#Computrainer alternative generator#
#Computrainer alternative software#

#Computrainer alternative software#

(Note that in the above picture, I combined non-RacerMate software on the left, with RaceMate (official software) on the right). Generally though, youвЂ™re not going to be using standalone mode too much. For example вЂ“ during a bike fit, or if you have a secondary data capture device (like a Garmin). The reason folks would use this is for cases where recording data wasnвЂ™t important.

A timer keeps track of your workout, and it will also show you MPH, HR, RPMвЂ™s, and distance. You simply have the console on your handlebar and control the resistance that way. In standalone mode, you donвЂ™t have it hooked up to a computer.

Running standalone modeД«efore we get into the nifty CompuTrainer software that makes the whole thing worthwhile, I briefly want to cover the straight standalone mode. And if you do it right, youвЂ™ll finally be ready to go. The best way to approach this task is to simply walk piece by piece through all of the papers. If you werenвЂ™t confused before, youвЂ™ll be confused now. Next comes installing all the software pieces. A вЂsuper-quickвЂ™ setup guide would be appreciated. In all honestly, the stacks upon stacks of paper actually make the situation worse and more complex than it needs to be. Putting together all the hardware parts only takes a couple of minutes. It comes with little clips to hook onto your handlebars and/or aerobars (you can do it both ways). Stop and start merely controls the timer aspects. Note that you have to do the pedaling, just like a stationary bike. HereвЂ™s a closer shot of the вЂcontrol panelвЂ™, which allows you to stop/start the session, and controls resistance (load). Everything else simply connects all the pieces together in just a minute or two. ThereвЂ™s also a HRM strap and then the wireless receiver for that.

#Computrainer alternative generator#

The key pieces here is the load generator (black round thing to the left of the blue piece), the console (yellow device), and the stand (blue metal frame). Inside the white box is a whole flotilla of parts, papers and instructions. The hardwareДЄ few days after ordering the CompuTrainer (hereafter referred to as вЂCTвЂ™), a rather heavy white box arrives. So, hereвЂ™s the in depth skinny on this (albeit very expensive) training utility.

The list of proвЂ™s who use one is long, but would it make a difference for an age-grouper like me? Well, after more than a year of using itвЂ¦I think I have the answer. ItвЂ™s often said that from a cycling standpoint the CompuTrainer is the best training device you can buy. In addition you can ride вЂreal videoвЂ™ versions of actual courses (like Ironman Hawaii for example).

So in some ways itвЂ™s like combining a power meter with a trainer (from a cost standpoint).ДЄnd the last major difference is that you can ride virtualized courses of anything in the world (if thereвЂ™s a GPS track (gpx file), a course can be made). Secondly, it connects to a computer if you want to take advantage of significant features like tracking of HR/pace/speedвЂ¦and power (watts). This is done via the little control panel or via a computer (a computer is not required though). First, it generates load (wattage) via a computerized interface. The CompuTrainer is like most other trainers, except for a few key important twists. All last winter I meant to write up a review of it. Over 18 months ago (September 07), I bought a CompuTrainer as my primary indoor trainer.