RockyMtnMerlin

Thanks - although I don't race (just promote and officiate). Sounds like fortius is kinda like some of the cat 4/5 races I read about here!

LT Intolerant

ain't it the truth!

El Diablo Rojo

Having owned both the Computrainer is a better 'training' device and the Tacx is a better entertainment device. If you are using to train with specific goals the Computrainer is better, the Tacx is better at relieving the boredom of training with the RLV option. Climbing Mt Ventoux was pretty cool, but it wasn't the best thing for me to do specific workouts with.

sherbornpeddler

i still love the Tacx. Entertainment inspired fitness works for me.
Now I a m in the hunt for a "best value" display and PC.

patentcad

You will rue the day.

gsteinb

I have a computrainer that's so old it works on an ancient nintendo unit.

sherbornpeddler

P Cad, I hear what you are saying and believe your experience is a huge opportunity for tacx to improve. You like to get a product and put it to use rather it becoming a time sink and distraction?

Do you use videos? What do you use for a display?
I'm thinking of moving from my laptop to a monitor, big TV or a projector; my winter splurge budget is about $850 budget.

LT Intolerant

For TACX to improve they would need to change the culture of the company, and listen to their users. When you read the forums you realize there is a lot of frustration out there that TACX is not addressing. You can't get better if you don't care about getting better, and TACX is an organization who doesn't care IMO.

sherbornpeddler

LT I,
I couldn't agree more. I have a Saris Powertap and get GREAT service. They get it. It isn't a perfect product but the company is forthright, listens, cares; I can't say enough about them. Oddly, Tacx hosts an active, informative, helpful forum and an intriguing product. I'd speculate it might be US distribution/support but firmly believe it starts at the top.

What say we force a conversation with Tacx? Here or on their own forum? They can't control this one.
Money talks: Anyone care to speculate how big is the market and who has what market share? Computrainer must be gaining market share...

LT Intolerant

Heck, they can't even control the discussions on their own forum! TACX nees to read their forums first and address the issues that are right under collective noses. In fact TACX should offer to make any unhappy user whole, by offering money back or replacement units for the Fortius IMO.

I am on a personal crusade to prevent anyone else from going through the misery I've gone through trying to make the Fortius work. I spent $ 1,500 + with them and I plan to cost them a helluva lot more than that by telling every potential buyer I come in contact with NOT to buy their product becaue of my experience.

On a side note I bought a KK road machine this week and the thing is pure! EASY assembly, GREAT feel, SMOOTH as butter. TACX should outsource the design and manufacture of their trainers to KK. They "get it".

sherbornpeddler

I am in favor of communication bad and good experience. I went on their forum and oddly found pockets of very helpful Tacx folks (customizing VR bikes and uniforms)

LT Intolerant

Good to hear. Who knows, maybe they can be taught.

DrWJODonnell

nah, don't believe it. I am a Tacx user and swear by their trainers (I own an I-magic, Fortius, and a swing), and while the web people are good and try to do their best, it is a small, mom and pop company who just refuse to listen. All of their efforts are on new product development and not fixing the old ones. I will say that the US distributor (Oschner) and particularly Rudy are extremely helpful. The company's problems exist AT the company. The good thing is that there are so many god people who recognize the potential of the products and so they (we) try to help out whomever we can.

sherbornpeddler

you guys know what you are talking about; a fascinating business case. Success needs market, product and people ( in Tacx) . Maybe there are questions of each.