Originally Posted by
B. Realization
Take a look at a Tacx Fortius. It actually plays a DVD (many are of tour stages) at the speed in which you cycle and varies resistance depending on incline/decline in the DVD. Seen the other day they have a DVD out where you ride with the Schlecks, Rabobank, and some other teams. I don't have that many DVDs but the ones I do have (mostly spring classics) are pretty kewl.
It has been raining here for 2 days. Yesterday I did the "Training with Rabobank" Ergovideo on my Tacx Fortius.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnZTAz8ORY
You have to maintain the same power output as the Rabobank team to keep up (just like a fast group ride). You can set the system to do a smaller percentage of their power output though if you wish (80%, etc,). I did it yesterday at 100% of their output and was right at my threshold up most of the hills. It is a fun and challenging workout.
Monday I did the 4 hour "Alpine Classic" workout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG12AUsr8c
This one includes climbs of the Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez (the exact same climbs as in this years Tour de France). It replicates this ride as good as you could ever do on an indoor trainer. It took me just over 4 hours and kept my interest (not easy on a 4 hour trainer ride).
I also have another bike on a Kurt Kinetic trainer in the winter and use it with Spinervals and CTS workouts (Wisconsin - long winters). I think I prefer the Kurt Kinetic system slightly better but I can do much longer workouts on the Taxc Fortius.