Computrainer vs. Tacx vs. Velodyne

Triathlon Forum
1

I want to invest in a simulator/trainer, but I’ve read many of the posts about them and there still doesn’t seem to be a consistent winner. The major players in the field seem to be:

Computrainer, of course
Tacx “VR” trainers
Velodyne Pro, elite, etc.

The use case:

I want an engaging experience that accurately measures at least power (as well as the basics of speed, etc.) that, in conjunction with software, allows me to interact with some cartoon dudes and terrain on a screen. Programming a very focused workout like: warm up for 20 mins, hold XX Watts for 60 mins, blah blah, seems like something I want to do too. The point is that I want to have it set up in my garage so that I can get up painfully early, not have to think about anything, and just drone. I realize that this is how I spent 12 years of my life while swimming, and it’s very effective to not have weather, equipment, etc. to think about.
Doesn’t need to incorporate HR, I’ll just wear my regular monitor for that.

The issues as I see them:

The Computrainer’s software platform is abysmal. I’m in the tech world (work for CNET), and bad tech drives me insane. Seriously, I don’t think I can allow myself to come into physical contact with a serial cable.

3rd party software vendors have created myriad interactive packages which work with various hardware platforms. This complicates things, and much of the experience will be dictated by the software, and hence, a hardware platform that may not be the ultra-best might win if the software choices are vastly superior.
One thing I’ll say about some of the software video packages I’ve seen is that some of them are based on actual rides which were filmed, then translated into the software. This strikes me as illogical, since you’re just following along with whatever is happening rather than having an actual interactive experience. Those kinds of packages are out as far as I’m concerned.

As for price, I’m willing to spend some dough if I can be confident in the end result, including how likely a platform is to continue developing.

Any words from those who have experience with these trainers will be greatly appreciated.

P.S. - haven’t been on this board for over a year. Love the changes!

2

… bad tech drives me insane. Seriously, I don’t think I can allow myself to come into physical contact with a serial cable.

Are you in Marketing? :smiley:

Seriously - I don’t understand why anyone technical would classify serial as “bad technology”. Sure it’s far from cutting edge, but there are lots of useful applications for serial ports and cables that don’t need to be re-engineered to work with USB/FireWire/ethernet. For a product targeted towards average home users I can see USB being a more friendly option, but it doesn’t make serial bad…

For several years I wouldn’t even consider a laptop if it didn’t have a serial port. I don’t do that much technical work anymore, so it’s not such a pressing requirement for me - but if given the option, I still like to have it available.

3

I don’t think the Velodyne does what you want. I would delete it and add the Velotron to the list.

Also consider accuracy and tire/roller issues. Most, if not all, of these issues are eliminated by using a chain drive.

4

OK, it’s not serial per se, it’s utilization of a generations-old protocol that suggests limitations on not only its current features, but the ability to evolve it in interesting ways. If I’m gonna drop upwards of $2K, I’d like to think I’m giving it to a company who has some interest in improving the experience.

Yes, there’s the ascetic philosophy that derides anyone who spends one minute thinking about the peripheral qualities of exercise when they could spend that minute JFTing. Beautiful people, all of them. I’m not one of them.

A balance of solid functionality and, for lack of a better word, coolness, is what I’m searching for, and I’m having a hard time figuring out which on fits that bill. Perhaps none of them right now.

And no, I’m not in marketing :slight_smile:

5

How soon do you plan to make a purchase? I ask because there should be other options from which to choose in the not-too-distant future.

6

Well, I still need to overhaul my garage, run some Cat 5 out to it, figure out a new data back up/media serving solution, which of course implies new computer hardware. All of that nets out to…a while.

If there’s a compelling new system coming down the pipe, I’d be able to wait till spring I suppose. I’m eager, but I want to do it right.

7

How soon do you plan to make a purchase? I ask because there should be other options from which to choose in the not-too-distant future.
Do you mean the new indoortrainer from Saris?

8

How soon do you plan to make a purchase? I ask because there should be other options from which to choose in the not-too-distant future.
Do you mean the new indoortrainer from Saris?

No (and that’s all the more I’m going to say).

9

I’ve had a CT for 2 years and use it about 3x a week in the winter and love it. I had a Tacx I-magic for about 2 years before that. After having them both I love my CT and it is worth the extra $$. BTW I am a tech head and I didn’t melt when I touched the serial cable, its OK :wink:

10

Oooh, intriguing. Particularly if you’re involved in its development, I’d be willing to wait for a new system.

And RACERX, thanks for the feedback. Glad to know you didn’t suffer any ill consequences from the Flintstones connector :slight_smile:

11

Oooh, intriguing. Particularly if you’re involved in its development, I’d be willing to wait for a new system.
I’m hoping to be a beta tester, but that’s really the extent of my involvement.

12

Oooh, intriguing. Particularly if you’re involved in its development, I’d be willing to wait for a new system.
I’m hoping to be a beta tester, but that’s really the extent of my involvement.

Knowing what you know at the moment, if you were me, would you wait? Not trying to wrench info out of you that you can’t give, just wondering if I should put it out of my mind for a while.

13

Oooh, intriguing. Particularly if you’re involved in its development, I’d be willing to wait for a new system.
I’m hoping to be a beta tester, but that’s really the extent of my involvement.
Knowing what you know at the moment, if you were me, would you wait? Not trying to wrench info out of you that you can’t give, just wondering if I should put it out of my mind for a while.
Rereading your original post, I’d say that you can put it out of your mind for a while.

14

Get a SRM and some rollers.

not quite as easy as set-it-and-forget-it… but you’ll get loads of data and funtionality out of it.

15 
   Rereading your original post, I'd say that you can put it out of your mind for a while.
 Splendid.  I shall concentrate on creating a fine home for this new beast once it becomes a reality.  Thanks!
16

I would favor the Velodyne, which, when used with Netathlon software, renders a “cool” graphical interface.

I favor Velodyne because it’s extremely tough, solid and durable, can be programmed as you wished and in many, many other ways from time trialing to track to custom made courses and more. It easily allows your to stand and sprint or simulate climbing off the saddle with stability not a factor, as opposed to both the other units. Its power, wattage readout, is dead-on accurate and can be programmed so that Lance Armstrong would have to give up. You can save the output to your computer from once per second to anything you wish.

The disadvantages are that the Netathon courses cost money but they’re all less expensive than Tacx.

The Computrainer is an excellent unit also but, if you want to program multiple imaginary riders, it can’t. The unit does not feel as road real as the Velodyne (Its flywheel weight is tiny in comparison). It’s far more portable than the Velodyne. The CT isn’t nearly as tough and durable as the Velodyne. Both units use serial outputs (My Velodyne is over 20 years old and it’s possible that the latest ones use USB). Computrainer allows for far more versatility in its graphical interface for custom courses.

The Tacx unit has a long way to go in terms of accuracy and ability to connect what you do to what you see on the screen; the interface isn’t precise at all and may be considered bordering on failure, at this time. I’m not sure of the units longevity but I can count on the fact that none of them will last as long as a Velodyne will, a testament to its superior construction.

None of these units are all things to everyone. My velodyne misses too many HR counts which is why I use my heart monitor. This could be due to video signal interference but this deletes one of the Velodyne’s functions: programming you to stay within a HR zone that you chose. Without the video it’s a lot more useful.

I can say more but I’m out of time.

17

If you are not afraid to spend some dough, but want the experience that best replicates actual riding, and can bring yourself to touch a serial cable, then you should consider the Velotron. It is by far the most accurate of the trainers out there and actually replicates coasting about as good as an exercycle can. It is pretty pricey but should last forever.

Frank

18 
   Rereading your original post, I'd say that you can put it out of your mind for a while.

Hi there. Just checking back - did this turn into anything?

19

Does anybody know anything about the TR08-005 : Elite Real Axiom CT Trainer?

I found it here: http://www.freedommachine.com.au/item.asp?Category=28&Start=0&ID=93

20

Interesting looking unit. Seems very comparable to the CT from what I can gather so far. And they have a unit can supposedly simulate a 20% grade? Wow.