CycleOps has made solid trainers for decades and, under its PowerTap brand, power meters for almost as long. The new Hammer smart trainer combines both technologies, with the ability to not only measure power but wirelessly control resistance in sync with third-party training software like Zwift or TrainerRoad.
The 'direct drive' means you take out your rear wheel and mount your bike directly on the trainer, eliminating the wheel and the tire from the equation.
In initial testing, the Hammer has performed very well, easily on par with the category leader, the Wahoo Kickr. Whether mimicking hills in a virtual program or raising and dropping resistance to a specific wattage with an interval program, the Hammer smoothly adjusts the ride with electromagnetic power working in tandem with a 20lb flywheel.
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CycleOps Hammer highlights
- 20lb flywheel with electromagnetic resistance controlled by third-party apps and software
- Receives and transmits info via Bluetooth and ANT+
- Works with quick-release and thru-axle bikes
- Integrated front tray tucks into frame when not in use
- 47lb / 21.3kg weight
- Claimed 64dB at 20mph; I measured it at 70dB at 200w
- Claimed accuracy of +/- 3%, but I found power readings to be within 1-2% of Quarq and Stages
- Works with Zwift, TrainerRoad, CycleOps' own VirtualTraining and other apps
CycleOps Hammer ride impression
Whether riding a virtual course on Zwift or VirtualTraining, or following specific intervals on TrainerRoad, the Hammer adjusts resistance quickly and smoothly.
Like all smart trainers, the beauty of the Hammer is that — once you plug it into a software on your phone or computer with either Bluetooth or ANT+ — you just ride and let the electronics do their thing, adjusting the resistance to mimic hills or to the specified intensities of your interval workouts.
CycleOps Hammer vs. the competition
CycleOps Hammer early verdict
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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