Bluetooth Sensible Coach Management (FTMS), Zwift Protocol (Notice: No ANT+ accessible on the unit)
– Cadence: No
– WiFi: No
– USB Connectivity: No
– Zwift Race Mode: No
– App Compatibility: Any app that helps Bluetooth FTMS
– Skewer Compatibility: All of the skewers and adapters you could possibly ask for: Street 130mm, 135mm, 142x12mm, 148x12mm
– Max Incline: 6% simulated grade
– Max Wattage: 600 watts
– Said Accuracy: < +/-5.0%
– Energy Cable Required: Sure, energy block suitable with 100-240v
– Pricing: €249/£229 (no cassette), and €299/£249 (Zwift Cog/Click on)
Notably, again throughout the holidays, it was on sale for 199EUR, which is after I picked up one among my two models I purchased (don’t ask…).
Consider although, should you purchase it and not using a cassette, you’ll want to put in one. For a typical 10-12-speed cassette, you’re about 50-70EUR, plus 10-15EUR in cassette instruments should you don’t have them.
Lastly, as famous earlier that the Decathlon D100 coach is just a Magene T110 coach re-branded for Decathlon. Besides, the Magene T110 is definitely higher, because it consists of cadence broadcasting, whereas the Decathlon model doesn’t. Magene sells the T110 coach for $299USD within the US (Decathlon doesn’t promote it within the US). Nevertheless as of this writing, no Magene trainers are at present on the Zwift Cog/Click on compatibility checklist, thus, it will require a daily mechanical cassette for utilization with Zwift.
The (Sorta) Huge Gaps:
Now, there’s fourish massive ticket gadgets that stand out as irregular right here amongst trainers:
1) No cadence output
2) No ANT+
3) Max resistance of 600w
4) Claimed accuracy of +/- 5%
4.5) Max incline of 6% (I’m solely given this half credit score)
Not one of the above are regular on sensible trainers right this moment, as all sensible trainers from the final decade transmit cadence and ANT+. And all have increased resistance ranges than 650w, and most have accuracy claims within the +/- 2.5% or higher vary. That stated, right here me out on a few of these.
Lack of cadence broadcast: Okay, let’s begin with this one first, and I’ll be brutally frank right here: That is effing silly. Like, it truly angers me silly. Primarily as a result of Decathlon is particularly disabling this (the T110 consists of cadence simply wonderful), clearly to upsell you on their 24EUR standalone cadence sensor. However doing so reveals a whole lack of expertise of the indoor biking trade and utilization, particularly, the Apple TV side of it. It means you want to spend 24EUR to purchase a separate cadence sensor to make use of with apps, which in an Apple TV state of affairs received’t work should you’ve already received the coach + coronary heart price (as a result of Apple TV has a two Bluetooth connection restrict + distant). Certain, apps like Zwift can leverage the companion app, however that’s typically buggy, and most different Apple TV apps don’t have that. Lastly, whereas I’ll hardly ever by way of the environmental flag on the market, that is the apex of e-waste. No one in 2025 (or 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024…) needs to be shopping for a cadence sensor for a sensible coach when each sensible coach within the final decade does it instantly inbox. Like I stated, this resolution legitimately irks me, and as you’ll see later, I feel will value them many purchases. Penny sensible, pound silly.
No ANT+ Broadcast: Whereas ANT+ broadcasting has been the mainstay of sensible trainers for 15+ years now, the D100 is the primary notable coach to skip it. At first look, that’s not an enormous deal to be trustworthy. Just about each utility on the market helps twin ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensible, and most shoppers use Bluetooth Sensible FTMS (or WiFi) to regulate their trainers today on Android or Apple units. Nevertheless, what makes this resolution barely extra tough is that Magene/Decathlon chosen a chipset able to solely a single concurrent Bluetooth connection. This implies if you wish to join your Apple/Garmin/COROS/Suunto/Polar/no matter watch to it whereas additionally Zwifting, you truly can’t, as that connection is already taken up. That’s a legit downside for individuals desirous to account for coaching load, except they’ve one other energy meter.
Max Resistance of 600w: Relying in your weight and energy, this will or is probably not an issue. For myself at 188cm/6’2” as a reasonably highly effective bike owner, this restrict is certainly an issue for sprints. But for my 158cm/5’2” spouse, this limitation is by no means an issue for her triathlon coaching. And thoughts you, she isn’t a newbie bike owner. Moderately, she’s nearly at all times on the rostrum for her age group. The secret is, as a triathlete, she’s hardly ever doing any dash coaching, particularly past 600w. As a substitute, it’s largely steady-state ERG/structured exercise coaching. And all of these are nicely beneath 600w. Even for my structured exercises, I’ve nothing in any respect approaching the 600w vary, they high out within the 450w vary. Whereas for an informal dash in Zwift, I simply exceed the 600w. Extra on that later, and the way that works.
Claimed +/- 5% Accuracy: This one is the least problematic of the problems beneath, principally as a result of all of my testing discovered it considerably higher than claimed (see accuracy part). Thus, my guess right here is that Decathlon is attempting to upsell you on the D500 as a substitute (which claims +/- 2%). This technique is just not terribly not like one other coach model that actually use the very same energy meter components in two totally different priced trainers, but with totally different claims on them. Upsells child! What issues although, is precise testing outcomes. So dig into that down beneath.
Max Incline of 6%: Whereas that is considerably decrease than many of the different trainers on the low finish, I truly don’t assume this issues for most individuals. That’s as a result of on Zwift, by default, the ‘Coach Problem’ setting is ready for 50%. Which means that it takes no matter grade your driving (e.g. 12%) and makes it 6% when it comes to inertial feeling. Given the overwhelming majority of riders by no means change this, and only a few routes in Zwift transcend 12%, this isn’t actually a problem. Heck, elite racers on Zwift even flip coach issue all the way in which all the way down to 0%. Notice: This doesn’t change how briskly your avatar goes up the hill, as that’s nonetheless based mostly in your outputted energy. Extra on that right here from Zwift Insider.
Unboxing & Setup:
First up, let’s speak about what’s within the field. In my case, I purchased the unit from a neighborhood Decathlon in Amsterdam, and pedaled it again throughout the town in a cargo bike. There’s one thing about that which completes the circle of life, thus, I wanted to incorporate point out of that someplace in right here. Mission achieved.
In any case, right here’s the field:
And, right here’s all of the components within the field:
The very first thing you’ll have to do is set up the legs on the coach. That takes roughly 2 minutes, and is tremendous fast.
From there, should you purchased the model and not using a cassette, you’ll want to put in a cassette. In my case, I put a 12-speed cassette on it. However you possibly can put different cassette typers on it. You’ll want each the cassette, and a cassette device to get it put in correctly.
After which, you’ll need to get it plugged in. Right here’s the facility block (and the small print on the again, in case it will get blended up in a pile of energy adapters some day):
At this level, you’re able to go.
Now in my case, I purchased two of those trainers (not precisely deliberate…however…it occurs), and each of them had been from Decathlon with out cassette. In each instances I initially put in cassettes, after which later I modified one among them to be a Zwift Cog/Click on possibility by shopping for the Zwift Cog/Click on direct from Zwift:
The set up course of takes all of two minutes to swap to Cog/Click on:
Or inversely, to swap again. With that, let’s begin driving.
Driving Fundamentals:
First up we’ll toss the bike on the coach. Like all direct drive trainers, this implies eradicating the rear wheel and mounting with the suitable axle adapters. Each frequent axle sorts adapters (fast launch skewer and thru-axle) are included within the field, so that you’re good both approach.
As soon as that’s finished and the coach powered on, you’ve received a sequence of standing lights to validate the unit is functioning. Or, no less than validate it’s powered on.
From there, you’ll need to make sure the firmware is updated. To take action, you’ll use the Magene OneLapFit app. That’s the app that covers most of Magene’s merchandise from a settings & firmware perspective. It’s not made or maintained by Decathlon, and is totally outsourced to Magene. In an effort to hook up with the coach, you’ll go to Me > My Different System > Sensible Coach > Search
After that’s finished, you’ll have the ability to Replace your sensible coach to probably the most present firmware, in addition to see energy/pace. Moreover, you should use this app to set a given goal energy, slope (grade), or resistance stage (0-100%). It’s also possible to do a spin-down (calibration).
Magene recommends a spin-down each 14 days, or if the gear is transported. I did one as soon as, eternally in the past, and it’s been rock-solid correct. However clearly, should you begin seeing accuracy points, do a spin down.
Outdoors of updating firmware, there’s little cause to make use of the Magene OneFitApp for the rest. As a substitute you’ll possible be utilizing an app like Zwift, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, and so forth… So looking at Zwift, within the pairing menu, you’ll see the Van Rysel unit listed as each an influence sensor and resistance controllable coach. Additional, you’ll see it listed as a cadence sensor.
Nevertheless, regardless of itemizing as a supply of cadence in Zwift, it received’t present any usable knowledge. It transmits a near-constant worth of 30ish your complete time. Within the case of Magene’s T110 coach, this characteristic work simply wonderful. However both Magene or Decathlon determined to disable it, however as a substitute of correctly disabling it, they only crappily broke it. Within the laziest approach attainable. I wouldn’t be so irritated if the coach by no means had it to start with, however as a substitute, they purposefully eliminated a characteristic to upsell you on an adjunct, after which did a poor job of eradicating it.
Thus if you need cadence, you’ll want to purchase a secondary cadence sensor, or use cadence from a secondary energy meter. Setting the prices apart, that’s much more annoying on Apple TV, as a result of two Bluetooth restrict connection (plus distant management). Which means you possibly can’t use a coronary heart price strap in Zwift on Apple TV with out leveraging your cellphone as the information supply, and that’s usually a sizzling mess.
So. A lot. Sigh.
Now, as I famous earlier, there’s no ANT+ on this. That in and of itself isn’t a deal breaker. However as well as, it doesn’t transmit as an ordinary energy sensor both. That makes it tough for a lot of watches and bike computer systems to connect with (most bike computer systems don’t join on BT FTMS, however ANT+ FE-C). Additional compounding issues, is that it solely has a single concurrent Bluetooth Connection, so even when your watch does assist FTMS (nearly none do), you continue to couldn’t document the journey to your watch in case your had been controlling it with Zwift (many individuals try this for coaching load functions).
In any occasion, with that annoyance behind us, into Zwift we go:
The identical is true in Rouvy, no issues there both:
The coach will routinely change resistance to match your terrain. This labored nicely for me, with none points.
Now as a result of the D100 is proscribed to six% max incline, you received’t get any extra incline simulation past that. For instance, right here, I stupidly determined to do the Hardknott Go climb, which is a mean 11% gradient, however goes upwards of 33%. More often than not it’s within the mid-teens vary.
On this case, as soon as I handed 6%, all of it felt the identical. Nonetheless, it was simply capable of deal with my 300w sustained your complete time. No points there. Nevertheless, it clearly felt *FAR* simpler than doing it the week prior on the Elite Avanti, which might simulate as much as 18%. Particularly, my cadence on the Decathlon D100 was fairly regular, as a result of I used to be mainly simply going up a 6% hill.
After all, with regards to Zwift (and different apps) when it comes to how briskly you go up the hill, it’s purely based mostly on energy. So Zwift doesn’t actually care what the coach does, it simply appears to be like at energy outputs to calculate. Actually, by default, Zwift will halve your coach’s gradient, in a settings known as ‘Coach Problem’. Which means that in a default Zwift configuration, a 12% grade turns into a 6% grade. Actually, many Zwift racers will even scale back this setting additional all the way down to 0%, to achieve a bonus when it comes to gearing and cadence.
My normal opinion right here although is should you spend cash on a coach to simulate the outside, you must…you recognize…simulate the out of doors climb too. Suckiness and all. I preserve mine on 100%, however to every their very own.
Now earlier than we speak about ERG mode, let’s briefly change over to a Zwift Cog setup. On this case, I’ve put the Zwift Cog on, and put in the Zwift Click on.
The Click on is the little dual-button controller that mainly will increase or decreases which digital gear you’re in:
In a Zwift Digital Shifting state of affairs, you could have 24 gears to iterate up/down by way of, with 1 being the best, and 24 being the toughest. The response time as you shift is prompt. The primary enchantment to utilizing the Zwift Cog, is it’s totally suitable with any cassette kind (e.g. 9-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed, and so forth…). In my case I used it primarily with 12-speed bikes on the D100, but additionally a 13-speed bike. Whereas a conventional cassette you’ll should swap cassettes for every bike for clear shifting.
The draw back to the Zwift Cog is that it’s largely solely suitable with Zwift. Whereas Rouvy simply introduced compatibility final week, that’s not official compatibility – and will break at any time (or, Zwift’s attorneys might try to get upset at any time – although I don’t assume they are going to).
In any occasion, on the Zwift display screen you’ll see a small space that reveals what gearing you’re in:
All of this labored completely wonderful for me as nicely, in each simulation and ERG mode.
By way of inertia (coach realism/really feel), it was so-so. Not nice by any means, however not horrible both. Actually higher than the overwhelming majority of wheel-on trainers. In response to the Magene specs, it’s solely received a 1.6KG flywheel, which is roughly 1/third the scale of one thing just like the Wahoo KICKR CORE or JetBlack Victory. It’s not massive. But as they are saying in different disciplines, it’s not the scale, however how you employ it. And Magene makes use of it nicely right here, and thus it’s definitely no $1,000 coach when it comes to street really feel, however once more, much better than a wheel-on coach.
Subsequent, let’s speak about ERG mode, which is just structured exercise mode. As a sensible coach, there are mainly two core modes they use:
ERG Mode: Setting a particular energy stage – i.e., 220w. On this mode, it doesn’t matter what gearing you employ, the coach will merely keep at 220w (or no matter you set it to).
Simulation (SIM) Mode: Simulating a particular out of doors grade – i.e., 6% incline. On this mode, it’s identical to open air in that you would be able to change your gearing to make it simpler or tougher. Wattage is just not hard-set, solely incline ranges.
So Zwift first, you possibly can see the structured exercise listed on the left facet, after which the facility is correspondingly routinely set to that for me. There’s usually no have to shift, except you want extra flywheel pace for intervals above roughly 350w (extra about that within the accuracy part).
The identical is true for TrainerRoad, the place I had no issues with exercise there both. It routinely iterated by way of every step. Although, TrainerRoad doesn’t show invalid cadence like Zwift, it merely doesn’t show something for cadence.
Now in testing ERG mode with each, there was apparently a slight distinction there when it comes to the values displayed. Within the case of Zwift, the D100 seemingly correctly sends to Zwift the precise energy stage (smoothed, however precise). Whereas in TrainerRoad, it simply transmits the set-point worth (what it needs to be). That is irregardless of the setting I configured within the Magene app (turning it off). Down within the accuracy part, I dive into how fast responsiveness and stability was.
Final however not least, when it comes to sound/audio, it’s just about silent. About the one factor you’re going to listen to is the drivetrain sounds out of your bike. In case your bike is clear, you received’t hear a lot. If it’s soiled, it’ll be louder. Like most different trainers available on the market right this moment, there’s mainly nothing coming from the coach itself. You possibly can gear this within the video up above.
Energy Accuracy:
The D100 claims an accuracy of +/- 5%, which by coach requirements is definitely fairly low (as in, not good). Most trainers today are between +/- 1% and +/- 2.5% on the worst. A minimum of for direct drive trainers. Whereas wheel-on trainers (lengthy out of trend years in the past), would vary upwards of +/- 5%. However worry not. As you’ll see right here, the D100 simply surpasses these claims (in a great way), and is extra correct than claimed.
That’s possible as a result of most coach firms, Magene included (the maker of this coach) don’t actually create totally different energy sensors/algorithms for various trainers of their lineup. As a substitute, they re-use that very same tech throughout the lineup (and range issues like flywheel weight, gradients, and different specs). So typically talking we don’t are inclined to see any significant distinction inside a given firms lineup, assuming we’re speaking inside the similar tough era of trainers. They’re utilizing the listed specs in an try to upsell you on different trainers.
In any occasion, we’re getting forward of ourselves. Each my spouse and I’ve put numerous hours on this coach testing issues out. In my case, I’ve examined it with 4 totally different bikes throughout two totally different D100 models I bought (one in Spain and one within the Netherlands).
Let’s first begin off with an ERG mode exercise (structured exercise). One of many belongings you rapidly notice is that relying on how hefty the facility numbers are, you will have to shift gears to present it the flywheel pace it wants to carry a given wattage. Assuming 90RPM (to your cadence), I discovered that after I went above about 350-360w, I needed to shift one or two gears to get upwards of 450w+ in ERG mode resistance. In any case, let’s take a look at this exercise, in comparison with the Favero Assioma Professional MX pedal based mostly energy meter:
This exercise mainly has some ascending/rising intervals, floating within the 400w vary for two minutes every. Not tremendous enjoyable. You’ll discover the primary of the massive ones is kinda wonky, trying a bit deflated (first of the 2 beneath). That is an instance of the place I needed to notice it wasn’t hitting the required energy, after which shifted my gears to present it extra flywheel pace. After that, it was completely wonderful.
Right here’s the mean-max for that knowledge set:
So let’s speak about the way it handles fast energy adjustments, and the most effective place to do this is 30×30 intervals. Or quick burst intervals. In these types of (very fashionable) intervals, the aim is rapidly get to the interval wattage, after which rapidly launch it. After which rinse/repeat. If a coach takes too lengthy to get there, it kinda defeats the aim. For each coach I’ve reviewed, I exploit this easy 30×30 take a look at with the identical wattages, leaping from 150w to 450w. There’s three particular issues I’m searching for:
A) How lengthy does it take to go from 150w to 450w: In an thought world, that’s 2-3 seconds. Any quicker, and it’s too quick, like hitting a brick wall. And any greater than about 4 seconds, and also you’re losing an excessive amount of time on the improper energy.
B) How secure is it as soon as it arrives at 450w: I don’t need it wobbling about. It must get there rapidly and stick, then maintain, the touchdown. Else, you’re not on the prescribed wattage and both below or overshooting it.
C) Is the facility correct: And lastly after all, is the facility numbers coming from it correct.
So, let’s take a look at issues. First up, that is what TrainerRoad reveals when it comes to the prescribed ranges it’s sending, after which what the coach says it’s doing:
You’ll discover on the primary one, it’s not even shut. That’s as a result of I wanted to vary my gearing (into the massive ring up entrance, and a tougher gear within the again) to extend the flywheel pace. With out that, the D100 isn’t capable of preserve the upper wattage. However a fast shift later, and I used to be good to go.
By way of responsiveness, it was truly good. It was taking 3 seconds. This coach will get a 1-second head begin in TrainerRoad, after which takes two extra seconds to hit the set level. That’s precisely the place I would like it.
As for stability, when zoomed in like above, it appears to be like wonderful. However in actuality, it’s nonetheless fairly darn wobbly, as we see down beneath. A part of it’s because not like most trainers the place you need the small ring upfront to extend ERG stability, with the D100 we want the massive ring to get sufficient flywheel pace for the upper energy output. Thus, kinda like driving a automobile too quick, you lose a few of that accuracy/stability you’d have at decrease flywheel speeds. You possibly can see this extra simply, when trying on the energy accuracy knowledge:
The opposite factor you’ll discover is that the traces on the D100 are ‘excellent’. That is known as ‘ERG Mode Smoothing’, and sadly, regardless of having a really clear toggle to show it off (within the app), it doesn’t truly turn-off. This makes energy meter accuracy testing considerably tough, as a result of the coach isn’t reporting its true energy, however as a substitute, the facility you instructed it to be at. Fortunately on this case, these two align. Nevertheless, what’s odd/unexplainable to me, is that when utilizing Zwift with ERG mode, it seems to be reporting the semi-actual worth. Whereas in TrainerRoad, they’re solely sending the deliberate energy worth. Which…is odd.
Subsequent, we’ve received a extra actual 30×30 interval set (nicely, technically it was first 40 second intervals, then 30 second intervals, then 20 second intervals). Level is, this was an hour lengthy set of precise intervals, versus my take a look at set. Right here’s that knowledge:
You’l discover straight away that the inexperienced line of the facility meter is constantly above/topping over on the intervals. That means, it’s overshooting and wobbling increased nearly your complete time. A part of the difficulty right here is that the D100 is generally reporting a set-point worth right here, slightly than the precise worth. Right here’s a better take a look at that:
On costlier trainers, these two traces can be like white on rice. Right here, it’s extra like whipped cream on a cake.
In any occasion, right here’s the mean-max for that journey:
Now, let’s change into so-called ‘SIM’ or ‘Simulation’ mode. That is mainly the place the coach adjustments the gradient to match no matter app you’re driving. So mainly, regular mode in Zwift. Right here, we’ll begin off with a Rouvy journey, this one recreating the well-known Cap de Formentor route in Mallorca, Spain. Consider, this knowledge is fairly darn variable as a result of it’s a simulation journey with rolling terrain. Right here’s the information:
If we zoom in on a random bit, you possibly can see the 2 comply with one another very intently. There’s actually not a lot of concern right here.
If we take a look at the mean-max, it’s fairly shut right here for nearly all of it. Extra on the higher finish later.
Subsequent, we’ve received an older journey I did on Zwift, Sand and Sequoias, probably the greatest routes for testing trainers on Zwift. It is because it has each flats (for going quick and excessive flywheel pace), in addition to a lot of rolling terrain for resistance simulation testing. Right here’ a take a look at that knowledge:
As you possibly can see, that is scary good. Like, very excellent. There’s a handful of instances (like 2-3) for a number of seconds, that the coach has just a little bit extra punch/surge than actuality. However I solely truly noticed it on this journey from months in the past, not on newer firmware. In any other case, three models nearly identically aligning for an informal surge:
After all, with the 600w restrict, you’re going to see that top-out level occurring any time I surge previous that:
By way of the mean-max, it’s excellent as nicely:
Lastly, what a few lengthy exhausting sustained climb? What occurs when the coach is instructed to go above the 6% spec? Effectively, I went out and did the Hardknott Go route, which has a mean gradient of 11%, however has most gradient of 33%. As famous above, in the end, the coach merely doesn’t give any greater than 6% when it comes to the way it feels, however it does nonetheless present loads of wattage resistance. In my case, I used to be roughly averaging 300w on this climb, and it held that simply wonderful. Right here’s that knowledge:
What you’ll discover although is the handful of lazy sprints, all of which went above 600w, however the Decathlon D100 caps these at 600w. Once more, like different facets of this coach, the {hardware} is a lot able to greater than 600w of resistance, however they merely cap it in software program.
In any case, when it comes to accuracy, all of this was completely wonderful.
Right here’s the mean-max energy on this journey, which is astonishingly good, save after all the separation at 600w (max cap):
In the end, the D100 is definitely outperforming another costlier trainers with regards to energy accuracy. In my testing, it’s astonishingly good. Clearly, given it lacks cadence broadcasting in Decathlon’s implementation (the Magene T110 which it’s rebranded from, has it). And likewise clearly, the software program cap of 600w on the facility makes it difficult for anybody desirous to get credit score for exhausting sprints on it.
In terms of facets like holding a set-point (structured exercises), it’s a bit extra variable, particularly based mostly on cadence. It’s not as agency/strict as different trainers within the $400-$500 vary (such because the Wahoo KICKR CORE or JetBlack Victory), however it’s additionally not horrific both. Heck, I’ve seen sensible bikes available on the market which can be extra variable of their strictness on structured exercises. Likewise, from a reviewer standpoint, the lack to show off ERG mode smoothing (regardless of a setting for it, that doesn’t work), is barely annoying.
The final piece although that’s not strictly accuracy, however vaguely associated, is whether or not it may possibly hit sure wattages in all gearing mixtures. That means, you might have to shift a bit on some structured exercises, to ensure that the coach to hit increased wattages. That is hardly a deal breaker, and usually you’ll simply have to do it as soon as in a exercise, however one thing that’s normally pointless in higher-end trainers. However once more, it didn’t trouble me right here for the value.
In the end, whereas the D100 has numerous tradeoffs to be made, I’m merely not seeing accuracy as one among them. It’s truly actually good.
Wrap-Up:
I’d have beloved to be a fly on the wall the conversations between Magene and Decathlon once they agreed to the specs of this coach, and the way Decathlon was going to hit the value factors it needed to. In the end, Magene bought Decathlon a higher-end coach with regards to {hardware}, however successfully disabled varied software program options to try to hit Decathlon’s value factors. Undoutedly, Decathlon touted high-volume gross sales in entrance of Magene in trade for a considerably lower cost than we’ve seen elsewhere. In an effort to keep away from undercutting both themselves or their different companions, Magene in flip minimize options.
And to an extent, that works. In spite of everything, the coach is essentially fairly correct, and can even ship the facility wanted for many riders. The issue nonetheless, turns into some penny-pinching accountants choices, which in the end undercuts the very worth Decathlon was attempting to convey. Particularly, round cadence. If we play the pricing recreation, right here’s the way it works out:
Base coach value: 249EUR
Add cassette (+55EUR): 305EUR
Add cassette instruments (+20EUR): 334EUR
Add cadence sensor (+25EUR): 359EUR
So now you’re at 359EUR for a funds coach, versus 399EUR for the very robust future-proofed JetBlack Victory that’s received WiFi, full assist for ANT+ & Bluetooth Sensible, and a gazillion different options (admittedly exhausting to get proper now). To me, it’s the cadence sensor that’s breaking issues right here. In a Zwift state of affairs, you’re at 299EUR with the cassette (Zwift Cog) included. Once more, that’s a strong value, with a side-dish of cadence annoyance. Had they included cadence, and the bottom value (non-Zwift COG) nonetheless been 249EUR, that’d be spot-on
Nonetheless, setting that apart, should you’ve received a cassette/instruments sitting round, or should you simply need the Zwift Cog model, it’s by far the most effective coach for the value. That’s probably not debatable. There’s factually nothing else within the sub-$300 realm that competes with this as a direct drive coach. And all the wheel-on trainers beneath that value level, suck, comparatively. I’d simply suggest the D100 over the KICKR SNAP any day of the week.
Hopefully, Decathlon will take a look at issues, and re-enable the cadence within the D100. Once more, it’s included within the base T110 {hardware} that Magene has re-branded for Decathlon. If they will try this, and maybe tweak the value a bit decrease because the JetBlack Victory turns into extra extensively accessible, they’ll simply retain the crown of the most effective funds coach available on the market.
With that – thanks for studying!
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