Bike trainers and stationary bikes
07-24-17, 02:48 AM
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Bike trainers and stationary bikes
I just learned about bike trainers and stationary bikes that have street view of real roads, being able to ride with other people, and even race them. I'm putting together a garage gym, and love this idea, from what I'm understanding some of these can be put on a flat screen,and that some will adjust themselves to the place your riding with resistance automaticly. I don't know which are the best ones made with the best graphics, and closest to a real ride. I'm leaning towards a trainer, so I can use my bike. I'll probably be looking for used maybe 2-3 years old. Any advice would be appreciated. My riding habits are mostly long rides,not really racing, just enjoying the scenery.
07-24-17, 04:55 AM
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Your best bet is to put your bicycle on rollers.
Next best is to put your bicycle onto a trainer.
Next up are spin bikes ... real spin bikes.
And finally, somewhere down the list, are stationary bikes.
If you want to ride with others etc. etc. ... look at Zwift. There might be others, but I think Zwift is the main one.
Personally, I've got my bicycle on a trainer, and I do commercial intervals with it. But I toy with the idea of getting Zwift at some point.
Next best is to put your bicycle onto a trainer.
Next up are spin bikes ... real spin bikes.
And finally, somewhere down the list, are stationary bikes.
If you want to ride with others etc. etc. ... look at Zwift. There might be others, but I think Zwift is the main one.
Personally, I've got my bicycle on a trainer, and I do commercial intervals with it. But I toy with the idea of getting Zwift at some point.
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07-24-17, 08:51 AM
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CycleOps app lets you sync your ride to real world locations. You would need a speed/cadence sensor or a power meter to do this, or get a trainer that has power capability. Their website has a lot of info about what is available, and what is compatible.
https://www.cycleops.com/virtualtraining/compatibility
As far as I know Zwift is always a virtual video game world, but they have a couple of maps that mimic real life courses. You'd also need a speed/cadence sensor at a minimum. They also offer a 7 day free trial to check it out.
Trainer Road doesn't have the video, but can be pinned on a screen to allow you to watch what you want to watch, whether it's a movie, or something else. They do allow you to sync with sufferfest videos, or at least used to.
Sufferfest is yet another option.
Ultimately though, none of these will come with a trainer. You need to have one that is compatible with whatever training software you want to use, as well as the appropriate equipment as part of the trainer, or on your bike, to interface with these programs.
If all you want to do is go for long rides, and dont have particular training goals, I'd say look at the CycleOps Fluid 2 or the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine, paired with Zwift or with the CycleOps app.
https://www.cycleops.com/virtualtraining/compatibility
As far as I know Zwift is always a virtual video game world, but they have a couple of maps that mimic real life courses. You'd also need a speed/cadence sensor at a minimum. They also offer a 7 day free trial to check it out.
Trainer Road doesn't have the video, but can be pinned on a screen to allow you to watch what you want to watch, whether it's a movie, or something else. They do allow you to sync with sufferfest videos, or at least used to.
Sufferfest is yet another option.
Ultimately though, none of these will come with a trainer. You need to have one that is compatible with whatever training software you want to use, as well as the appropriate equipment as part of the trainer, or on your bike, to interface with these programs.
If all you want to do is go for long rides, and dont have particular training goals, I'd say look at the CycleOps Fluid 2 or the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine, paired with Zwift or with the CycleOps app.
07-30-17, 03:55 PM
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Read in depth from Ray Maker's top notch blog:
2016-2017 Trainer App In-Depth Guide
2016-2017 Bike Trainer Recommendations
and some older hardware here:
2014-2015 Bike Trainer Recommendations
My own recommendation would be Zwift running on a PC, Mac or recent iOS device, paired with your own bike and a smart trainer of your choice. Zwift allows you to run all the programmed workouts you'd like, and has progressive training plans built-in. You can build or borrow new workouts easily.
TrainerRoad is devoted to progessive training plans, and has a rich library built in that could keep you well occupied year after year.
There are other apps like TrainerRoad, and a few others somewhat like Zwift. There's a third variety, which provide video and programmed resistance for many real world courses.
I like Zwift because for me, and hundreds of others at any hour 24/7/365, it provides a social experience that transforms the home workout room into a group ride or race whenever you want. For me, that is a richer experience day after day than a variety of real world courses, and more motivational than a solo workout in the garage. The software is good, but the network effect -- the fact that there are hundreds of other real live people (or thousands) riding on the same course around you -- is what makes me return to it time after time. And if you use Strava, your rides will upload to Strava as a virtual ride, complete with segment records, etc.
I've done TrainerRoad, and I've done real world software, and I've tried several others. Each has its strengths and I'll do a real world ride (like Flanders or Alpe d'Huez) from time to time, to get a reminder of what the pros are riding. Different people will prefer different software.
2016-2017 Trainer App In-Depth Guide
2016-2017 Bike Trainer Recommendations
and some older hardware here:
2014-2015 Bike Trainer Recommendations
My own recommendation would be Zwift running on a PC, Mac or recent iOS device, paired with your own bike and a smart trainer of your choice. Zwift allows you to run all the programmed workouts you'd like, and has progressive training plans built-in. You can build or borrow new workouts easily.
TrainerRoad is devoted to progessive training plans, and has a rich library built in that could keep you well occupied year after year.
There are other apps like TrainerRoad, and a few others somewhat like Zwift. There's a third variety, which provide video and programmed resistance for many real world courses.
I like Zwift because for me, and hundreds of others at any hour 24/7/365, it provides a social experience that transforms the home workout room into a group ride or race whenever you want. For me, that is a richer experience day after day than a variety of real world courses, and more motivational than a solo workout in the garage. The software is good, but the network effect -- the fact that there are hundreds of other real live people (or thousands) riding on the same course around you -- is what makes me return to it time after time. And if you use Strava, your rides will upload to Strava as a virtual ride, complete with segment records, etc.
I've done TrainerRoad, and I've done real world software, and I've tried several others. Each has its strengths and I'll do a real world ride (like Flanders or Alpe d'Huez) from time to time, to get a reminder of what the pros are riding. Different people will prefer different software.
07-30-17, 08:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Machka
Your best bet is to put your bicycle on rollers.
Next best is to put your bicycle onto a trainer.
Next up are spin bikes ... real spin bikes.
And finally, somewhere down the list, are stationary bikes.
Next best is to put your bicycle onto a trainer.
Next up are spin bikes ... real spin bikes.
And finally, somewhere down the list, are stationary bikes.
07-31-17, 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by sideshow
...My riding habits are mostly long rides,not really racing, just enjoying the scenery.
Here's a search for more: youtube cycling videos for indoor training.
08-24-17, 09:33 AM
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I am just getting into the trainer world. I have been demoing the virtual trainer from Bkool and it is pretty awesome so far.
It is the same price a Zwift but you can do velodrome games, 3d, 2d, and video courses. It also allows you to do standalone workouts or join a class.
Admittedly, it is not as social as Zwift as its user base is not as large, but you can have your friends join, create clubs, and all ride together.
The big kicker for me was the ability to upload .gpx routes. I am preparing for a ride out of state and I will have the ability to ride that course to practice before I get there. So far the uploaded routes appear to be 2d, but you can still have others ride with you.
Hope this helps.
It is the same price a Zwift but you can do velodrome games, 3d, 2d, and video courses. It also allows you to do standalone workouts or join a class.
Admittedly, it is not as social as Zwift as its user base is not as large, but you can have your friends join, create clubs, and all ride together.
The big kicker for me was the ability to upload .gpx routes. I am preparing for a ride out of state and I will have the ability to ride that course to practice before I get there. So far the uploaded routes appear to be 2d, but you can still have others ride with you.
Hope this helps.
08-25-17, 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by hwscott2
I am just getting into the trainer world. I have been demoing the virtual trainer from Bkool and it is pretty awesome so far.
It is the same price a Zwift but you can do velodrome games, 3d, 2d, and video courses. It also allows you to do standalone workouts or join a class.
Admittedly, it is not as social as Zwift as its user base is not as large, but you can have your friends join, create clubs, and all ride together.
The big kicker for me was the ability to upload .gpx routes. I am preparing for a ride out of state and I will have the ability to ride that course to practice before I get there. So far the uploaded routes appear to be 2d, but you can still have others ride with you.
Hope this helps.
It is the same price a Zwift but you can do velodrome games, 3d, 2d, and video courses. It also allows you to do standalone workouts or join a class.
Admittedly, it is not as social as Zwift as its user base is not as large, but you can have your friends join, create clubs, and all ride together.
The big kicker for me was the ability to upload .gpx routes. I am preparing for a ride out of state and I will have the ability to ride that course to practice before I get there. So far the uploaded routes appear to be 2d, but you can still have others ride with you.
Hope this helps.
08-25-17, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bobwysiwyg
Just curious, which model Bkool trainer are you using, I noticed there are two. Wondering about difference in functionality between the two.
It is now basically identical to the Vortex with the major difference is Flow=800W and 6% max grade where the Vortex=950W and 7%.
Sorry if my last post was misleading.
08-29-17, 01:17 PM
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I own SportsCrafters Overdrive Pro rollers with progressive resistance.
The Overdrive drum contains magnets which move inside the drum increasing resistance as speed increases. These easily allow threshold and interval workouts.
Smart rollers exist but they are not ready for prime time.
-Tim-
The Overdrive drum contains magnets which move inside the drum increasing resistance as speed increases. These easily allow threshold and interval workouts.
Smart rollers exist but they are not ready for prime time.
-Tim-
08-31-17, 09:54 AM
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Originally Posted by sideshow
I don't know which are the best ones made with the best graphics, and closest to a real ride.
Originally Posted by sideshow
I'm leaning towards a trainer, so I can use my bike. I'll probably be looking for used maybe 2-3 years old. Any advice would be appreciated.
Non-interactive, get a fluid trainer. Kurt Kinetic is bomb proof and has a good road feel.
Check out Elite Direto, it's a good mid-range full interactive direct mount. Budget depending but a very good value if your are after power accuracy and consistency, and ease of maintenance (no spin downs or calibration before rides and constant firmware updates).
Rollers if you want work on your handling and spin. Conditioning is questionable especially if you cannot increase resistance. Spin bike is a waste of money if your are after realism (e.g. road feel, same goes with rollers). Stationary, Wattbike but they are pricey.
09-02-17, 10:47 AM
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OMFG, I never knew about Zwift until now. That looks like the best video game around! Must get smart trainer....
Matt
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09-02-17, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by awesomeame
OMFG, I never knew about Zwift until now. That looks like the best video game around! Must get smart trainer....
Matt
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Go for it! You won't regret it. Worth every dollar.
09-02-17, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by PM City
Where have you been? Go for it! You won't regret it. Worth every dollar.
Go for it! You won't regret it. Worth every dollar.Matt
09-02-17, 06:40 PM
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Keep in mind that some manufacturer warranties don't cover the bike for failure due to being used on a trainer.
-Tim-
-Tim-
09-04-17, 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by awesomeame
OMFG, I never knew about Zwift until now. That looks like the best video game around! Must get smart trainer....
Matt
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01-09-18, 10:27 PM
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01-09-18, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
I own SportsCrafters Overdrive Pro rollers with progressive resistance.
The Overdrive drum contains magnets which move inside the drum increasing resistance as speed increases. These easily allow threshold and interval workouts.
Smart rollers exist but they are not ready for prime time.
-Tim-
The Overdrive drum contains magnets which move inside the drum increasing resistance as speed increases. These easily allow threshold and interval workouts.
Smart rollers exist but they are not ready for prime time.
-Tim-
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01-10-18, 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by 44.5mph
01-10-18, 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by 44.5mph
??
Why can I view the sample rides on my Windows PC?
Why can I view the sample rides on my Windows PC?
01-10-18, 03:31 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by knitguy
I suspect they may have gotten mixed up and meant is that you can't use it on OSX and/or that you can't use it on Android or Windows phone. I mean you could use it on a Mac if you dual boot and run Windows, but you can't use it on OSX.
01-10-18, 03:37 PM
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My bad! When I looked it up this morning I misread the bit on their website about Windows. That's what I get for responding right after I wake up. It looks like it can only be used on iOS devices (so not even OSX). I'll skip because honestly I don't want to be using a video heavy platform on my iPad, also I'd rather just use Trainingpeaks or Zwift.
