Best Indoor Trainer

[Broker]

I've being using a Tacx Virtual trainer with TACX Trainer software for the last 5 years. I got used to its software issues and lived with it. Now my Tacx system (trainer, computer etc) was toasted by lightning and I need to replace.

Can the experts assist - which is the best indoor system with virtual routes, videos and interactive training available.

I looked at Tacx, CycleOps sofar

[Davey Crocket]

I've being using a Tacx Virtual trainer with TACX Trainer software for the last 5 years. I got used to its software issues and lived with it. Now my Tacx system (trainer, computer etc) was toasted by lightning and I need to replace.

Can the experts assist - which is the best indoor system with virtual routes, videos and interactive training available.

I looked at Tacx, CycleOps sofar

Kickr and Cycleops software or go all in with cycleops bike and software

[Iwan Kemp]

We've done review on the Cycleops and Wahoo Kickr. Have a look here:

 

Review: Wahoo KICKR indoor bike trainer

 

Review: CycleOps PowerSync Indoor Trainer

[Speeltyd]

I use the CycleOps PowerSync IT, and really enjoy using it. No problems whatsoever, and nice to do all the different routes. The software is good, comes at an annual fee though.

[TALUS]

Cycleops. You CANNOT get better local backup than this.

[Eon du Plessis]

Apparently the Cycleops Powerbeam Pro is a good quality, relatively good value for money proposition.

 

What do these things cost and where exactly do you buy them though? I've found the supplier's website but haven't seen many websites selling them?

 

Very keen on getting myself one as well.

[Speeltyd]

Apparently the Cycleops Powerbeam Pro is a good quality, relatively good value for money proposition.

 

What do these things cost and where exactly do you buy them though? I've found the supplier's website but haven't seen many websites selling them?

 

Very keen on getting myself one as well.

Around R12 000 - speak to Dave Brown at Bicyclepower

[Eon du Plessis]

Around R12 000 - speak to Dave Brown at Bicyclepower

The Powersync has replaced the Powerbeam Pro. R13 995.00 is the price.

 

Perhaps a bit much for my pocket, good support or not. Thanks for the advice though.

[Dgas]

The Powersync has replaced the Powerbeam Pro. R13 995.00 is the price.

 

Perhaps a bit much for my pocket, good support or not. Thanks for the advice though.

I had Tacx, got the Powersync in July last year, my FTP has improved dramatically. It really is a good product and most of the videos you ride are good quality and are for free.

[madbradd]

The Wahoo Kickr is awesome, but pricey.

 

Three is a new Tacx which apparently is compatible with more software, and is relatively cheap - I think it's the Vortex Smart T2180, approx. R8k. 

[Eon du Plessis]

I had Tacx, got the Powersync in July last year, my FTP has improved dramatically. It really is a good product and most of the videos you ride are good quality and are for free.

I was thinking, as an alternative, to get a "dumb" quality indoor trainer and a Stages power meter. A benefit of that approach would be that I can measure power while training on the road, but a smart indoor trainer has a whole host of other benefits, including the racing, which really speaks to my competitive side.

 

Will have to think about this and see what my bonus is like this year, I guess.

[madbradd]

I was thinking, as an alternative, to get a "dumb" quality indoor trainer and a Stages power meter. A benefit of that approach would be that I can measure power while training on the road, but a smart indoor trainer has a whole host of other benefits, including the racing, which really speaks to my competitive side.

 

Will have to think about this and see what my bonus is like this year, I guess.

 

The key benefit of a smart trainer is the controlability (spelling?).

 

This allows for 2 "advanced" training methods:

1 is erg mode which is great as it doesn't allow you to "hide" by dropping cadence. 

2 is interactive training where the trainer automatically adjusts the resistance based on the software you are using (think automated interval pieces, rolling hills on a road bike etc.)

 

Another benefit of a smart trainer is that they are premium products. They are not just basic trainers with a power meter installed. Trainer itself tends to be better quality, and also provides more resistance.

 

The power meter of course is great as you get feedback while on the road as well.

[Eon du Plessis]

The Wahoo Kickr is awesome, but pricey.

 

Three is a new Tacx which apparently is compatible with more software, and is relatively cheap - I think it's the Vortex Smart T2180, approx. R8k.

There's the Kickr Snap that's around R12k and seems to get fairly good reviews?

[Skinnyone]

Keep in mind that a "dumb" trainer will be a lower quality and probably not last nearly as long as a good quality trainer like CycleOps or Wahoo. Also these cheapies are generally noisier too so it might upset the missus trying to watch her soapies...

 

So let's say you buy a "dumb" trainer at R4k, a stages power meter new is around the R10k mark (i wouldn't touch a 2nd hand stages with a barge pole) so you are back around R14k...better value? not really.

 

Now here's the clincher, you could buy a dumb trainer for R4k, buy a 2nd hand PowerTap wheel for R5-8k (this I would buy 2nd hand as the back up is good and they can give the history of the hub) and you get speed,cadence and power all from the hub which can then be used with the CycleOps software....

[Eon du Plessis]

Keep in mind that a "dumb" trainer will be a lower quality and probably not last nearly as long as a good quality trainer like CycleOps or Wahoo. Also these cheapies are generally noisier too so it might upset the missus trying to watch her soapies...

 

So let's say you buy a "dumb" trainer at R4k, a stages power meter new is around the R10k mark (i wouldn't touch a 2nd hand stages with a barge pole) so you are back around R14k...better value? not really.

 

Now here's the clincher, you could buy a dumb trainer for R4k, buy a 2nd hand PowerTap wheel for R5-8k (this I would buy 2nd hand as the back up is good and they can give the history of the hub) and you get speed,cadence and power all from the hub which can then be used with the CycleOps software....

Good points. I think I'll be looking at the Kickr Snap or the Cycleops then.

[Broker]

Just got my quote from cycleops on the PowerSync BLE. Connect with Blue tooth. The Ant models will only be available in 6 to 8 weeks. What is the benefit of Ant over Bluetooth - if any.