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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
tacx vs computrainer

bmeer

Nov 2, 09 12:01

Post #1 of 12 (809 views)

tacx vs computrainer	Can't Post

anyone have a tacx bushido or similar? how does it compare to a computrainer? i've had a cycle-ops fluid 2 for years and want to get a new trainer with power. i was leaning heavily to the computrainer but also wondered about the tacx. thanks.

Kevin in MD

Nov 2, 09 12:40

Post #2 of 12 (782 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

To me the only thing you need to know about tacx is that the fortius units sold in us and canada had known issues with smoothness and an inability go over 30 mph for five years before anything was done about. They simply continued to sell the same units, did nothing to fix the issues and never mentioned it to anyone. when they DID make a fix, thay charged $150 for it.

But if you want more info, they sell a virtual upgrade for their own trainers they have acknowledged that there is an error in the calculations on the unit. The power readings can be off by %40. The problem came up last fall, there has been nothing done to fix the issue.

If you go to their own site and their own forum, look and see what the general consensus is on the bushido. When pressed most people will admit it is not up to the task of training by power levels.

If you want accurate power, go computrainer. If you want better, buggy graphics programs go tacx.

(This post was edited by Kevin in MD on Nov 2, 09 12:51)

coachjoegold

Nov 2, 09 12:44

Post #3 of 12 (774 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Computrainer is downright durable. I've had mine for over 10 years and except for standard maintenance, the machine still works great. I had mine when it was routinely run off of the Nintendo system.

It might be expensive, but it's worth every penny. :-)

Disclosure: I have no financial or business ties to Computrainer.
-----------------------------------------------
199 Days to Vermont 100 Mile Ultramarathon
Wednes December 30
1200m easy swim and 5 mi run

athlete3

Nov 2, 09 13:44

Post #4 of 12 (716 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have had my computrainer for years. It upgrades, it doesn't break and I love it. I have tested a TACX and wouldn't trade.

irunman34

Nov 2, 09 14:03

Post #5 of 12 (696 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Never seen a tacx or used one, but I know that I love my computrainer, and it works, that is the most important part, after reading about the other ones.

trainhard

Nov 2, 09 14:23

Post #6 of 12 (677 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [irunman34] [In reply to]	Can't Post

hey guys I too would love to hear more about these trainers. I am very interested in both. How realistic is the computrainer and which computrainer is the best. Is it easy to get started or does it take hrs to get it setup

TheRhino

Nov 2, 09 14:37

Post #7 of 12 (664 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

FWIW - I bought a used Tacx Grand Excel a few years back. It's been a bit of a pain in the ass over time with different pieces breaking (lots of plastic involved in key components) but since I'm fairly handy I've made it work.

I wouldn't rush out and get a new Tacx product based on my experience with this one. However, I also would have trouble swallowing the price of a new CompuTrainer but suspect it's worth it from a value perspective. For me I just shifted some of my riding to rollers and try to get outside whenever possible.

- Mike
_______________________________________
BikeCalcFree 1.0 for the iPhone now available on iTunes and it's free!
Calculate speed from power or vice versa using sliders/switches to set weight, position, tires, grade, etc.. Feedback welcome!

oc3ram

Nov 13, 09 11:48

Post #8 of 12 (516 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [TheRhino] [In reply to]	Can't Post

the graphics and interface of the computrainer need severe updates. very antiquated in regards to digital graphics, this would elevate the cool factor. otherwise i've loved the experience with it.
-
Marco
http://www.villagebikes.com
http://www.newbalancesarasota.com/

jroden

Nov 13, 09 12:59

Post #9 of 12 (470 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [oc3ram] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have used both. The Tacx is just fine in my opinion, it has an ergo function so you can set the load and forget it, while you can also have a static load in "slope" mode. The wattage display is optimistic, but it is consistent more or less. The tacx can be upgraded with the i-magic head and hooked to a computer, which I understand helps correct the ergo mode and makes it more consistent. The software and directions were too aggravating for me so I returned it.

I bought a CT last year and find it's very nice. The wattage is correct and it has an ergo more. It's too expensive, the software is dated and trashy and the whole package uses parts from a 1984 IBM PC XT. It's a nice tool, but I think it's got some flaws for such a premium price.

I improved a lot using the Flow. For $300 I think it's all you need.

konaexpress

Nov 13, 09 13:05

Post #10 of 12 (459 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a Tacx Flow and for the price compared to a Computrainer I am happy with it. I wanted to buy a Computrainer a few years ago but my wife put the kibosh on that idea. At the time she asked me how many of my friends with a CT have been to Kona. She knew damn well the answer was none and at the time I had been there three times (now six). It's not the bell and whistles, it's the sweat and hours you spend training. Save your money and get the Tacx.
Barry Dmitruk 23 X IM Finisher

cerveloguy

Nov 13, 09 13:33

Post #11 of 12 (442 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [konaexpress] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have a Tacx (Flow I think). It was quite a bit cheaper but doesn't have all the cool bells and whistles of the Computrainer but it does give cadence, power, and HR as variables to play with. Between that and my coach Troy tapes it's enough to get me through a winter of indoor riding.

Micawber

Nov 13, 09 14:23

Post #12 of 12 (424 views)

Re: tacx vs computrainer [bmeer] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've never used a tacx but I've had a computrainer for a year now and the controls and graphics are really out-dated. I wouldn't worry too much about that though. Spend some time with the manual at first and you'll soon figure out how to make the controls work. The real course video is decent and, while I haven't tried one yet, I understand the erg video programs are comparable. The 3d courses with the metal man are like '90s game graphics; they'll do the job. The graphics in spin-scan mode or doing an erg file in chart mode are antique but there's usually enough sweat in my eyes then that I'm not fussing over graphics. :) As far as I'm concerned the ct is easily worth every penny.