CycleOps Magnus Trainer

The industry has recently seen a glut of all inclusive indoor training set ups that combine specific trainers, sensors, and training apps in a proprietary tech salad that completely eliminates the user's ability to choose. The CycleOps Magnus Trainer bucks this trend toward proprietary myopia by providing a smart trainer platform that you can link to whatever bike, device, and training app you prefer, empowering your own agency for the best possible indoor training experience. CycleOps turned to the specialists at PowerTap when developing the Magnus. At 5%, it doesn't quite have the accuracy of a PowerTap hub, but it was developed with input from PowerTap and the end result was tested against the brand's hubs. It communicates those power numbers using ANT FEC and Bluetooth protocols, so it's likely already compatible with whatever head unit or training app equipped device you prefer. Of course, CycleOps does have its own app in the form of VirtualTraining, but if you're already committed to a program like Zwift, TrainerRoad, or others, then ANT and Bluetooth compatibility means the Magnus has you covered there, too. Regardless of your choice, the Magnus' ability to translate power and speed numbers into a virtual experience will let you map your workout with a digital avatar's progress. It's not quite riding outside, but it's the best alternative. Though the Magnus' electromagnetic resistance unit is similar to other CycleOps models, it does ramp up more quickly than the one used in for example the PowerBeam. That means interval work will be more rewarding because the increased responsiveness helps eliminate the dead time while the unit catches up to your power inputs. It maxes out at 1,500 watts, so unless you're Cipo himself or a gold medalist on the track, you're probably not going to be hitting that ceiling too often. The frame itself is based on CycleOps' Classic trainer frame, which the brand accurately if rather cheekily describes as oh so sturdy...