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Best Virtual Trainer

Started by roadcycler · · Last activity · 8 posts · 2,872 views

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01 / Original postBest Virtual Trainerroadcycler · 3 Sep 2006 02 / This pagePosts 1–8Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #8steve · 6 Jan 2014

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Power meters
Published
3 September 2006
Last activity
6 January 2014
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roadcycler
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CadenceDrivetrain compatibilityHeart rate training

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  1. Original post
    roadcycler
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi, I'm interested in purchasing a virtual trainer which will connect to the computer and allow me to race others/computer racer, and one that will record power statistics among others. I know that if I use a traditional trainer without a computer interface, I will easily become bored.

    I've read about the computrainer, and more recently heard about the TACX imagic fortius virtual reality ergotrainer.
    Computrainer seems like a nice product with the 3d, ability to race, and measurements of bicycling parameters. I don't know much about TACX and if it provides a similar interface.

    I would appreciate any advice you all may have on these devices and others.

    Thanks for your advice.

    Report
  2. stevevinck
    Archived post
    #2

    Hi roadcycler

    I own the taxc fortius for one year now and it is absolutely great. I think the RLV dvd are the max for training indoors. My longest indoor ride is 4 hours

    www.tacx.nl for more information

    http://www.tacx-video.com/ on the rlv (real life video)

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  3. roadcycler
    Archived post
    #3

    Thanks for your reply.

    So how exactly does the tacx interface with the virtual trainer?

    When you buy the tacx, do you get a trainer that connects to your computer through which you can play the real life dvd's?
    Can you use the software/dvd with any trainer?
    Can you change the view to one in which you're seen as a cyclist?
    Can you compete against the computer?
    Does it record cycling power and other cycling parameters on your computer?
    How did you decide to get this instead of computrainer?
    What makes it better than computrainer?
    If you don't mind me asking, what's the total price of the package?

    I know these are a lot of questions, but any information you can provide will be super helpful.

    thanks,

    dave

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  4. stevevinck
    Archived post
    #4

    The tacx trainer connects to your pc through a USB port.

    The real life video's are only compatible with the taxc trainer.
    The views : 1) statistics only ; heartrate, power, cadans and slope backgroud = complete
    or) split screen , the above info + a screen playing dvd
    or) full screen movie + heartrate, cadans and power
    or full screen movie only
    all info is recorded and can be used in WKO+ (after small manual effort)
    you can race against earlier efforts (from yourself or downloaded from internet

    I decided taxc over the computrainer for the real life video (already 10 movies for over 800 km of different roads)
    price = 600 euros

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  5. roadcycler
    Archived post
    #5

    thanks stevevinck.
    i appreciate your advice.

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  6. Mark17
    Archived post
    #6

    I'm starting to explore virtual trainers now. Are you still riding yours, stevevinck? How had it held up?

    stevevinck said:

    The tacx trainer connects to your pc through a USB port. The real life video's are only compatible with the taxc trainer. The views : 1) statistics only ; heartrate, power, cadans and slope backgroud = complete or) split screen , the above info + a screen playing dvd or) full screen movie + heartrate, cadans and power or full screen movie only all info is recorded and can be used in WKO+ (after small manual effort) you can race against earlier efforts (from yourself or downloaded from internet I decided taxc over the computrainer for the real life video (already 10 movies for over 800 km of different roads) price = 600 euros

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  7. OneEyedJack
    Archived post
    #7

    I don't know if you have or haven't purchased anything yet but I have a Cyclops power beam pro and this is connect to the Cyclops virtual training environment. I have had other trainers in the past such as the real axiom and also a tack ergo.

    I must say I like the whole set up a lot the features it has are as follows.

    Ability to download ergo video routes through virtual training virtualtraining.cycleops.comvirtualtraining.cycleops.com
    Automatic upload and recording of your work outs to a calendar based diary.
    Recording of power / heart rate / cadence.
    Ability to easily create custom power based workouts.

    I like the whole set up a lot it is very functional via ANT+ USB dongle or Bluetooth.

    The set up is easy, the software is reliable and easy to use and very functional.

    Currently I do not use the ergo video routes just my own personal workouts which are visually represented on screen.

    Many plus points with this set up, I have had minor issues with connectivity due to turbo / pc positioning which are now resolved.

    The acid test for me is would I buy again, the answer is absolutely you can pick one up for around £500 new on eBay.

    If you have any questions please ask, I spent a long time trying to find a set up I wanted and now I have the perfect training set up!

    Regards

    Report
  8. steve
    Archived post
    #8
    Quoted post said:

    Originally Posted by OneEyedJack
    I don't know if you have or haven't purchased anything yet but I have a Cyclops power beam pro and this is connect to the Cyclops virtual training environment. I have had other trainers in the past such as the real axiom and also a tack ergo.

    I must say I like the whole set up a lot the features it has are as follows.

    Ability to download ergo video routes through virtual training virtualtraining.cycleops.comvirtualtraining.cycleops.com
    Automatic upload and recording of your work outs to a calendar based diary.
    Recording of power / heart rate / cadence.
    Ability to easily create custom power based workouts.

    I like the whole set up a lot it is very functional via ANT+ USB dongle or Bluetooth.

    The set up is easy, the software is reliable and easy to use and very functional.

    Currently I do not use the ergo video routes just my own personal workouts which are visually represented on screen.

    Many plus points with this set up, I have had minor issues with connectivity due to turbo / pc positioning which are now resolved.

    The acid test for me is would I buy again, the answer is absolutely you can pick one up for around £500 new on eBay.

    If you have any questions please ask, I spent a long time trying to find a set up I wanted and now I have the perfect training set up!

    Regards

    Looks like its worth checking out. Almost anyone in the US will be stuck on their trainer for the next few weeks!

    Report

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