Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer)

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer)

TriChris14

Jul 4, 08 10:24

Post #1 of 10 (510 views)

Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer)	Can't Post

Oooh goody, my first post ever. And, I can't believe Im asking this, cause I hate riding indoors. However, now that I am home from college (Colorado State, I miss it so much, cause riding is great) I am looking to purchase a computrainer or whatever. I hate riding where I live in NY because I feel like I am taking my life in my hands everytime I do so (the drivers are a-holes, even the cops, as I found out yesterday). So the question is "what trainer will allow me to set a power (and give me the ability to change that while working out), is easy to use, can be used with a telivision/computer, or without (in case I want to watch the tour), and at the same time still allow me to monitor and/or set a select wattage?" If anyone knows anything that could be of help, that would be great.
+ 2 extra questions
1. How reliable is the old nintendo version of the computrainer?
2. Is downloading courses on the new computrainer free?

Feel free to comment on Tacx and other systems as well.

Thanks,
Chris

Happy 4th and Happy Tri's

JimH

Jul 4, 08 10:54

Post #2 of 10 (501 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here goes, I'm ducking as I type this but... I have the Tacx Flow and like it. For the money (350 US) it works fine. As long as you know the variation between your actual wattage and what you are producing on the Flow then all is good. If you are just starting then the big bucks for a computrainer might be a bit pricey. You can also upgrade the Flow if you want.

However if you have the cash then the computrainer is great or even a Power Tap on a basic trainer is a thought, that way you get watts indoors and out.

Jim

RChung

Jul 4, 08 11:02

Post #3 of 10 (491 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [JimH] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I have the Tacx Flow and like it. For the money (350 US) it works fine.

Ergo mode on the Flow:

TriChris14

Jul 4, 08 11:02

Post #4 of 10 (491 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [JimH] [In reply to]	Can't Post

How does the tacx flow vary from actual wattage, and can it supply a steady power? Used to have an old powertap, and if I ever make that purchase again (heavy wheel, hub prblms), I would go straight to SRM (but that wont be a while since the dollar is an issue).

JimH

Jul 4, 08 12:33

Post #5 of 10 (462 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

For me starting out it was a good reference point. If I was producing x watts on the computrainer ( did a LT test ) I could produce y watts on the Tacx at the same hr or perceived effort. I didn't want to spend a bunch of cash for something I was just beginning and wasn't sure I would continue.

I found it was good for me over the winter and gave me a good place to assess increased fitness from. I didn't want to go by perceived effort only with a trainer that gave limited resistance.

It is a bit finicky with steady power especially if you drop the rpm's.

I now have a PT that I will be using this winter on the flow but sporadically as the PT is on my race wheels. I plan on using the wattage from the PT and adjusting the flow if needed.

For someone who is looking to complete races ( at this point anyway ) the flow was at least in the ballpark.

Jim

slammer

Jul 4, 08 12:39

Post #6 of 10 (454 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use my Computrainer once a week for a 1.5-2.5hr workout either pyramid Watts or Threshold watts, I also ride it at a fixed IM watts level to get a consistent workout in a short time.

Riding the courses included was great over the winter, I feel like I know the IMLP course...I expect to use it a lot more in the off season to increase my FTP.

It has been my best purchase for improvement...better than any aero equipment for sure.
Andrew

I'm racing in '09...
Miami 1/2 marathon, Triple T, ?????????

masonduke

Jul 5, 08 17:05

Post #7 of 10 (362 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I found a Computrainer (nintendo version) on Craigslist and was able to upgrade it to a PC version for under $150. Also, I purchased the Interactive live video of IM Louisville and it is sweet. It beats the heck out of looking at the computer graphics.

Crank-E

Jul 5, 08 21:54

Post #8 of 10 (307 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Get a Computrainer - got mine a week or so ago, because it is too hot to train here in summer, so training indoors! :D
Spinscan is awesome, there are loads of courses to download, and as a coach once told me "I don't care if you can train outside 12 months of the year - I don't want you to end up under a truck when you pass out during intervals!"

Orcaman

Jul 5, 08 22:10

Post #9 of 10 (304 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

My Computrainer is the best training tool I have. Worth every penny.

Member of the Litespeed Factory Team
www.litespeed.com

Niezgodafitness

Jul 6, 08 18:55

Post #10 of 10 (244 views)

Re: Computrainer, Tacx, other (yes I know it's summer) [TriChris14] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Oooh goody, my first post ever. And, I can't believe Im asking this, cause I hate riding indoors. However, now that I am home from college (Colorado State, I miss it so much, cause riding is great) I am looking to purchase a computrainer or whatever. I hate riding where I live in NY because I feel like I am taking my life in my hands everytime I do so (the drivers are a-holes, even the cops, as I found out yesterday). So the question is "what trainer will allow me to set a power (and give me the ability to change that while working out), is easy to use, can be used with a telivision/computer, or without (in case I want to watch the tour), and at the same time still allow me to monitor and/or set a select wattage?" If anyone knows anything that could be of help, that would be great.
+ 2 extra questions
1. How reliable is the old nintendo version of the computrainer?
2. Is downloading courses on the new computrainer free?

Feel free to comment on Tacx and other systems as well.

Thanks,
Chris

Happy 4th and Happy Tri's

Go with a computrainer. They are great! I'm also running a special on them $100 off retail and an 8 week customized training plan. Shoot me a pm or call my my number is on my web page. You can find info on the computrainer at computrainer.com
_______________________________________________________
Niezgoda Fitness Systems
-Specializing in ENDURANCE SPORT COACHING, PERSONAL TRAINING & REIKI-
www.niezgodafitness.com