CycleOps PowerBeam Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought my CycleOps Power Beam Pro in January of 2009 and I have put hundreds of miles on it since. Getting all the sensors (heart rate, cadence, speed, power) calibrated takes some time, so don't expect to simply hop on and ride. Once you've set it up, you can control your workout right from the display panel on the handlebars -- no getting off to adjust resistance.
The computer will keep you working at a constant power output regardless of your speed or cadence -- this means very high torque at low speeds and the rear wheel can "chatter" as is slips against the resistance wheel. Just pick up the pace a few miles an hour and it will go away.
You can program in detailed workouts with the software at hand, but I haven't done so. The software also downloads your workout history and provides statistics. It has bugs however; my heart rate data drops out leaving huge gaps. My heart rate displays accurately and reliably on the unit, but the data fails to transfer over to the software on my laptop. I wrote Saris about this but got no reply. It would also be nice if the data format would allow you to export to other formats such as [...], or Garmin without going through a .csv file first.
I can't complain about customer service however. My resistance-adjustment bolt broke while I was shipping it. I wrote and asked for a new one (explaining it was no fault of theirs). They promptly shipped me a free replacement.
HITS:
Adjustable resistance on the fly, real time data on speed, power, heart rate, cadence, distance and time, data analysis capability via software, portability and customer service.
MISSES:
Pricey, Complex -- set up is not for the faint of heart, data drop-out in the software, proprietary data format (clunky exporting). The display unit, while functional, looks like it came from the '80s -- it lacks the slickness of say a Garmin ForeRunner unit. No back-lighting means it can be tough to read the display in a dark garage or basement.
Bottom line, I love the quality of the workout, and being able to dial a slope or power level. If you want to analyze your workouts, this is the trainer for you. Glad I bought it.

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The PowerBeam features built-in PowerTap hardware, and offers real-time feedback on your power output. The PowerBeam will even self-adjust the resistance to maintain the desired target power setting. The resistance can be manually adjusted via a wireless handlebar console, and custom programs can also be uploaded via CycleOps' Power Agent 7 software. The PowerBeam resistance unit offers sustained resistance of over 1300W making this unit suitable for all but the most elite athletes.Please note that this model, the 9460, does NOT include the Joule 3.0 computer.

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Elite Parabolic PVC Folding Rollers Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've spent about 15 hours of training time on these and while it made it easier to learn to ride rollers, they fell apart causing me to crash off hard snapping the frame apart. The parabolic shape of the drums makes these ideal for beginners and since Elite knows people looking to learn to ride rollers will be constitute the majority of customers they should have built them to withstand even the most severe of crashes. Since they are relatively new Elite should be replacing them under a warranty claim or I'll be replacing them with Kreitler Alloy Rollers.

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Unique parabolic shape of the PVC drums helps to control and center rider on rollers. Folds for easy storage, Fits wheel bases 37"-43". Front wheel stabilizer sold separately.

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Cycle-Ops Fluid 2 Pro Pack Trainer Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm in the military, currently studying at West Point, and recently took up cycling as a competetive sport. Since it is starting to get cold and I don't have the money to buy cold weather clothes, so i decided to invest a little money in a trainer. After extensive research, i decided to get the cycleops fluid2 mainly for it's high resistance power curve to improve myself for the spring season.
After my first workout on the trainer, all i have to say is that this thing is a beast. I used the included Criterium workout that came with the trainer, and I couldn't go past the 4th largest cog for more than a minute near the end. Totally smoked from that workout, which is a good thing. The best part of the trainer is the fact that it has the quick release for when you're done with your workout. I haven't used a trainer with a knob, but it would probably suck cranking it tight enough for it not to slip.
Setup was a complete breeze, except that there was a rock or some mineral or something in the thread for the quick release which slowed my setup down to 40 minutes trying to get the stupid thing out. Other than that, the setup shouldn't have taken more than 10 mintues.
The extra money spent on the blocks, mat, and sweat catcher thing are really worth it though. I had 3 big puddles of sweat on the mat when i was done after 40 minutes of spinning. Seeing as sweat is corrosive, the sweat catcher probably absorbed another puddle of sweat that could've damaged my bike.
All around, it's a great set and worth the money if you're willing to spend the money on it. This is my first trainer, and I didn't want a cheap trainer that would break after my first year of use and as a warm-up tool before races. Can't go wrong with cycleops.

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New Pro Pack Includes: Fluid 2 Trainer, training mat, Bike Thong, 2 Climing Blocks, and training DVD. Trainer: Exclusive Power Band technology offers the widest resistance range without ever touching the unit. Power tuned new larger flywheel for improved road-like feel. Infinite resistance curve ensures increased wattage as you increase speed. Self-cooling mechanisms, including a patented fan design, keep the unit performing better, longer. Training DVD included.

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CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro Winter Training Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this from the advice of a friend that is a pro cyclist.
Very quite and easy to set up! Having never used a trainer before I was a little apprehensive. The set-up took all of 2-5 minutes. Easy!
Much more of workout than I would have thought! I watch movies on the computer while spinning in the morning and weekends.
I feel that I got my money's worth!

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If you're a real roadie, you shave your legs. What's more, you measure what you eat, you obsess about your training regimen, you read everything you can about cycling. In other words, you're a JetFluid Pro rider. The JetFluid Pro's PowerTuned technology provides smooth, realistic accelerations and inertia offering real-world feel for widest range of riders and riding types.Its cooler operating temperature delivers long-lasting performance and a stable progressive power curve. Simply shift into the big ring for added resistance, just like out on the road, and let the. We designed the resistance units to be quieter, plus have extended bearing life. PowerTuned flywheel creates higher inertia for a ride that's like being out on the open road. Chamber and impeller allows for optimal fluid distribution for a smooth and quiet ride.Cooling Airflow Design.Individually precision balanced fly wheel eliminates "dead weight" and maximizes inertia.Engineers, leading scientists, coaches and athletes have all worked together to develop the CycleOps Pro Series line of trainers. Use your trainer right out of the box and store it in a small space. Unsurpassed Stability and Durability. Quick-Lock Cam Lever.Quickly and easily install and remove your bike with a simple 90 degree turn of the handle. Handy Single-Leg Leveling Adjustment. Convenient Skewer Clamp.*Ensure to engage secondary locking feature.Big Wheels, Too. Mount 29ers using two-position mounting bracket. Race Day DVD. One of the finest training DVD's available from leading coach and former USPS team member Robbie Ventura.

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CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)It's silent except for the sound of your tire rolling over it, and completely stable. There's really no need to buy the next more expensive one. I haven't felt the need for a mat. And the resistance truly is road like except without the bumps and traffic lights. It's a constant effort though, so you will get more of a work out in 45 minutes on the trainer than you would in double that time riding on the road.
You will want to accessorize however for a few reasons:
First of all, riding a trainer is the most boring thing ever. At the very least you will want to be listening to music, and ideally you will want to set up a TV to watch while you're putting in your time getting nowhere fast.
If you don't have water bottles and cages on your bike, this is the time to get them, and also a good way to practice drinking from them while riding.
You will sweat buckets, and don't want to soak your bike and the floor with it because sweat is highly corrosive in addition to being stinky, so in addition to the roughly $300 you will pay for this trainer you might as well spring for the the "Bike Thong" which Amazon also sells (with Free Super Saver Shipping) for about $22 (cheaper than CycleOps sells it for, and they don't give you free shipping). The bike thong will protect your bike from all that corrosive sweat and it comes with a handy pocket organizer to hold your TV remote control, iPod, Clif Bars or whatever you might want handy. Trust me, attempting to cover your bike with a towel wont work nearly as well either for the bike or you as you try to keep it in place.
You should also get a fan to blow air on you as you ride your trainer.
As for a climbing block to raise your front wheel for another twenty-something dollars, I've been using an old sandle and that has worked just fine. The first few times riding with the sandle under the front wheel I keep turning involuntarily, but got used to it. Honestly, I feel the climbing block is a waste of money, and that for the price of the trainer it should have been included.
This trainer does come with a DVD, but I haven't watched it yet because I don't imagine the most beneficial and boring task of riding a trainer every day is going to be made more beneficial or interesting by having someone tell me what to do. Instead, I recommend a DVD of Breaking Away or Top Gun--so you feel like you're flying.
Last point: if you're really into cycling rather than simply doing this as exercise, the bike trainer will help your technique. Any amount of wiggling around, or most any bad cycling habit, it soon eliminated after being amplified by your time on the trainer. You will also hear your bike better, and notice all those squeeks and strange clicks that you couldn't hear while riding for real (personally I feel a bike should purr).
Love it. Highly recommend it.


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The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer features a new larger flywheel with twice the inertia for an improved, road-like feel. The power-band technology offers the widest resistance range--from easy spins to lung-burning climbs--without ever touching the unit. The infinite resistance curve ensures increased wattage as you increase speed for realistic statistical analysis at the end of your ride. The Fluid 2 is surprisingly quiet, and the self-cooling mechanisms--including a patented fan design--keep the unit performing better, longer. Includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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Minoura Action Advantage Rollers Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)The rollers are easy to assemble. Took me about 5 minutes. If you are a beginner youll definately want to start off next to a wall. once you get goin about 10-15mph its much easier to stay stable. Also there is a fork mount you can purchase which my girlfriend uses, because she doenst have all that much balance. I will say I felt pretty good about three to four times, before finally using the wall to help me keep my balance. The rollers are much better than the stationary trainers. I tried the stationary trainer and got very bored and very quick. on the rollers however, you have to keep focused on keeping a straight line, the rollers have also improved my wattage output and have made my pedal strokes much more smoother.
If your looking for a bike trainer to ride in the winter, rollers are definately they way to go!

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Trainer

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CycleOps Wind Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

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(More customer reviews)I have an older mag trainer that I used to use for indoor workouts. I pulled it out this season to use, but became disappointed with the performance since I would have to get off the bike to adjust for more resistance. I did some shopping around for a replacement, decided on this one. It's well built and gives a great workout with progressive resistance. Now I don't need to get off the bike when I want to go harder, it can be done by pedaling faster and shifting gears. The progressive resistance is closely emulating what you'd feel on the road.
It's not as noisy as one reviewer states. Yes, it's noisier then a fluid trainer, but not much noisier then my old mag trainer. There was a strange noise when I first used the trainer, but that was overcome by tightening the bolt on the resistance unit's axle. Once tightened the noise coming out of the trainer was just like a wind. The faster the wheel moves, the noise does pick up, but not to the point you can't hear a stereo or TV.
I chose this model over a fluid model for a couple of reasons. First, the axiom that simpler is better is true here. No fluid leaks (which is an issue with this company's fluid models). All parts look like I can diagnose the issue and get it fixed without having to go back to my fluid dynamics textbooks from grad school. The second reason is price. A trainer's lifespan is measured in hours of use, and may only last a season or two. I'd rather replace one of these again then to pay $350-$400 every couple years.
I didn't buy another mag trainer even though they've improved since my last one was built, with remote shifting and sturdier components. One issue with mag trainers is that at some point, you'll surpass the magnet's force and all of a sudden be coasting. Not fun if you are in the middle of a sprint. Also, there is no coasting on purpose, so you can't ease up every now and then without the wheel stopping.
I suggest you invest in the riser block for your front wheel, and well cushioned gloves when using a trainer like this one. Sitting in one position for an extended time like you do with these trainers requires some comfort measures to be in place.

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The CycleOps Wind Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer is a solid performing trainer that is easy on the pocketbook. With a simple and elegant design, the Wind Trainer's fan uses air to create a smooth, even resistance. The vortex blade design is high-powered, but produces very little noise. You'll be pleasantly surprised with this entry-level trainer's extra-wide range of progressive resistance and remarkable frame stability. The die cast zinc fan blades also double as a heavy flywheel for fluid stops and starts and a more road-like feel. The trainer includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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