Elite has launched the Square, an adjustable smart frame that is designed to accommodate multiple riders on one machine and work with all direct drive smart trainers and training apps.
The design means there’s no need to mount or change bikes, with the frame offering seven adjustments for saddle height, forward lean and position, handlebar height and forward position, top tube length and crank arm length, enabling riders to match the geometry of their regular bike. The Square attaches to a direct-drive turbo trainer in a similar fashion to the recently released Zwift Ride and uses a single cog, eliminating the need for a cassette.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the UK and US, but will be €1,250 in Europe when the Square becomes available in late 2024.
(Image credit: Elite)
Appeal to families with many cyclists seems to be the USP of the Square. However, it boasts a number of other features that should also be attractive. Perhaps the most notable of these is the virtual displacement system. It is designed to allow the rider to customize the controls, adapting them to replicate their bike’s drive chain, be it Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo.
Riders can choose the number of gears, as well as the cassette, from 10 to 13 speeds, and chainrings, single, double or triple. The number of teeth on your chosen cassette ranges from 9 to 52t and from 22 to 60t on chainrings. There are also a number of preset options, which are divided according to the type of training – flat rides, mountain climbing, etc – or use a Shimano 12-speed cassette 11-30t. Finally, riders can also choose sequential shifting, with variable resistance levels; all these options are accessed through the dedicated Square app.
(Image credit: Elite)
Shifting is done on the multi-function steering wheel that features levers and buttons designed to replicate those found on a regular bicycle with handlebars. Shifting and braking mimic Shimano, SRAM and Campag systems, but the controllers also include other buttons; these run Zwift and other training apps, plus Elite’s Aria smart fan. Virtual running on Zwift is also supported. As for the dimensions of the bars, it has a width of 420 mm and has a flare of 6 degrees at the points. There is also a pre-installed Garmin mount.
(Image credit: Elite)
No one likes a noisy trainer, so Elite has opted for a belt drive system to deliver what it describes as “a smooth, silent ride”. The belt machine should also make for a much cleaner system than a trainer which requires a complete ‘outside’ bike with a lubricated chain. Combined with the single cog, Elite believes it makes for a seamless setup.
Ease of setup also extends to Square’s ‘plug and play’ design. Powered by a battery and does not need an electrical outlet. From here Elite says setup and pairing is “easy and instant”, using adjustment keys and the Square app.
Elite has designed Square to work with all smart trainers, which will allow users to take advantage of the power meter of their chosen machine. Alternatively, power meter pedals can be fitted. The Square is also compatible with two of Elite’s training products — the aforementioned Aria smart fan and the brand’s incline simulator, the Rizer. Here you replace the Square front support leg with the Rizer, which adjusts the angle of the frame up to 20% and goes down to 10% to match the height in the training application.
Elite Avani and Justo 2
Alongside the Square, Elite has launched two new direct-drive smart trainers, the affordable Avanti and the high-end Justo 2.
(Image credit: Elite)
Despite being billed as a ‘value’ car, the Avanti seems to offer a lot. The built-in power meter has a claimed accuracy of +/- 1%, while gradients are repeatable up to 18%. Like Square, it’s designed to be easy to set up and use; it has the Elite’s plug and play setup, Wi-Fi connectivity, dual Bluetooth channels and periodic self-calibrations. Other features include Shimano Di2 integration, bent legs, which are designed to help deliver a more realistic and efficient pedal stroke, and the ability to record total kilometers, which are displayed in the My E-Training app.
(Image credit: Elite)
The updated Justo 2, Elite’s flagship smart trainer, comes with a 12-speed Shimano 105 cassette and is used by WorldTour teams. It has a maximum power of 2300 watts and a maximum simulated slope of 24%. Like the Avanti, the integrated power meter is said to be accurate to +/- 1%. Elite says the flywheel has been improved; weight has been added to provide a smoother and more uniform pedal stroke. It also uses Flex feet, which, in addition to pedaling, are also said to reduce muscle tension and fatigue during exercise.
Both coaches will be available from August, priced at $849/€749 for the Avanti and $1,199/€1,099 for the Justo 2. UK pricing is still to be confirmed.
