Need opinions on Computrainer

I Don't think it does much for the boredom of indoor training, I;ve
had one for years and would just as soon use a wind trainer. If you
reallly take, what is to me, a great deal of effort and use all the
features of computrainer, like racing, and course generation, it might
be worthwhile, but our natural tendency is to not want to ride
indoors, and if you do just tough out a simple workout for 30 minutes
to an hour. And its a lot of effort top use all those features.

The spin on a computrainer isn't like on a bicycle, its more like
spinning class cycles, and I have tried the $5,000 computrainer with a
metal flywheel which is a bit better, but nothing like cycling on the
road.

However it is well made and the software is great. Most reviews of
indoor cycling trainers say the Velodyne is by far the best, and is
currently available, I don't know why the Velodyne is so good.

(Gene Tallen) said:

I am considering the purchase of a Computrainer and am hoping that
some of you in this group can help me determine what I need. I used
to ride between 150 and 250 miles per week and belonged to an
"aggressive" club in Los Angeles. However, I was injured 2 years ago
and have not been able to ride until afew weeks ago. My doctor
prefers I train indoors as much as possible until I have healed more.

The problem I have, one which I am sure many of you suffer from, is
the boredom of training indoors. From what I have read about the
Computrainer it seems this may provide relief from the boredom while
allowing me to actually assess my progress.

Is the Computrainer a good option for me? If so, which model should I
consider? Are there other similar types of trainers?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Gene

I own a CompuTrainer 3D Pro. got it to accommodate some training while
mending from 7 broken ribs, a broken collar bone and punctured lung along
with lots of stuff that goes along with those injuries. It is a fine piece
equipment to get you going. It does not overcome the boredom of indoor
training but to me is a big step past a standard trainer. Can't compare the
two. The CT will provide feed back and the ability to see real progress.
I generally use the standard race courses that are available. I save all
performances and use them as a reality check. Racing against yourself has a
way of getting a bit more out of the old body. Problem is it is easy to
overtrain on one. You need to have a plan and work it into the CT or you
just go too hard all the time. I have a video output on my video card and
connect it to a big screen TV. I can watch TV on the main screen and the CT
in the PIP and switch back and forth as necessary.

Most important to me is the ability to keep a watch on Watt power output
relative to HR over a given time. You can see the improvement in your
average watts per hour. It also work well for finding the optimum seat
position on the bike though you must consider real life wind resistance when
making the final decision on position.

It is also fun to swap files with a distant friend and race each other using
standard calibration.

Ken

"Gene Tallen" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am considering the purchase of a Computrainer and am hoping that
some of you in this group can help me determine what I need. I used
to ride between 150 and 250 miles per week and belonged to an
"aggressive" club in Los Angeles. However, I was injured 2 years ago
and have not been able to ride until afew weeks ago. My doctor
prefers I train indoors as much as possible until I have healed more.

The problem I have, one which I am sure many of you suffer from, is
the boredom of training indoors. From what I have read about the
Computrainer it seems this may provide relief from the boredom while
allowing me to actually assess my progress.

Is the Computrainer a good option for me? If so, which model should I
consider? Are there other similar types of trainers?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Gene

IMKen said:

I own a CompuTrainer 3D Pro. got it to accommodate some training while
mending from 7 broken ribs, a broken collar bone and punctured lung along
with lots of stuff that goes along with those injuries. It is a fine piece
equipment to get you going. It does not overcome the boredom of indoor
training but to me is a big step past a standard trainer. Can't compare the
two. The CT will provide feed back and the ability to see real progress.
I generally use the standard race courses that are available. I save all
performances and use them as a reality check. Racing against yourself has a
way of getting a bit more out of the old body. Problem is it is easy to
overtrain on one. You need to have a plan and work it into the CT or you
just go too hard all the time. I have a video output on my video card and
connect it to a big screen TV. I can watch TV on the main screen and the CT
in the PIP and switch back and forth as necessary.

Most important to me is the ability to keep a watch on Watt power output
relative to HR over a given time. You can see the improvement in your
average watts per hour. It also work well for finding the optimum seat
position on the bike though you must consider real life wind resistance when
making the final decision on position.

It is also fun to swap files with a distant friend and race each other using
standard calibration.

Ken

What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to the
website and didn't see it spelled out.

-B

Quoted message said:

What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to the
website and didn't see it spelled out.

You need a COM port, that's it, I'm assuming that you already know you need
a computer. A really big fan would be good as well.

For courses go to www.performancecentral.com

Ray

Bikegeek said:

A really big fan would be good as well.

http://www.velonews.com/images/news/191.100.f.jpg

Bikegeek said:

Quoted message said:

What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to the
website and didn't see it spelled out.

You need a COM port, that's it, I'm assuming that you already know you need
a computer. A really big fan would be good as well.

For courses go to www.performancecentral.com

Ray

So no hardware to connect the bike to the computer so your riding and
pedalling display on screen?

-B

"Badger_South" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to the
website and didn't see it spelled out.

So no hardware to connect the bike to the computer so your riding and
pedalling display on screen?

just a cable to the computer. you put a cadence sensor on your bike that
feeds into a handlebar control box. The cable to your computer feeds out of
the handlebar control box.

http://tinyurl.com/6dqrx

TM said:

"Badger_South" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to the
> website and didn't see it spelled out.

So no hardware to connect the bike to the computer so your riding and
pedalling display on screen?

just a cable to the computer. you put a cadence sensor on your bike that
feeds into a handlebar control box. The cable to your computer feeds out of
the handlebar control box.

http://tinyurl.com/6dqrx

Ok, just so you know <g>, that site link didn't say anything about
connectors or cables or sensors, but that's ok, b/c I went in again and
looked it over, realizing now, that it's not just software (duh).

For more info, fellow readers, d/l the Computrainer User manual in .pdf:

http://www.computrainer.com/downloads/fullbro.pdf

So the setup is not just software, but a whole kit of H/W and cables, incl.
a bike trainer and handlebar mounted "Microprocessor Handlebar controller
with LCD panel". (Wonder what they do if you already -have- a trainer?)

Looks like there's a keyboard connector (round, 6 or 7 pins) in the housing
of the trainer, too.

I wonder why they'd put up a software download, since nothing will run
without their, apparently, proprietary hardware and trainer? Is there a
computer against computer demo mode that will let you run it with a
keyboard instead of a whole h/w hookup?

So I'm guessing $400 bucks just to hook it up and try it out?

Thanks for the info.

-B

Not PC against PC, but there is a demo mode.

After you install the sofware, you choose a course and load it. At the
opening screen hit the letter d on the keyboard and you're in demomode. I
believe g is go and then a right-click will speed up amd a left-click slow
down.

It at least lets you see/preview a course.

I had figured the website had shown the stand, handlebar controller and
cables that are necessary to run the trainer.

Ray

"Badger_South" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

TM said:

"Badger_South" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

>> What kind of hardware hookup do you need for this to work. Went to
>> the
>> website and didn't see it spelled out.
>

So no hardware to connect the bike to the computer so your riding and
pedalling display on screen?

just a cable to the computer. you put a cadence sensor on your bike that
feeds into a handlebar control box. The cable to your computer feeds out
of
the handlebar control box.

http://tinyurl.com/6dqrx

Ok, just so you know <g>, that site link didn't say anything about
connectors or cables or sensors, but that's ok, b/c I went in again and
looked it over, realizing now, that it's not just software (duh).

For more info, fellow readers, d/l the Computrainer User manual in .pdf:

http://www.computrainer.com/downloads/fullbro.pdf

So the setup is not just software, but a whole kit of H/W and cables,
incl.
a bike trainer and handlebar mounted "Microprocessor Handlebar controller
with LCD panel". (Wonder what they do if you already -have- a trainer?)

Looks like there's a keyboard connector (round, 6 or 7 pins) in the
housing
of the trainer, too.

I wonder why they'd put up a software download, since nothing will run
without their, apparently, proprietary hardware and trainer? Is there a
computer against computer demo mode that will let you run it with a
keyboard instead of a whole h/w hookup?

So I'm guessing $400 bucks just to hook it up and try it out?

Thanks for the info.

-B