For the Vortex Smart owners, are you able to use 3rd part apps like Trainerroad with the trainer? Is it compatible right out of the box or is there updates needed…
Perfect! Any feedback on the trainer its self?
No but maybe read DCRainmaker http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/2015-2016trainer-recommendations.html
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Perfect! Any feedback on the trainer its self?
There are a few threads here, search.
Many (myself included) are very happy and we got the trainer for super cheap.
I have a Tacx Vortex and have used with Zwift and TrainerRoad. Overall I am very happy and I don’t think there is a better option for the money. With that said I have had a few issues with TrainerRoad and ERG control where I trainer stops responding to the workout until I switch it to resistance mode and then back to ERG. Has anyone else experienced this?
With that said I have had a few issues with TrainerRoad and ERG control where I trainer stops responding to the workout until I switch it to resistance mode and then back to ERG. Has anyone else experienced this?
Not me.
I just had a few (3) power dropouts earlier this week but that may be just as related to the distance from the ANT+ stick. It’s been rock solid otherwise.
I’m a fan of the Vortex Smart and I have two (one for the wife) at home. You can buy them on-line from Germany for a pretty reasonable price too (low $300s US).
I use it almost exclusively with trainerroad. To work with Trainerroad, you’ll need an ANT+ connector to your iPad or computer ($30-$50). The most recent unit I bought needed to be updated to the latest firmware before it would work with TR (that’s a free update).
The first ride that I did on TR was the 20 minute power test and I recommend that anyone tries this out. The reason being is that it will establish your individual workout parameters.
…I have also been playing around with using my powermeter to control resistance of the vortex smart, … but that’s another story, and not relevant / necessary to the basic use of the trainer.
I think the Vortex is worth every penny when compared to similar offerings out there.
I just started playing around with the Powermeter control function on Trainerroad (and vortex). Your exact problem happened to me too. It was tracking resistance well, and then after 10min, just stopped tracking with trainer road. This has only happened when I have tried to use the power meter to control resistance.
I was also using power match and I think that is the issue. I opened a ticket with TrainerRoad and they are looking into my log files.
Great. I’d appreciate it if you could keep me (us) in the loop of trainerroad’s response.
thanks!
Had the exact same problem where Power Match was causing all kinds of issues (like driving power at 200W+ higher than it should have been in ERG mode).
I would love to get the Vortex Smart for less $$ (than Kickr Snap), but the vortex:
- looks like it’s not durable.
- has had some issues with communication with 3rd party apps in some reviews.
These two factors have leaning to either keeping my KK road machine or getting the snap.
No trainer is free of issues. This includes the kickr.
I don’t think durability has ever really been an issue with Tacx trainers.
Have you seen all the threads on the kickr and pairing with 3rd party apps?..
I have not, no. But I am only pairing with one app, TrainerRoad.
Had the exact same problem where Power Match was causing all kinds of issues (like driving power at 200W+ higher than it should have been in ERG mode).
Sorry about that! We’ve had some challenges with some of the new ANT FE-C trainers, as each one seems to have subtle differences in the way it communicates with TR. We’ve been working with Tacx to get some trainers of our own for our developers to work with in order to work out these small kinks. If you haven’t yet, would you mind emailing us at support@trainerroad.com so we can make sure this issue is looked at? Thanks.
What is the difference with ant fec compared to say how kickrs are controlled ?
Essentially nothing. Tacx simply uses a different/new ANT protocol (FE-C) which can communicate with subtle differences across different devices. Both are great and very effective, we just need to fine tune how we talk with certain FE-C trainers to account for those subtle differences.
I’ve seen mention recently that the tacx now supports Bluetooth smart. Does this mean that more apps will begin to be available for recording output?
I have a Vortex and:
- absolutely no issues with durability as far as I am concerned
And
- I’ve never had issues using either Zwift or Trainerroad.
It’s an awesome trainer and well worth the $$