Turbo Trainers - computrainer / Tacx etc etc Help!

I can't tell you how the Computrainer, or Cycleops compares to the Tacx, as I've never used one, but I can tell you about the Tacx, specifically the I-magic.

Tacx have 3 models of PC linked of turbo trainer, the I-magic, the Fortius and the New Bushido.

The I-magic comes with same 'Fortius Software' as the Fortius, The hardware is a more traditional electromagnetic that that can simulate up to 5% hills before it starts using 'virtual speed'. Connects via USB, needs mains plug

The Fortius comes with the Fortius Software, the hardware is a motorbrake than has the ability to simulate up to 15% (iirc) but also has the ability to power the rear wheel, I.e it's simulates going down hill. The I-magic requires your to still pedal, with the resistance set low. Fortius connects via USB, needs mains plug but also feeds it's excess energy back into the grid.

The Bushido is a wireless ergotrainer, It's supposed have the best feel motor/brake unit yet. Doesn't require any power as it self generates. The PC link is a additional addon that comes with the Tacx training Software. (TTS)

The Fortius software lets you ride around 4 VR worlds (with a veleodrome and MTB course available at additional cost), the catalyst component is a pure numbers realtime/data logging training environment (train by power, pre-entered course profile, free ride etc). The Real Life Video lets you ride around a one of the available filmed course profiles (or part of it) at your own speed. The more watts/faster you go the faster the footage matches your speed. The Analyst section allows you number crunch the saved results of your training.

The TTS software doesn't have the VR world stuff, but does link into Google Maps. You can download gps tracks etc and ride those rides, etc. Has the RLV, catalyst and analyst.

I use a I-magic with either catalyst or the RLVs. While the VR worlds are fun at first, the graphics aren't great, (compared to what real games can look like on the same hardware) it can be a pain to get a PC fast enough to run them smoothly. However the VR leagues do race on them if you wanted to get competitive.
Last night I did 1:40h riding the Tilff Bastogne Tilff RLV without feeling bored. The RLV's are one area that Tacx's are often seen as better than the computrainer, and in general the software is more polished than computrainer. (I believe the hardware is still serial port based)
The new 08, and 09 RLV's are HD and look great - demos videos available here: http://ergovideo.com/Demo/
The ergovidos are power training, i.e keep up with Rabobank on their training loops, - these end up been a bit of farklet training as your forced to push hard when they push hard. With both the ergo and RLV's is possible to reduce/raise the course/profile difficulty by percentage to find a suitable level (i.e I can't ride 100% rabobank as I'm not a pro!)

While I've got an I-magic I actually started with a Tacx flow, and managed to get a second hand I-magic head unit & software. The flow has power and a load of other functions built into it's head unit. Lots of people use them with spintervals or other training DVD's. This might be a better, and less costly starting point.

The power reading produced by the flow/imagic/fortius all vary when compared to real life, (+/- 30watts) but can be made consistent via warm up, same PSI, same tightness of roller and calibration before each ride etc which is the important thing. It's also possible to rent a power meter to compare how close the your setup is.

If it you first winter training it might be better using the 'black book' a simple turbo / some cross training and HRM to build a great base. Use the saved money on decent kit to get out on the road, then next year upgrade.
I nearly always prefer to be out on road, especially for longer zone2 rides, however the RLV make them possible indoors.

One thing I would say about the computrainer is that it's more American based than the Tacx system, so getting one could be very difficult.

I've no idea of your location but if your close to Southport your welcome to come and have a play.

The Fortius had issues with the 110V supply in the states when originally released, but it (hardware wise) has always worked well in Europe with the much higher 240/220v levels.
With 110v the motorbrake didn't have the power to provide a smooth resistance level, leading to a choppy ride. Unfortunately searching the Tacx forums can bring back a lot of old issue that have been solved with new drivers, firmware and software releases.
The RLV are really the highlight training on the Tacx system - it means I can actually stay on the turbo for more than 30mins.

BTW: i tend to mention this in ever thread I mention the Tacx system in, but compared to the UK bike24.net sell the equipment cheap. (German store in Euro but no import duty etc thanks to the EU). The Flow and I-magic upgrade can be had there for cheaper than a standalone flow in the UK.

Kinesin has given a very good summation of Tacx VR trainers, the one thing I would add is the extra resistance availble with the Fortius is worth the extra outlay.

I have used my Fortius for over 3 years, lotys of RLV's through the winter, and all my 2x20's and 6x4 intervals are done on Catalyst, which I find very useful.

I have ridden several climbs in real life that I had trained on on the Fortius RLV's and all have been suprisingly accurate. The Randa climb in Majorca, Ventoux, Telegraph and Galibier; all were ridden in the same gear as on the Fortius, and in a time within only a handful of minutes of the RLV times I recorded. If you get up it on the Fortius, you can be confident you will get up it in real life.

My Fortius is set up permanently with a dedicated bike, PC and 32" TFT mounted in front, so the cost is pretty high, but it is never a chore to ride it.

Sounds like you have inadequate pressure on the tyre.

Turn the adjuster screw until the tyre just touches the roller - release the mechanism and then tighten 3 full turns before putting the mechanism back on to the tyre. You should see the tyre visibly deformed by the roller. You should have about 90 - 100psi in the tyre.

Does the Cosmos have a calibration function like the Fortius where you pedal for a few seconds and the system gives you a figure + or 1? If so, adjust the tension screw until you achieve a +1 or thereabouts figure.

I'd get a wired Powertap and a Tacx Satori...

Increase pressure and/or higher pressure in tyre.

For information I ride with conti turbo tyre at 140 PSI and two turns, after calibration normally comes in at -0.7

The GF uses her normal Bontrager at 120 PSI & 1.5 turns, however at the moment her peak power low enough that she can't cause slippage. RLV winter training should fix this 8)