Racer Ex 

Thought it would be interesting and informational to share trainer set ups. There are always nuances and ideas out there to make the trainer more tolerable, or even (sort of) fun.



Trainer: Tacx Vortex (smart trainer) ANT+
Bike: TT or road.
PM: SRM
Data Recording: PC7 downloaded to WKO.
Trainer tire: Used and well cleaned past it's road life IRC with a tube.

I use this set up for Zwift or the Tacx software program, run on my PC with an HDMI cable to the big screen. I've got the Tacx tablet bar mount on the road bike, it's handy for the cell phone or other stuff, and for when I use the Tacx App on my tablet. Can't use it on the TT bike though. I move the PC7 off the bars and put it on the seat post. For Zwift I'll pair the SRM for cadence so it's real and not an estimate.

Still learning the Tacx software program, so no screen shot. Likely I'll be programming some specific workouts as we move into build.

My set up is "temporary" in my living room. 5 minute set up time. I throw an older area rug down on the good carpet to keep drops of sweat off the good rug. The fan pulls air off the window, so it's several degrees below the room temp. Can get downright chilly.

I'll probably get a stand for the computer at some point, especially now that Zwift is putting turn choices in their courses.



This is my Tacx App set up. The tablet talks to the trainer via Bluetooth, again I run an HDMI cable to the big screen TV. The screen shot is Flanders, the app let's you download video for $10 or so a course. For me it's easier to be more disciplined doing this than Zwift, where I tend to get caught up in chasing rabbits.

I can check the ski conditions from the trainer. Yes:



Maybe tomorrow:



For background encouragement I'll throw Pandora on the home theater. Choices vary according to the workout. If you're doing a lot of sprint type intervals...

Cleave

Every year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Roger plays polka music for part of interval workout. It kind of works.

YogaKat

@Racer Ex That is a sweet setup!

Funny you started this thread. I'm in the process of rearranging furniture, etc. to get my set up going. One of those nights that I'm on an organization spree. Working on a way to let my bike live in the living room instead of the garage. Although Mr. YK hasn't said anything about it since she's been inside for the last few days. Maybe he's coming around.

dunderhi

@Racer Ex - that a pretty nice set-up. I've been tempted to go the big screen route myself, but for now space is a little tight.



Here's the overview: we finished our basement to have about 1,000sqft gym for the misses and a 500sqft work/storage area for me. Slowly over the years, more and more bike equipment has been moving into the wife's gym.




I recently purchased a TACX Neo along with their Neo Track steering unit. I'm using an Alienware gaming machine with a super sharp 3849x2160 17" monitor. The video is still pretty smooth when going 55mph down a mountain.




Finally, my latest project (completed last night) is a 2D motion platform for my rollers. Since I have three sets of rollers, I designed the platform so than any set can be placed on it with ease. Here's my post in the Track Cycling Forum: What are your Winter Projects?

Gyrine

Perfect "pain cave" setup for The Sufferfest.

bostongarden

Wow, you all are fancy. Looks great! I used to use a computrainer. It started making a scraping sound now and then, so, I switched to my Blackburn wind trainer from the early 1990s. Nothing fancy, but I like it. I'm in the corner of the dining room, which we use as a game/sports area. I do have a nice industry-level fan, and a clock-radio in there

YogaKat

Another impressive setup!

Bandera

Lousy pic: '88 Cateye Cyclo-simulator and the fixed gear. Neil Young channel on Pandora and the ceiling fan on high.

-Bandera

sarals 

Mines a mess. And I don't want anyone seeing all the $#@^ I have in my bedroom, so no photo!

sarals 

I've seen some sweet setups here, though, so when i get the time, I'll rearrange. I do wish a bigger screen and a smart trainer was in my budget, though....

sarals 

I read through the Zwift recommendations just a while ago, and found their suggestions for my trainer (a Blackburn). They suggest Resistence Level 2; I have it set for 3. Hmmm. It might ride a little better if I set it for 2? I'll have to try it.