Elite has launched Square, an adjustable smart frame designed to accommodate multiple riders on one machine and works with all direct-drive smart trainers and training apps.
The design means there’s no need to fit or swap bikes, with the frame offering seven adjustments for saddle height, tilt and fore-aft position, handlebar height and fore-aft position, horizontal tube length, and crank arm length, allowing the rider to match the geometry of their regular bike. The Square attaches to a direct-drive turbo trainer in a similar way to the recently released Zwift Ride and uses a single cog, eliminating the need for a cassette.
Pricing for the UK and US has not yet been announced, but in Europe the Square will cost €1,250 when it goes on sale in late 2024.
(Image credit: Elite)
Appealing to households with multiple riders seems to be the Square’s USP. However, it also has a range of other features that should also appeal. Perhaps the most notable of these is the virtual shifting system. It’s designed to allow the rider to customise the controls to mimic the drivetrain of their own bike, be it Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo.
Riders can select the number of gears, as well as the cassette, from 10 to 13-speed, 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 the chainrings. There are also a number of preset options, which are divided by training type – flat rides, hill climbs, etc. – or use a Shimano 12-speed 11-30t cassette. Finally, riders can also opt for sequential shifting, with variable resistance levels; all of these options are accessible via the dedicated Square app.
(Image credit: Elite)
Gear shifting takes place on the multifunction handlebar, with levers and buttons designed to replicate those of a regular drop-bar bike. Shifting and braking mimic Shimano, SRAM and Campag systems, but the controllers also feature additional buttons; these control Zwift and other training apps, plus Elite’s Aria smart fan. Virtual steering on Zwift is also supported. As for the bar dimensions, it’s 420mm wide and has a 6-degree flare at the drops. There’s also a pre-installed Garmin mount.
(Image credit: Elite)
Nobody likes a noisy trainer, so Elite has opted for a belt drive system to deliver what they describe as “a smooth and quiet ride”. The belt drive should also make for a much cleaner system than a trainer that requires an ‘outdoor bike’, complete with a lubed chain. Combined with the single cog, Elite believes it makes for a hassle-free set-up.
The ease of setup also extends to the Square’s plug-and-play design. Powered by a battery, there’s no wall outlet required. Elite says setup and pairing are “simple and instant,” using customization buttons and the Square app.
Elite has designed the Square to work with all of its smart trainers, allowing users to take advantage of the power meter of their chosen machine. Alternatively, power meter pedals can be fitted. Square is also compatible with two of Elite’s training products – the aforementioned Aria smart fan and the brand’s incline simulator, the Rizer. This sees you replace the Square’s front support leg with the Rizer, which adjusts the frame’s incline by up to 20% and ramps down by up to 10% to match the elevation set in the training app.
Elite Avani and Justo 2
In addition to Square, Elite has launched two new direct-drive smart trainers: the affordable Avanti and the top-of-the-line Justo 2.
(Image credit: Elite)
Despite being billed as a ‘value’ machine, the Avanti seems to offer a lot. The integrated power meter has a claimed accuracy of +/- 1%, while gradients of up to 18% are replicated. Like the Square, it’s designed to be easy to set up and use; there’s Elite’s plug-and-play setup, Wi-Fi connectivity, dual Bluetooth channels and periodic self-calibrations. Other features include Shimano Di2 integration, flexible feet, which are designed to deliver a more realistic and efficient pedal stroke, and the ability to log your total kilometres, 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 output of 2,300 watts and a maximum simulated gradient of 24%. Like the Avanti, the built-in power meter is said to be accurate to +/- 1%. Elite says the flywheel has been upgraded, with weight added to deliver a smoother, more uniform pedal stroke. It too uses Flex Feet, which in addition to aiding the pedal stroke, are said to reduce muscle strain and fatigue during training.
Both trainers will be available from August, priced at $849/€749 for the Avanti and $1,199/€1,099 for the Justo 2, with UK pricing yet to be confirmed.
