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questions about a Computrainer
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 2008-10-22 4:52 PM |
Master  1410   White Plains NY |  Subject: questions about a ComputrainerI have some questions about the Computrainer. I had a hard time deciphering the info from the website, http://www.racermateinc.com Can it meter/display your output in watts just like a power tap? (is it essentially a power tap?) Can you build a ride like on mapmyride.com, and let you ride that ride, changing resistence to simulate the changing terrain? If so, can you build European routes? or are you restricted to only rides in the U.S? Is the trainer quiet-ish? (I live in an apartment) Thanks! |
| 2008-10-22 4:55 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Master 2808  , Minnesota | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Yes Yes Not sure about Euro routes. I built many US routes. Can't remember how quiet it is. vrljc - 2008-10-22 4:52 PM I have some questions about the Computrainer. I had a hard time deciphering the info from the website, http://www.racermateinc.com Can it meter/display your output in watts just like a power tap? (is it essentially a power tap?) Can you build a ride like on mapmyride.com, and let you ride that ride, changing resistence to simulate the changing terrain? If so, can you build European routes? or are you restricted to only rides in the U.S? Is the trainer quiet-ish? (I live in an apartment) Thanks! |
| 2008-10-22 4:59 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Pro 4100 Wherever the trail takes me, WA. | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer The noise it not too bad. My wife and I will be on them at the same time, and still watch TV at a somewhat normal volume... |
| 2008-10-22 6:55 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Champion 8766  Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer If you are using it in the "hooked up to the computer mode" it does display your realtime watts...like a powertap. I have not played with building routes... I find it pretty quiet. I have to up the volume on my TV a little bit higher than normal viewing, but not horribly. FWIW, I really like my computrainer... |
| 2008-10-22 8:55 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Elite 3498 Chicago | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
Edited by Steve- 2008-10-22 8:58 PM |
| 2008-10-22 9:37 PM in reply to: #1760581 |
Master 1410 White Plains NY | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Steve- - 2008-10-22 9:55 PM yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
thats what I wanna hear! Lets see, first I will warm up on Ventoux, then do a couple intervals up the Tourmalet, then I think I will cool down on Alpe D`Huez. I think I am sold! |
| 2008-10-22 9:49 PM in reply to: #1760683 |
Elite 3498 Chicago | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer vrljc - 2008-10-22 9:37 PM Steve- - 2008-10-22 9:55 PM thats what I wanna hear! Lets see, first I will warm up on Ventoux, then do a couple intervals up the Tourmalet, then I think I will cool down on Alpe D`Huez. I think I am sold!yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
downside is that all the scenery is the same and metal man never changes. |
| 2008-10-23 1:42 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Member 297 | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer I found the noise level to be acceptible but refrained from using it too late in the evening as a courtesy to my downstairs neighbors.
Matt Cazalas
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| 2008-10-23 2:06 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Expert 1394 Wilmington, NC | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer you can actually get topo map software that you design your route using topo maps and it puts it into a computrainer format, thus you have quite accurate elevation info.
Noise is about the same as most fliud trainers(kurt, cycleops). The part that you put your bike into looks just like any stand trainer.
Have fun on it.
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| 2008-10-23 2:50 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Lethbridge, Alberta Bronze member | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer If you want the actual scenery you have a couple of options, as I understand it. Racermate makes some "Interactive Real Course" videos and are finishing a few more of them. There's also a third party application, ErgVideo.com, with a slightly different way to use the system but still incorporating live video recordings. Edit: The real course video has some higher video card requirements for the best pictures though. Edited by Micawber 2008-10-23 2:52 PM |
| 2008-10-23 5:03 PM in reply to: #1760581 |
Champion 6999 Chicago, Illinois | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Steve- - 2008-10-22 8:55 PM yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
does google maps put in the evlavation? |
| 2008-10-23 5:03 PM in reply to: #1760581 |
Champion 6999 Chicago, Illinois | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Steve- - 2008-10-22 8:55 PM yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
does google maps put in the evlavation? |
| 2008-10-23 5:56 PM in reply to: #1762523 |
Elite 3498 Chicago | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer chirunner134 - 2008-10-23 5:03 PM Steve- - 2008-10-22 8:55 PM yes, you can actually build routes via google maps (gmap-pedometer.com) and convert to computrainer so any place google maps goes...so does your computrainer. wanna ride the moutains in new zealand? give it a go! enjoy the madness.
does google maps put in the evlavation? yep. via gmap-pedomater.com anywhere google maps goes, you can too. wanna bike up Mt Everest? go for it.
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| 2008-10-24 12:24 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Member 11 Loughborough | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer An alternative to the Computrainer is the imagick (see www.tacx.com). I've recently purchased one and have been very pleased. It also has a series of real life video that you can purchase seperately. I've got one for Majorca and another for Colorado and the quality is excellent. Besides the real video, it has several virtual training courses and you can also build your own. It displays HB, Power, Cadence and Speed and all this is recorded for later analysis. It also has it's own module called "Catalyst", which allows you to model your own courses, length and gradients etc. Finally, you can know use it to link up the web and race in real time with other users over the net. Though I have not tried this feature yet.
Edited by mermerskins 2008-10-24 12:27 PM |
| 2008-10-24 12:50 PM in reply to: #1764247 |
Expert 1195 Shelby Twp | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer mermerskins - 2008-10-24 12:24 PM An alternative to the Computrainer is the imagick (see www.tacx.com). I've recently purchased one and have been very pleased. It also has a series of real life video that you can purchase seperately. I've got one for Majorca and another for Colorado and the quality is excellent. Besides the real video, it has several virtual training courses and you can also build your own. It displays HB, Power, Cadence and Speed and all this is recorded for later analysis. It also has it's own module called "Catalyst", which allows you to model your own courses, length and gradients etc. Finally, you can know use it to link up the web and race in real time with other users over the net. Though I have not tried this feature yet.
I tried to find the cost on the site, didnt have much luck... what was the cost? |
| 2008-10-24 12:55 PM in reply to: #1764330 |
| Champion 9430 No excuses! | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer kellc09 - 2008-10-24 1:50 PM mermerskins - 2008-10-24 12:24 PM I tried to find the cost on the site, didnt have much luck... what was the cost?An alternative to the Computrainer is the imagick (see www.tacx.com). I've recently purchased one and have been very pleased. It also has a series of real life video that you can purchase seperately. I've got one for Majorca and another for Colorado and the quality is excellent. Besides the real video, it has several virtual training courses and you can also build your own. It displays HB, Power, Cadence and Speed and all this is recorded for later analysis. It also has it's own module called "Catalyst", which allows you to model your own courses, length and gradients etc. Finally, you can know use it to link up the web and race in real time with other users over the net. Though I have not tried this feature yet.
$1695 if I remember right |
| 2008-10-24 12:56 PM in reply to: #1762136 |
| Champion 9430 No excuses! | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Micawber - 2008-10-23 3:50 PM If you want the actual scenery you have a couple of options, as I understand it. Racermate makes some "Interactive Real Course" videos and are finishing a few more of them. There's also a third party application, ErgVideo.com, with a slightly different way to use the system but still incorporating live video recordings. Edit: The real course video has some higher video card requirements for the best pictures though. The real course videos are awesome. I have IM Louisville, CDA, and Arizona. Love them. |
| 2008-10-24 1:38 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Elite 3498 Chicago | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer ergvideo is the BOMB I love using the computrainer this way as it FORCES you to produce the power so you can't "cheat" your workout. I'm a huge fan of ergo mode or ergvideos with the computrainer. In my opinion, this is where the real value of the computrainer comes in. you have a workout where you need to do x watts for so many minutes, then x watts for so many minutes, etc. ergo mode does it. need to have a certain percentage of your workout in zone 2 and then another portion in zone 3 and/or zone 4....you can create these workouts with ergvideos....very very cool.
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| 2008-10-24 2:15 PM in reply to: #1764475 |
Master 1410 White Plains NY | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Steve- - 2008-10-24 2:38 PM need to have a certain percentage of your workout in zone 2 and then another portion in zone 3 and/or zone 4....you can create these workouts with ergvideos....very very cool. so you can essentially program your workout over a timeline? and it will adjust the resistence automatically to "force" you to put out X number of watts? |
| 2008-10-24 3:19 PM in reply to: #1764562 |
Expert 1603 Westchester, NY | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer vrljc - 2008-10-24 3:15 PM Steve- - 2008-10-24 2:38 PM need to have a certain percentage of your workout in zone 2 and then another portion in zone 3 and/or zone 4....you can create these workouts with ergvideos....very very cool. so you can essentially program your workout over a timeline? and it will adjust the resistence automatically to "force" you to put out X number of watts?Yup! |
| 2008-10-24 3:23 PM in reply to: #1764562 |
| Lethbridge, Alberta Bronze member | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer vrljc - 2008-10-24 1:15 PM Steve- - 2008-10-24 2:38 PM need to have a certain percentage of your workout in zone 2 and then another portion in zone 3 and/or zone 4....you can create these workouts with ergvideos....very very cool. so you can essentially program your workout over a timeline? and it will adjust the resistence automatically to "force" you to put out X number of watts? I'm just getting started with a new ct so I haven't done this myself yet but as I understand it the answer is 'Yes'. The ergo mode is for doing exactly that, either manually as you go along or with a pre-built program produced with the included coaching software. The ergvideo system builds preprogrammed workouts that are synchronized with the video of a ride or race, and lets you cut and splice different sections together to customize a personal workout. Edit: as much fun as these toys seem to be, it turns out you still have to do all the pedaling and sweating yourself.  Edited by Micawber 2008-10-24 3:48 PM |
| 2008-10-24 3:47 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
Master 1410 White Plains NY | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Ok, now what about the software required to import any route created from sites like mapmyride.com. I take it I will need to buy the "GPS Course Creator"? "GPS Course Creator allows you to build custom courses using a Garmin Edge 305 or GPX files created using any GPS." http://www.computrainer.com/rm_inc/sales/Optional_software.html Also, what do you Computrainer folks think about IRCV's? http://www.computrainer.com/rm_inc/sales/realcoursevideo_order.html |
| 2008-10-24 6:52 PM in reply to: #1760149 |
| Extreme Veteran 1030 West Windsor, NJ | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer Not a lot to add: just that I love my c-trainer and it was worth the cost to me. My wife..not a triathlete...just a workout nut..also loves this thing. One warning: it KICKS YOUR ...I have yelled expletives at the 'metal man' more times than I can remember!! If you want to truly improve your bike performance, its the only way to go. When I bought mine, they had a "performance guarantee" of 2-4mph gain if you used it for a year. I definitely improved 2-4mph in a year. |
| 2008-10-25 7:58 AM in reply to: #1765188 |
Veteran 189 Valencia, Califonia | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer JohnAgs3 - 2008-10-24 3:52 PM Not a lot to add: just that I love my c-trainer and it was worth the cost to me. My wife..not a triathlete...just a workout nut..also loves this thing. One warning: it KICKS YOUR ...I have yelled expletives at the 'metal man' more times than I can remember!! If you want to truly improve your bike performance, its the only way to go. When I bought mine, they had a "performance guarantee" of 2-4mph gain if you used it for a year. I definitely improved 2-4mph in a year. X2 !!!!! Don't even think about coasting down a long hill. It will be easier but there isn't any coasting. Constant workout. Great tool. |
| 2008-10-25 8:56 AM in reply to: #1765503 |
Champion 6999 Chicago, Illinois | Subject: RE: questions about a Computrainer avjetdale - 2008-10-25 7:58 AM X2 !!!!! Don't even think about coasting down a long hill. It will be easier but there isn't any coasting. Constant workout. Great tool.
I almost went with the tracx because of that. The really fancy Tracx has a motor that will push you downhill so you really feel like your going down hill and are able to coast. I love my CT and I am glad I went with it. It also makes you look forward to race day because you know race day the course will be easier than it was on training. |
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