preferred-google-button
log in
register

Turbo trainers. Need help.

  • Creator
    Topic
  • October 15, 2014 at 5:18 pm #22590
    pepita1

    Hi, I’m looking at investing in either a Wahoo Kickr Power Trainer or the Wattbike. I’d appreciate any advise/comments regarding the actual use of the equipment. Obviously, I’m aware of the portability of the Kickr over the Wattbike so I’m more concerned about the effectiveness for training, specifically intervals as well as the use of Sufferfest videos. Additionally, I can save a chunk of money with the Kickr over the Wattbike and still get power readout (important to me).

    I know the Wattbike uses air and magnetic resistance but lacks automatic adjustment…what kind of resistance does the Kickr use? Decisions, decisions.

    I’ve looked for reviews about the Wattbike and have only seen positive ones that usually come via the Wattbike website. The only negative one I’ve seen was from a personal blog written by a competitive triathlete who, it seemed to me, brought up some valid points. Additionally, I know someone who had customer service issues from the very beginning of their dealings with Wattbike. Any and all advise is welcomed. Thanks.

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 4 replies - 16 through 19 (of 19 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • October 16, 2014 at 8:51 am #818217
    0
    pepita1

    Currently, I have a Cyclops
    Currently, I have a Cyclops Mag Pro Trainer (about 4-5 years old now) with heart rate training. The problem is that I can’t seem to get my heart rate up to the zones necessary for improvement. (I also use Sufferfest videos or do things like flying 40s.) Whether that’s because of my current ring/cassette ratios, lack of strength to push bigger gears at high cadence, psychological barrier between indoor and outdoor “do or die” or something else entirely, is the unknown. And the only way to find out is to try something different.

    The lower price of the Kickr would allow me to purchase another bicycle and maybe some professional personal training. The Kickr also will provide better feedback (I think). This is why I’m trying to get information from anyone who has used the Kickr and if it has helped to both regulate and track training sessions that lead to increase in fitness. I think I’m thinking too much about it, but it’s a substantial purchase and I don’t want to make a £900+ (though cheaper on Wiggle) mistake.

    October 16, 2014 at 8:36 am #818215
    0
    glynr36

    The Kickr seems better suited
    The Kickr seems better suited to what you want, but if you’re looking to spend that sort of cash I think you could get more for your cash out of buying something like a Stages power meter (or other), and then a turbo for around £200, and whatever a cheap wheel/cassette/trainer tyre to dedicate for the turbo.

    That way then you have the power to use out on the road as well and not just the trainer.

    October 16, 2014 at 12:03 am #818213
    0
    giobox

    It’s true that there are
    It’s true that there are other options, the recently reviewed KURT model with the inRide power meter accessory gets you all pretty much the features of the KICKR save the automatic resistance switching, for less money.

    That said, KICKR + TrainerRoad = best training solution IMO, I would rate this option well above a Wattbike. Sure it might not have the full extent of the fancy metrics on a Wattbike, but as a practical tool for training I think it has some great advantages.

    I actually see the separate cassette as a plus, I always switch to a spare wheel with a trainer-specific tire anyway.

    October 15, 2014 at 9:19 pm #818211
    0
    mtbtomo

    Looks like the KickR would be
    Looks like the KickR would be a pain. Haing a separate set of sprockets on the turbo and taking the wheel out every time?

    You probably know but you can do Sufferfest with TrainerRoad and one of their listed turbos plus an Ant+ dongle & sensors – doesn’t have to be a Watt Bike.

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 4 replies - 16 through 19 (of 19 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.