Review: T3 Cycplus trainer and F1 fan

PXL_20241122_141331955.jpg
Cycling UK media manager Joshua Gill reviews the new technical and sleek T3 trainer and F1 smart fitness fan

Riding outdoors is always a thrill, but what do you do when it’s too cold, wet or snowy to hit the roads? Enter the Cycplus T3 High-Power Smart Bike Trainer paired with the F1 Smart Fan – two pieces of gear that come together to recreate that outdoor experience you’re craving but can’t have indoors.

I’ve spent a good few weeks testing each product, and it’s been an experience that’s both impressively sleek and surprisingly immersive. The combination of the trainer and fan has made indoor cycling feel a lot less like a grind and more like a getaway.

Unboxing and setup: smooth sailing

One of the first things that stood out to me about the Cycplus T3 trainer was how easy it was to set up. This trainer is all about simplicity. I unboxed it, clicked in the legs, and with the handle on top, it was a breeze to move it around the house to find where it was best to set up.

A quick-release installation on the legs makes it solid once in position and the pre-installed cassette saved me a lot of hassle. For anyone who has ever fumbled around with bike parts, you’ll appreciate how much thought Cycplus has put into making this process hassle free.

Ride quality: almost there

Now, let’s talk about the ride itself. The Cycplus T3 does a solid job when it comes to accuracy and performance.

The real high point, though, is the F1 Smart Fan. It simulates outdoor wind, cooling you off just the right amount as you push yourself through climbs, sprints or long endurance sessions. This cool breeze definitely makes those sweaty indoor rides far more comfortable, especially when I’m really digging deep to beat my personal records.

PXL_20241122_141310220.jpg

When pushing hard, I did feel some slight imbalance in both resistance and stability, which broke the immersion a bit. Occasionally, when getting out of the saddle, there was a little shakiness, which came down to the length of the leg stays.

That fan, though!

Now, let’s take a moment to rave about the F1 Smart Fan that pairs with the Cycplus T3. If you’re used to trying to cycle indoors with just a regular fan, you’ll know that it can be either too hot or too chilly. The F1 Smart Fan is different – it adjusts to your riding intensity. You can feel the breeze pick up as you sprint and cool down as you recover.

It’s like having an outdoor experience in the comfort of your living room. I found it seriously useful during those intense training sessions where I’m dripping sweat, trying to hit that PR or summit a virtual mountain. It cools you off just enough to keep you comfortable without making it feel like you’re sitting in a blast freezer.

I didn’t use my sweat-wicking towel once, and for someone who uses their outdoor bike to train indoors, it was reassuring to know my bike was protected even more from the salts in sweat that can damage our handlebars and gear over winter.

PXL_20241122_141208863.jpg

Price: a steep hill to climb

Here’s the biggest kicker: price. The Cycplus T3, priced at around £820, is certainly not the cheapest option out there. You can find trainers for much less, and while you’re paying for accuracy and performance, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly choice.

If you’re just looking for a trainer to hop on and ride occasionally, this might be a tough pill to swallow. But if you’re serious about indoor training, and you want something that’s sleek, reliable and offers real-world data, this could be a solid investment. The F1 Smart Fan adds even more to the cost, but in my opinion, it’s worth it for the comfort it provides.

Verdict: almost the perfect indoor ride

To wrap it up, I was pretty impressed with the Cycplus T3 Smart Bike Trainer and the F1 Smart Fan combo. They’ve managed to create a compact, quiet and effective training environment. If you’re someone who trains seriously and you’re looking to replicate outdoor conditions indoors, this is a solid choice.

Other options

Van Rysel D500 trainer £449.99

Van Rysel trainer - 1

An easy-to-use entry-level trainer with direct drive. Though set up is time consuming.

Minoura Magride-60D trainer £134.99

MINOURA MAGRIDE-60D TRAINER.jpg

A lightweight, entry-level trainer with three resistance levels.

Our test promise

At Cycling UK, we are proudly independent. There’s no pressure to please advertisers as we’re funded by our members. Our product reviews aren’t press releases; they’re written by experienced cyclists after thorough testing.

Tech spec

Price: £865.77
Available from: CYCPLUS

Pros and cons

+ Simple setup
+ Quiet and smooth 
- Expensive