worth spending on top turbo tech?

ianbar wrote:

i currently have the entry level cycleops turbo trainer. i am enjoying my sessions as i now have it set up ready etc. i train with my heart rate monitor on but i am getting my head turned by some of the shinny gear! i imagine its fun riding virtually and up climbs etc but is it worth it? plus all included how much would that kind of set up be? cheers

Between ~$1k and ~$15k for units that can control the resistance load for you based on being linked to a computer software package.

You might want to consider adding a level of virtual data to your existing trainer before investing in a resistance control unit, especially if you have a spare computer you can use with your trainer set up (or a laptop). You'll need a computer for most resistance control trainers in any case.

e.g. software like PerfPro Studio ($100) or TrainerRoad ($10/month) + cost of an ANT+ stick. The advantage of these is they will also work with some of the better resistance control trainers if you decide to invest in that tech later.

I've just picked up a second hand tacx fortius trainer with a laptop and software and have to say I've been very impressed.... The resistance from the motor is very good and the visual feedback keeps me interested and time flies. I have only played around with it but intend to do a decent session on it over the weekend

Cost of the turbo unit - which is more likely to break due to the complications plus a high end computer just to have an expensive electronic brake. I'm far from convinced it is good value.

davidof wrote:

Cost of the turbo unit - which is more likely to break due to the complications plus a high end computer just to have an expensive electronic brake. I'm far from convinced it is good value.

More expensive = More likely to break .. someone better get on the blower to NASA.

I use a Kurt Kinetic Rock n Roll alongside its I-ride cadence/speed and powermeter (total cost approx. £550). I have no doubt some will say it is not a proper powermeter (and its not in the sense of a powertap, SRM etc...) but having recently set it up and used it alongside my powertap wheel, the difference in readings was less than 1%.

Using this gives me all the data I realistically need and is very similar to data I get on the road. The gearing provides the change in resistance and when used with some sufferfests has produced some of the hardest workouts I have ever done on the bike. I don't see VR being able to give me a harder workout, but another guy in our club uses a virtual trainer and he loves it, so its personal choice.

I agree each to his/her own and folks have differing sets of priorities.

That said I have found that having a VR turbo definitely makes me train harder (and I was training pretty hard before).

The two main reasons are
- VR is better than a DVD because of the link between what you are doing and what happens on the screen. This helps lose yourself in the session especially if its a climb you know well in real life and, like real life, you get rewarded for working harder by faster times/shorter pain. For me at least makes me push harder.

- It's possible to set up a training session in advance with everything predefined (so warmup routine, interval time/effort, rest time/effort, even music/video if you like). So "all" you have to do is pedal, the turbo will do everything else. I find this makes hard sessions "easier" to hit because you don't have to concentrate on anything but turning the cranks and it's harder to wimp out, the turbo acts a bit like a coach/another rider. You don't want to stop and let it beat you.