I expect for IMCDA that I will need to do some significant rides inside during the winter. Coach is trying to convince me to put that money towards swim coaching (not provided by her, nor does she have a financial interest in it) and/or VO2 testing, Lactate Threshold testing, etc, etc. She claims that a Computrainer is more of a “nice to have”.
For those who own (or have owned) a Computrainer - is it worth the investment?
Side Note of Background: Run is my strength, Swim could be better but is pretty solid and Bike is the weak link.
I see this type of comment all the time. And I am dumb. So how does one use/train with a powermeter? Intervals at set power, just maintain set power? Where does one get a plan w/ power?
Where do you live? If you live anywhere that has a real winter, a Computrainer is gold. The only caveat is that you have to use it, and use it correctly. While the 3D graphics and courses are great, using the Coaching Software or Erg mode and doing intervals will give you the most bang for your training buck.
CT vs. Powertap and a regular trainer? Well, I’d say CT. The Erg mode forces you to push the programmed watts no matter what, so your 2 x 20’ @ 300 watts is just that, not 10’ @ 310 and 10’ @ 290.
I see this type of comment all the time. And I am dumb. So how does one use/train with a powermeter? Intervals at set power, just maintain set power? Where does one get a plan w/ power?
More details PLEASE
Buy both of the above that Paulo recommends and a copy of Training and Racing with a Powermeter. Better yet, buy the book first, read it, and then decide - you’ll only be out $15-$20 for an initial outlay. The book will help you choose a power meter if you decide to go that route.
CT is worth the money, though if you swim anything like me and are fairly good on the bike already the swim coaching isn’t a bad investment either.
Living in Michigan the winters are crappy, I had 4 setup in my basement and we where doing group 50-70 mile rides in January. I feel it helped boost my bike fitness all season.
It’s actually pretty simple. You do a 30 min test, all out. Find your average power, and set up training zones based on that power output. I use the training zones from going long which state
threshold - 100% of CP30 (30 min tt)
cruise intervals 90-100%
sprint tri (90-93)
olympic (87-90)
HIM (80-87)
intensive endurance (73-80)
endurance (67-73)
easy <67
so you just dial in the zone you want to be in for the amount of time you want to be in it (the feedback on the monitor is instantaneous) depending on what your workout is. there are lots of training with power resources out there, you just have to find them.
So, I have a CT. Now, depending on where you live, makes a difference. I would MUCH rather bike outside.
I just do not have the mental strength to ride for hours on the CT.
Now, what is your swim time in an Oly? If I had a choice, I would spend my money for masters swim team, rather than
a swim coach. I took my swim from 29 to 22 in one year of masters swimming.
So, bottom line, no black and white answer. But, I sure would not spend my money on a cheaper model.
You can get used easily for 1K all over the place.
Well this is a very different reply but much cheaper. If you have trainer already, combine it with rollers and a fan or fly wheel. Rollers arenever boring. Good change, help you to spin and with the extras can push you pretty hrad. Or just rollers with tires with less pressure.
Definitely the CT.It is not only for the cold climates but also the very hot weather we are having in the Southeast right now.
IMHO riding a CT(same time) is much more beneficial and safer than riding outside.
I shaved off 90 seconds by going to a fairly non-competitive and non-organized masters program for 3-4 months last winter. Maybe I’ll do the CT and the swim coaching. Went from 27 to 25 minutes for Oly distance swim.
I agree. All the vO2 will do is piss you off and bring down your confidence level. It does absolutely nothing for you. If you have the cash, get the Computrainer. Hell, if I had it I’d get it too.
Can I ask the really dumb question? Can’t you get a power meter and use it on a trainer in bad weather and then get the benefit of the power meter when you actually train outdoors in better weather? As opposed to the CT which you can’t take with you? Also, I am in a eCycling class that does an 8 week rotation on the CT with LT testing and Vo2 max testing, so you can have them both.
