Tacx vs. computrainer
I searched 4.0 and couldn't find any info on this. I can't seem to get into the 3.0 forum to search, but I swear we've been down this road.
Anyway- I know lots of folks use the computer setup computrainer. Anybody use or know more about the Tacx system? I am looking to get a system for DH and these are the 2 he will consider.
LBS recommends Tacx, not sure that they have any stake in this at all, but I know they don't sell computrainer.
When you use the computrainer in erg mode, how does the resistance get changed? Do you also have to use a special trainer? That is what he is most interested in doing (erg mode- set up the workout and just pedal, not pay attention to much else). Not so much about riding along with a video of a course.
He is looking at the web sites (infomercials- IMHO). We thought asking the EN haus would help settle things.
Comments
I searched 3.0 for you Michele- there isn't much there on the Tacx except for the following posts:
From JRKelly: I have the Tacx Flow which can measure watts and has ergo mode, but much more limited in what you can do with it compared to the CT. They have more expensive models that attempt to do what the CT does.
Also from JRKelly: I just upgraded to a Computrainer and will need to make room for it by selling my electronic Tacx Flow ergotrainer (click for specs and details). I've had it for almost 2 years, but most of the use has been only during March-May each year...therefore low hours. If you want an indoor trainer that has the ability to monitor power/wattage this is an excellent unit (speed, cadence, HR also). It will also display heart rate if you are wearing a separate (not included) heart rate monitor. I have trained with my TT bike, which has an Ergomo Pro powermeter, on the Tacx unit and the watts measured by the Tacx were usually very similar to the Ergomo, with most variation at very low wattage levels.
But again- Thank you!! I knew I had read about this before.
Michele - I gave away my TACX trainer last month, having not used it in the two years since I bought a CT. The one I had was equal to the current "Flow" model. When I gave the trainer away last month, I researched their current models, out of curiosity. I found the top of the line programmable trainer (the Fortius) for under $1200. Considering how I actually use the CompuTrainer, if I were buying today, I would spring for this one. It's less expensive than the CT, and has some advantages IMO. The TACX stand and other hardware are more user friendly than the CT. The CT software and hardware look like little has been upgraded since the late 80s; the TACX stand and handlebar controller look and feel and operate like you'd expect in the 21st century. According to Training Peaks, the Tacx files produced by the iMagic or Fortius can be loaded into WKO+, to get Normalized Power, TSS, and other stuff you might want. And, having used the CT video IM courses, the "3D" software from CT, and some of their other course files, I find the only thning I really value on my CT is the ability to program (using Training Peaks Erg+) a workout, and then load the resulting data in WKO. I don't know if creating a workout file with Tacx is as easy as using Erg+ - that's the one thing I would research further were I deciding betwen CT and Taxc today.
FWIW, I love my computrainer and pre-programed ERG.
@Al- Thank you so much! very helpful. We are tossing around the "what if we need tech support?" issue.
@ ;Matt- DH currently has a Saris Power Beam. Actually he is on his 4th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in the past year. It has been nothing but problems and they can not explain why. That is why we are looking for something else.