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ThinkRider X2 Max review: the $220 smart trainer I actually use

By Jack, Jack's Coaching Updated 7 November 2026 Bought with my own money

I don't ride indoors much. My old KICKR Core and Elite Chrono fluid trainer were mostly pre-Zwift, so it was boring and I never stuck with it.

But indoors is perfect for a targeted workout, or when it's pouring. So I bought the ThinkRider X2 Max for about US$220 on AliExpress and rode it on MyWhoosh for weeks. It's the best value trainer I've found.

ThinkRider X2 Max specs

For 99.9% of us, 2,000 W is more than enough. The 18% gradient simulation is the number that matters more in apps: when the road kicks up, the resistance goes up with it, and it does feel like a climb.

Setup: ten minutes, but buy a cassette first

Setup is super easy. The body comes in one piece. You bolt the two legs on with the screws in the box and that's it.

It doesn't come with a cassette, so order one that matches your bike at the same time. The stock freehub supports Shimano 8 to 12-speed and SRAM 8 to 11-speed. If you run SRAM 12-speed, message the seller and they can send a different freehub that works with your system. Owners on forums recommend tightening the cassette lockring to about 40 Nm.

It supports both thru-axle and quick release, and all the adapters are in the box, so you can switch bikes without buying anything extra.

At around 16 kg it's not light, but the handle on top makes it easy to carry if you're moving it between rooms or keeping it in the garage.

Ride feel and sprints

I've done quite a few kilometres on it now and it's been very smooth, with no issues. When you're riding you don't notice the trainer. It feels natural, like normal riding.

I've done sprints on it too and it holds up well. There's a little bit of side-to-side wobble, as you'd expect from any trainer like this, but it's sturdy overall. Some owners actually like that bit of give because it puts less stress on a carbon frame.

ERG mode

ERG mode works really well. That's where the trainer changes the resistance to hold the power your workout prescribes, so you just pedal and it does the rest.

There's maybe a one or two second delay between a power step in the workout and the trainer adjusting. That's pretty normal for budget trainers, and on long intervals you won't notice. On short, punchy efforts like 30-second sprints, you'll feel the lag at the start of each rep.

Power accuracy: is the X2 Max accurate?

ThinkRider rates it at ±2%. On my unit, the numbers line up with the data I've seen from power meters on my bike, and for structured training that's what matters: consistency from one session to the next.

If you're a World Tour rider and you need very precise power measurements, get a more expensive trainer. Everyone else will be fine.

How loud is the ThinkRider X2 Max?

It's quiet. Most of the noise when you pedal comes from your drivetrain, not the trainer itself. ThinkRider quotes 58 dB at 30 km/h. A clean, lubed chain and a decent mat will make more difference than anything else.

Zwift, MyWhoosh and other apps

Because it uses standard ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth FTMS, it pairs with pretty much everything: Zwift, MyWhoosh, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, FulGaz, Kinomap, and Garmin, Wahoo or Bryton head units in indoor mode.

I use MyWhoosh, which is basically a free version of Zwift, and riding this trainer on it has been amazing. If you're buying a budget trainer, MyWhoosh means you don't pay a monthly subscription on top.

Firmware updates go through ThinkRider's own phone app, ThinkRider Tools. You can't update it from a bike computer.

Does the X2 Max work with the Zwift Cog?

Not the way the Cog is meant to work. Zwift's virtual shifting only runs on trainers Zwift has certified, and Zwift support has said the ThinkRider X2 isn't on that list.

ThinkRider added its own virtual shifting in a firmware update, designed for its VS200 handlebar remote and set up in ThinkRider Tools. Some owners also use the third-party BikeControl app to bridge a Zwift Click or the VS200 into MyWhoosh. Owners say it works best when your real gear ratio is in the middle of the range.

My advice: run a normal cassette and shift your real gears. It's simpler and nothing can break.

The downsides

• No downhill mode. It doesn't have a motor to spin the flywheel for you on descents, like some US$1,000 to US$1,500 trainers do. For US$220, that's fair.
• Resale value. It's not a well-known brand, so it won't hold its value like a Wahoo or Tacx if you sell it later.
• No cassette. Budget another US$30 to US$60 for one if you don't have a spare.
• Needs an outlet. The XX Pro is self-powered. The X2 Max isn't.
• Support goes through AliExpress. Warranty and support depend on the seller. Keep your order details.

It has great reviews on AliExpress. That's why I bought it, and I've been blown away by the quality. I was expecting something a lot worse at this price. It's my main trainer now and I have no desire to upgrade.

ThinkRider X2 Max vs XX Pro

ThinkRider also sells a more premium trainer, the XX Pro. It uses a different, self-powered resistance system instead of the X2 Max's belt drive.

For around US$360 it's insane value too. It's pretty much equivalent to the US$1,500 trainers you'll see, like the Tacx NEO. But for my workouts the X2 Max feels amazing and does everything I need, so I have no desire to get the XX Pro. Get the XX Pro if you care about the extra accuracy, want to ride without a cable, or want the downhill feel.

ThinkRider X2 Max vs Wahoo KICKR Core

I've owned a KICKR Core, and it's the trainer most people compare the X2 Max against.

On paper the X2 Max matches or beats the KICKR Core 2 for about half the price. The KICKR wins on support, polish, Zwift virtual shifting and resale value. If you live on Zwift and want the Cog, or you want the safety net of a big brand, get the Wahoo. If you want the cheapest trainer that does the job properly, get the X2 Max.

ThinkRider X2 Max FAQ