Elite also releases a new mid-range smart trainer and updates the Justo
Elite has updated its Justo smart trainer, released a new mid-market smart trainer called the Avanti and unveiled a new indoor bike frame, the Square.
Elite calls the Square a smart frame with “high-end virtual shifting” that will enable you to customise the controls to replicate the gearing you use outdoors.
The frame’s geometry is adjustable, so it will fit multiple riders in one household if required, according to Elite.
At €1,250 (international pricing is to be confirmed), the Elite Square joins the recently announced Zwift Ride and Caveworks Rivet in the indoor bike frame market. These frames stand on elongated fork legs while the dropouts mount to a turbo trainer.
The Square goes on sale in Europe in December and in the rest of the world in January.
Priced at $849 / €749, the Avanti is claimed to match the performance of premium smart trainers at a more affordable price.
The Avanti will be available in Europe in late August and in other markets shortly after.
Meanwhile, the new Elite Justo 2 surpasses its predecessor, the Justo, with “significant improvements”, according to the brand.
You’ll be able to buy the Elite Justo 2 for $1,199 / €1,099 in late August in Europe and in September elsewhere.
Elite Square
The Elite Square’s modular design is claimed to ensure compatibility with most smart trainers, cycling apps and indoor cycling accessories, and lets you customise its components.
Unlike the Zwift Ride, which comes with a Wahoo Kickr Core, Elite does not include a smart trainer in the price. Buying a smart trainer and a Square will set you back roughly as much as one of the best indoor bikes.
But, with the Square, you can choose your preferred smart trainer and indoor training app – you can’t currently buy the Ride frame without the Kickr Core.
The Elite Square smart frame’s belt drive gear system keeps the trainer quiet and minimises chain maintenance, according to Elite.
Using the Square app, Elite says you can configure a virtual drivetrain.
You can match the chainring sizes and cassette cogs to your outside gearing, or choose preset profiles tailored for flat, hilly and mountainous courses, according to Elite. Another off-the-peg option is Shimano’s Di2 12-speed drivetrain with an 11-30t cassette.
The handlebar features the same shifting and braking buttons and levers found on Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo groupsets, and you operate them as you would on the road, according to Elite.
A controller sits on the end of each hood, enabling integration with Zwift Play and for you to adjust the screen of your training app without taking your hands off the bar.
There are 10 buttons on each controller: four buttons for controlling Zwift or other indoor cycling apps; one to alter the intensity of Aria, Elite’s smart fan, directly from the Square if connected; one button for Zwift virtual steering; and two shift buttons, one for Campagnolo shifting, and one brake button, activated with the brake lever.
Elite says the Square can fit cyclists from XS to XL frame sizes, thanks to its adjustable saddle height, tilt, fore-aft position, handlebar height and reach, along with the five crank lengths available.
Elite Square frame geometry
- Handlebar height: 84.5-106cm
- Handlebar width: 42cm
- Saddle height: 57-88cm
- Saddle width: 150mm
- Minimum saddle setback: 170mm
- Crank lengths: 165 mm, 167.5 mm, 170 mm, 172.5 mm, 175 mm
- Minimum rider height: 152cm / 4ft 11in
- Maximum rider height: 198cm / 6ft 6in
Elite Avanti
The Avanti will slot in between the cheaper Suito and pricier Direto XR in Elite’s smart trainer range.
Elite says the Avanto provides +/- 1 per cent accuracy and a realistic ride feel, and can simulate gradients up to 18 per cent.
The Avanti can connect to Wifi and pair with smart devices, sensors and shifting, such as Shimano Di2, over Bluetooth and ANT+.
A 12-month subscription to Elite’s My E-Training app is included in the price.
- Max power: 920W (20kph) – 2,100W (40kph)
- Claimed accuracy: +/- 1 per cent
- Flywheel: 4kg
Elite Justo 2
Elite’s range-topping smart trainer now comes with a 12-speed Shimano cassette preinstalled.
The Justo 2 also gains the ability to connect to your home WiFi, adding to its existing Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.
The price includes a 36-month subscription to the Elite My E-Training app.
- Max power: 1,100W (20kph) – 2,300W (40kph)
- Claimed accuracy: <1 per cent
- Flywheel: 7.2kg