I've been using a Tacx Neo for three weeks (although I expect my experience would be the same with many other "smart" trainers). These have been the best workouts I've had. I use Golden Cheetah's Workout Editor (highly recommended) and BigRing VR (a free internet program).
First, intervals: The power on my intervals is true and constant from beginning to end. Even though I tried not to cheat, when my cadence would lag at the end of a hard interval on my fluid trainer (KK) the power output would go down. Now if my cadence flags, the torque goes up, power stays constant and it gets harder. This is teaching me to keep my cadence up and drive through the interval. Likewise, the rest periods between intervals remains constant.
Also, the power setting is granular. If I want to increase power of the set by 5w, I just plug in the new target and it happens. This is leading me to some nice progressive gains.
With GC, I don't even have to enter the workout in my log; it automatically makes the entry.
Second: For those without a mountain to climb out the front door (I have Broadway in New York City!) BigRing VR offers a selection of 50-some iconic climbs. The speed of the video is keyed to your power as the program pairs with the smart trainer. I've been "climbing" Alpe d'Huez twice a week. That climb gives me well over an hour with NP slightly better than my FTP. I can't get that kind of workout anywhere in my riding area.
Frankly I was skeptical about "smart" trainers - "How much better than my Kurt Kinetic could it be?" For me the answer is that it's not just better, it's a whole different experience.
First, intervals: The power on my intervals is true and constant from beginning to end. Even though I tried not to cheat, when my cadence would lag at the end of a hard interval on my fluid trainer (KK) the power output would go down. Now if my cadence flags, the torque goes up, power stays constant and it gets harder. This is teaching me to keep my cadence up and drive through the interval. Likewise, the rest periods between intervals remains constant.
Also, the power setting is granular. If I want to increase power of the set by 5w, I just plug in the new target and it happens. This is leading me to some nice progressive gains.
With GC, I don't even have to enter the workout in my log; it automatically makes the entry.
Second: For those without a mountain to climb out the front door (I have Broadway in New York City!) BigRing VR offers a selection of 50-some iconic climbs. The speed of the video is keyed to your power as the program pairs with the smart trainer. I've been "climbing" Alpe d'Huez twice a week. That climb gives me well over an hour with NP slightly better than my FTP. I can't get that kind of workout anywhere in my riding area.
Frankly I was skeptical about "smart" trainers - "How much better than my Kurt Kinetic could it be?" For me the answer is that it's not just better, it's a whole different experience.