I can get a very good deal on a computrainer and my wife says I can have it.
I’m not sure though- right now I’m riding a cycleops fluid trainer, which I really like, with my powertap. That has been working well for me- other than the fluid trainer having such a steep power curve on it (things like spinervals DVD’s have me switching gears rather than increasing the cadence- yesterday I left it in one gear and increased the cadence every 15s as they suggested- started at 150 watts, by the 4th one it was over 600). I can do intervals/follow power output with what I have now.
I will do a fair bit of trainer time from now until April. Typing that, and thinking about it, I’m going to up my rum and anti-psychotic doses. So if anybody is going to get value out of it, I will. I’m just not sure if it will be better for me?
What do you think?
The one thing I do find hard in the spring is hills- they get much steeper and higher here over the winter- I think its the ground shrinking in the cold. Would a powertap have my avoiding that 4 week climb learning curve? Do people program their interval workouts into it or is it like my polar HRM where you can, but I never do?
We have 4 Conputrainers in our shop and they see constant use.
I’ve done about about 80% of my bike training on the CT over the past couple of years and have found it to be highly effective (and entertaining).
The down side:
I think CT the company insults their customer base by constantly raising their prices (to semi-rediculess levels) with little or no upgrade or change to the product.
How about a clamping system that accepts modern skewers, wiring that isn’t so proprietary and prone to failure, more and different courses preloaded, “lifelike” video graphics/scenery that was last updated in the late 80’s I think. Come on CT!
The CT could be better but the company relies on their virtual monopoly and chooses to continue to raise prices and not innovate.
I saw this system at Interbike and was impressed. Making a dent into CT; I’m not sure. Evidently not enough to get CT to make any improvements yet, but its that kind of pressure that might get them to respond.
I sold two CT’s just this week but have never had a person ask about a Tacx trainer. I need to get a Tacx system into our training center and check it out
I have 2 trainers from the 1980s and they still work
A performance mag trainer and rollers
They might out live me
I wish I could see a Trax trainer in action
or have a side by side test of the CT and Trax
The new Trax has a motor to spin the wheel for down hill
The CT just looks old to me and it is not USB either
what is with that
Yes, they are a biggish, stable company with good support. Their product was the schnizzle back in '95 (and as still pretty good). But come on CT, throw us a bone. How about a third scenery option besides forest or desert. In this modern age of Xbox, Nintendo, etc, the Computrainer video is PATHETIC.
It could be so much better but instead they keep trotting out the same ol same ol and assume we’ll keep buying it (a strategy that has worked so far). How long can that go on?
i really dig mine…could it be improved yes…i think CT does do a pretty good job of looking at bugs and improving their software, and the updates are available for free download from there site…but there is still room for improvement, different scenery would be good, better graphics should be attainable, as other poster have commented.
i find the feel riding it very good…more like the road than anything else i have tried, though not perfect.
find the best thing on it the ability to chase the computer pacer or my own prevous performance…
an expensive item, but IMO worth it…great motivational tool and good ride feel, realistic enough that i sometimes forget that i am inside.
where are you in the GWN? your welcome to come and give mine a spin if you around S Ontario.
good luck with the decision…if your getting a great deal, resale values on CT’s are high so really there is not much risk for you.
Get a Computrainer. It’s expensive but you will get a great workout. I purchased mine back in 1998 and use it every winter. I really struggle though when people say the CT gives you more of a road feel vs. other trainers. The CT is still a trainer you hook your bike up on. Like all trainers your bike is locked in and as such there is a big difference with getting comfortable on my bike when I’m locked onto a trainer vs being out on the road.
I LOVE my new Tacx Fortius Virtual Reality Trainer. I have the steering unit which allows me to cycle anywhere on the map I wish to go. No set route…just turn when you feel like it. It also allows you to get max drafting off the other cyclists you are training or racing against.
I second the advice on contacting Mike Plumb for his price. I got in on his large group order a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. It is a great training tool and I never have an excuse not to ride. I will be using mine more than ever, especially after I was hit and run on my bike in April and almost killed. It has been a great tool in my recovery and my wife can relax now when I say I’m gonna go for a ride. Sure I’ll get back on the road again but after spending 3 1/2 months on crutches, I am not in a big hurry to do so. Psychologically, there’s alot for me to overcome. Nothing worse than getting hit from the rear and not seeing it.
Good luck with your decision. Your powertap set up sounds ideal as well. I like variety so some work-outs I do on CT and some on my mag trainer with Spinervals.
I can get a very good deal on a computrainer and my wife says I can have it.
I’m not sure though- right now I’m riding a cycleops fluid trainer, which I really like, with my powertap. That has been working well for me- other than the fluid trainer having such a steep power curve on it (things like spinervals DVD’s have me switching gears rather than increasing the cadence- yesterday I left it in one gear and increased the cadence every 15s as they suggested- started at 150 watts, by the 4th one it was over 600). I can do intervals/follow power output with what I have now.
I will do a fair bit of trainer time from now until April. Typing that, and thinking about it, I’m going to up my rum and anti-psychotic doses. So if anybody is going to get value out of it, I will. I’m just not sure if it will be better for me?
What do you think?
The one thing I do find hard in the spring is hills- they get much steeper and higher here over the winter- I think its the ground shrinking in the cold. Would a powertap have my avoiding that 4 week climb learning curve? Do people program their interval workouts into it or is it like my polar HRM where you can, but I never do?
Thanks for any advice
I didn’t need to read you whole post. You had me at “my wife said…”