I have the PT-Trainer and a Spinerval DVD. Reading up about the Computrainer and the widely positive reviews as to what a great piece of training gear this is.
For a new-to-tris person, what do the experienced tri-people think of either training system vs the other?
My thoughts were to follow JorgeM’s winter training plan this winter and possibly incorporate the Spinerval power training DVD somewhere into it as well (toward spring).
Would I see a better return in performance gains using the Computrainer over the longhaul (years) than the PT based training idea I have planned?
Is the CT going to be easier mentally than the PT/Spinerval idea? TIA
ComuTrainer for sure. It wins in every area except you can’t use it outside. However, your winter training will give you so much increased performance that you’ll spring for a separate power meter anyway.
In my mind it comes down to motivation.
I can force myself to do the intervals/duration I have planned and I won’t get bored. Self motivation is the key. Therefore, I went with PT and regular trainer.
If you need something to keep you interested/entertained or keep you honest then by all means get the CT. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a CT. i personally couldn’t justify both because of the $$$. However, I look at them constantly. For me, I’m more interested in the powerbeam pro than the CT…
I’d prefer an on-bike PM and a quality trainer, but I live in an area with relatively mild winters (SE VA) so I can get outside on most weekends, even if lack of daylight precludes weekday riding. These days I would much prefer to have power year-round. Back when I started using it, and if I lived somewhere with a long and harsh winter, it could have been a toss up.
PT, emotion rollers, and all 4 sufferfest vids for $9 each and you’ll be set come spring (and all you have to do is take the bike off the drums and ride!)
I forgot about the fan, get the biggest one you can find.
If you are looking for pure power and the endurance to do Triathlon from sprint to IM, then there is nothing better the the CT. Look at the CT ads that are out there and notice the number of IM Winners and not just Pros using the CT. I am a Certified Cycling Coach Level II and a USAT Certified Coach and the results when used regularly and correctly can be tremendous. Even Lance has been know to use the Computrainer.
It allows you to do motorpacing, practice courses you plan to race and accurately measure your power and improvements. Wattage is the ulimate indicator of one’s fitness and improvement. The CT gives you all of that. In addition you can actually test cranks and seat adjustments and changes in bike fit with the CT because changes in these areas will reflect in your wattage as well as the Spinscan. The Spinscan allows the rider to analyze their stroke and practice improving their form by constantly monitoring their form. No there is no better piece of equipment for improving one’s cycling. I know, I am a 3 time Texas State TT AG Champion and train almost exclusively on it.
One last thing, when you’re on the CT, you don’t have to worry about traffic lights, drivers who are texting, rain or inclement weather. You can do it anytime your schedule permits and I guarantee it will beat any workout you can muster outdoors.
Jack
What does the CT have that a powertap with some good workouts and self-motivation does not?
The answer is not much as far as I can tell. I don’t own a CT. ERG mode interests me, but even with a CT, I’d want to run an on-bike power meter.
I’ve read that as an electrically braked ergometer with no onboard cooling the CT is subject to wattage drift, especially at low wheel speeds. Because of this drift, I would still want to run a reliable, repeatable on-bike PM.
The computrainer feels more like riding on the road to me; it is much smoother than a fluid trainer. I used to use mine hooked up to the computer, but now I usually just do spinervals or endurancefilms Rides DVDs and use the computrainer in the stand alone mode.
You can run an additional fan on the CT externally and keep it “cool as a cucumber”. Secondly the Lab Model ($50.00 more then the Pro Model) is calibrated from zero to 1500 watts to have then 1 half of 1 percent in variance. That’s pretty darn accurate! And again its versatility makes quite user friendly.
Jack