Please advise on a new indoor trainer

[SuicideSquad]

New poster - hello everyone!

I know this topic has probably been done to death but I need advice from the "pros".

 

I have had a Cycleops SuperMagneto Pro for 4 years.  Been solid trainer, but will be able to afford to buy a new trainer in the near future.  Actually the steel roller has got a groove in it. Does that happen with these rollers or did I get a lemon?

 

Want to maybe go direct drive as a new experience.  Will be nice not having to put resistance on a roller with the wheel.

 

I am not worried about being kept entertained by thousands of "virtual routes" or training feedback while I ride the trainer. I am one of those rare crazies that LOOOOOVES my indoor trainer and motivation is just no problem. I don't ride the road or outside.  I ride the trainer everyday for 75 minutes as cardio to supplement gym training. Put on my ipod, put on the TV and crank out the kms for about 75 minutes. Go figure!!!

 

But I would like a trainer where I can play around with resistance during my session. Currently I decide on the day how I am feeling and then adjust the cycleops flywheel disk to one of the 4 levels for the whole session. (Those of you who know the Magento Pro will know what I am talking about).

 

So, been looking at Kickr, Tacx Neo, Cycleops Silencer, and I see there is going to be a new Cycleops Hammer coming at end of year.

 

I definitely don't want to find that it takes me 20 minutes to choose programs to cycle and get connected and then have so much info thrown at me I don't know whether I am going uphill or downhill.

 

I basically just need to have a direct drive where I can grind out the kms and maybe have a bit of info like heart rate, gradient and watts (although that will be new to me too)! Something sturdy, reliable, relatively quiet is what is am looking for. I don't want the computer taking over my training session. I am old and I do what my body can do, not what the computer tells me it should.

 

Also will be nice if the trainer can still work if there is an Eskom loadshedding session. Have about R25 000 to spend.

 

Thanks

[HdB]

Oh to have your budget for a trainer... With that budget I would personally toss a coin to choose between the Kickr, Neo (and if it is available, the CycleOps Hammer), but I like riding the routes or specific workouts where the resistance is adjusted by the app.

 

You don't have to ride a course with the smart trainers, you can just use the app to set it to a specific wattage or incline or whatever, and go.

 

I believe any of the smart trainers will basically work without electricity, most of them function like a normal 'dumb' trainer in such a case.

The Tacx Bushido Smart and possibly the Neo Smart (I think) are the exceptions, and generate their own power.

[SuicideSquad]

Oh to have your budget for a trainer... With that budget I would personally toss a coin to choose between the Kickr, Neo (and if it is available, the CycleOps Hammer), but I like riding the routes or specific workouts where the resistance is adjusted by the app.

 

You don't have to ride a course with the smart trainers, you can just use the app to set it to a specific wattage or incline or whatever, and go.

 

I believe any of the smart trainers will basically work without electricity, most of them function like a normal 'dumb' trainer in such a case.

The Tacx Bushido Smart and possibly the Neo Smart (I think) are the exceptions, and generate their own power.

Thanks for your reply. Only going to be able to purchase towards end of year so maybe Hammer will be out be then. Just needing to look what is available so that I can make as close to the right decision as possible and check out reviews and opinions of the guys on this forum.

 

When I say I am not interested in the "virtual routes", I guess I don't really know how I will take to them - never had the privilege of that option with my old Magneto.

 

Many people say go Kickr for realiablity and connectivity. Just scared I will not manage the full benefit of all the computer info and feedback because I am certainly not "computer-friendly" and just now I can't get the thing working properly. Don't laugh!

[shaper]

some reading here https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/160255-which-indoor-trainer-to-buy/?hl=indoor+trainer

 

Also do a search of the forums for indoor trainers, will be quite a few threads on it

[Skinnyone]

Thanks for your reply. Only going to be able to purchase towards end of year so maybe Hammer will be out be then. Just needing to look what is available so that I can make as close to the right decision as possible and check out reviews and opinions of the guys on this forum.

 

When I say I am not interested in the "virtual routes", I guess I don't really know how I will take to them - never had the privilege of that option with my old Magneto.

 

 

The Hammer should be available by then yes, I have heard they have had some production delays and need to sort those out so hopefully when the unit hits the streets it'll be bullet proof...

 

As far as the routes go, you don't need to be privileged, you just need a speed sensor to read the wheel speed and this then talks to the app to give you video play back speed on the route...any CycleOps trainers can use this feature...full compatibility chart is here: https://www.cycleops.com/virtualtraining/compatibility

[HdB]

Thanks for your reply. Only going to be able to purchase towards end of year so maybe Hammer will be out be then. Just needing to look what is available so that I can make as close to the right decision as possible and check out reviews and opinions of the guys on this forum.

 

When I say I am not interested in the "virtual routes", I guess I don't really know how I will take to them - never had the privilege of that option with my old Magneto.

 

Many people say go Kickr for realiablity and connectivity. Just scared I will not manage the full benefit of all the computer info and feedback because I am certainly not "computer-friendly" and just now I can't get the thing working properly. Don't laugh!

 

The new ones with the more standardised protocols seem to just work with the software, so I don't think you have to worry too much about that.

 

Quite a few people here have had reliability problems with the older Tacx trainers, or with contacting their support. The newer ones like the Bushido Smart, etc seem to be better, can't speak for their support yet (though fake wood).

The support in SA for the CycleOps trainers are praised a lot on the hub, and the Wahoo support also seems like it could be good.

 

Skinnyone raises a good point though - you could check if you can use your current trainer plus an additional sesnor or two, with for example the CycleOps VirtualTraining software. It has a trial period, then you can see if it might work for you.

[Martin PJ]

I have rollers and love them. Pretty cheap too. Chain Reaction selling the Taxc Galaxia for R2200. This is what they are using at the Olympics to warm up on the track.

 

I makes riding indoors totally different, you need to concentrate on balance. So time goes quicker. Set up is also very quick. You also have a few accidents where you will fall off, so this adds to the excitement.

[BicyclePower]

New poster - hello everyone!

I know this topic has probably been done to death but I need advice from the "pros".

 

I have had a Cycleops SuperMagneto Pro for 4 years.  Been solid trainer, but will be able to afford to buy a new trainer in the near future.  Actually the steel roller has got a groove in it. Does that happen with these rollers or did I get a lemon?

 

Want to maybe go direct drive as a new experience.  Will be nice not having to put resistance on a roller with the wheel.

 

I am not worried about being kept entertained by thousands of "virtual routes" or training feedback while I ride the trainer. I am one of those rare crazies that LOOOOOVES my indoor trainer and motivation is just no problem. I don't ride the road or outside.  I ride the trainer everyday for 75 minutes as cardio to supplement gym training. Put on my ipod, put on the TV and crank out the kms for about 75 minutes. Go figure!!!

 

But I would like a trainer where I can play around with resistance during my session. Currently I decide on the day how I am feeling and then adjust the cycleops flywheel disk to one of the 4 levels for the whole session. (Those of you who know the Magento Pro will know what I am talking about).

 

So, been looking at Kickr, Tacx Neo, Cycleops Silencer, and I see there is going to be a new Cycleops Hammer coming at end of year.

 

I definitely don't want to find that it takes me 20 minutes to choose programs to cycle and get connected and then have so much info thrown at me I don't know whether I am going uphill or downhill.

 

I basically just need to have a direct drive where I can grind out the kms and maybe have a bit of info like heart rate, gradient and watts (although that will be new to me too)! Something sturdy, reliable, relatively quiet is what is am looking for. I don't want the computer taking over my training session. I am old and I do what my body can do, not what the computer tells me it should.

 

Also will be nice if the trainer can still work if there is an Eskom loadshedding session. Have about R25 000 to spend.

 

Thanks

Hi Suicide,

 

If your current CycleOps trainer has a grove in it we would like to offer a replacement unit to you as these trainers come with a lifetime warranty.

 

Further to this we can offer you a few options,

 

1.Replace your resistor with a brand new one (same model)

2. Replace your resistor with a Power Sync resistor ( frame remains the same) and pay in a small amount

3.Provide you a resistor as in option 1 and trade in the trainer for the hammer when they arrive. Hopefully as Skinnyone said late October/November

 

If you are in the JHB area, swing past our offices and will will gladly assist you in either of the above options and could discuss more options.

 

If you would like to demo a PowerSync first, before either option is chosen,that will also be ok with us, we have demo units available at all times for client to test before they invest.

 

We are here to assist you :-)

[SuicideSquad]

Hi Suicide,

 

If your current CycleOps trainer has a grove in it we would like to offer a replacement unit to you as these trainers come with a lifetime warranty.

 

Further to this we can offer you a few options,

 

1.Replace your resistor with a brand new one (same model)

2. Replace your resistor with a Power Sync resistor ( frame remains the same) and pay in a small amount

3.Provide you a resistor as in option 1 and trade in the trainer for the hammer when they arrive. Hopefully as Skinnyone said late October/November

 

If you are in the JHB area, swing past our offices and will will gladly assist you in either of the above options and could discuss more options.

 

If you would like to demo a PowerSync first, before either option is chosen,that will also be ok with us, we have demo units available at all times for client to test before they invest.

 

We are here to assist you :-)

Hell, that's good to hear. What good business. Will definitely be coming in to speak to you guys.

 

I am sure you will be able to advise me on adding a bit more to my training.  Instinct is telling me to stick with Cycleops as my Magneto trainer has seen lots of work and given me many, many hours of fun.  Got lots of faith in the product.

 

Thanks for the response and also to everyone else that has tried to help me out.

[KidCharlemagne]

Hi Suicide,

 

If your current CycleOps trainer has a grove in it we would like to offer a replacement unit to you as these trainers come with a lifetime warranty.

 

Further to this we can offer you a few options,

 

1.Replace your resistor with a brand new one (same model)

2. Replace your resistor with a Power Sync resistor ( frame remains the same) and pay in a small amount

3.Provide you a resistor as in option 1 and trade in the trainer for the hammer when they arrive. Hopefully as Skinnyone said late October/November

 

If you are in the JHB area, swing past our offices and will will gladly assist you in either of the above options and could discuss more options.

 

If you would like to demo a PowerSync first, before either option is chosen,that will also be ok with us, we have demo units available at all times for client to test before they invest.

 

We are here to assist you :-)

There we go!  Options all neatly packaged.  Good work BicyclePower.

[slakke3]

Nice BicyclePower

Cyclepos it is

[Dubber]

Hi Suicide,

 

If your current CycleOps trainer has a grove in it we would like to offer a replacement unit to you as these trainers come with a lifetime warranty.

 

Further to this we can offer you a few options,

 

1.Replace your resistor with a brand new one (same model)

2. Replace your resistor with a Power Sync resistor ( frame remains the same) and pay in a small amount

3.Provide you a resistor as in option 1 and trade in the trainer for the hammer when they arrive. Hopefully as Skinnyone said late October/November

 

If you are in the JHB area, swing past our offices and will will gladly assist you in either of the above options and could discuss more options.

 

If you would like to demo a PowerSync first, before either option is chosen,that will also be ok with us, we have demo units available at all times for client to test before they invest.

 

We are here to assist you :-)

Any demo options available in the CPT area?

[arendoog]

I have my spare MTB permanently on my Wahoo kickr .I connect it and train ,sometimes with a kinomap video and sometimes with wahoo trainer app .It is direct drive and stable platform for standing .The resistance can be set  very high .Many different resistance type settings .Like power in wattage ,incline ,wind resistance ext .CANNOT COMMENT ON CYCLEOPS 

[Pete the Pirate]

My 5 cents worth.

Fluid trainer. Quiet and very effective. Load shedding proof. Cycleops make one of the best.

Power crank with ANT head unit. Transferable to other bikes. Consistent readings indoors and on the road.

Good luck and happy shopping.

[Rocket-Boy]

Hi Suicide,

 

If your current CycleOps trainer has a grove in it we would like to offer a replacement unit to you as these trainers come with a lifetime warranty.

 

Further to this we can offer you a few options,

 

1.Replace your resistor with a brand new one (same model)

2. Replace your resistor with a Power Sync resistor ( frame remains the same) and pay in a small amount

3.Provide you a resistor as in option 1 and trade in the trainer for the hammer when they arrive. Hopefully as Skinnyone said late October/November

 

If you are in the JHB area, swing past our offices and will will gladly assist you in either of the above options and could discuss more options.

 

If you would like to demo a PowerSync first, before either option is chosen,that will also be ok with us, we have demo units available at all times for client to test before they invest.

 

We are here to assist you :-)

You cant beat that for a response, these guys are the reason I have a powerbeam pro!

[Mongoose!]

I can only say good thinks of my Cycleops powerbeam pro and service received from Dave and his team.