Elite

Real Turbo Muin Smart B+ Direct Drive Interactive Trainer

When it comes to professional gear, some items are highly visible. Frames, wheelsets, helmets, shoes — these are the things that excite interest because we see them on race day. But any cyclist knows that what happens in the days, weeks, and months leading up to race day are as important — if not more important — than the equipment showcased on the start line. The Elite Real Turbo Muin Smart B+ Direct Drive Interactive Trainer is an under-appreciated, less visible part of the preparation of teams like BMC Racing. It's what the riders rely on throughout the season to ensure that they're firing on all cylinders when the starting gun fires.

A big part of the reason why BMC breaks out the Real Turbo Muin when the weather is sour is that it's virtually silent. By combining fluid and magnetic resistance with the direct drive design, Elite ensures that the only sounds you'll be hearing are your drivetrain. The low-noise fluid resistance system means indoor interval sessions are as stealthy as the current trend of black on black carbon framesets. Can't sleep? Tossing and turning while fretting over whether or not Sagan will break the curse of the rainbow jersey? Put that anxiety to use with some late night intervals or a pre-work, 5:00 a.m. session without disturbing your significant other or prompting your neighbor to call in a noise disturbance.

To get the most out of training sessions, Elite includes its RealSoftware training suite, which charts training metrics, provides Conconi testing, and manages ride data. It also lets you create your own video courses using imported files and Google Maps, or you can poach user-created videos from around the world. Rain keeping you indoors? Ride l'Alpe d'Huez, instead. The trainer's brain not only adjusts resistance automatically, but it also communicates with devices and sensors with ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. The trainer is compatible with Elite's own My E-Training app, or you can use it with a list of third party names including Zwift, Kinomap, and others.