Got my new trainer!!!
12-15-04, 09:37 PM
#1
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In a bit of a search to get the most for my money ($350), I came across the CycleOps Fluid 2, and really thought it was the way I wanted to go.
Then, I found the Travel Trac Millenium Wireless, by Performance Bike for $299. It is basically the same thing as the CycleOps, ie Progressive. But, it also came with a wireless computer that is accurate, easy to read, and clamps to the handlebars with a little QR. Nice touch.
It's really a neat trainer. I actually like it a bit more than the CycleOps, because of the computer. I tried a demo CycleOps at REI, it seems very similar to the Performance trainer.
It also uses 4-AA batteries, 2 for the trainer, 2 for the computer. Which is very nice, instead of using some expensive odd shaped battery, not readily available. Wow, somebody was actually thinking of the average guy/gal when they made this.
The trainer is also very easy to set up. It took me about 15 minutes to pretty much get it together and figure out how to use the computer.
One thing I have noticed, this trainer seems to be more difficult than actually riding. When I ride on the road, I can easily cruise around 19-20mph. But, on the trainer, I find I have to drop one gear, and cruise about 16mph. Either I am way out of shape, or this thing really is tougher. Either way, after only 30 mins, I was really starting to work up a sweat. It is also very quiet. I can easily watch DVD's on my computer without having to crank up the volume.
I may be a bit of a whimp, because I live in the Seattle area, and hate riding in the rain, so this trainer is really the ticket for me to keep up in the winter. Kind of funny, since I will with no question, brave the most treacherous weather for my skiing. Gale force winds, blizzards, and ice pelting me in the face, is but a mear nuiscance in my search for the best powder on the hill.
Anyway, I don't know about historical longevity of this brand/model, but it seems to made very similarly to the CycleOps, so I am hoping it will last. Other than not really knowing much about its long term reliability reputation, I would recommend this machine for those looking for a good progressive fluid trainer with a wireless computer that is very simple to use, and have only about $300 to spend.
Then, I found the Travel Trac Millenium Wireless, by Performance Bike for $299. It is basically the same thing as the CycleOps, ie Progressive. But, it also came with a wireless computer that is accurate, easy to read, and clamps to the handlebars with a little QR. Nice touch.
It's really a neat trainer. I actually like it a bit more than the CycleOps, because of the computer. I tried a demo CycleOps at REI, it seems very similar to the Performance trainer.
It also uses 4-AA batteries, 2 for the trainer, 2 for the computer. Which is very nice, instead of using some expensive odd shaped battery, not readily available. Wow, somebody was actually thinking of the average guy/gal when they made this.
The trainer is also very easy to set up. It took me about 15 minutes to pretty much get it together and figure out how to use the computer.
One thing I have noticed, this trainer seems to be more difficult than actually riding. When I ride on the road, I can easily cruise around 19-20mph. But, on the trainer, I find I have to drop one gear, and cruise about 16mph. Either I am way out of shape, or this thing really is tougher. Either way, after only 30 mins, I was really starting to work up a sweat. It is also very quiet. I can easily watch DVD's on my computer without having to crank up the volume.
I may be a bit of a whimp, because I live in the Seattle area, and hate riding in the rain, so this trainer is really the ticket for me to keep up in the winter. Kind of funny, since I will with no question, brave the most treacherous weather for my skiing. Gale force winds, blizzards, and ice pelting me in the face, is but a mear nuiscance in my search for the best powder on the hill.
Anyway, I don't know about historical longevity of this brand/model, but it seems to made very similarly to the CycleOps, so I am hoping it will last. Other than not really knowing much about its long term reliability reputation, I would recommend this machine for those looking for a good progressive fluid trainer with a wireless computer that is very simple to use, and have only about $300 to spend.
Last edited by Patriot; 12-15-04 at 10:09 PM.
12-15-04, 11:00 PM
#2
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I love my trainer too! Riding the trainer *is* harder than the road ... well, I think so. There is no rollout. Stop spinning on the trainer at 20 mph and you stop dead in seconds. This doesn't happen on the road. In the absence of being out on the road, a fluid trainer isn't half bad at all. Unlike many who say it's boring, I can kill 90 minutes quite easily. Better than not riding at all.
Nice early present!
Nice early present!
12-16-04, 12:24 AM
#3
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Yeah, Santa was thinking of getting me a trainer for Christmas. But, Santa came to me, and said, "Go get the one you want, your budget is $350." So, that is what I ended up with. I figure it is the best bang for my buck, as compared to other brands. Santa has informed me that there may be some new cycling shorts in my stocking as well. So far, this is turning out to be a good Christmas. 
12-16-04, 01:13 AM
#4
Whateverthehell
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santa never gets me anything cool...
=\
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12-16-04, 03:26 AM
#6
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I just got a fluid trainer also... and I love it, just did 40 minutes (9 miles) today. I think it is harder than the road too, quite a bit, could hang about 19 - 20 before hiting my lactic acid threshold... ahhh! Great workout, feels like I am really doing something.
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Just your average club rider... :)
Just your average club rider... :)
12-16-04, 03:52 AM
#7
Originally Posted by Patriot
Anyway, I don't know about historical longevity of this brand/model, but it seems to made very similarly to the CycleOps, so I am hoping it will last. Other than not really knowing much about its long term reliability reputation, I would recommend this machine for those looking for a good progressive fluid trainer with a wireless computer that is very simple to use, and have only about $300 to spend.
meaning the factory’s probably only engaged to stick to the Elite name in Europe.
Anyway though. It’s a good trainer similar in quality to a CycleOps fluid2 (only with electronics)
By the way. You know you can get riser blocks very cheap ?
You did a very good job on that frame of yours, but that block ?
This one is cheap and give you 3 different positions (4 with the floor)
12-16-04, 04:12 AM
#8
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Well, the block was sort of a quick solution. I just improvised, since I don't have one yet. I do have to admit though, my bike is perfectly level, and it allows for a small amount of movement. Works perfectly, but admittedly looks like crappola. Oh well.
Yeah, it the roller and computer looks just like the Elite. Except the frame is a little differant (paint job). The one I have seems very stable, and strong.
I wonder how many calories per hour you burn at 16mph on this thing? hmmmm......I would guess about 1000 kcal?
Yeah, it the roller and computer looks just like the Elite. Except the frame is a little differant (paint job). The one I have seems very stable, and strong.
I wonder how many calories per hour you burn at 16mph on this thing? hmmmm......I would guess about 1000 kcal?
Last edited by Patriot; 12-16-04 at 05:12 AM.
12-16-04, 05:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Patriot
Well, the block was sort of a quick solution. I just improvised, since I don't have one yet. I do have to admit though, my bike is perfectly level, and it allows for a small amount of movement. Works perfectly, but admittedly looks like crappola. Oh well.
Yeah, it the roller and computer looks just like the Elite. Except the frame is a little differant (paint job). The one I have seems very stable, and strong.
I wonder how many calories per hour you burn at 16mph on this thing? hmmmm......I would guess about 1000 kcal?
Yeah, it the roller and computer looks just like the Elite. Except the frame is a little differant (paint job). The one I have seems very stable, and strong.
I wonder how many calories per hour you burn at 16mph on this thing? hmmmm......I would guess about 1000 kcal?
See how this starts???
12-16-04, 11:13 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Now you have to get a Polar...
See how this starts???
See how this starts???
