First post! I’ve been researching a lot of electronic cycling trainers, and I have some questions about CompuTrainer’s software.
How does spinscan (ATA, power split, etc.) work? There’s a lot of data displayed there, does anyone familiar with it have any thoughts on how helpful it is?
I’m also curious about electronic inertia, which I’ve heard CompuTrainer has had from the beginning. How does it differentiate CT from other trainers?
Thanks!
Get Ergvideo.
My favorite is Hunter Allen micro Burst power and tempo.
We do Spinscan Analysis on a recurring basis in our studio, and it’s helpful in a comparative way. It works by taking the cadence signal (wired, from the left chainstay to the handlebar controller) and the torque signal (from the load generator) and applying a physics model (in the software) to create the display. It can tell you what percentage of the time you’re applying power (the SpinScan number) as well as the left:right ratio and averages. This can show which leg is stronger or weaker and the efficiency of the stroke. The Average Torque Angle (ATA) tells you the average location of where the power is being applied on the stroke (typically when the pedal is forward at the “3:00” or 90-degree position or thereabouts (varies for each individual and there is no one right answer for everybody). This can also point out physical differences (leg strength l:r, one leg shorter than the other).
We find it useful for riders to see how cadence affects their power output, how saddle adjustments changes the average torque angle, how raising or lowering the heel changes the torque output; things like that. And using the biofeedback aspect, each rider can watch their bar graph or “peanut” change as they adjust their stroke. We usually find that riders start out as mashers at the start of the session and in about 30 minutes are finding a smoother and rounder stroke.
As for electronic intertia, all the current erg trainers are about the same, some better than others. But nothing duplicates the feel of the road, so none are perfect.
You may want to post something over to the RacerMate guys too.