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Jetblack Volt V2 Direct Drive Smart Trainer $599 + Delivery ($0 MEL C&C) @ 99 Bikes

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This was originally on sale for $745. I found another seller offering $599 (https://bikeblvd.com.au/products/jetblack-volt-v2-ems-smart-indoor-trainer) and got 99Bikes to price match it to $570, which I bought. Looks like 99Bikes has since reduced their pricing to $599, but you may still be able to get it for $570 if you price match.

I think it's pretty decent value for money. I was tossing up between this and a Wahoo Kickr Core, and I think they compare very well (extremely similar in appearance too). AFAIK the Volt has only a few minor disadvantages (eg. lower flywheel weight: 4.7 kg vs 5.4 kg, and legs do not fold) but has the same/very similar specs otherwise. But it was significantly cheaper, and it does have the ability to rebroadcast HR over one bluetooth channel which AFAIK is not a feature any other trainer on the market has (I don't actually use that feature myself).

DCRainmaker reviewed this trainer very favourably (https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/07/jetblack-trainer-review.html) and Zwift sold a rebranded version of the Gen 1 of this trainer as the Zwift Hub. To be honest, I've never heard of the manufacturer before this trainer, but they're an Australian company and most of their products seem to be OEM.

Out of the box it wasn't too difficult to assemble, it is quiet, and the power/cadence readings are responsive. Includes a 11-speed cassette (Sunrace branded) pre-installed which was convenient but may be annoying if you don't have the tools to get it off. I did have some trouble with skipping gears and bad shifting until I turned the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur a couple of clicks. I'm not too sure why because I'm using a thru axle and the cassette on my rear wheel is a Shimano 105 11-speed. I'm not sure if it's the cassette on the trainer or the cassette on the wheel that deviates from spec. It could also be the derailleur hanger (I've tipped the bike a few times and this has interfered with shifting in the past). I tried putting on the extra spacer/washer (designed for use with 9/10 speed cassettes) that comes with the trainer, but then I wasn't able to get the lock nut on, so at the moment I'm stuck with the barrel adjuster solution.

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closed Comments

  • +2

    I have been using the Jetblack Volt V2 for a while now and have found it great .I am a recreational not competitive rider so use it for general fitness and to keep bike fit for recreational riding.

    I have used it with a number of software platforms including Zwift, FulGaz, Kinomap and MyWhoosh (Software running on a ipad in pain cave) . MyWhoosh is my current go to software due to the price, free. I did notice that I sometimes got occasional bluetooth connectivity issues with FulGaz but I have not noticed any issues with the other software. IMHO Zwift is not worth the subscription price unless you are into the competition side of things hoping to become another Jay Vine :) .

    Only concern about it is ongoing software support etc. Jetblack got successfully sued in the US over patent infringement by Kickr so they disappeared off the US market. There has not been any firmware updates for a long time since when V3 came out ….Firmware V3 included stuff like the ability to do a spindown calibration while riding rather than needing to use the app and some other goodies.

    Also jetblack have recently released a new trainer the Victory… https://www.jetblackcycling.com/indoor-cycle-trainers-and-ac…

  • +4

    Yeah, I would wait for the Jetblack Victory - will only be $750 and has a bunch of new features including the Zwift cog as part of the package.

    • It's possible to pre-order for October delivery.

  • +1

    The need to slightly adjust your rear derailleur slightly is not a fault of either your bike or the trainer, simply that there isn't a defined standard for hub spacing, and it only takes a very small amount of difference to impact your shifting. The 1.85mm for narrower cassettes isn't designed to solve this problem.

  • +1

    my amex offers is showing $80 off $400+ spend with 99 bikes, fyi

  • $595 here at my fav online store:

    https://bikeblvd.com.au/products/jetblack-volt-v2-ems-smart-…

    But looks like they have 1 left. FYI they have some 1 day crazy deals sometimes. - via emails if you wanted to sub

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