Which trainer for TT training? Power display?

DanEvs
DanEvs Posts: 640
edited February 2010 in Road buying advice
I'm looking at getting a new trainer so I can start working on improving my TT performance and training in the aero position. I'm thinking about one of these ELITE SUPERCHRONO DIGITAL WIRELESS as I like the idea of the power display which should help me optimise my position while I'm suffering in the spare room. :lol:

Has anyone used one or can you reccommend something similar?

Thanks.

Comments

  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    I have one of these. Forget about the power display though - there's almost constant drift in resistance as the unit warms up and the displayed power also drifts upwards as well. Unfortunately, warming up seems to take >90mins as the resistance never really stabilises on mine.

    So for example, last night I did 2 x 20 with a 11min warm-up. Based on HR (allowing for cardiac drift) and perceived exertion the two 20mins were similar. However, my cadence went up from 82 at the start of the first interval to 92 at the end of the second. The displayed power (which over reads anyway) went from around 330 - 390 'Watts'. Average power for the first interval was 345 'Watts', but for the second it was 381 'Watts'.

    Basically, the power is useless so I'd advise you don't waste your money on that feature. More important though, the non-constant resistance makes it VERY difficult to judge effort (you can't just sit at a constant cadence and assume that the resistance is fixed).

    Apart from the above though I really like it.
    More problems but still living....
  • DanEvs
    DanEvs Posts: 640
    That's a bit worrying with my intended use for simulating TT's etc. :? It sounds like there's never a stable state.

    If the power display is erratic at best would I be better off just ditching that idea and going for a different trainer?

    My budget is £200-£300 and I want the best, quietest unit I can afford or I just know it'll pi$$ me off and I'll end up not using it. :roll:
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    DanEvs wrote:
    That's a bit worrying with my intended use for simulating TT's etc. :? It sounds like there's never a stable state.

    If the power display is erratic at best would I be better off just ditching that idea and going for a different trainer?

    My budget is £200-£300 and I want the best, quietest unit I can afford or I just know it'll pi$$ me off and I'll end up not using it. :roll:

    Tacx Flow sounds best bet then!

    Or wait until someone sells their wired Powertap soon.....
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    I agree that the Tacx Flow would be a better buy.

    Luckily I only paid £70 for my (as new, barely used) Elite and not £300 or I'd be well pi$$ed.
    More problems but still living....
  • DanEvs
    DanEvs Posts: 640
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Tacx Flow sounds best bet then!

    Or wait until someone sells their wired Powertap soon.....

    Ooh yeah, I like the look of that. How do you find your Tacx NapD? Quiet? :?

    Where's the best place to buy? £300 on Chainreaction.
  • DanEvs
    DanEvs Posts: 640
    Will the flow work out of the house so I can warm-up at TT's or does it need to be powered to give resistance?

    Suppose I could get an inverter for the car. :?
  • amaferanga
    amaferanga Posts: 6,789
    £250 at Decathlon.
    More problems but still living....
  • DanEvs
    DanEvs Posts: 640
    amaferanga wrote:
    £250 at Decathlon.

    Wow! Thanks very much. 8) (Why the hell couldn't I find that????) :shock: :roll:
  • lloydy75
    lloydy75 Posts: 78
    "Will the flow work out of the house so I can warm-up at TT's or does it need to be powered to give resistance?"

    I've used my flow unplugged for warming up at TTs, obviously without changing resistance.

    Just remember the power readings are inflated, e.g. I was doing intervals on Saturday and the flow was reading 420ish watts compared to the Powertaps 350i sh watts but as long as you train to the numbers you see it is a very good turbo.
  • DanEvs
    DanEvs Posts: 640
    That's great.

    As you say the actual figure displayed doesn't matter really as long as it stays consistent from ride to ride and gives me an idea of where I'm currently at and how I'm improving. :)

    Ordered from Decathlon anyway, can't wait for the pain. :twisted:
  • Fifer
    Fifer Posts: 60
    Another thumbs up for the Tacx Flow. I think you can get it from Rutland for £250 as well.
    Winter Bike: Specialized Allez Elite
    Summer Bike: Specialized Tarmac Pro SL
  • SBezza
    SBezza Posts: 2,173
    I use a Tacx Flow, power figures seem pretty consistant on mine, I calibrate mine before every session however. Also always make sure the roller pressure is the same, and the tyre pressure is the same.

    You can use the Tacx Flow unplugged, I fine the actual resistance harder than when plugged in, but obviously for warming up this doesn't matter.
  • pickled
    pickled Posts: 439
    Another thumbs up here. I wouldn't say they were quiet though!
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,823
    Kurt Kinetic - Solid turbo, computer was pretty basic but the new one looks a fancier bit of kit. Not the easiest to source in the UK now.

Categories