Choosing a Turbo Trainer Part 2

CycleOps

CycleOps offer the PowerBeam Pro Trainer, described as a ‘Trainer for the Most Demanding Riders on Earth’. It uses a closed-loop resistance control that allows you to target and lock in exact power output, training zones and slope. The link with PowerTap power measuring technology means that you get +/-5% accuracy with the power measurement; strain gauges embedded in the resistance unit apparently give you ‘PowerTap accurate resistance control and power measurement’. Of course it’s all ANT+ wireless compatible.

Whilst there is the PowerTap Mobile app for outdoor sessions, CycleOps also offer the Joule GPS computer specifically designed for cyclists who train with power. It has integrated GPS and offers 35 individual metrics from which to choose such as downloadable power, altitude, power, and so on.

CycleOps have a subscription-based ‘Virtual Training’ app. Like Bkool, the same software is for both indoor and outdoor training and it is usable with a few different turbo trainers. This means that the likelihood of uptake is increased and having become accustomed to it, you are much more likely to stick with it and to buy a Cycleops turbo unit when it is time to upgrade.

However, not every turbo unit affords you controlled resistance (as in resistance which automatically matches the terrain over which you are riding in your video or VR route) and some will just help control the video playback speed. Currently only two turbo trainers – the Cyleops Powerbeam Pro and the Wahoo Kickr – and a few ergometers from Cycleops, Cyclus, Daum and Kettler, can provide controlled resistance for that full, virtual reality experience, but it’s a good start.

Like those previously mentioned it’s a detailed system. Interval sessions and virtual routes with synchronised video are available. The presentation of data looks really good, perhaps slightly better than Bkool. You can upload routes from your GPS device, compare yourself against other users, maintain a training diary, link to social media and so on. It is pretty comprehensive.

CycleOps PowerBeam Pro

At £870 for the Powerbeam Pro, it’s reasonably priced, if not cheap, and there is the monthly VirtualTraining subscription cost on top which is just $10-$15 (USD). Unlike Elite and Taxc, Cycleops have been clever in creating a logical training software solution, very similar to that of Bkool but one that is open to a variety of different turbos. We have to admit to really liking this system. Look out for a full review soon.

Wahoo Kickr
 
As we have mentioned it with two of the systems above – Bkool and Cycleops – I though it best to mention it here in more detail. The Wahoo Kickr is £949-00 and has a wheel off design similar to the Lemond Revolution. It sports a massive flywheel with electromagnetic resistance that provides realistic road feel.

As standard the KICKR’s resistance can be controlled by an app on your iPhone, iPad, BTLE enabled Mac Book Pro or ANT+ enabled PC, offering the clever ‘Segments by Wahoo Fitness’ feature which allows you to ride Strava segments indoors – sounds good to us as the whole cycling world is Strava mad at present. It also has the benefit of fitting any size bike from 24″ to 29’er; XC mtbers take note. For more information see Paul’s article on the Wahoo Kickr here. They also offer the clever RFLKT Computer as well…

Wahoo KICKR

Again at £949 it’s not cheap but does have the benefit of being compatible with other systems, so you can try a software system and then swap later if you don’t like it. From that point of view it makes a lot of sense.

Conclusion

There can be little doubt of the benefits of virtual reality training. It will help you do more of your training indoors and get you fit in the time crunched environment that is your life. The Elite and Taxc offerings are excellent, but they are expensive and are closed to their own systems and trainers. The Cycleops system seems very good and offers a great adaptable solution. If you do not want to commit to one software system, the Wahoo Kickr is the best option, as you can test various VR offerings. But at the end of the day, you cannot get better value than the Bkool system and for that reason alone we strongly recommend it; after all it will get you just as fit as any other system and you’ll have more money left to spend on your race equipment.

 
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