Bike Setup: Indoor training bike, permananently mounted to the Velodyne, is a cheap Motobecane Sport, accurately set up to geometric specs for my road bike (A Trek Madone, etc.)
Summary: I've used my Velodyne since its inception (Schwinn/Frontline), bought it when it first appeared. Rock solid, repeatable, totally realistic (in terms of heart rate to road data, spot on), excellent road simulations. The on board tests and race simulations are great and, when connecting it to Netathon, or using it with Carmichael Training Systems exercise presciptions will form an endless array of never to-be-bored indoor cycling training possible.
Strengths: Durable and tough. Accurate and consistent. Interfaces with outdoor riding simulators like Netathlon.
Weaknesses: Expensive. Heart Rate monitor is too sensitive to ANY outside signal, including a LCD monitor I use for the interface and/or for DVD watching.
Switching to testing mode by opening a door (with a screwdriver!?) and manually pulling out a small circuit board to exchange from the road simulator is incredibly dumb and 1980's-ish. This HAS TO BE REMEDIED!!!
LCD hasn't a backlight and is hard to see. This may have been fixed with the latest units.
Similar Products Used: Computrainer.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Custom Steel frame (Columbus Multishape) with 8-spd Dura Ace).
Summary: Best trainer available, despite what is now well-over 10 year old computer technology. Far superior to Computrainer in every material respect.
Strengths: Trainer unit itself is very solidly constructed, and extremely heavy.
Very stable base allows out of saddle efforts.
Scientifically accurate ergometer, great road feel with 20lb flywheel flywheel.
Good race simulation.
Weaknesses: It's till indoor training!
Unit is large, and needs dedicated space in a basement, garage, workout room, etc.
LCD screen does not have backlight, making it difficult to read without overhead light source.
Switching ROM chips from race simulation to fitness testing/interval chip is a bit unwieldy.
Programming courses is also a bit unwieldy.
Doesn't have the "pretty" 3-d computer graphics offered by computrainer, but you can use it with Netathalon software if you fancy the aesthetic.
High price.
Hopefully, Bruce at Velodyne Sports is working is updating the computer technology to remedy some of these issues.
Similar Products Used: Computrainer -- Bought one, thinking I could store it in closet when not in use. Returned it one week later. I was so happy I hadn't sold the Velodyne.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: Update to the Velodyne. It has been reintroduced by the original inventor and patent holder. The Company is now called Velodyne Sports, Inc. The Web site is www.VelodyneSports.com. The product is better than ever, with more variations offered. This is capturing a lot of attention from training coaches.
Strengths: If you want the best workout in a trainer, this is it!
Weaknesses: Only the road is better.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: I finally found one used from a guy who was moving out of the country. The Velodyne is by far the best trainer I have ever used. It has the best road feel of any trainers out there, including computrainer. I recomend it for anyone who is serious about the sport. if you want to spin for 15 minutes while you watch football, don't buy one. If you are training to compete, I highly recomend it. Rumor has it it will be re-introduced with a touch screen head and a whole new look around interbike.
Strengths: Rock solid
real road feel
training features
bombproof
Weaknesses: was hard to find
Similar Products Used: Comp u trainer
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
