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Thinking of buying a LeMond Revolution / Power Pilot

JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
in General Training Discussions

I read DC Rainmakers review and thinking of pulling the trigger on a LeMond Revolution and Power Pilot.  Found a package deal that's $790 shipped.  



Any reason not to pull the trigger?

Comments

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    A major benefit of power is to be able to train AND race with it (of course, not foregoing RPE, HR, "feel", etc), so limiting yourself to a device that will only work indoors while you're training, seems a little pointless to me, IMO.
  • kkieferkkiefer
    If your intentions are to have a solution to train with Power I agree with Scott.

    Save the money get for now some virtual power solution (GoldenCheetha, SportsTrack, RoadTrainer) and invest e.g.in a PowerTap solution in 2-3 month.
    I went there and I regret it a bit - I bought a Tacx Bushido in October, quite happy with it - BUT i wish I have saved the money so I have more left for PT solution.


  • baprincebaprince
    I started with a wired PowerTap last year. There are tons of deals (including lots of stuff on ebay) where you can get the PT, wheel, and CPU for much less than the LeMond; and you'll have it for indoor and outdoor use.
    My recommendation would be to spring for the power tap wheel and the flexibility it gives.
  • Steve WestSteve West
    I didn't and still dont have very mucnh disposable income. My best investment - aside from joining EN has been getting a PT. It cost me more than my cheap roadie but was the single most important tool to make me faster and smarter as an athlete. I cant imagine racing without power now. It is the key for me to know that I will have a good run off the bike.

    IMO - if you are not going to race with power, what is the point of training with it?
  • JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
    Sorry..should have clarified. I have a PT Zipp that I use outdoors. Just looking for something to use indoors and minimize wear/tear on the wheel and need to replace tires vs. a fluid trainer.. I know it's not the most cost effective solution, just looking for specific input on the Lemond product itself.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    Jeremy, the only negative feedback I've heard is that it's loud. I also don't know if the power computer exports to a WKO+ compatible file (and am too lazy to look it up). Personally, at halfway to a computrainer, I'd just get a CT, as I think they're a lot more fun to ride than any fixed resistance unit.
  • JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
    Thanks for the input Mike
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Jeremy,
    The LeMond Revolution is unbelievably loud. I saw a demo of it at IMFL in 2010 (which was outside) and it was obnoxiously loud. I can only imagine how loud it would be inside a house, apartment, etc. The harder you're riding the louder it gets. VO2 sessions would be like a jet engine. :-)

    I would recommend checking it out in person. I hear you on the wear and tear and convenience angle. I went with a Cycleops 300 Pro Indoor Cycle about four months ago. Definitely not a cheap alternative but I'm more than happy with my decision.
  • JeremyBehlerJeremyBehler
    Bob,

    Interestingly...I just got rid of my Cyclops 300 Pro PT. I guess I'm looking for the best of both worlds...being able to ride my own bike, geometry, etc but not having the wear/tear. Guess it's back to a 300PT or accept a really loud Revolution. I'll check one out in person.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    Jeremy, another alternative is to buy a crank-based PM, and then just get an old beat up rear wheel with a cassette to put a trainer tire on. Then, when it's time to ride indoors, you throw on your 'trainer wheel', which is always ready to go. Much faster than swapping to a trainer tire...
  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    Posted By Mike Graffeo on 29 Feb 2012 03:31 PM

    Jeremy, another alternative is to buy a crank-based PM, and then just get an old beat up rear wheel with a cassette to put a trainer tire on. Then, when it's time to ride indoors, you throw on your 'trainer wheel', which is always ready to go. Much faster than swapping to a trainer tire...



    EXACTLY what I do!

     

  • hollow_rhollow_r
    I know nothing relative to the above contributors but her goes anyway; I agree that the Revolution is loud but I really, really like mine. My wife doesn't like the TV so loud to overcome the noise but what the heck, the kids are gone, the basement door closes, and at my age my hearings not so great anyway. I'm willing to be a little redundant (spare the PT wheel by having a dedicated trainer for the cave). The power pilot is relatively handy in transferring data to WKO+; using a jump drive.

    Maybe I got the numbers wrong but it seems like the crank based PMs cost more than a PT and Revolution combined.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    I have one. And, think it is a great trainer. I upgraded to it from a Cyclops fluid trainer last Summer. I rarely use a trainer because I am in SoCal and like to be outside unless it is wet, but the feel of the revolution is pretty incredible. The way the LOUD flywheel produces resistance is just more natural.

    The issue I have is that I bought it before I was into POWER. Now with my PT in the hub I can't train indoors with power unless I use my Fluid set up. I am really thinking about a Quartq in my crank.... Sooo, thing kinda sucks right now for the way I want to use it, but it is a GOOD trainer and SCREAMING LOUD. No doubt about it....
  • hollow_rhollow_r

     The issue I have is that I bought it before I was into POWER. Now with my PT in the hub I can't train indoors with power unless I use my Fluid set up.

     

    Dino, does this mean you don't have the power pilot component? If not buying it would be a lot cheaper than adding a crank based powermeter to your collection and just keeps you to an indoor setup and an outdoor setup.

  • tim cronktim cronk
    We have a REV and PP set up in our house as well as the CT.

    The REV is loud but very very nice.

    The PP is not quite ready for prime time IMO but better than nothing. To be honest I have not used it much my girlfriend does so I am not really sure what its full capabilities are. Like others have said better off with a set up that works inside and out The Crank based PM would do this the best with the REV.

    I will also add that Lemond customer service is good. Recently the screen on the PP was ruined due to sweat. An email later the response was we fixed that issue with a new gasket and will send you out a new one . We'll include return shipping for the old one .

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