As indoor cycling continues to evolve, more riders are looking for alternatives to mounting their expensive road bikes onto smart trainers. Dedicated indoor bikes have become increasingly popular because they offer a permanent training setup while keeping outdoor bikes ready for real-world riding. One of the newest entrants into this growing category is the Elite Square.
First revealed at Eurobike in July 2024 before going on sale across Europe in March 2025, the Square represents Elite’s vision of a purpose-built indoor cycling platform. I’ve been riding one regularly since September 2025, using it with multiple smart trainers and across several virtual riding platforms. That extended testing period has provided a clear picture of what the Square does well and where compromises still exist.
After many months of use, I continue to view the Square as one of the most compelling alternatives to the Zwift Ride. While both products combine a dedicated frame with a smart trainer, the philosophy behind each system is quite different. The Square focuses heavily on flexibility, compatibility, and customization, creating an indoor riding experience that will appeal to riders who want a permanent setup without being tied to a single ecosystem.
Design and Build Quality
A Unique Look
The first thing most riders will notice about the Elite Square is its appearance.
Its name comes from its distinctly angular design, which sets it apart from almost every other indoor cycling frame currently available. Rather than attempting to imitate the flowing lines of a modern road bike, Elite has embraced a more geometric, industrial aesthetic.
Personally, I appreciate the styling, where simple lines and sharp edges created something instantly recognizable. That said, the aesthetic is subjective and won’t appeal to everyone. Riders looking for a setup that closely resembles a contemporary road bike may find the Square’s appearance somewhat unconventional.
Built Specifically for Indoor Riding
What Elite has avoided is the temptation to disguise the Square as an outdoor bicycle.
Instead, the company has designed a frame specifically for indoor use. The result is a clean, practical platform that prioritizes function over imitation. There is no attempt to replicate frame tube shapes or road bike geometry for appearance’s sake. Every component serves a practical purpose.
Robust Construction
From a structural perspective, the Square leaves a strong first impression.
The frame is constructed from steel and finished with a black powder-coated surface that feels durable and substantial. Once assembled, the bike feels extremely solid. The front support structure provides a stable foundation, while the rear section interfaces directly with a smart trainer.
That solidity does come with a trade-off.
At 23kg, the Square is a heavy piece of equipment. It is not something most riders will want to carry between rooms on a regular basis. Simply moving it into position requires effort, and attaching it to a trainer is significantly easier with a second person assisting.
During testing, I often found myself wishing the front support incorporated transport wheels. Such a solution would undoubtedly make positioning the bike easier, although it would likely add additional complexity and weight to the design.
The Belt-Drive Concept
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Square is its drivetrain.
Unlike a conventional bike that relies on a chain and cassette, Elite has adopted a belt-drive system. This immediately changes both the riding experience and the maintenance requirements of the bike.
The belt transfers power smoothly and quietly to the trainer while eliminating many of the noises associated with traditional drivetrains. There is no chain moving across sprockets and no metallic vibration typically associated with indoor riding.
Virtual Gearing
Rather than using physical gears, the Square employs Elite’s virtual shifting system.
The system can be configured to replicate various drivetrain layouts, including 1x, 2x, and 3x setups. Riders can customize gearing to match their personal preferences or create a configuration that mirrors their outdoor bike. This is done via the Square app.
This approach provides a considerable degree of flexibility while reducing mechanical complexity.
Handlebars and Controls – Designed for Indoor Cycling
The handlebars play a central role in the overall user experience.
Measuring 42cm wide, they feature integrated controls that feel familiar to anyone who has used modern electronic road bike groupsets. Similar to SRAM’s approach, one control increases the virtual gear while the other decreases it.
The brake levers remain present, although they currently serve little practical purpose on platforms such as Zwift.
Platform Integration
Elite has invested significant effort in ensuring the controls function effectively across major indoor cycling platforms.
Additional buttons integrated into the hoods allow riders to control avatars and navigate menus without reaching for a keyboard or touchscreen device. Compatibility extends to major applications including:
- Zwift
- ROUVY
- TrainingPeaks Virtual
- MyWhoosh
This level of integration contributes significantly to the overall usability of the system.
Battery and Connectivity
The handlebars connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and are powered by replaceable CR2032 batteries rather than an internal rechargeable battery.
Elite claims battery life of up to 80 hours, which should be more than sufficient for most users before replacement is required.
In day-to-day riding, the controls feel responsive and natural. Virtual shifts occur quickly and predictably, creating an experience that feels surprisingly close to using electronic shifting on an actual road bike.
Elite also notes that the handlebar controls can interact with its Aria smart fan system.
Practical Considerations
Elite has clearly thought about many aspects of indoor riding.
A T-Race bottle cage comes supplied with the Square and performs its job well. However, there is only one cage included. During longer rides, I often wished there was provision for a second bottle.
Accessory storage is another area that could be improved.
Indoor training often requires space for items such as:
- Phones
- Towels
- Remote controls
- Nutrition products
Unfortunately, the Square offers limited storage options. Riders are left to improvise, often draping towels over the handlebars and finding alternative locations for phones or other essentials.
A dedicated accessory holder included as standard equipment would enhance the overall user experience considerably.
Setting Up the Square
Assembly is generally straightforward, although it requires time and patience.
Elite provides instructional videos and QR codes on the packaging to guide users through the process. Unfortunately, the QR codes on my package were covered by shipping labels, forcing me to rely on the printed manual.
The manual itself consisted primarily of illustrations with little accompanying text, this is found at the back of the instruction manual and you have to keep flicking to the different pages.
Trainer Preparation
The most time-consuming task was replacing the cassette on the smart trainer.
The Square requires its own proprietary cassette system to accommodate the belt-drive arrangement. Elite supplies the necessary hardware to complete the installation process, although riders may still require familiarity with cassette removal procedures.
Installing the Front Support
For me, the most challenging stage was attaching the front support.
Initially, I struggled to align and thread the bolts correctly. Eventually everything came together, but this was the moment when having a second person available was particularly useful.
Mounting the Frame
Once the support structure is installed, the frame can be mounted to the trainer.
This requires loosening the belt using the built-in tensioner located near the seat post. After positioning the frame and securing it to the trainer, the tensioner can be re-engaged to tighten the belt and complete the installation.
The handlebars are then attached and adjusted to suit the rider.
Final Adjustments
Elite includes a sizing guide designed to help riders establish their preferred setup.
Various adjustments can be made using tools integrated into the bike, allowing the rider to fine-tune position before beginning their first session.
While setup is undoubtedly more involved than some competing systems, it remains a one-time process. Once completed, daily use is straightforward.
Adjustability
Built for Multiple Riders
One of the Square’s most significant advantages over conventional indoor bikes is its flexibility.
Rather than being tailored to a single rider, it can accommodate a broad range of body sizes and riding positions.
Elite states the Square is suitable for riders between 152cm and 198cm tall, covering sizes from XS through XL.
Fit Adjustments
Multiple contact points can be adjusted, including:
- Saddle height
- Saddle setback
- Handlebar height
- Handlebar reach
This makes it possible to closely replicate the fit of an outdoor bicycle.
Adjustable Crank Lengths
A particularly useful feature is the ability to modify crank length without replacing the crankset.
Available crank positions include:
- 165mm
- 167.5mm
- 170mm
- 172.5mm
- 175mm
Changing lengths is a simple matter of repositioning the pedals after loosening the crankarm bolt.
This is considerably easier than replacing a crankset and allows riders to experiment with fit settings quickly.
Rizer Compatibility
The standard front support can also be replaced with Elite’s Rizer system.
The Rizer introduces features such as:
- Gradient simulation
- Steering functionality
This helps create a more immersive riding experience while maintaining the integrated nature of the Square platform.
Key Features
The Square App
The Square app serves primarily as a configuration and management tool rather than a dedicated training platform.
Through the app, users can:
- Connect to Elite trainers
- Configure virtual gearing
- Monitor battery status
- Check trainer connectivity
- Create rider profiles
The drivetrain can be configured to replicate Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo setups. Riders can also choose predefined profiles optimized for flat, hilly, or mountainous routes.
Up to five rider profiles can be stored, making sharing the bike among multiple household members particularly convenient.
Standalone Operation
Although most users will pair the Square with platforms such as Zwift, it can also operate independently.
In standalone mode, resistance can be adjusted directly from the handlebars without requiring a training application.
Compatibility and Broad Software Support
One of the Square’s strongest attributes is its compatibility.
Unlike some indoor bike systems that are closely tied to a single ecosystem, the Square supports multiple leading training platforms.
These include:
- Zwift
- ROUVY
- TrainingPeaks Virtual
- MyWhoosh
The handlebar controls have been refined to communicate effectively with these platforms, providing a smooth and consistent user experience.
Compatible Elite Trainers
The Square is designed primarily to work with Elite trainers, including:
- Avanti
- Avanti Cog & Click
- Direto
- Direto X
- Direto XR
- Direto XR-T
- Direto XR Team
- Direto XR Cog & Click
- Justo
- Justo 2
- Justo 2 Cog & Click
- Rivo
- Rivo Cog & Click
- Suito
- Suito-T
Testing With Elite and Tacx
Much of my testing was completed using an Elite Justo 2.
In this fully integrated configuration, setup and operation were remarkably straightforward. Within Zwift, selecting “Square” as the control device enabled virtual shifting with minimal effort.
I also tested the frame using a Tacx NEO 2T.
When using the Tacx trainer, pairing requirements differ slightly. The Square must be selected as the power source, resistance source, and cadence source within Zwift in order to function correctly.
Important Rizer Warning
Elite advises caution when combining the Square with a Rizer.
Only compatible trainers that support rear-carriage rotation and gradient simulation should be used. Pairing the Rizer with an incompatible trainer can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage to the frame.
Users should consult Elite’s latest compatibility documentation before attempting such a configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Elite Square |
| Weight | 23kg |
| Rider Height | 152-198cm |
| Drive System | Belt |
| Shifting | Virtual |
| Crank Lengths | 165-175mm |
| Q-Factor | 150mm |
| Handlebar Width | 420mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 80 hours |
| Virtual Gearing | 10-13 speed, 9-52T |
| Rider Profiles | Up to five |
| Rizer Compatible | Yes |
Ride Experience
Stability
The riding experience begins with impressive stability.
The large front support contributes significantly to this characteristic, creating a platform that remains composed whether sprinting, climbing, or riding seated.
Despite this stability, the bike retains enough natural movement through the trainer interface to prevent the ride feeling overly rigid.
Belt-Drive Feel
The belt drive contributes directly to the riding experience.
Noise levels are extremely low compared with conventional indoor setups. There is no chain noise, no derailleur movement, and no mechanical clatter during gear changes.
What replaces those sounds is a remarkably smooth pedalling sensation that feels distinctly different from riding a chain-driven bicycle.
Early Production Issue
During testing, I encountered one notable issue.
Under high power outputs during sprints and climbs, a clunking noise occasionally emerged from the bottom bracket area.
Elite confirmed that this issue affected some early production units, including my test bike, and stated that improvements had since been implemented. Importantly, the noise never affected power delivery or overall performance.
Day-to-Day Use
The bottle cage functioned well throughout testing and securely retained bottles, even during intense efforts.
However, the previously mentioned lack of storage remained a frequent annoyance. A standard accessory tray would significantly improve convenience during longer rides.
Pricing
At the time of writing, the Elite Square is priced at:
- €1,349.99
- £1,299
- $1,799.99 USD
These prices cover the frame only. A compatible smart trainer must still be purchased separately.
Verdict
After many months of testing, the Elite Square remains one of the most convincing alternatives to the Zwift Ride currently available.
Importantly, it doesn’t attempt to copy Zwift’s formula. Instead, Elite has created a platform with its own identity. The combination of a belt-drive system, highly configurable virtual gearing, broad trainer compatibility, and extensive fit adjustment makes the Square particularly attractive for riders seeking flexibility.
There are certainly areas that could be improved. The bike is heavy, assembly takes longer than it should, and storage solutions for everyday accessories are limited. My early review unit also suffered from the bottom-bracket clunk that Elite subsequently addressed.
Despite those shortcomings, the strengths of the Square are difficult to ignore. It is stable, quiet, comfortable, and capable of closely replicating the fit and gear ratios of an outdoor bicycle. Compatibility with Zwift, ROUVY, and TrainingPeaks Virtual broadens its appeal even further, while optional integration with the Rizer system adds another layer of immersion.
The Square is not inexpensive, particularly once the cost of a compatible trainer is factored in. However, for riders who spend significant time indoors, it presents a compelling value proposition. Your outdoor bike remains untouched and ready for the road, while the Square provides a dedicated training platform that is always prepared for your next ride.
