Sorry for addressing this issue again (so much has been already written on this subject), but I still have a feeling I am at the starting point. I live in Europe. I train currently mainly for Olympic-distance triathlons and medium-distance duathlons. I own Cervelo Soloist Team 2003. In November, I would like to start the preparation for the next season. However, the weather where I live is becoming more and more unpredictable, and cycling outside is not always possible. Therefore, I would like to buy a good indoor trainer for cycling. I want something I will be able to use for at least several seasons, something that would give me enough training possibilities even if I will move to longer (Ironman) distances one day.
I consider the following options:
computrainer (option 1.)
simple trainer + power measurements optionally (option 2. and 3. + *)
more sophisticated trainer that includes power measurements (option 4.)
other scenarios (option 5. and 6.)
The options in detail:
1.Computrainer – the most versatile tool; offers unlimited types of training (e.g. interval trainings based on power output) including long runs at pre-defined courses (and not only); the only issue is the price, which (due to customs and overseas shipping) will definitely exceed $1500 in my case; and service – I am a bit worried to buy something that expensive without a good service option (already now the Computrainer service does not answer any of my emails!!!)
2.1 up USA trainer – after what I read on the web, I am prepared to order this trainer in USA (and a bit more than in Europe), because its quality seems to be worth it; a small disadvantage is a lack of resistance adjustment to simulate hills, etc.; nice ‘road-feeling’ is definitely big plus.
3.Tacx Cyclotrainer CycloForce Swing – the same as the 1 up USA trainer, but with a possibility to vary resistance; less realistic ‘road-feel’, however; lower manyfacturing quality.
*****Extra power measurement
*- *Computrainer gives accurate power measurements.
For options 2 and 3. I consider the Polar power sensor. I have already Polar 720i, so this would be a natural extension. But, as far as I understand, the quality of power measurements using Polar is questionable;
Power-tap – I read only good things about it; but it seems like a less flexible option (you have to exchange your whole hub – what if you what to use different wheels???); furthermore, I already have quite versatile bike computer and HR (Polar 720i), and I do not need another one
4.Tacx Excel ergotrainers:
Basic: this would be a similar set-up as 1 up USA trainer, but with a possibility of power measurements; I do not want, however, to use their heart rate monitor, as I already own one; Speed, and Cadence I can also get with my Polar 720i.
Grand Excel: the same as Basic but offers possibility of recording your sessions and comparing them with previous ones. You can also program your own track (rather primitive, a slope option is not and cannot be related to an actual inclination). I do not like their bike computer neither (a quite bulk unit); furthermore, this unit is rather redundant if you can do the same with Polar.
6.Power Cranks (or Rotor System)?
7.Rollers ?
My questions are:
which of the mentioned here options seems to be the most reasonable?
How essential is power-based training?
Does it make sense to buy a simple indoor trainer and invest in Power Cranks, for example ?
Go to ebay and search for trainers, what do you see? Hundreds of mag and fluid trainers for sale all the time. Now search for Computrainers, very few. Which one do people find effective? Invest in a Computrainer, they’re worth it.
One consideration is the kind of workouts you plan on doing. I use my CT for short 50 - 90 minute workouts; intervals, drills, motorpacing, etc. If you want to do specific workouts based on HR, Power, cadence, incline, etc, the CT is unmatched.
You see more trainers and wind trainers because more people buy them, so there are more to sell! You can’t determine anything about either form of trainer from the number on e-bay.
Computrainers are good if you can afford them, but what’s wrong with a decent trainer like the Kurt Kinetic (more road realistic than the CT) and a PowerTap that you can use inside and out? Why invest all that money in the CT when you will still get bored of it after 3months using it? Watch TV instead of the CT road simulation (get out if you want that, otherwise watch TV). A PowerTap or similar power meter is a better investment because you can train/race all year on it and is more accurate than the CT. After buy the trainer & PowerTap you’ll still have $$ left.
If you must have a resistance controlled mag trainer, take a look at the Tacx I-Magic and NetAthlon software. You can ride with others over the internet using NetAthlon and it offers graphics as good, or better, than the CT. The software also costs < $100! You might even pick up a Tacx I-Magic on E-bay for a good price. It acts as an ergonometer (set the power and ride at that power) and includes Catalyst software for designing your own interval program (e.g. 3 mins at 100W, 5 mins at 300W, 5 mins at 150W etc…). The combination is excellent for the money, and again, about half the cost of a CT (CT were unique years ago, hence the price, but now they’re no longer king yet the price is still way out there???)
kawon. since you asked, i can tell you that i have a set of powercranks which i ride on rollers in the long winter and love them. first off, set up with a teevee in front the combination of real riding ( with balancing, steering, swaying etc) is highly entertaining and motivation is big when indoors. the PC’s add to the fun, and are super challenging, almost making the rollers a whole 'nuther ballgame. that they work, for me is a given, and on rollers you can redefine your spin entirely - for example one thing guys complain about with rollers is all you can do is spin - well with PC’s spinning is actually HARDER than mashing so there ya go. honestly dude, i love this set up and trully cannot imagine any rider’s rider not doing likewise. you will be entertained, have you a$$ kicked, learn to REALLY spin like you errouneously thought you already did, and get caught up on all the cool movies you missed last summer as you were away at the races. can’t lose.
oh yes, as a bonus, when it gets nice outside you - get this now - simply carry your bike out the back door and go powercrank upon the open roads with the spring birdies chirping. repeat all summer long. outside. did i say " can’t lose" yet??
dudes seem to like their CT’s. i would not. W-A-Y too high in the dink around factor. i like to plop the bike on, hop on, ride, and get a ton from it - like now - without turning on the computer, setting calibrations, downloading and troubleshooting courses and graphics and whatnot and breaking out the training log and all that. more power to the dudes that like that sort of thing, but it bears mentioning that the CT does involve some input in the dink-around dept, and ain’t for everyone.
You see more trainers and wind trainers because more people buy them, so there are more to sell! You can’t determine anything about either form of trainer from the number on e-bay.