Anyone use a TAcx Grand Excel?

[ctgt]

I just picked up one used as a second trainer option (good timing too, because my Computrainer just broke, and it'll be at least a week before I get it back).

I tried it last night and I was not pleased with the wattage readings I was getting. It felt harder and less realistic than the CT. I couldn't find anything in the manual regarding calibration either.

The way it is now , I foresee major motivatinal issues in riding it for as long or as often as I ride the CT.

 

[robkit]

sounds like you need to calibrate it which can be done as one of the setup options. i calibrate using my road bike which has an SRM on it. the wattage reading from the trainer will never match the SRM reality across all power output so i just calibrate it to match the SRM at my threshold power.

in general i think it's a good trainer...you can program very precise workouts and regardless of cadence the resistance will be adjusted to hold the programmed wattage, within limits.

 

[RChung]

Many years ago Bob Tobin compared his SRM to his Grand Excel. This is what he got:

 

[ctgt]

Thanks guys...I got my Computrainer back weeks ago and haven't used the Grand Excel since, but it definitely served its purpose for the weeeks I was without my CT. I don't have a powermeter, so my only calibration was on PE, but the numbers seemed reasonable, and after an adjustment period i was happy with it.