Injury forces turbo trainer purchase, any advice?

devilbike

Hi all, I recently had a nasty spill and tore my a/c ligament in my shoulder. Doc says I will be off the bike for a while so it's an excuse to treat myself and the Tacx Fortius Multiplayer is the latest toy of my desire!
Has any body got one and if so do they do exactly as they say on the tin? They are not cheap so any info before I decide much appreciated.
The VR side of these trainers appeals to me as they will be less boring to use, more stuff to play with!
If any one has had a similar injury I would be interested in hearing how they progressed with it.

Cheers

Beasty

I have the Fortius, and spend many an hour in the garage using it. There are not many VR rides, and I mainly use the real life video. The video quality improves each year. I was on the new "Hell of the North" (Paris/Roubaix) earlier this week, and it seems a lot better than some of the videos from 2 or 3 years ago. I can confirm it does what it says on the tin.

You can see details of all the currently available rides on the Tacx website (www.tacxvr.com). I also find their website is generally cheaper than buying software from shops or other online retailers (just takes a few extra days to arrive from the Netherlands)

I've not tried any online racing with the multiplayer, and am not sure how practical this would be.

Overall I am very happy with the Fortius, and would recommend it if it's the sort of thing you are prepared to shell out for

blorg

I have ordered the i-Magic from an outfit called Rocky Mountain Cycles for £435 delivered. This is the same as the Fortius in respect of the software etc. The only difference is that the Fortius has a motor brake and so can simulate unlimited gradients. The i-Magic has an electromagnetic brake and can only go to around 8% realistically. I figured this would be enough for me.

If you want the Fortius the cheapest place that has that is Starbike for €650.

@Beasty- have you done the internet racing? I think you may get a year of that free with the Fortius but it is an extra £49 a year with the i-Magic?

Beasty

blorg wrote: »

@Beasty- have you done the internet racing? I think you may get a year of that free with the Fortius but it is an extra £49 a year with the i-Magic?

No I've not tried it. As I mentioned above, I am not sure of the practicalities, and have been happy trundling along on my own in the garage to date. The ability to race against your previous performances and "virtual opponents" on the VR terrains can add a competitive edge.

devilbike

thanks for the advice lads, Blorg just to let you know I have seen the fortius with the steerer unit on http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=6718;group=100;page=1;pid=69;menuid1=5;menuid2=0;mid=0;pgc=0 , for €699 and Slane cycles has it for €776. For an extra few bob you can get the fortius.

devilbike

oops didn't read you post properly! gonna check out starbike, cheers

Ryaner

@Devil, the steering frame has bad reviews everywhere and the VR is crap as Beasty pointed out.

I got a Fortius from starbike just under two months ago now which I may have to sell. Moving apartment and looks like I won't be able to train indoors.

devilbike

Ryaner how do you mean bad reviews? as in it doesn't work well with software or it is better to have a locked bar for training on?
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devilbike

Ryaner how do you mean bad reviews? as in it doesn't work well with software or it is better to have a locked bar for training on?
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Ryaner

If you think about it, when turning a bike in real life, you don't turn the handle bars more than a inch or so unless you are going really slow.

All the reviews pointed out how unnatural it felt and how much they crashed. If you are training for crits, then that is the only time the VR and steering would be useful. The VR really does feel like a video game which is annoying at best.

Lumen

Ryaner, how do you get on with the "real life videos"?

Ryaner

Lumen wrote: »

Ryaner, how do you get on with the "real life videos"?

I've only really used the Marmotte route but it has been great. Whole journey lets you select smaller, more doable sections. After you complete one, you can race yourself afterwards. It really makes the time on the trainer much easier to endure and will make you spend longer on it. I know I've spent over an hour and half on it just to finish climbing the Galibier.

Not sure how I'll manage without videos. Selling my Fortius (here on the adverts board) unless someone has a solution for using it outside?

blorg

Could you not just use an extension lead to the balcony?