Le Tour de France Indoor Cycling Bike
07-25-11, 06:19 AM
#51
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07-25-11, 06:26 AM
#52
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I don't know about the power measurement on this specific trainer, but it's much easier to determine power on a dedicated trainer (not a friction driven trainer that you attach a bike to) than a bike because the trainer is providing the resistance, not the variable wind, aerodynamics, tire drag, or incline that you are riding up. On a bike you must measure the torque be applied at the crank or wheel. On a trainer, you can simply determine the force applied on the drag mechanism. This can measured, or calibrated. Calibrated force with magnetic drag mechanisms is much more straightforward and less problematic than with mechanical systems. So, I'm saying it is possible for power to be reasonably accurate on this trainer, not that they've done it right and it is.
This entire trainer costs about the same as a power meter for a bike, which suggests it would be unrealistic to expect it to include that kind of power measurement.
And of course the only thing this trainer has to do with the TDF is that they paid Amaury enough to license the logo.
Last edited by Looigi; 07-25-11 at 06:38 AM.
07-25-11, 07:30 AM
#54
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On a trainer, you can simply determine the force applied on the drag mechanism. This can measured, or calibrated. Calibrated force with magnetic drag mechanisms is much more straightforward and less problematic than with mechanical systems. So, I'm saying it is possible for power to be reasonably accurate on this trainer, not that they've done it right and it is.
This entire trainer costs about the same as a power meter for a bike, which suggests it would be unrealistic to expect it to include that kind of power measurement.
This entire trainer costs about the same as a power meter for a bike, which suggests it would be unrealistic to expect it to include that kind of power measurement.
The power meters for bikes are that expensive because they have to be extremely light, extremely small, extremely sturdy and accurate under extreme cold, heat and vibration.
This is the main reason they are that expensive.
Imagine two pedals linked to a simple electric alternator.
If you pedal ... it makes electricity at a certain voltage.
If you measure the voltage and if you measure the energy lost through your device ... you have your wattage right there.
Measuring to the extreme how far a spring is being pressed, as the expensive powertap systems do ... is much more difficult.
The bike depicted here still is quite expensive I recon.
Much cheaper bikes can be had and possibly converted to better suited devices for the specific rider.
My indoor training bicycle only cost about 250€ ... I converted it to have a specific TT-style handlebar and position.
The power it measures is probably not completely accurate but if I compare the numbers to real world data it can't be too far off and comes over as quite reliable.
Last edited by AdelaaR; 07-25-11 at 07:33 AM.
07-25-11, 10:50 AM
#55
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I'll already predict how this will go down:
- The most important part of this bike, the "iFit" feature, will totally suck. Either the course creation interface or something else about it will completely suck. There is a reason why this 'should-be-killer-app' has not even come close to being favorably reviewed on any forum, be it running, triathlon, or cycling, despite being in wide distribution for 2 years on treadmills. Unless they completely overhaul it, this alone is reason NOT to buy the unit.
- The most important part of this bike, the "iFit" feature, will totally suck. Either the course creation interface or something else about it will completely suck. There is a reason why this 'should-be-killer-app' has not even come close to being favorably reviewed on any forum, be it running, triathlon, or cycling, despite being in wide distribution for 2 years on treadmills. Unless they completely overhaul it, this alone is reason NOT to buy the unit.
I want this thing...I actually wanted it before the TdF...there was a non TdF version on their site before that I had seen web banner adds for. I'm seriously thinking of picking one up for the winter.
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07-25-11, 11:43 AM
#56
stole your bike
07-25-11, 01:45 PM
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If I was going to spend that kind of coin on an indoor bike. I'd probably get one of these:
https://www.cycleops.com/en/products/...&category_id=7
https://www.cycleops.com/en/products/...&category_id=7
07-25-11, 04:43 PM
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If anybody on BF gets one make sure to post a proper pic in front of the garage door 
08-02-11, 08:58 PM
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Take a look at a Tacx Fortius. It actually plays a DVD (many are of tour stages) at the speed in which you cycle and varies resistance depending on incline/decline in the DVD. Seen the other day they have a DVD out where you ride with the Schlecks, Rabobank, and some other teams. I don't have that many DVDs but the ones I do have (mostly spring classics) are pretty kewl.
08-02-11, 09:02 PM
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I've got a Fortius...if I had to do it again today I'd get the Genius/Bushido. The grades that the Fortius says it can support is bs. And the Fortius software has been a 5 year saga of problems. It finally seems to be right but the grade support still isn't there.
08-02-11, 09:19 PM
#64
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For the same money or less, I'd get a used Computrainer on eBay. I have one, and it is terrific -- well, as terrific as indoor riding can be. Actually, for some intervals, it can be, arguably, better than riding outdoors.
08-02-11, 09:46 PM
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08-03-11, 02:36 AM
#66
Peloton Shelter Dog
Correct.
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08-03-11, 04:34 AM
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For that much money you can get an indoor trainer from Cycle Ops with a Power tap and a Joule that will let you download you workouts and program a wattage based ride. Power Beam Pro. Wireless.
I laughed when I saw the ad for this thing. There's a market for this product. For sure. LOL. PT Barnum mentioned them once.
I laughed when I saw the ad for this thing. There's a market for this product. For sure. LOL. PT Barnum mentioned them once.
Last edited by roadwarrior; 08-03-11 at 04:43 AM.
08-03-11, 07:56 AM
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Take a look at a Tacx Fortius. It actually plays a DVD (many are of tour stages) at the speed in which you cycle and varies resistance depending on incline/decline in the DVD. Seen the other day they have a DVD out where you ride with the Schlecks, Rabobank, and some other teams. I don't have that many DVDs but the ones I do have (mostly spring classics) are pretty kewl.
It has been raining here for 2 days. Yesterday I did the "Training with Rabobank" Ergovideo on my Tacx Fortius. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnZTAz8ORY
You have to maintain the same power output as the Rabobank team to keep up (just like a fast group ride). You can set the system to do a smaller percentage of their power output though if you wish (80%, etc,). I did it yesterday at 100% of their output and was right at my threshold up most of the hills. It is a fun and challenging workout.
Monday I did the 4 hour "Alpine Classic" workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG12AUsr8c
This one includes climbs of the Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez (the exact same climbs as in this years Tour de France). It replicates this ride as good as you could ever do on an indoor trainer. It took me just over 4 hours and kept my interest (not easy on a 4 hour trainer ride).
I also have another bike on a Kurt Kinetic trainer in the winter and use it with Spinervals and CTS workouts (Wisconsin - long winters). I think I prefer the Kurt Kinetic system slightly better but I can do much longer workouts on the Taxc Fortius.
08-03-11, 10:26 AM
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It has been raining here for 2 days. Yesterday I did the "Training with Rabobank" Ergovideo on my Tacx Fortius. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwnZTAz8ORY
You have to maintain the same power output as the Rabobank team to keep up (just like a fast group ride). You can set the system to do a smaller percentage of their power output though if you wish (80%, etc,). I did it yesterday at 100% of their output and was right at my threshold up most of the hills. It is a fun and challenging workout.
Monday I did the 4 hour "Alpine Classic" workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG12AUsr8c
This one includes climbs of the Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez (the exact same climbs as in this years Tour de France). It replicates this ride as good as you could ever do on an indoor trainer. It took me just over 4 hours and kept my interest (not easy on a 4 hour trainer ride).
I also have another bike on a Kurt Kinetic trainer in the winter and use it with Spinervals and CTS workouts (Wisconsin - long winters). I think I prefer the Kurt Kinetic system slightly better but I can do much longer workouts on the Taxc Fortius.
You have to maintain the same power output as the Rabobank team to keep up (just like a fast group ride). You can set the system to do a smaller percentage of their power output though if you wish (80%, etc,). I did it yesterday at 100% of their output and was right at my threshold up most of the hills. It is a fun and challenging workout.
Monday I did the 4 hour "Alpine Classic" workout https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhG12AUsr8c
This one includes climbs of the Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez (the exact same climbs as in this years Tour de France). It replicates this ride as good as you could ever do on an indoor trainer. It took me just over 4 hours and kept my interest (not easy on a 4 hour trainer ride).
I also have another bike on a Kurt Kinetic trainer in the winter and use it with Spinervals and CTS workouts (Wisconsin - long winters). I think I prefer the Kurt Kinetic system slightly better but I can do much longer workouts on the Taxc Fortius.
08-03-11, 12:15 PM
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