tacx Speedmatic T1810 versus Flow T1680

albob · 10-10-2010 9:53am #1

Hi guys, Thinking of buying a Turbo and can't decide whether to go cheap (T1810 http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=1791;page=6;menu=1000,5,69;mid=18;orderby=2) or not so cheap (T1680 http://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;navigation=1;product=1788;page=7;menu=1000,5,69;mid=18;orderby=2).

I have borrowed the Speedmatic off a friend and while it would probably meet my needs the resistance changer feels a little flimsy and it awkward to change when your whole body is screaming at you. The Flow seems to have an electronic changer which would make the whole process easier. The fact that it could be upgraded down the line to a VR trainer of sorts is also a plus. But is it worth the extra 150 quid?

Thanks

Smithzer · 10-10-2010 12:46pm

I have the T1680 and its really good, I suppose its down to how much and how detailed you want your training to be, I am working to a program so all the info for it is in the computer, watts, HR etc. Plus I have the option to race my mates on it which can cut the boredom although I didnt go for the VR additions yet...........

I would recommend it.

ajk24 · 10-10-2010 7:56pm

i have the t1680 - just finished using it for a light rehab session in fact.

very happy with it - the electronic control/display makes it handy for doing interval sesssion. I'm not sure how well calibrated the power output display is but for relative comparison it does the job.

its worth noting that a garmin hrm will not work with the unit. you need an uncoded polar one.

the ability to upgrade with a vr unit might be handy but i'm not sure i would ever bother.

a garmin unit with a cadence and heart rate sensor combined with the t1810 would pretty much do the same thing if you want to save a bit of money. can't comment as to the general quality of this tacx unit though.

albob · 10-10-2010 9:08pm

Am I correct in my assumtion that the slope/resistance is varied using the electronic control? Can it be programmed?

ajk24 · 10-10-2010 9:14pm

albob wrote: »

Am I correct in my assumtion that the slope/resistance is varied using the electronic control? Can it be programmed?

you cannot put in pre programmed steps. each variation in resistance requires you to press -> set / arrow x increments / mode. takes only a split second which isn't an issue unless you are doing 10 second intervals and hammering it.

tacx Speedmatic T1810 versus Flow T1680

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