Nate Pearson wrote:
As soon as we can control the PowerBeam Pro it's going to be a very very attractive choice. Probably a more attractive choice than the computrainer (less wires, lower cost, good company). The PowerBeam Pro looks pretty good. It certainly seems easier to set up and more portable than the CT since there aren't any wires.
The CT hardware however is very reliable. I have 3 of them and one is 17 years old (it outlived several of my bikes!) and is just as accurate a 1 year old Lab I have and a used Pro I recently picked up (as measured against my Quarq). The only thing I ever had to replace was a DIN cable that my wife stepped on and broke the connector.
As far as price goes, if you buy new, the PowerBeam is of course cheaper. If you are patient and shop around, you can get lucky and pick up a CT real cheap. I just picked up my 3rd Pro for $150 at a garage sale. I have heared of some folks getting just the stand and pro load generator for $50. Add in the extra parts that you need and it's still under $600.
At the end of the day though the best trainer is the one that you actually use and that is where you come in. Any new updates on the CT beta?