220Triathlon Edição 334

70 / 132

70 I I FEBRUARY 2017
TEST
CENTRE
ELITE
KURA SMART B+
£699.99
Wow, the Kura looks big. Yet the large handle and foldable front leg – a
development from the fixed set-up of Elite’s 2015 models – makes it surprisingly
easy to stow and manoeuvre. The direct drive unit doesn’t come with a cassette
but, once you’ve installed a block, the Kura provides an impressively smooth
and consistent ride. Unlike many ‘smart’ trainers on the market, the Kura
doesn’t need to be plugged in as the unit’s internal battery re-charges while
you pedal, meaning you can use it when no power source is available.
The Kura comes with a lifelong subscription to Elite’s My E-Training app.
Connecting via Bluetooth or ANT+ the app is quick to pick up the trainer and,
although not the most intuitive out there, offers noteworthy features such as
the level and power modes.
Elite say the unit’s power measurement is accurate to within 1% and, after
multiple sessions, we can confirm the level of accuracy is impressive and
closely matched our power meter readings pedal stroke for pedal stroke.
So the Kura is a high quality turbo, but there’s an elephant in the room.
Although being classed as a ‘smart’ turbo, for a penny shy of £700 you’re
not getting a truly interactive trainer. You can’t change the resistance
remotely; rather you vary the
difficulty of your ride changing
your gears, cadence and speed
like you would on the road. CH
CASSETTE PLAYER
The Kura doesn’t come
with a cassette so you’ll
have to buy a spare or
detach yours from
your bike
83%
Impressive power accuracy, but plenty of
cash for a turbo thatisn’t interactive
››VERDICT