OK I am going to be the first person to bring up and ask for some winter cycling recommendations. Living here in Cleveland doesn’t bode very well for tri specific cycle workouts at all. So, In an effort to overcome this I was considering buying a Computrainer instead of my current Cyclops fluid trainer. I have heard nothing but good things about the Computrainer, however, one of the docs I work with was checking out the Tacx .( http://www.tacx.com) It looks pretty cool and was wondering if any of you ST’ers have any feedback on this system.
I would not recommend the Tacx iMagic. Mine had buggy software, and required more computing power to run smoothly than advertised. The DVD’s were cool initially but that got old as well.
For this winter I went the other way. Bought a Kinetic and successfully negotiated prime location in front of the plasma TV 3 times a week, (must be removed in between but no big deal).
Lack of awareness. Saw the Tacx at LBS, sounded great, bought it, didn’t know any better. Would definitely go Computrainer. this time around based on everything I’ve learned since.
I have come to the conclusion that what matters more than anything is whatever gets you through the boredom.
I have had a Tacx for about five years along with about five other guys that i trained with. We all have finished a IM with training on a Tacx. They are cost wise cheaper then a computrainer and not as good of quality as a CT. We have not had any trouble with ours.
I’ve only ever heard good things about the Computrainer.
BUT…
For the $$$ they cost, you could get yourself a very nice trainer, an LCD screen, DVD player and a bunch of movies to watch, and still probably have enough left over to buy yourself a fleecy hat, tights and shoe covers to get some winter riding in!
I’ve never tried the Tacx, but I’ve had a CT for a couple of years now. I think it has been very helpful in improving my cycling ability.
MY training plan this year revolved around 2-3 short, focused CT rides during the week and a “long” ride on the weekends. In winter, those long rides were about 2 hrs on the CT. Once spring hit, I moved them outside, building to 5+ hrs. The weekday rides were between 1-1:15 of mostly interval work in the ergo mode.
I think the CT is a terrific tool in for focused interval sets in the ergo mode. If you go the CT route, take some time to understand the different modes of operation (3D/CRS and Ergo modes). You can even get the Erg+ softwre from Cycling Peaks to build custom interval workouts that can be run using the free CT Coaching Software. Although the Erg+ software isn’t essential, it simplifies the process by providing a GUI interface for building the workouts.
I rarely use the 3D mode anymore unless the workout calls for a fairly low intensity JFR-type ride, and I just can’t get outside. I’ve never done a 3+ hr ride on the CT, but if you need to, I’d think the 3D mode would be preferrable.
Finally, I think the SpinScan feature is pretty nice to have, too. It helps you focus on pedal stroke efficiency. I was surprised to learn how inefficiently I had been pedaling. Lots of good stuff with the CT.