magnetic trainer

[Be4dawn]

Hi

 

I would like to know if it will be worth it getting a trainer like this to cycle indoor if im not able to go on the road. your feedback would be apreciated.

 

https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/giant-cyclotron-magnetic-indoor-trainer

 

Thanks

[shaper]

Depends how you will use it? If you are wanting to do Zwift, then check which non smart trainers are suitable

[Be4dawn]

mostly for training low intensity indoors. I work late most nights and dont fancy a cycle in the dark.

 

Also for my wife to train on as she cant tealy cycle alone.

 

I just want to be sure i can use this for training for raid events if i cant get out on the road to ride during the week.

 

I have to admit the zwift option looks incredible migjt go that way just a bit pricy.

[Rocket-Boy]

My experience with normal trainers(non-smart) is that they get super boring in a hurry and you end up not using them.

I often have the hassle of not being able to get on to the road because its dark when I get home and things like zwift, trainer road and cycleops change it completely.

My wife even enjoys using those apps and she isnt very into cycling!

[Vetplant]

I would not spend that kind of money on that trainer at Sportsmans warehouse.

 

However, a classic trainer is easily interfaced with Zwift, you just need to check on their website whether their systems are updated with the speed-power curve("Virtual power"):

https://zwift.com/get-started

 

Then you just need a speed sensor on the back wheel and an ANT+ dongle for the LAptop and you are set-up perfectly.

 

Check the classifieds, plenty of trainers to choose from, I bought mine secondhand for R500 and I  am thoroughly enjoying my IDT time on Zwift. 

[Vetplant]

There's one for you:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/263435-giant-cycletron/

 

And it is mapped on Zwift, go for it. 

[Be4dawn]

double post

[Be4dawn]

the classic trainers are they also as accurate when mapped up as the smart trainer? My wife would also enjoy this alot . what does the speed sensor cost on the back wheel? can you point me into a direction plzz

[Rocket-Boy]

the classic trainers are they also as accurate when mapped up as the smart trainer? My wife would also enjoy this alot .

No, they calculate virtual power and they cant adjust the resistance as you go up and down hills etc.

You can add a powermeter to your bike and get real power but it still wont adjust the resistance and would be more expensive than actually getting a smart trainer.

[shaper]

If you want a smart trainer, maybe this https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/238643-price-drop-cycleops-powerbeam-pro-bt/

[Be4dawn]

what smart trainer do you use atm? I would like it to he as real as posible

[shaper]

I use to have the cycleops powercync, now I have a cycleops magnus https://www.bicyclepower.co.za/product/magnus-electronic-indoor-trainer/

 

If you got the bucks you might want to consider this on sale http://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/tacx-t2900-flux-smart-trainer

 

Not sure where you based, but cycle lab will be having a clearance sale starting 25 August http://cyclelab.com/ so might be worth waiting to see what they have on sale, especially if you are with momentum or know someone on momentum who can get extra discount

 

Quite a few will uses the wahoo Kickr snap or Kickr

 

Depends what your budget is!!

[Vetplant]

the classic trainers are they also as accurate when mapped up as the smart trainer? My wife would also enjoy this alot . what does the speed sensor cost on the back wheel? can you point me into a direction plzz

Look, you are going to have to make a choice about how much you want to spend, as it is with most things in life.

 

Cheap as possible: Classic Trainer (R400) + Bluetooth Speed Sensor(R600) = R1000

You still have allot of fun, trust me. It is actually all about putting the power out consistently, I don't really worry about the inclines in Zwift and whether or not the resistance changes. I gear up or down on the shifter as I want to increase or decrease the resistance. To get a feel of how to climb hills I just go out and climb hills. In the past I have trained on a Smart Trainer and it is still not able to replicate a hill for me in all honesty.

 

Here is a speed sensor in the classifieds, it is Ant+ and not bluetooth so you would need a Ant+ dongle(R500) as well if you go with this one. Probably better to look for the Wahoo Bluetooth one.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/262622-garmin-speed-and-cadence-sensor/

 

However, if you do have R5000 or more to spend then it might be worthwhile to look into the smart trainers available in the calssifieds and as Shaper said, look out for the clearance sales. They are most probably more enjoyble to ride on, but for me the bang is not worth the bucks, but that is just me.

[Be4dawn]

ok so if i get the wahoo bluetooth sensor i still need a usb sensor for my computer as i dont want to run through my iphone? Yeah i want to go as cheap as possible and try buy right the 1st time.

[Vetplant]

ok so if i get the wahoo bluetooth sensor i still need a usb sensor for my computer as i dont want to run through my iphone? Yeah i want to go as cheap as possible and try buy right the 1st time.

Just double check your computer, by now I would imagine that most computers have bluetooth. If your computer does not have Bluetooth, then maybe Garmin might work out slightly cheaper.

 

You can possibly shop around for better prices but your current cheapest set ups will be one of the following:

 

GARMIN route:

Indoor Trainer: R400 (https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/263435-giant-cycletron/)

Garmin Speed and Cadence: R500 (https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/262622-garmin-speed-and-cadence-sensor/)

Ant+ stick for computer: R500 (https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/241518-sale-usb-ant-dongle-stick/)

=R1400

 

Bluetooth Route:

Indoor Trainer: R400 (Same as above)

Wahoo speed sensor: R900 (https://www.buycycle.co.za/mountain-bike/technology/technology-accesories/wahoo-speed-sensor/)

Bluetooth Dongle: R180 (https://www.takealot.com/bluetooth-usb-dongle/PLID41545170)

=R1480

 

Between the two options I would suggest the Garmin route. That way you have compatibility with Garmin Products for future expansion(Heartrate etc).

 

Zwift subscriptions is $10 a month, month-to-month, totally worth it, low risk commitment.

[Be4dawn]

mmmm thanks alot mate i realy apreciate all the help and research. I currently use a polar h7 heart rate monitor that i pair to apple watch when needed,will check compatibilty of it to these devices. think i might go this route for now. its alot cheaper than the smart trainers.