The ThinkRider X2/X2Max is a budget direct-mount smart trainer sold mainly through AliExpress that has earned strong word-of-mouth for delivering Wahoo Kickr Core-like functionality at roughly half the price. Users consistently praise its quiet operation, quick setup with included thru-axle/QR adapters, smooth ERG mode, and app compatibility, while the main open concerns are power accuracy variance (5–10% vs dedicated meters, no in-app calibration offset), a cheap-feeling power supply, and unproven long-term durability and warranty support.
Pros
- Excellent value — often about half the price of a Wahoo Kickr Core (paid €277.69 with coupon; ~$250 delivered)123
- Very quiet operation, quieter than older Kickr models1
- Easy setup with included thru-axle and quick release adapters, plus an English manual; switching between standards is quick and simple413
- Smooth and fast ERG mode resistance changes; realistic resistance on climbs like Alpe du Zwift13
- Works well with popular training apps like Zwift, MyWhoosh and Rouvy1
- Solid and stable build when a bike is mounted — more stable than a Saris trainer without a skewer; base attached by four screws feels solid43
- Slight side-to-side lean is considered a positive feature, potentially reducing stress on carbon frames13
- Power readings reasonably close to dedicated power meters after calibration (within ~5 watts in some tests)1
- Reliable so far — multiple users report months of use with zero issues23
Cons
- Power accuracy can be off by 5–10% compared to dedicated power meters, and there is no in-app calibration offset1
- Power supply unit feels cheap and is considered the most likely component to fail (though replaceable)13
- Long-term durability and warranty support are uncertain due to limited track record and AliExpress sales channel13
- Some units develop resistance spikes or drops after firmware updates1
- Frame or brake caliper may rub against the trainer on some bikes1
- Vibration or rumbling felt through the bike when using the smallest cog, especially with 12-speed setups1
- Firmware updates require a phone connection; cannot update via bike computer1
Key Facts
- Price: £250 in the UK; ~$230–$280 USD in the US; €270–€400 in the EU; one buyer paid €277.69 with a coupon — often about half the price of a Wahoo Kickr Core413
- Includes adapters for both quick release and thru-axle, plus a disc brake spacer, freehub body, end caps, Allen key and spare bolt413
- Stock freehub is Shimano/SRAM 8–11 speed; XDR and CP freehubs are optional for 12-speed; some 8-speed setups needed a cassette spacer14
- Connectivity via ANT+ and BLE; compatible with Zwift, MyWhoosh, Rouvy and Garmin watches/phones1
- Firmware updates require a phone connection through the Thinkrider Tools app — cannot be done via a bike computer1
- Power accuracy typically within 5–10% of dedicated power meters; some units read within ~5 W of a Magene PES505 after calibration, others ~10% higher than a Magene PES-P5151
- Cassette installation torque spec is about 40 Nm1
- Newer X2Max version adds a carrying handle and a fully enclosed design1
Reviews & Ratings
08:14The 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.
The ThinkRider X2Max is a budget smart trainer sold primarily through AliExpress, gaining attention for its low price (around $230–$280 USD, or €270–€400 in the EU) compared to established brands like Wahoo or Elite. Users report it is quiet, easy to set up, and offers smooth ERG mode and fast resistance changes. It includes adapters for thru-axle and quick release, and works with apps like Zwift, MyWhoosh, and Rouvy. However, power accuracy is a common concern, with some units reading 5–10% higher or lower than dedicated power meters, and there is no in-app calibration offset. A newer version with a carrying handle and fully enclosed design has been released. Long-term durability and warranty support remain open questions.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very quiet operation, quieter than older Kickr models
- Excellent value for money, often half the price of a Wahoo Kickr Core
- Easy setup with included adapters for thru-axle and quick release, and an English manual
more pros in the review
Cons
- Power accuracy can be off by 5–10% compared to dedicated power meters, and there is no in-app calibration offset
- Some units develop resistance spikes or drops after firmware updates
- Power supply unit feels cheap and may be a weak point
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Price: ~$230–$280 USD (US), €270–€400 (EU), often half the price of a Wahoo Kickr Core
- Weight: not specified, but power supply is noted as lightweight and possibly low quality
- Material: not specified, but build quality is described as solid
more key points in the review
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
| Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 aliexpress.com#1005006974962359Affiliate · MyBikeParts Thinkrider Overseas Official Store4.8/5 · 97% positive | 4.8(886)5,000+ sold | |||
| aliexpress.com #1005003329491420Affiliate · MyBikeParts Price last checked 5 months ago | €351 | $334 | £310 | 4.9(37) |
 amazon.deAffiliate · MyBikeParts Price last checked 7 months ago | €276 | – | – | – |
Specifications
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Questions about ThinkRider X2Max Smart Bike Trainer
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1Compatibility
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