I generally have no problems with grades below 10%, but above 10%, the resistance gets a bit choppy. I find these great for getting in tempo and threshold workouts. The RLVs based on the mountain stages are my favorites. The four RLV programs I have range from about 40 miles to 70 miles and include several different types of terrain.
The real live videos really make the trainer.
That said, there are a few pros/cons to the Fortius. I've been using a Fortius for about a year, and it has made a big difference in the amount of time I can stand being on the trainer. It's been an 18 month long problem that they don't seem to address. Supposedly Tacx is working on these problems, but don't hold your breath.
I can't go in the 39x25 and get much over 60 rpms when it gets around 9-10% no matter the distance. Normally doing a climb that like is 80-90rpms for me since I spin more up hills. The ability to keep a good cadence is messed up and you pedal squares big time. Oh, and riding over about 6% grades get to be extrememly difficult.
The speed limit doesn't sound like much of an issue, and it isn't unless you plan to ride online with others via the new Tacx software (multi-rider capable), compete in a VR league, or ride online with Netathlon. They are pretending it doesn't exist, more or less. As for the other, it appears to be a design flaw in hardware that they will not be able to surmount. They claim to have solved the power supply issues with a firmware update, although the jury is still out on that one. The other thing with the Fortius if you are in the US (or other 110V power country) is that they've had issues with frying power supplies and also with the trainer being limited to a top speed of about 26 MPH going downhill. I copied this from another forum because I was too lazy to type it out myself but it's crucial. I don't believe this is a problem with the Computrainer.
I never update software or firmware until other people have experienced problems and Tacx has worked out the bugs. The disadvantage with them is that updates are usually buggy. PM me if you have other questions.Įase of setup? Unlike PCad, I found the Tacx units easy to setup. I get the feeling (as much as you can on a trainer) that I am riding outside, and it helps to keep me from getting bored (Not computer graphics but actual filmed footage of famous rides). The RLVs are what keep me coming back and entertained. There are the options of a "virtual world" (like a computer game with your bike as the controller), the Catalyst (a basic program the workout based on target HR, Power, or gradient via either time or distance.like programming ay workout machine), and my favorite (one of two reasons I use the Tacx over the computrainer) the Real Life Videos. What I can say is that my experience with the Tacx units has found them to be quite enjoyable. I can't comment on the "fun" of indoor training, because I have yet to enjoy it. I use Tacx units.īoth are extremely effective for training purposes. I have teammates who use the Computrainer. I believe that the computrainer provides the most solid fitness gains with the least amount of time. If you find the right group they can help you through the setup and the training programs. It is a greater hassle than simply plugging into a trainer or slipping on to a set of rollers. I have strapped my #2 bike into the trainer fully wired and leave it there. There are three cables to run along the bike frame. You need a computer, (a laptop is the best.just for portability). The most complicated part of the system is the setup. I have sixty+ different workouts that I can do so boredom is not a question. In one week I might do a Tempo ride of 4X15X3, a VO2 interval ride and finish with a one hour tempo. There are many programs that you can do to shake up your training. I actually have raced my evil twin around a "okay" graphic of central park and a great ride through the desert southwest. The programs especially 3-D offer varied terrain and graphics. I promise you that a simple tempo ride will strain your legs the first time you do one. The computer maintains the selected power regardless of the gear or cadence and forces you to have a smooth solid workout. The one thing about the computrainer is that the computer allows for no "dead" space in your stroke. I have several preprogrammed training routines for Tempo, VO2 Max and Intervals. I generally ride in the Multi-rider program because it is the easiest to do. It has been very beneficial for keeping my fitness stable with a very demanding schedule.