Training & Nutrition - Cycle Ops Fluid 2 trainer or Computrainer?

I have a choice to get either, but I haven't been able to get info on the Computrainer. I already posted this question, but I think it's been in the wrong place.

Anyway, can anyone tell me which one is better and why?

Koffee

What specific information are you looking for regarding the computrainer? Most information can be found at their website http://www.computrainer.com/index.asp

If I had to make a choice I would choose the CompuTrainer without a doubt. Simulated workout with a simulated training partner for you to train with/off. Nothing will simulate the road or give you the output of information like the computrainer. I loved mine when I had it... wish I had the money for one again, especially since they released the Topo software.

If you have any specific questions, ask away, I will do my best to answer them.

I don't know about the computrainer but I've been riding a fluid 2+ for three years now and it is very quiet and smooth. I have tried many different units over the years and none compare to it. I offers steady resistance for as long as you go, I have had no issues with it at all.

Thanks for the info so far. I guess what I'm now wondering is why I would buy a CompuTrainer over a Cycle Ops Fluid 2 Trainer. Both of them seem to have similar quantitative analyzers, but it just seems that the CompuTrainer has extra features to combat boredom, that's all. Am I missing something here?

Thanks,

Koffee

I don't know squat about the computrainer. I do however know that when the resistance unit on my cycle-ops fluid 2 blew up they replaced it free of charge and no questions asked. So the customer service from them gets a "thumbs-up" from me. I'm not sure if that's the info you're looking for Koffee, but I figured throwing it out wouldn't hurt.

Every little bit helps.

I can't believe no one has a Computrainer out there. Help!

Koffee

Koffee, I can't add much experience-wise about these two, but I have been doing similar research to you trying to figure out why I'd want the computrainer over the fluid 2. One thing that may be of interest to you is the Electronic Trainers (http://www.graberproducts.com/category/category_control.asp?nextForm=fDetailCategory&originForm=fDependentCategory&id=9&push=originForm%3DfDetailCategory%08nextForm%3DfDependentCategory%08id%3D3%08class%3D%08bctitle%3DAd ditional+Categories%08supplemental%3Dtrue) that CycleOps have introduced. From what I can find, they're priced from $600 depending on software, but I think are pretty new to the market so I'm having trouble finding much info about them. Seems to offer some of the 'anti-boredom' features of the computrainer, but I'm not sure if it actually gives you the screen images etc of the computrainer. Anyone know any more about these?

hi Koffee,
i got to try out this, altho it is expensive... the racer i was introduced to who was using it-used it 90% of his off season.
http://www.cbike.com/Tacx_imagic.htm
and it was great!!!
i have the cyclops fluid 2- no problem and it is well used for almost two years now.

Hmmmm. Booyah, I clicked on that link, and I didn't see anything about measuring power output. If that is not an optin, I'm not as interested. :( I could have sworn that the Cycle Ops Fluid 2 had a power output reader. I could be wrong.

I'm not worried about being bored on a trainer- heck I teach plenty of indoor cycling classes, and I've often come in early or stayed late for class and done an hour or two on my own time. Boredom is not a problem. I'd prefer to be able to have the option to preprogram my ride, or just ride straight and change my gears as I go. I'm more interested in something like that than some pretty pregrammed ride that gives me color graphics and claims to keep me from being bored. Cycling never bores me, no matter how I get it in! :)

Koffee

Hey Juci- That's a bit closer, but how is the noise factor? I could see myself getting kicked out of my condo if it was a loud trainer. Also, what is the performance data it collects? I don't see anything on the site that talks about what data you can download or what it records.

Thanks,

Koffee

Hmmmm. Booyah, I clicked on that link, and I didn't see anything about measuring power output. If that is not an optin, I'm not as interested. :( I could have sworn that the Cycle Ops Fluid 2 had a power output reader. I could be wrong.


Good point - my biggest trouble with this trainer has been finding info on it. I'm not looking to buy for a little bit yet, so I was just hanging back waiting for more detailed release info on the cycle ops website.

There's a bit more info on the Taxc at http://www.tacx.nl/ .

Not very much more info- when you go through clicking the links, you get dumped right back into the original link Juci provided, so it doesn't have much about what's being analyzed.

Juci, when you speak to your friend again, can you find out exactly what's being analyzed and let us know?

Koffee

Not very much more info- when you go through clicking the links, you get dumped right back into the original link Juci provided, so it doesn't have much about what's being analyzed.


Go to the Products -> Virtual Reality Trainers -> Click on the picture of the T1900 then go to the Dowload link. You can view the manuals for the provided software there. The i-magic virtual reality software manual tells you what data is collected in the Analyser software. Might help...

Go to the Products -> Virtual Reality Trainers -> Click on the picture of the T1900 then go to the Dowload link. You can view the manuals for the provided software there. The i-magic virtual reality software manual tells you what data is collected in the Analyser software. Might help...

Ok, did it, but unless I have the software, it won't let me take a look at the software.

:(

I think I'll just call them and talk to them tomorrow. Thanks for helping anyway.

Koffee

koffee,
have you checked out www.1upusa.com. it has a graph showing mph vs. power output...but (sigh) no real time readout. i've just heard good things about this one.

Koffee,

check out the Cyclops electronic trainers (just coming out now)
cycleops electronic (http://www.graberproducts.com/article/article_control.asp?nextForm=fDetailArticle&originForm=fDetailArticle&id=138&class=8&push=originForm%3DfDetailCategory%08nextForm%3DfAssociatedArticle%08id%3D9%08class%3D8%08bctitle%3DR elated+Products)
The electronic tracks: Heart rate, Cadence, Speed, Elapsed time, Calories
and I believe can be used with PowerTap for Watts etc.
It isn't so much to fight boredom but better measurements.

Marty

Hey Koffee,

Check out this yahoo group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/computrainer/?yguid=9603056

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/computrainer/


it has 161 members and 639 messages


------------------------------------------------

computrainer · The Computrainer is a list for owners of the Racermates CompuTrainer PC 1, 3D and Coaching Software, to discuss cycling, train Group Member [ Edit My Membership ]


Home
Messages
Post
Chat
Files
Photos
Links
Database
Polls
Members
Calendar

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Promote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

= Owner
= Moderator
= Online





Description Category: Cycling
The Computrainer is a list for owners of the Racermates CompuTrainer PC 1, 3D and Coaching Software, to discuss cycling, training methods, post questions and suggestions, swapping courses and saved races, and brag about their latest ride.


Most Recent Messages View all Messages (693)

Oct 8 Re: Does the pacer ride with perfect efficiency? - markfarnsworth
I think the way computrainer models aerodynamics explains the difference. If tw

Oct 8 Does the pacer ride with perfect efficiency? - tdfugate
I assume that the pacer's "spin scan" would be 100 if displayed -- and I under

Oct 5 dvd to mpeg4 - cbntiuniontpsql
Wanna copy one DVD on one CDROM with the same quality? Our software will let yo

Oct 4 Performance Central Update - kknorpp001
PERFORMANCE CENTRAL The Only Website Dedicated to Sharing Performance Files!

Oct 3 Re: Online TSS / IF calculator - bodil_2001
Here is a link to the Online TSS / IF calculator, release #1. http://www.virtus






Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2003 88 20 41 62 25 12 7 41 74 14
2002 30 25 8 3 4 3 3 45 38
2001 12 10 3 19 3 10 17
2000 17 3 2 13 3 24 4
1999 3 3 4


Group Email Addresses

For more information: mailto:Thomas.Russnak@intact.de
Post message: computrainer@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: computrainer-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: computrainer-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: computrainer-owner@yahoogroups.com

Membership
You are a member of this group

[ Edit My Membership ] [ Leave Group ]

Group Info
Members: 161
Founded: Feb 26, 1999
Language: English

Group Settings
· Listed in directory
· Open membership
· Unmoderated
· All members may post
· Public archives
· Email attachments are permitted

Cool- good resources I can check into. Thanks to everyone!

Koffee