Computrainer setup

Kevin Schroth

I'm planning to buy a computrainer.  I have a Mac laptop, but I hear CTs work better with a PC.  I may buy a cheap PC primarily for the CT. Any recommendations on minimum requirements needed for a PC supporting a CT?  Thx.

The website says the following: Processor: Intel Pentium 4 (or equivalent) and higher. Dual and Quad-core processors preferred.  System Memory: preferred minimum of 1 gigabyte (GB) on XP, 2GB on Vista, 4GB on Win7.  Operating System: Windows™ 32-bit or 64-bit XP/Vista/Win7/Win8

 

Al Truscott

I have a CompuTrainer and a Mac. Some thoughts:

• I got mine in 07 - only option then available if you wanted to pre-program workouts, and have your trainer controlled by a pre-set workout.
• But now, the Wahoo Kickr is probably a better choice - maybe Robin Sarner or Dino will chime in and explain why. The CT software is ...primitive, requires Windows, and is built on circa 1990 tech. OTOH, the machine itself is built like a rock and will probably wear out after I do.
• Having said that, I have used the CT with Parallels and Windows OS without problems. Probably the cheapest solution if you want to run all the third-party stuff on the CT, like the course videos and "3D" stuff. I no longer use any of that, just too much hassle/admin to set it up. I just feed the EN workouts into my CT either with TrainerRoad ($10/month) or via CyclingPeaks (TrainingPeaks) ERG+ software ($75?)
• When I saw a small "netbook" @ Office Depot for $250 three years ago, I got that, and have used it since. Specs: Intel Atom processor, 1 GB memory, currently running Windows 7 "Starter". It works.
• You can do completely without the Windows environment by using TrainerRoad, a web-based system which takes control of the CompuTrainer and feeds it workouts designed by others, including all the EN OS workouts, or workouts you create yourself thru TR.

Bottom line, knowing what I do now after using the CT for 7 years, I would buy a Kickr instead, or if I HAD to buy the CT, I would go with a small Windows computer if I could find one < $200. But you gotta be prepared for a steep/long learning curve in getting it to work - the manual and company are no help, they need an English major and a communications grad to help them explain themselves in ways an end user might find useful.

robin sarner

what Al said.

get a Kickr.   very easy to use.    need a later generation I (Apple) product with Bluetooth four.    or get ANT+ attachment for earlier I product - need to borrow the later generation device to install and upgrade.          No tires to worry about.        Very precise and robust piece of equipment.

Only get Computrainer if used and cheap.       If you don't need to test, just us the 3 x 5 inch controller that comes with the gizmo to dial in power.  

Kevin Schroth

Very informative.  Time to rethink my plan and look into Kickr.  Also, I don't have power on my bike.  If I'm only making one purchase, thoughts on best options?  Thanks! 

tim cronk

@Kevin.... That is easy.... 1 purchase only? PM for your bike ..... It works inside and out.... Kickr or CT only inside...... You will of course still need an inexpensive indoor trainer so technically if you don't already have one it would be 2 purchases.... But an inexpensive one could be put on an xmas list if you need it!

John Withrow

DEFINITELY what Tim said. If you don't already have a trainer, buy a CycleOps Fluid2 on eBay for around ~$200 shipped. Then you can get any sort of Powermeter that would fit your total budget. If you were previously strongly considering a Computrainer then I'm guessing your budget is ~$1,000 or so. If you already have a trainer, you can get a Quarq for around $1,000. If you don't already have a trainer, you can get a Powertap wheel on eBay for ~$400-650 depending on what you get and then buy an $80 disc cover for racing. This way you'll have power indoors and out, for training and racing.

This should be a VERY easy decision to buy a powermeter instead of a Computrainer or a Kickr. The harder decision is exactly which Powermeter you should get. There are plenty of threads on this topic in da Haus if you have decent search fu. Otherwise start a new thread for that and you'll get a lot of quality feedback. Coach R is also a certified dealer for Quarq or Powertap if you want to go the new route. Myself, I'm an eBay guru for used stuff cheap...

Al Truscott

Wheelbuilder.com (rich's connection) currently has a 30% off sale thru Dec 9. This means you can get a wheel, with a PowerTap hub power meter, a disc cover for racing, AND a Joule head unit/computer for about $900 for a Swiss DT wheel ...higher for more expensive wheels. Cant be beat ... The majority of ENers with PMs have PowerTap.

robin sarner

If money is an issue,  what folks are saying.

however, even if you have on the road power, the time saving and less hassle of the Kickr can not be overstated.    no tires blowing up.   no calibration issues.     no wheel issues.     no worrying about any mechanical or tech issues.

 

Scott Alexander

Agree with most here.

Purchases I'd do...in this order:
1) stationary trainer
2) power meter (PM), usable indoors and outdoor
3) don't forget you ALSO need a bike computer to record all of this stuff
4) software. either free online options or computer-based. There's no point having a PM if you don't have some way to evaluate your workouts!

Kevin Schroth

Thanks again. @Scott, I have an old cyclops, a Garmin 910XT, and an Apple MacPro. Is that sufficient to study my power data?

Given that, it sounds like the consensus is: 1. Start with Power Meter (EN's wheelbuilder option with an aero wheelcover sounds reasonable). I can use that with my Cyclops. For convenience and to save back tire wear and tear, I can also consider the Wahoo Kickr.