This trainer has been reviewed very highly and comes in at a fraction of the cost of the current, leading trainers on the market. Is it destined to take over as leader this season? I think so...
The seasons are changing here in Melbourne, and winter is around the corner - time to set up the trainer to keep rolling through the cold weather to come. As an avid cyclist who has been using Zwift since 2017, I was excited to add the Jetblack Victory indoor trainer to my home training setup. My current configuration includes a 45" plasma TV ($80 on Gumtree), AppleTV running the Zwift app, and the Zwift Companion app on my iPhone, all connected through my home WiFi. I also have my dedicated Cannondale Quick, converted to drop bars. For quick access to my Zwift companion app and Spotify, I use a Quadlock bike mount on my handlebars, with my phone in a Quadlock case.
Unboxing and Assembly
The unboxing of the Jetblack Victory was remarkably quick. It required only four small bolts to secure the trainer, allowing me to set it up and get started quickly.
There are several QR codes on the box & packaging that lead you to a sequence of setup videos that are helpful in the process.
Firmware Update and Connectivity
Updating the firmware on the trainer and the Bluetooth shift controller was an incredibly simple process, making it accessible even for those who might not consider themselves tech-savvy.
Apple TV Connectivity
I find the Apple TV setup on a monitor or TV to be the best setup. Big screen = more realistic experience & deeper immersion, which you need to conjure motivation, the kind you need when going for a sprint win, or going for a pass on a climb.
One aspect to consider when using the Apple TV is its limitation of two Bluetooth channels. The Victory trainer occupies one of these channels, and the Bluetooth shifter takes the other (see below). Previously, I had used this second channel for my heart rate monitor. A unique feature of this trainer is the ability to bypass this issue by connecting the HRM directly to the trainer and to have that data sent to the AppleTV through the same channel along with the trainer data; pretty cool (see below). Initially, I found the process of bridging the heart rate monitor through the Jetblack trainer app a bit confusing, but by my second ride, I figured it out.
Bike Setup and Compatibility
When it comes to bike compatibility, my setup included a quick-release rear axle, which made the assembly onto the trainer very easy. The Jetblack Victory is also through-axle compatible, and although I haven't yet set up a bike with a thru-axle, the design appears straightforward, allowing for a quick conversion without the need for additional tools. This flexibility is excellent for riders who may switch between different bikes, or if they have only one bike that they might use both indoors and outdoors.
THE ZWIFT COG
The Zwift cog and virtual shifter are amazing. No need to match a cassette to your bike, no worries about whether your bike is 10speed, 11, or 12. No worrying about whether your partner’s bike is 12 speed, and yours is ll, or the cassette size is different. No need to adjust your derailleur to make it shift smoothly on the trainer… This innovation takes so much of the stress and setup issues out of the equation for so many people, it will most certainly lower the barrier of entry for people wanting to get into indoor training. My partner has a thru axle gravel bike with a bigger cassette, but it will be a two minute bike change when she wants to ride Zwift – what a revolutionary development. I did shift a few times with the bike’s real shifters (out of habit) and bumped the chain up against the sides of the Zwift cog, but the noise reminded me to back it off. My indoor bike already has no brakes, thinking of disconnecting the shift cables as I no longer need them!
First Zwift Ride Experience
Doing my first Zwift ride on the Victory was pretty cool. I found the virtual shifting function was effective, providing an engaging experience that closely matched what I was accustomed to with my Neo2T. It’s a tiny bit louder than the Neo, not a big deal for me as it is still quiet – especially if you set up the cog offset properly. My only criticism was that there were intermittent delays in executing my shifts, probably 4 times over the hour-long ride that I did. While this wasn’t a significant issue, it’s something I’m keeping an eye on as I continue to use the trainer.
What Is It Missing?
It would be nice to have a front wheel block included in the box, an inexpensive but important item that costs a mere $20 retail. Also, the only feature of the $2500 Tacx Neo2T that is not rivaled by this Jetblack offering is the virtual flywheel that gives a rider weight-specific realism for acceleration and descending; significant feature, but not equal to the lower price and Zwift cog tech available on the Victory.
Conclusion
The Jetblack Victory is currently the single best combination of price, features, & simplicity and I can’t wait to put more time on it this winter. It has impressed me with its ease of setup, effective connectivity, and engaging ride experience. Having previously used trainers from Wahoo and Tacx - with the Tacx Neo 2T being my favorite until now - I find the Victory to be a strong contender. It’s less than half the price of the top trainers from all the major brands, has some seriously strong tech, and solves most of the biggest hurdles involving setup that most people have with their first indoor trainer experience.
Rating 9/10 stars!
Jetblack Victory Trainer - $749AU
