need the group's opinion on new Saris Trainer - Page 2

Except that the power readings are subject to some error due to changes in tire rolling resistance, changing trainer resistance, etc. - all the things that the Computrainer spin-down calibration tries to get rid of but doesn't seem to, as evidenced by the various work-arounds out there.

So there's no guarantee that Tony in Tokyo and Larry in London are racing with an accurate power reading.

here is how I do my trainer workouts today: after reading, Coogan & Hunter's book, I typed many of their L2 - L5 workouts in LARGE FONT. i bring a copy with me of the workout i plan to do and set the printed copy next to my bike. I complete each section of the workout and track my mini-intervals by hitting the "interval" buttons on my Powertap.

The printed page is overkill for just a 1x or 2x 20 Sweet Spot Interval. But other workouts are a bit more complicated (e.g., the "race winner" workout, of some with 2 min @ 110% FTP, 1 min @ 106% FTP, 1 min @ 102% FTP, etc.). So, the printouts help keep me organized & focused as I am pedaling on my trainer.

This is why the programability of the Saris Pro Beam looked attractive in the first place. As an added bonus, I would get the reliability of a Powertap to go with the programmability that would keep me organized.

After reading the posts on Computrainer, I called them today and I understand their set up now. I don't think I would be happy spending $1500 for a new unit and not connect it to a PC (by the way, between 12/1/08 & 12/23/08, Computrainer is knocking approx. $200 off their normal price for the Computrainer Pro model.)

And I really like the "digi-riders", as well as the real videos of actual rides. Plus, there are hundreds of courses other Computrainers have uploaded that are available for use. But if I go Computrainer, I've got to pick up a cheap lap top so I can use the graphical interface. now we're close to $2,000.

so i REALLY value the programability of Saris Pro Beam and Computrainer, and really like the graphical interface of Computrainer. But i don't know if i like it enough to spend an extra $900 for a complete Computrainer set up.

again, thanks for those who have chimed in.

One more thing to consider - Computrainers hold their value extremely well - incredibly they fetch on average around $1200 used on eBay.

The Computrainer folks told me that they have been in business for about 30 years. i had no idea they had been around so long. they have a great story to tell and it seems like a first class product.

i don't mind paying good money for a quality product. both Saris & Computrainer seem to be in that category.

I am just starting to read about Tacx Trainers. As I understand, they offer a unit similar to the Computrainer, except possibly with less features, but a lot less money. it is probably worth considering that unit just to make sure I make an informed choice.

Does anyone know how to upload of workouts on the Powerbeam? Does the head unit have a USB interface? I'm wondering if they just released it with standalone functionality to get it to market fast, and will develop software support later on to compete with Computrainer. If so it could be a very interesting piece of equipment. The head unit certainly looks a lot better than the Computrainer.

I called Saris today and they said that the Pro Beam has a USB interface. They said that you had to use their Power-based software to program workouts into the Pro Beam head. But they believed that data from the head could be downloaded into Cycling Peaks or other similar cycling analysis software.

I also enquired about the possibility of a 3 D, virtual race package coming sometime in the future. they said it was a direction they hoped to take the Power Beam. It does sound exciting.

just to close the loop on this thread, i decided to buy a Computrainer Pro. thanks for all the feedback, and especially thanks to the folks that recommended Computrainer.

I'll call you a Whaaaaambulance and I'll pack you a blankey and a binky for the trip.

Tacx have 2 VR trainers out just now & a 3rd (the wireless Bushido) will be out on the market in the next few months. cant really tell you all about them without it looking like another one of my plug fests but you would be nuts to not look in depth at what these trainers can do. The Bushido will work with only the new software & then via a wireless Ant+ USB dongle.

The new very very cool Google Earth enabled software will be released in the next couple of weeks. Direct import from garmin units & GPX files will be in there as well as hrm export. So you can keep track with Cycling peaks etc.

email me if you have any questions.

PS a keen cyclist called Koos Tacx started his company 50years ago

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Phil Stone

www.tacxvr.com
www.tacx.com