The ThinkRider X2Max Smart Bike Trainer is widely regarded as an excellent value-for-money direct drive trainer that delivers performance comparable to more expensive competitors, though with some noted accuracy and compatibility limitations.
Pros
- Affordable price point (typically half the cost of competitors like Wahoo Kickr)
- Smooth and responsive ride feel comparable to higher-end trainers
- Self-powered capability (doesn't need to be plugged in)
- No calibration required
Cons
- Power accuracy may drift (3-10% variance reported compared to reference power meters)
- Experienced some Wi-Fi dropouts
- Virtual flywheel can slip during high torque at low speeds
- Not compatible with Zwift Cog or Zwift virtual shifting
Key Facts
- Direct drive smart trainer with virtual flywheel using neodymium magnets
- Weighs approximately 18kg (40lb)
- Compatible with 130-135mm quick release and 12x142/12x148 through axle systems
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer tested the ThinkRider X2Max Smart Bike Trainer for several months, finding it offers impressive specs and ride quality for its affordable price, but noted some accuracy issues and compatibility limitations.
AI Summary
Pros
- Affordable price for a direct drive trainer
- Smooth and responsive ride feel comparable to higher-end trainers
- Self-powered capability (doesn't need to be plugged in)
- No calibration required
- Supports multiple connectivity options (Bluetooth FTMS, ANT+ FEC, Wi-Fi)
- Can simulate gradients up to 25% and push up to 2500 watts
- Very quiet operation
- Performs well in ERG mode with quick resistance changes
- Handles low cadence intervals well
- Allows power adjustment via app to match other power meters
- Solid Bluetooth connectivity
- Includes handle for easier transport
Cons
- Power accuracy drifted to about 3-4% higher than reference power meters (outside the claimed 1% accuracy)
- Experienced some Wi-Fi dropouts
- Virtual flywheel can slip during high torque at low speeds
- Not compatible with Zwift Cog or Zwift virtual shifting
- No heart rate bridging capability
- No multiple Bluetooth connections
- Cassette not included
- Basic companion app
- Has a bright red light that some may find distracting
Key Points
- Direct drive smart trainer
- Uses virtual flywheel with neodymium magnets (no physical flywheel)
- Weighs approximately 18kg (40lb)
- Frame made mostly of plastic with steel feet
- Compatible with 130-135mm quick release and 12x142/12x148 through axle
- Supports Shimano 8-12 speed and SRAM 8-11 speed cassettes
- XDR and Campagnolo options available separately
- Claimed power accuracy: ±1%
- Tested against multiple power meters (Magene P715, Power2Max NG)
- Price: $39 (as mentioned in transcript)
The reviewer unboxes and sets up a smart trainer they refer to as 'the X2 smart trainer from Think Rider'. They describe it as a direct mount trainer, note its weight, and detail the included accessories like a freehub body, end caps for quick release and through axle, and a disc brake spacer. They demonstrate attaching it to both a through axle and a quick release bike, praising the ease of switching between standards. They mention the price, compare it favorably to more expensive brands, and state they will provide a more in-depth review later.
AI Summary
Pros
- Retails at £250, which the reviewer thinks is quite good for a smart trainer.
- Has a fair bit of weight to it, which is described as a desirable feature.
- Comes with various attachments and accessories (free hub body, end caps, disc brake spacer, Allen key, spare bolt).
- The process of switching between quick release and through axle is described as very quick, simple, and a nice touch.
- The trainer is described as very solid and stable when a bike is mounted, more so than their Saris trainer without a skewer.
- The freehub is compatible with 10, 11, and 12-speed cassettes (HD driver for Shimano and SRAM).
- The reviewer states it is a really good bit of kit.
Cons
- No specific negative points or performance concerns are raised in the transcript. The reviewer mentions they need to 'give it a thorough good kick in, a good testing', implying the initial setup review is not comprehensive.
Key Points
- Product is the 'X2 smart trainer' from 'Think Rider'.
- It is a direct mount smart trainer.
- Price: £250.
- Includes adapters for both quick release and through axle systems.
- Freehub body is HD driver compatible with 10, 11, and 12-speed Shimano/SRAM cassettes.
- Comes with a disc brake spacer.
- The reviewer finds it more stable without a skewer than their Saris trainer.
The ThinkRider X2 Smart Bike Trainer is a budget-friendly indoor cycling trainer that offers good value for money, with users reporting it outperforms older models like Elite Suitos/Turno and first-gen Wahoo Kickr. Prices range from $235-280 USD in the US and €270-400 in Europe, with significant regional variations. The trainer features solid metal construction with a base attached by four screws, though some note the power supply feels cheap. It includes necessary adapters for through axle and quick release setups (supporting 135mm, 142mm, and 148mm rear axles) and is compatible with Shimano/SRAM 8-11s cassettes (with XDR/CP Freehub optional). Connectivity includes ANT+ and Bluetooth, working with apps like Zwift, MyWhoosh, PowerFun, and Rouvy. Performance is generally comparable to more expensive models, with smooth ERG mode, fast resistance adjustments, and quiet operation. However, some users report the X2 leans slightly more than other trainers and may have power accuracy variations, with the X2Max model consistently reading about 10% higher than dedicated power meters like the Magene PES-P515. Recent firmware updates have introduced intermittent resistance spikes in ERG mode. The virtual cassette accessory works well with Zwift after pairing, though gear ratios may be insufficient for some users, and its buttons are criticized as mushy with poor tactile feedback. The trainer can operate without AC power, and free app alternatives like CycleGo and QZ App are available for devices without Google Play Store.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money - often half the price of competitors like Wahoo Kickr
- Good performance with smooth ERG mode and fast resistance adjustments
- Quiet operation compared to older trainers
- Easy setup and calibration with included adapters for different axle types
- Solid build quality with metal construction
- Virtual cassette works flawlessly out of the box with apps like Zwift after pairing
- Better performance compared to older trainers like Elite Suitos/Turno and first-gen Wahoo Kickr
Cons
- Potential power accuracy issues - may read slightly under or over compared to dedicated power meters
- Some instability/leaning when mounting and riding
- Limited warranty and support compared to established brands
- Cheap-feeling power supply that may be prone to failure
- App/firmware update issues - ThinkriderTools app removed from Play Store
- Virtual cassette buttons described as garbage with zero tactile feel, mushy, and difficult to press
- Potential frame rubbing issues with certain bike setups
Key Points
- Price range: $235-280 USD, €270-400 EUR
- Weight: Not specified in posts
- Material: Metal construction with plastic components
- Standards: ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, Shimano/SRAM 8-11s cassette compatibility
- Includes adapters for through axle and quick release
- Compatible with Zwift, MyWhoosh, PowerFun, Rouvy apps
- Can be used without AC power
- Virtual cassette accessory available with 8% and 12% settings
- Firmware versions: BLE V3.3.1, TMS V255.255.255, APP V2.1.32
So here's my followup on the Thinkrider X2 i ordered for my brother. The price was 277,69€ using a choice day coupon. Shipping took only four days from Madrid to my address in germany. The parcel wasn't damaged or anything and the trainer was well packaged. I was actually surprised by the fact that there was an english manual. All the necessary adapters for through axle or quick release are included. The only thing that seems a little cheap is the power supply. If i compare it's weight to the one of my kickr core i can't imagine it will be the same quality. So if i had to guess one thing that will fail on this thing it's the power supply but that should be replaceable fairly easy. Apart from that the build quality looks and feels solid. The base is attached by four screws and seems solid. I calibrated the trainer using the Thinkrider app which worked like on the kickr. I did two rides on the trainer, one relaxed zone 2 ride in erg mode and one ride up alpe du zwift (on 50% trainer difficulty). The only real difference i noticed between the x2 and my kickr core is that the x2 leans slightly more to left and right, which isn't a bad thing in my opinion. ERG mode was really smooth and the resistance adjustments were fast. Resistance up alpe du zwift also seemed realistic. This is absolutely not an in depth review, i just did some test rides before my brother picked it up. But so far it really felt like a great alternative to the kickr. With the right deals you can get it for half the price of the kickr which is insane. The only questions are longevity and warranty if something fails, only time will give answers to these. Apart from these two questions it's a great cheaper alternative to the kickr core. I kinda regret not going for the x2 myself and saving 230€. If you have any questions feel free to ask. If my brother faces any issues with the device i will let you know here.
My brother is using his X2 since October now and his girlfriend bought an X2Max in January. Both still going strong so far with zero issues. With the pricing in germany the X2Max is half the price of the kickr core. If i had to choose again i would probably go for the thinkrider instead of the wahoo.
Haven't put tons of miles on mine since weather has been beautiful, but its still working fine. A smart trainer delivered to your door for about $250 is a no brainer for me. I'd absolutely do it again.
Where to Buy
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ThinkRider X2Max Smart Bike Trainer MTB Rennrad Heimtrainer Eingebauter Leistungsmesser Leistungsmesser Kompatibel - AliExpress 18
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