I have very nearly decided to drop $$ on a Computrainer. But now that I’m down to the wire on this, I’ve started to waffle on whether maybe a Powertap is the better training tool for building power, etc., because it can go out onto the roads, or even Powercranks. They all cost a nice chunk of dough, of course, so I want the most bang for my buck.
I should add that one of the issues I’m struggling with is even distribution of effort in both legs. Because of a leg length discrepancy, which I’ve now gotten fit help for and is MUCH better, I was not using both legs equally. I’m trying to reteach my body to do that. It seems to me that all of the above tools will help with giving me feedback on that, as well as helping me to build my power.
I second the powetap + PC option. If nothing else you should be able to pick up a second hand pair of PC’s off this forum for all the guys who bought them and gave up on using them :-). Seriously, my biking has improved overall since starting with PC’s in 2003.
Hmmm. I definitely see what you two are saying. Plus, I could buy the Powertap now, recover from the shock, and get the Cranks later.
The Computrainer would be awesome, but aside from the display (which I’d have to spend yet MORE money setting up a computer for), it doesn’t seem to have anything over the Powertap. I’m probably wrong . . .
if you live some place where the weather sucks for a number of months per year - then Computrainer - what good is it to have tap and crank if you cannot ride?
Where do you live? If you live in Cleveland like I do, the Computrainer is invaluable. I ride it 2-3 times a week year 'round. And if you have a family, and want to keep your training from interferring with family time, it’s great for working out before work. I’m usually up at 4:30 or 5, and can get in 90 to 120 minutes before my kids are up and I have to get them ready for school. Quality riding, no stops, no coasting. If you’re single, or no kids, it’s not such an advantage.
The other plus for the computrainer is if you live in a cold climate. It makes indoor riding more fun and more profitable. The computrainer is good for intervals and specific workouts if you are doing any. You could probably get the spin scan results from using someone else’s computrainer; a local bike shop or another cyclist. The computer set up is cheap; you need a used PC. Good luck.
Where do you live? If you live in Cleveland like I do, the Computrainer is invaluable. I ride it 2-3 times a week year 'round. And if you have a family, and want to keep your training from interferring with family time, it’s great for working out before work. I’m usually up at 4:30 or 5, and can get in 90 to 120 minutes before my kids are up and I have to get them ready for school. Quality riding, no stops, no coasting. If you’re single, or no kids, it’s not such an advantage.
Definitely! Plus, by using the Computrainer for dedicated speedwork, during season, you WILL get much faster. Use their performance quarantee to “hedge your bet”. I even programmed in the Nice Triathlon before I went, so had ridden the cousre for a month before I got there. Invaluable!
year round use, race data collection, quantifiable, easy to use, able to send files to coach for objective critique. I have been on numerous PT’s for 7 years (going back to the Tune days) and having 7 years of data to guide training cycles is very important.
I had a Ct and always used it in erg mode anyway. sold it, got a Kurt Kinetic trainer, pocketed the 800.00 and do set intervals off of the PT and the KK. I think the KK is much smoother than the CT too. Once I got above ~300 watts, the CT lost the road feel. I think this is do to the small flywheel.
Computrainer, hands down. Now, the velotron is better but havent been able to get one yet.
The computrainer is SO flexible. I can ride with power. I can use netathalon s/w and ride with others on line to stop the boredom. I can use past performances on course and ride against them. Best money I have spent and I live in Calif. I am tired of taking the chances of keeping by a car, deer, etc.