Powerbeam Pro vs Tacx Genius

Triathlon Forum
1

I know this is under continuous debate between which trainer is the best, etc. For my needs, I have narrowed it down to the Powerbeam Pro and the Tacx Genius.

Just a little background, I am looking for a trainer to put in my office that I can hook up to my new computer and HDTV and get a workout in either on the weekend or before I start work. My requirements and preferences:
must measure and control power (accurately)
simple form factor, least amount of cables as possible
ability to download and ride courses (i.e. ironman courses)
ability to create workouts
must be reliable, i.e. don’t have to spend 15-20 minutes messing around with it each time I ride

enterainment value is a plus, but not overriding factor

I ruled out the Computrainer, which I know some of you will chop my head off for, but for the sheer factor that it is notoriously a bear to set up, especially cumbersome with cables, etc. In addition, the whole software update and contract issues have somewhat scared me off.

I like the Tacx Genius and Powerbeam Pro, but I hope someone can give me their own insight:

Tacx Genius: likes: appealing software/entertainment value, lots of options regarding training (i.e. virtual reality, real life videos, etc) meausres power reasonably, simulates downhill (supposedly), wireless communication (i.e. less cables)
potential concerns: multple complains about “buggy software” which is my biggest concern, durability (made of plastic apparently), not sure about ride quality (read a few reviews about choppy ride qualities)

Powerbeam Pro: likes: very simple set up, one cable, wireless communication to head unit; cycleops makes pretty darn study and reliable trainers (I have a fluid Cycleops and love it), ability to create workouts, watt specific and can be synced with Sufferfests workouts via TrainerRoad, future plans for virtual training in fall which should improve entertainment value.
potential conerns: entertainment value not emphasized, yet. Not sure what their version virtual training is going to bring to the table; from reviews, I haven’t seen any virtual reality stuff that is planned, which has always been appealing to me (they present google earth views basically).

Thoughts?

2

I have a PowerBeam Pro and have made tremendous gains since I started using it in Sep 2011. I chose it over the Computrainer after evaluating as many reviews as I could get my hands on. Although I would have liked some of the bells and whistles of the Computrainer I simply did not want to deal with quirky outdated software because I knew I would not have the patience for that. I had a Cyclops Fluid Trainer previously, and the Powerbeam told me I wasn’t working out nearly as hard as I thought…hence the improvement. The review that most influenced me was this one: http://www.trifuel.com/training/gear/cyclops-powerbeam-pro-vs-computrainer Like it says, they are different devices and you have to know which is best for your needs and your personality.

3

thanks for your reply…do you ever have lulls riding a trainer without “visual encouragement”, as opposed to staring at a number on a headset?

4

I have a TV w DVD player in my pain cave. The TV is not hooked to cable but I’ve always got something in the DVD. Either I’m doing a prescribed workout while watching an action movie (the Joule 3.0 is right in front of the TV) or I’m doing a Spinervals workout – I’m a big fan of those.

5

X2 on PowerBeam. The Joule 3.0 is awesome, I use it with my PowerTap outside too, great tool…

6

Do you know why Chris always has his shorts pulled way up and his shirt tucked way in? I know it is a mystery but still…

7

Yeah…I dunno why his shirts seem to be tucked into his ankles and shorts pulled up to his armpits…but those workouts are good! I got annoyed with the music after a while…so now I’m on a Sufferfest kick.

8

no CT…

c’mon

9

Not trying to offend CT enthusiasts out there…but form factor and simplicity is important to me. Less is more…

10

I bought a ct recently cause the reliability factor, and after u hook it it up the first time u are ready to roll.

Also, u can use traineroad to control it so that makes it even easier; of u have a question just let me know…