KIT ZONE
PINNACLE HC TURBO
£499.99 Is this the wallet-friendly trainer you’ve been waiting for?
“As you go down the price brackets, there are trade-offs, including grade simulation, quietness, compatibility and power accuracy. On the first three, the HC impresses”
As we rushed to buy indoor exercise equipment in 2020, many turbo trainers sold out. Clearly this didn’t go unnoticed by Evans Cycles, with the retailer following Wiggle by selling its own smart trainer through in-house brand Pinnacle. The aim is to offer riders “access to some of the best innovation in indoor cycling at an affordable price”, and the current price makes it 50% cheaper than some high-end smart trainers.
As you go down the turbo price brackets, there are trade-offs. Grade simulation, quietness, compatibility and power accuracy are things to look for, and on the first three the HC impresses: 20% grade simulation, a claimed 52dB at 19mph, plus compatibility with training apps like Zwift and Rouvy through ANT+ or Bluetooth.
Set-up takes five minutes, with the packing box doubling as a stand. The front is adjustable for different axle sizes, meaning you can attach various bike types without needing a riser, and it’s
