What to Buy?

Clivus said:

Which would you buy and why:

1 Racermate Computrainer

2 Additional powertap wheel and Kurt Kinetic trainer

I have a PowerTap SL wheelset already and I have been doing some training on my cheap fluid trainer with the powertap, but I want to have a second setup so I can avoid using my primary bike on the trainer. I use cyclingpeaks to track my training. I train indoors primarily in the winter, but now that I am addicted to power based training I will be likely testing indoors year round.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

why can't you just put a second harness on your second bike and use your power tap wheel with your second bike?

doctorSpoc said:

why can't you just put a second harness on your second bike and use your power tap wheel with your second bike?

1 Because the trainer mulches my tire. Changing the tire to a trainer tire is time consuming.

2 My training time is very limited. I like the idea of having a fully set-up ready to go indoor training system.

I don't know what computrainers cost, but...if you already have an SL setup, then all you need is a spare rear wheel and a receiver. You can use the same CPU.

Further, since it's a trainer wheel, you don't care how heavy it is...so no need to get another SL, you can get the standard/pro hub. Another benefit here is that, if and when the SL has problems, you have a spare training wheel for the week or two it's gone getting serviced.

You have a much higher probability of the powermeters being consistent with each other if you use two power taps, as opposed to a powertap and a computrainer. Since you're using cyclingpeaks, I assume that consistency is important to you.

I'd consider the trainer upgrade a secondary issue, that doesn't stop you from getting the second PT hub/wheel. If I had money to burn I think the KK Pro (with the add-on weight to make an 18lb flywheel) would be great to have, but I don't ride the trainer so much that the $300 - $400 isn't better spent elsewhere.

I can't think of an argument in support of the computrainer.

Clivus said:

Which would you buy and why:

1 Racermate Computrainer

2 Additional powertap wheel and Kurt Kinetic trainer

Number 2 all the way. The computrainer only does you any good for training inside, but the second PT can be used outside too. Having a second PT is nice because you have a backup in case something breaks on your other one, or to put on a second bike, or to use for traning, etc.

Clivus said:

Which would you buy and why:

1 Racermate Computrainer

2 Additional powertap wheel and Kurt Kinetic trainer

I have a PowerTap SL wheelset already and I have been doing some training on my cheap fluid trainer with the powertap, but I want to have a second setup so I can avoid using my primary bike on the trainer. I use cyclingpeaks to track my training. I train indoors primarily in the winter, but now that I am addicted to power based training I will be likely testing indoors year round.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

where are you located? Or really how many months do you spend training indoors?

The CT is an essential piece of kit for me with ~ 5 months of the year primarily indoors

[quote="rmur17"]where are you located? Or really how many months do you spend training indoors?

I am in Pennsylvania. Some quality workouts indoors all year. I go outside for most workouts if its above 20F.

[quote="Clivus"]

rmur17 said:

where are you located? Or really how many months do you spend training indoors?

I am in Pennsylvania. Some quality workouts indoors all year. I go outside for most workouts if its above 20F.