Tacx turbo trainer

the_spooks

seriously considering buying one of these but looking for a bit of info. Are the "lower" models as good resistance wise as the higher models?
With regards a way to alleviate the boredom factor I was looking at the RLV's but are these normal dvd's with info about where to set resistance, reason I ask I only have an iMac that I could use in the spare room and reading through Tacx site it mentions windows requirements only.
Must say I'm scared at mounting costs as the turbo I was looking at was the flow, new tyre ( and the PITA at changing the tyre every time I wanna use my bike properly) etc, curious if I should just keep using the gyms cycle machine as my own spin class and save my money.

Bobbinogs

I just use my turbo for between 30 and 60 mins every now and then (mainly recovery rides, returning from injury, a quick blast after work or when fettling). I don't bother with a trainer specific tyre as I have some older wheels that are used for the darkest winter with Kryllions on and that works fine. In fact, sometimes I leave my nice wheels on with the Kyrllions that are on those and don't have any problem, I just drop the pressure a bit. I also leave the Tacx QR on most of the time.

I use my ipod nano to keep me entertained, cheap as chips. I also use an old book under the front wheel, an old towel on the floor and a small hand towel on the head tube to keep the sweat down. You can buy all the Tacx accessories but I would rather keep my money for other things, like nice wheels. A decent fan is a must though.

Oh, Tacx Sirius. Very reliable and little fuss. The variable resistance setting means that you can set it to something in the middle of your block and then go up/down with the odd gear shift.

Not sure if that answers your main question but adds a bit. NapD had a great thread on turbo (Beginner's guide) which would be worth searching out.

Wrath Rob

I think Cycling Plus has a big Turbo Trainer review this month. Might be worth a look.