Turbo Trainer Advice

In addition to the first, cheapest option: Trainer Road and probably some others have a virtual power option based on known resistance curves of various turbos and a speed / cadence sensor (ANT+ or Bluetooth). It won't be accurate as an absolute power reading but in a closed system it's fine. Do an FTP test and Trainer Road works out intensities for all subsiquent sessions. I've found it really very good for the last couple of months.

If you want realistic road feel there are only 2 choices. Lemond revolution or taxc neo. Nothing else comes close in terms of kinetic energy (even the kurts with the heavy flywheel are a long way off).

Lemond is noisy af but guess that's not necessarily a problem for you :)

Quarq + Kurt Road Machine = all i need for quality training sessions.

Anyone using a program that controls the trainer using a powermeter rather than the trainers number? I've been doing it with Perf pro and a P2max but it is very temperamental, often reverts back to the trainers numbers, mid work out. Which is bloody annoying when the offset is 40W. Am wondering if its just shit software or a common thing? Was thinking of trying trainerroad next.

I'm not sure that's possible

Trainerroad does perform an offset calc on the fly, so that you can 'correct' the difference between your smart trainer and your PM.

http://support.trainerroad.com/hc/en-us/articles/204631294-PowerMatch-Using-Power-Meters-with-Electronic-Trainers

Which is a disadvantage if you race with power because you're not used to measuring your effort / watching your watts.

Does it work though?

I don't run mine in ERG mode so wouldn't know. Thinking about it though - feel free to let me know if it does work!

Not really. Very lumpy, and you'd find that you try to ease off to match the required power output to find the turbo gaining in resistance. I stuck it out for two weeks before giving up.

Sounds like it might be some kind of viscious feedback loop due to the lag between trainer computer and powermeter.

Which is a disadvantage if you race with power because you're not used to measuring your effort / watching your watts.

I don't race, so can't offer much insight there - the most recent event that I did that requires a number being pinned on was Dalsnibba last year, which I very much rode to the number on the Garmin. Setting an average of 250 watts for the whole climb saw me set a PR on the final third (before I rode it to the power meter figure I did the standard "out to hard, blow on the final ascent").

i.e. I think it's different when you're in the sitting room trying to watch Easties and get a 2x20 done vs. out on the road trying to beat the bunch of guys from the cabin next to you because reasons.

Any Vortex users in? I'm using mine for the first time as a smart trainer. Felt the resistance change when calibrating it before my first session using the Tacx training app. Went for the FTP test and couldn't feel any resistance changes. Should there have been some? Ended up spinning out for the actual test which was annoying (turbo bike for the winter is an old 8 speed bike which is under-geared, hence utising the smart aspect this winter).

I see there's a utility app, do I need to get that to properly set things up?

Yeah download that to your phone and connect via Bluetooth to the Vortex, you'll need to update to the latest firmware first so it plays nicely.

BARGIN ALERT!

Lemond rev £200.

http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=116542

Ta very much, will give it a go next time I'm in the cave

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Should have gone custom.

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Yeah, really good price. I'd have it, but don't think I could live with the noise.

The noise is fine with headphones in. My girlfriend can watch tv in room next door.

My kids sleep in the next room, so worry it may be too much. My KK is really quiet and they still hear it a bit.

Ah yeah that would not work.

Seems like the relevant thread -

Best quality rollers? I have not got on with my turbo in the past and this seems like the best way to buy one thing which will do power estimates + training etc etc without having to buy a new wheels and all that rigmarole.

I get a bunch of trade discounts through work if anyone knows of any bargains.

Kreitlers.

Thanks for the tip. Worked a treat today