Computrainer vs. Tacx - thoughts?
I know there are several folks in the Haus with Computrainers, and, I have recently been told that Tacx is the 'new' thing. So, before considering either, I thought I would consult the Haus' thoughts and ideas.
What is the difference in information being gathered and processed by the two systems?
What are the courses like...is one system superior for the 'fun' aspect and one more superior for the REAL training aspect?
Anything else that is really a key difference between the two?
Thanks guys!
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By the Tacx, I assume you mean their CompuTrainer-like VR series. Of course, it'll be tough to find someone who's had extensive experience with both, given the costs and more recent availability of Tacx' models. I have a CompuTrainer, and before that, owned a more primitive "programmable" Tacx model without the computer linkage features. So my thoughts are based on that experience.
First, the Tacx hardware (the actual trainer) is better looking and much more user friendly than the CompuTrainer. Everything about CT (including the software) looks like it was designed in the late 80s and not upgraded since.
Second, the programmable aspects of each seem similar. Both are compatible with WKO+, meaning you can export your data from a trainer ride into your WKO+ athlete home.
Third, because of the long monopoly CT enjoyed in the niche, there is an extensive network effect, so many triathlon specific courses are available for riding via your PC. Check out Tacx list of videos, etc, and you'll see it's pretty much European cycling courses.
Finally, the computer interface for CT is, as I said, from the late 80s. For example, at the end of the ride, when I am asked to save the ride report (the raw data), I have to actually CLOSE THE PROGRAM, and then REOPEN IT in order to prepare the data for export to WKO+. Windows (small w) and a menu bar do not exist in their world! When I'm done with one ride, I can't then open another ride - I have to close and re-open. So 20th century!
Now, having trashed CT mercilessly, how do I actually use the thing, and do I see any value in the video and pre-programmed rides? No - I've tried them out, but what I really use it for is to program specific workouts, i.e., the EN interval sessions, and then have my computer control the trainer's wattage for the proper amount and the proper interval. I use another TrainingPeaks piece of software, Erg, to do this. You could do it yourself, but who wants to? Even here, the ancient vintage shows itself. You can mid ride, but you can't go forward or backward in the ride.
CT is just a few cycling computer geeks operating out of an upstairs cubby hole near the U district of Seattle, still making the same product they charmed us with nearly 20 years ago. Tacx is a well-funded Euro corporation with history of continuous improvement and change.
In order to make an informed decision, I think you'd need to get some actual hands on testing with how to program interval sessions, and see how user friendly the Tacx software is. If I were buying today, I'd be tempted to use them if I could easily program in my workouts - their hardware is much better, and and I suspect their software user interface looks and feels nicer too.
@ Al - you are right, when I say Tacx I mean the VR series trainers. Thanks for the answer...that included all the information I was actually looking for AND THEN SOME!!!
It is funny that you mention the 'generational' difference between the two...just go to racermate.com and then tacx.com/vrseries and there is quite an alarming difference between the two web sites!
Thanks
I own a CompuTrainer as well, and my LBS carries the Tacx VR series and unfortunately I really have a hard time giving a strong endorsement to one or the other. I agree with everything Al said about the CompuTrainer, it is in severe need of modernization and I have gotten into some spats with RacerMate on various forums and through email about their apparent disdain or flat-out disregard of constructive criticism and reality checks. The VR courses and the 3D on the Tacx also looked better, the 3D dramatically so, but again as Al said are predominately geared towards European cycling not to Triathlon.
All that being said, if I had to have one or the other, I'd still probably get the CompuTrainer. I've ridden the demo Tacx at my LBS and just like Al said both the hardware and software look worlds better, but in the end the quality of the training outweighs the most of the other contributors. The 'feel' of the Tacx just didn't do it for me, the ride did not feel as 'road-like', I was surprised that the model I rode has no fly-wheel at all, and although I did not ride a giant hill the load generator on the Tacx didn't inspire a whole lot of confidence. This is all subjective opinion, but I just didn't get a great feeling about the durability of the whole thing. The CompuTrainer may be an ugly beast, but it can take a beating, I really don't know about the new Tacx's one way or the other.
If you end up finding a great deal on say a used CT, I don't think that would be a bad way to go, but I'd have a hard time paying the full retail MSRP these days. Another thing to check out would be the programmable PowerBeam trainers that Saris is coming out, or just wait it out if you have some time. I was speaking with our Saris rep earlier this year and lamenting various aspects of the CT hardware and software and he suggested that I should expect to see something roughly analogous to a CompuTrainer from Saris within the next year. Really though, it’s hard to tell how much truth there is to that statement.