Showing posts with label trainer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trainer. Show all posts

CycleOps PowerBeam Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

CycleOps PowerBeam Indoor Bicycle Trainer
Average Reviews:

(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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Nautilus NE2000 Elliptical Trainer (Discontinued) Review

Nautilus NE2000 Elliptical Trainer (Discontinued)
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The Nautilus NE2000 is a high quality elliptical. Prior to purchasing it, I had used this model at my gym. It's fun to use! Very smooth operation. After a twenty minute session, I'm sweaty but actually energized. With a strong friend's help, it set up quite easily. Came in two major sections, which are heavy. The deal I found on Amazon was great...$600 dollars off the list price and shipping was free! Very happy customer.
Georgeanne
Marquette, Michigan

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Experience a full-body, low-impact workout with the Nautilus NE2000 elliptical trainer, a gym-quality machine that keeps you in top shape year round. The NE2000 is outfitted with the company's patented SyncLink technology, which features articulating foot platforms that track the natural movement of your feet through elliptical motion. This creates a more comfortable, authentic workout that won't put undue stress on your knees, ankles, or joints. The trainer is also remarkably quiet and smooth thanks to the frictionless V-Force Plus system, which delivers a wide range of resistance levels, and the commercial-grade Poly-V belt drive system, which teams near-silent operation with maintenance-free performance.
Need feedback on your workout? Turn to the LED display, which makes it easy to see your workout progress at a glance, with feedback on your total workout time, distance, calories burned, average speed, RPM, and heart rate. The NE2000 also offers seven preprogrammed workouts, two custom programs, and multiple heart rate control programs. The latter programs monitor your heart rate (contact sensors and wireless telemetry heart-rate belt included) and automatically adjust the intensity level of your workout based on your target zone. Other details include 16 workout levels and a 350-pound weight capacity. The NE2000, which measures 25 by 67 by 75 inches (W x H x D), carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, 10 years on the parts, and one year on the labor.
Key Features:
All-direction resistance works every major muscle group
Provides the option of upper or lower body workout routines
SyncLink Technology moves naturally with your foot for a comfortable workout
Heavy commercial-grade steel frame provides maximum durability
High-inertia cast flywheel creates smooth and even pedal speed
Commercial grade Poly-V drive belt is designed for superior durability and near-silent performance
V-Force resistance system provides a large range of resistance in a completely frictionless, maintenance-free design

Specifications:
Stride Technology: SyncLink articulating foot pedals
Stride Dimensions: 16" L x 6-7/8" H
Drive Train: Poly-V belt drive
Resistance System: Electromagnetic V-Force Plus technology
Computer Display Type: Plug-in LED console with a high resolution program profile display and a four window readout
Power Requirements: 110 V
Workout Levels: 16
Pre-Programmed Workouts: 7 (rolling hills, ride in the park, speed intervals, strength intervals, plateau, pikes peak, and heart rate control)
Custom Programs: 2
Heart Rate Control Programs: Yes
Heart Rate Monitoring: Contact sensors and wireless telemetry
Display Readouts: Time, segment time, speed, average speed, RPM, distance, calories, heart rate, level, and watts
Product Dimensions: 75"L x 25"W x 67"H (191 cm L x 64 cm W x 170 cm H)
Product Weight: 182 pounds
Maximum User Weight:350 pounds (159 kg)
Frame: Welded Steel

Manufacturer's Warranty Frame - lifetime, parts - 10 years, labor - 1 year
About Elliptical Trainers Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips.
Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.
About Nautilus Nautilus, Inc. is a pure fitness company that provides the tools and education necessary to help people achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle. With a brand portfolio that includes Nautilus, Bowflex, Schwinn Fitness, StairMaster, and PEARL iZUMi, Nautilus manufactures and markets a complete line of innovative health and fitness products through direct, commercial, specialty retail, retail, and international channels.


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Cycle-Ops Fluid 2 Pro Pack Trainer Kit Review

Cycle-Ops Fluid 2 Pro Pack Trainer Kit
Average Reviews:

(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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Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer Review

Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer
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I purchased the Kurt Kenetic two months ago, and am thrilled with its performance and quality. If you are considering purchasing a trainer, fluid trainers are the way to go. Basically, there are four major types of trainers: Magnetic,Wind, Rim Driven, and Fluid. The later is the best, hands down! Fluid resistance trainers are more quiet, smoother and more realistic than any of the others mentioned. The only drawback to the fluid trainer is that over time they can leak resistance fluid. There are three companies that have solutions to this drawback. I highly recommend that you research all three and test them out where possible. A good review page is Roadbikereview.com . The CycleOps Fluid 2 is ultra smooth and quiet. They have a limmited warranty on thier products, but are known for standing behind their trainers for life, and will fix any issues probably for life! The One Up Trainer has all the advantages of a fluid trainer, but uses no fluid in its designe, it is made in America and carries a life time warranty. The Kurt Kinetic, which I decided to purchase, is IMHO, the best because it utilizes a sealed fluid unit and therefore is guranteed not to leak. These three units are roughly the same price, around $260.00. Steep? Think of it this way, This product is going to be your companion for many winters, so don't buy a loud, crappy one with crappy customer service! You'll regret later that you didn't spend the extra $75 or $80 on a quality product. I also tested the Blackburn Fluid, $100 bucks cheaper, not bad for price, but since it is new to the market I was unsure about durabillity or how well they stand behind thier trainers after warranty expiration. I have heard amazing testimonials of how Cyclops, Kurt, and One Up, have replaced parts and even whole trainers, no questions asked! Google these three companies and see for yourself.

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Tested and rated the best by the Cycling press and loved by riders, it's no wonder the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine indoor trainer is the official bicycle trainer for the USA Cycling Team. It's quiet, smooth, leak-proof, and offers an ultra-accurate simulation of outdoor riding. Powertap calibrated, the fluid trainer automatically adjusts resistance as you change speed.

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TOTAL TRAINER Pilates Reformer Home Gym Pro Review

TOTAL TRAINER Pilates Reformer Home Gym Pro
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I bought this for my fiance and I to use. I have always had gym memberships in the past using mostly free weights, but now due to my hectic schedule, driving to a gym is not an option. I have owned a Total Gym in the past. The Total Gym is the one that Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley advertise on TV. Save yourself lots of money, don't buy one of those. The quality of this machine over the Total Gym is unbelievable. You can't compare the two, but I will anyway.
First let's talk price. The Total Gym's price is about $1800.00 the last time I checked. The Total Trainer has a cost of around $500.00. Now let's talk quality. I am a big guy (usually hover around 260 pounds at 6 feet tall) so not only was my weight a concern, but also my height and whether I could get a full range of motion with the exercises. On the Total Gym, my movements on the machine were tricky, due to its lighter construction and its propensity to wobble when I was on it. Additionally, I could not get a full range of motion on several of the movements on the Total Gym. However on the Total Trainer, I have experienced no wobbles at all. This machine is rock solid. On the Total Trainer I am able to perform all of the exercises comfortably. The third thing to compare is the accessories that come with this machine. The Total Trainer includes many more, which would cost additional money for the Total Gym. Finally, exercising on this machine is fun. In fact the first day that I had it, I enjoyed it so much I did 2 complete workouts. I paid for that in aspercreme and Tylenol (don't do that). For a person like me that enjoys power-lifting, but can't get to the gym anymore, this machine is perfect. I can't believe the level of workout that this machine gives me. I highly recommend it. My only complaint is that the machine does not have enough resistance for me on the bench press movements, or the squat movements. The machine also does not allow deadlift style movements to be performed. However, I am stronger than the typical person and if you are like me then you know that this machine will never totally replace a power rack and an Olympic bench (free weights), but still an excellent buy!!!! I really love this machine, and can get a full body workout on it. Thanks!!!


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Bayou Total Trainer Pilates Pro with 21 LEVELSThe Pilates Total Trainer System comes with both Total Trainer and Pilates accessories. The Pilates accessories include a dual leg cuff, shoulder pads, power cords and a toe bar. Also included is a Pilates instructional video and manual making this home gym versatile for men and women. The maximum user height is 6' 7''. This home gym ships fully assembled, double boxed and has a shipping weight of 100 lbs.

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Sun 20" Wind Trainer for Bicycles Review

Sun 20 Wind Trainer for Bicycles
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(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased this Wind Trainer so that I could ride indoors during bad weather. Several things need to be noted:1. The instructions are on a 5x8 ' paper and the drawing does not match the item. 2. The written/types instructions are so incredibly small that it very difficult to read. 3. The instructions talk to things that are either already done (pre-assembled) or non-existent. 4. It is impossible to mount the bike on the trainer if ytou have (a) a rear fender installed (this must be removed) or (b) have a rear rack (the bottom screws of this must be removed to install the bike on the trainer).
Had I known this, I would have looked at other trainers. I own a SunEZ1 recumbent and enjoy it a great deal. I expected similar quality from Sun regarding the trainer but have been sorely disappointed. For $150 I feel that Sun has TOTALLY screwed me. I am seriously considering returning it.
Buyer Beware!!!
Try other brands and if you can, take your bike to a shop and check for easy fit. The Sun Wind trainer is NOT and easy fit.

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The Power Reactor Core Trainer - Total Workout Kit Review

The Power Reactor Core Trainer - Total Workout Kit
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I learned about a rebounder at Physical Therapy. It is helping me strengthen my ankles and improve my stability so I can trail run without the worry of rolling my ankles. I was afraid that this rebounder may not be strong enough because of the price, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's awsome and I have heavier medicine balls and it is plenty strong. Buy It.

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The Power Reactor is quick and easy to assemble. It has 10 different settings, which help provide a nearly endless number of exercises to help you get trim, fit and improve your performance in any sport you play. You can use the Power Reactor indoors or outdoor and it can be used individually or with a group. It comes with: - 4lb Medicine Ball - 65cm Stability Ball - 30-day Quick Start Nutrition Program - Total Body Workout DVD - Owner's Manual and Quick Start GuideThe Power ReactorTM was specifically designed to improve overall fitness by combining Power, Accuracy, Cardiovascular Endurance, and Flexibility in one. The Power ReactorTM is Adjustable, Durable, Convenient, and Portable.Adjustable - The Power ReactorTM can be adjusted from 0 to 90 degrees to accommodate various levels of training intensity and sport specific exercises. Durable - The Power ReactorTM is made of high-grade steel, which provides a strong foundation for long-term use. Convenient - The Power ReactorTM easily collapses to allow for convenient storage. Portable - The Power ReactorTM weighs less than 50lbs and can easily be transported for use indoor and outdoor. Affordable - The Power ReactorTM makes owning your own piece of workout equipment easy by offering flexible payment plans that are affordable. Instead of buying multiple pieces of exercise equipment, you can own one piece of equipment that provides a total body workout while making it fun.

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CycleOps Wind Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

CycleOps Wind Indoor Bicycle Trainer
Average Reviews:

(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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