Knighty
08-26-04, 11:34 AM
Does anyone have experience with the "electronic" trainers like Cycleops Electronic or Tacx i-Magic? Anyone used Netathlon software?
Training & Nutrition - Trainer Types
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Ric Stern
08-26-04, 12:44 PM
yes, almost, and yes
Knighty
08-26-04, 05:20 PM
What are your experineces vs non-electronic? Does the web racing perform well?
Ric Stern
08-27-04, 12:38 AM
What are your experineces vs non-electronic? Does the web racing perform well?
in the *less than* UK£2000/US$3600 i've found that the Cycleops trainer feels the best. I've used most but not all of the available trainers, and own the Cycleops, Elite Axiom (also feels good but you need your PC with it to work properly), and Tacx trainers.
IMO, the Tacx flywheel is way too small and consequently doesn't feel too realistic. i've not used the I-Magic but it's basically the same resistance unit (or at least it was they could have changed it) as the Grand Excel which i have. The Flow, which supposedly can be calibrated is, on the data i've seen even more inaccurate on power readings than some of the other Tacx units.
The Cycleops needs you to plug in your PC for the fancy stuff, but should you not have time to set it up in such a way every ride, can be used as a standalone trainer unit (unlike the Axiom).
The Netathlon graphics are good and as you go up and downhill the resistance increases and decreases automatically. you can also programme in your own files from e.g., Power Tap, SRM to replicate a previous session.
I've not used the web racing section, so can't comment on that. if anyone has this option and wants to train "with" others over the net, perhaps we could get everyone to report when they're available for training like this.
in my experience, if all i'm doing is an interval session then i'd rather use the trainer without the grahics and just concentrate on getting it over and done with. if on the other hand it's hammering down with rain and i'm supposed to do a 4hr session i'll set the trainer up with the PC and it's more interesting that way.
ric
in the *less than* UK£2000/US$3600 i've found that the Cycleops trainer feels the best. I've used most but not all of the available trainers, and own the Cycleops, Elite Axiom (also feels good but you need your PC with it to work properly), and Tacx trainers.
IMO, the Tacx flywheel is way too small and consequently doesn't feel too realistic. i've not used the I-Magic but it's basically the same resistance unit (or at least it was they could have changed it) as the Grand Excel which i have. The Flow, which supposedly can be calibrated is, on the data i've seen even more inaccurate on power readings than some of the other Tacx units.
The Cycleops needs you to plug in your PC for the fancy stuff, but should you not have time to set it up in such a way every ride, can be used as a standalone trainer unit (unlike the Axiom).
The Netathlon graphics are good and as you go up and downhill the resistance increases and decreases automatically. you can also programme in your own files from e.g., Power Tap, SRM to replicate a previous session.
I've not used the web racing section, so can't comment on that. if anyone has this option and wants to train "with" others over the net, perhaps we could get everyone to report when they're available for training like this.
in my experience, if all i'm doing is an interval session then i'd rather use the trainer without the grahics and just concentrate on getting it over and done with. if on the other hand it's hammering down with rain and i'm supposed to do a 4hr session i'll set the trainer up with the PC and it's more interesting that way.
ric
Knighty
08-27-04, 11:27 AM
Ric, thanks for the feedback. I am planning on purchasing the Cycleops Electronic trainer with the Netathlon software in the next month. I'd love to meet some others and do some group rides or races over the Fall/Winter/Spring. There is a Yahoo group dedicated to Netathlon users.
I also understand that you can program courses from .csv files (Excel). I assume that is distance/elevation measurements. Do you think it is possible to use a GPS device to record a regular training route and translate that data into useful data for input into the trainer? I have no experience with GPS so not sure how that data can be saved or recorded.
I also understand that you can program courses from .csv files (Excel). I assume that is distance/elevation measurements. Do you think it is possible to use a GPS device to record a regular training route and translate that data into useful data for input into the trainer? I have no experience with GPS so not sure how that data can be saved or recorded.
Ric Stern
08-27-04, 02:04 PM
Ric, thanks for the feedback. I am planning on purchasing the Cycleops Electronic trainer with the Netathlon software in the next month. I'd love to meet some others and do some group rides or races over the Fall/Winter/Spring. There is a Yahoo group dedicated to Netathlon users.
if you find the group - let me know please! cheers
I also understand that you can program courses from .csv files (Excel). I assume that is distance/elevation measurements. Do you think it is possible to use a GPS device to record a regular training route and translate that data into useful data for input into the trainer? I have no experience with GPS so not sure how that data can be saved or recorded.
as far as i'm aware the ability to use csv files is to replicate sessions from the PowerTap (which are CSV file). in other words you'd be able to programme in a previous training session or race in terms of power. admittedly, i don't know how this bit works, but should do by next week
ric
if you find the group - let me know please! cheers
I also understand that you can program courses from .csv files (Excel). I assume that is distance/elevation measurements. Do you think it is possible to use a GPS device to record a regular training route and translate that data into useful data for input into the trainer? I have no experience with GPS so not sure how that data can be saved or recorded.
as far as i'm aware the ability to use csv files is to replicate sessions from the PowerTap (which are CSV file). in other words you'd be able to programme in a previous training session or race in terms of power. admittedly, i don't know how this bit works, but should do by next week
ric
Knighty
08-27-04, 02:14 PM
In the online documentation it says "Manually create your own courses!" and then something about .csv files OR SRM OR Powertap, etc. Would be great if I could recreate my favourite training routes!