I’m having deja vu…wasn’t this exact question posted a few weeks back?
I would probably get a Kickr instead of a Computrainer. They do basically the same thing and will save you about $500 or $600. Then use the money you saved to buy a cheap powermeter for your outdoor bike.
Hi everyone, I’m having a small debate with myself. Training purposes, will having a power meter in the bike and using Kurt Kinect Road Macine produce the same effect as having a CompuTrainer? I think the smart choice is having the power meter in the bike, since you can use it outside and indoors. But everyone loves and says is the best the CompuTrainer, so I’m kinda having a hard time choosing the best combination. I would really like some input on this. Thanks.
I had CT years ago, too much hassle. I put power meter on the bike and have the same trainer you are looking at. I use TrainerRoad which is very cheap and a great tool for indoor training.
I would start by looking here http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/11/2014-winter-trainer-recommendations.html
I think CompuTrainer was the gold standard for trainers for a very long time…The Wahoo Kickr has become exceptionally popular recently
I love having a power meter on my bike. I have a Powertap rear wheel, which is accurate and inexpensive ($699). I can move the wheel between bikes (which i don’t do, because i would have to change the cassette). The only problems i have with the wheel is that i am dependant on the data, so i can’t go to a race wheel easily and I have to change the tire whenever moving between the trainer and outside. (If i was buying a power meter today, there are a lot of new options over the last few months see http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/10/buyers-guide2015-edition.html)
I also have an inexpensive Kurt Kinetic Road Machine trainer. It doesn’t automatically adjust resistance… but it can handle all the power I can throw at it. (I bought it used for ~ $100)
There is some expectionally good information in this thread http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=5663127 about trainers.
Powermeter and then get “trainer road” if you need something to keep you entertained while indoors…btw, I am selling a SRM powermeter too…I have 4 of them. I also have a computrainer that has A LOT of dust on it. Definitely go with a powermeter. BTW, I have not read any of the other replies. Maybe they all said the same thing.
Hi everyone, I’m having a small debate with myself. Training purposes, will having a power meter in the bike and using Kurt Kinect Road Macine produce the same effect as having a CompuTrainer? I think the smart choice is having the power meter in the bike, since you can use it outside and indoors. But everyone loves and says is the best the CompuTrainer, so I’m kinda having a hard time choosing the best combination. I would really like some input on this. Thanks.
I had CT years ago, too much hassle. I put power meter on the bike and have the same trainer you are looking at. I use TrainerRoad which is very cheap and a great tool for indoor training.
^^^^This is what I have and love it. Admittedly, I’ve never owned a Computrainer or Kickr type device.
Powermeter + traininer is a computrainer 
I really do not like the erg functions on electronic trainers, they end up riding you rather than you riding them. With PM, assigned workout and trainer… you’ve got everything you need.
Powermeter + traininer is a computrainer
I really do not like the erg functions on electronic trainers, they end up riding you rather than you riding them. With PM, assigned workout and trainer… you’ve got everything you need.
+1
LOL I´m currently like that, well I have the CT, but I´ve been planning to sell it and get a PM a the kickr, I also use TrainerRoad (since Beta version). That´s why I needed some else’s input. It´s like I have in mind of trading my P5 and go for a P3, I´m getting more into training than gear. Thanks !!!
Powermeter + Trainer
Don’t get me wrong, a computrainer or similar ergometer is a wonderful training luxury BUT I wouldn’t buy one of those unless you already had a power meter. Besides being super valuable in training, a powermeter will help you pace yourself and gather data during a race.
I’m having deja vu…wasn’t this exact question posted a few weeks back?
I would probably get a Kickr instead of a Computrainer. They do basically the same thing and will save you about $500 or $600. Then use the money you saved to buy a cheap powermeter for your outdoor bike.
Or, you can get a Tacx Vortex smart for under $350.
It does all the same erg stuff that those do, but has the extra compatibility of FE-C protocol.
(KICKR is getting FE-C soon)
Vortex smart and a P2M would be at/around $1000.
If you have a CT already and aren’t using a computer and software for your workouts then you’re missing out on most of what the trainer has to offer. I switched to ANT+ compatible software a few years ago and ditched all the wired bike sensors. There are numerous options available now that support the CT. My personal recommendation is PerfPro. You can download a full working copy that will function for 2 weeks before requiring a purchase. Then it is a one time $99 and you can use up to 3 trainers on it simultaneously if you want to set up group rides.
One unique feature PerfPro offers is using ERG mode or standard trainer mode (essentially a grade applied similar to a regular trainer - pedal harder and the load is harder) during the same ride. This is useful for many different type of interval workouts where you want to go from a set load to an all out effort or perhaps a pacing effort.
Using trainer software on a PC takes a time and $ investment, but so does using a powermeter.
If you didn’t already have the CT I’d say the PM and trainer are good investments. Now you’re best approach is probably adding a PM to your bike and holding onto the CT. No reason to take a loss on selling the CT and then having to buy two more pieces of gear.
Powermeter + traininer is a computrainer
I really do not like the erg functions on electronic trainers, they end up riding you rather than you riding them. With PM, assigned workout and trainer… you’ve got everything you need.
I DO love the erg functions of the computrainer. For intervals I am forced to ride the prescribed wattage and for steady rides I can just pedal without worrying about trying to hold a certain wattage great for watching a movie while riding. Plus some people enjoy the road courses where the resistance is changed to simulate hills.
If you can focus enough to hit the wattages you want then maybe erg mode isn’t that important. If only one is in your budget I still think a power meter is probably your best bet, although you have a whole winter to save up for a power meter in the spring.
FWIW I have both.
Edit - and by computrainer I mean any smart trainer.
Powermeter + traininer is a computrainer
I really do not like the erg functions on electronic trainers, they end up riding you rather than you riding them. With PM, assigned workout and trainer… you’ve got everything you need.
Yes.
Exactly. CT is nice, but I switched to the Kickr last year with no regrets. For CT money, you can do a Kickr and a cheaper PM like a stages, 4iii, or a used Powertap hub.
I’m having deja vu…wasn’t this exact question posted a few weeks back?
I would probably get a Kickr instead of a Computrainer. They do basically the same thing and will save you about $500 or $600. Then use the money you saved to buy a cheap powermeter for your outdoor bike.
I got the Tacx Vortex Smart and I think it’s the best of all worlds.
-At $300 (probably $330 including shipping), it’s cheaper than most trainers electronic trainers (I got mine from http://www.bike-discount.de).
-Has ANT+ FE-C compatibility for programs like zwift or trainer road.
-Power readings seems to be reliable consistent with my other PM.
At this price, you can have both the Power meter for road riding and make the best of your training indoors. I’ve been using My Vortex smart for a couple of months and I definitely prefer it to the KK road machine that I used to own.
I really do not like the erg functions on electronic trainers, they end up riding you rather than you riding them. With PM, assigned workout and trainer… you’ve got everything you need.
I disagree. I’ve got both and using TrainerRoad I much prefer the erg mode of a smart trainer over a dumb trainer. The smart trainer is simpler and mindless, allowing me to either focus on the workout or the TV rather than constantly trying to adjust to get the correct watts.
I see the training benefits as twofold: a) I’m willing to do workouts with short intervals that I’d otherwise avoid because they are a PIA when manually adjusting watts and, b) most importantly I’m a little more likely to hop on the bike because it’s easier and more fun in erg mode.
are you selling your computrainer?
You can’t really go the PowerTap hub route with the Kickr because if you want to be sure it is providing the proper load it needs the powermeter for continuous calibration.
I wasn’t implying you would use the PT with the Kickr. Just that you could buy a Kickr (for indoor power reading) and a PT (for outdoor) for the same money as buying a computrainer. Also, the Kickr would not use a rear wheel at all.
I understand. I was implying the KICKR is currently hit/miss for accuracy compared to a Computrainer, unless you are also running a powermeter to stream actual load back to the trainer. This is where I kind of think the idea that the KICKR is cheaper than the CT fails. Over time Wahoo will get this issue fixed, but so far they haven’t.