Smart indoor bike for automatic resistance on route rides, without a built in screen?
Hi all,
I’m looking for some advice on a smart indoor bike setup.
I used to use the bikes at the gym and really enjoyed riding scenic routes on screen where the resistance automatically changed with the route. I’m now looking for something similar at home.
I don’t really need a built in screen, as I’m happy using an iPad. What I care about most is:
- automatic resistance changes during route rides
- solid and stable bike feel• not being locked into one expensive subscription ecosystem
- good long term reliability
- ideally not spending silly money, although I’m open to £700+ if it definitely does what I want
I was originally looking at the Horizon 5.0IC because it has motorised magnetic resistance and says it works with apps like Kinomap and Zwift. One Fitshop sales adviser told me that the Horizon 5.0IC with Kinomap will automatically increase and decrease resistance during route rides without manual adjustment.
However, I’m not completely sure that is correct. I’ve seen other information suggesting that “compatible with Kinomap/Zwift” can sometimes just mean the bike sends data to the app, rather than the app actually controlling resistance. Another fitness shop also couldn’t confirm whether the Horizon actually supports app controlled resistance.
So my question is:
Which indoor bikes or setups definitely allow automatic resistance changes during route based riding?
I’m not tied to Kinomap specifically. I’d be happy with Zwift, Rouvy, FulGaz or any similar app, as long as the resistance actually changes automatically with the ride.
Has anyone here used any of these setups, or can confirm what genuinely works?
Thanks.