Sub 250 Turbo?

Author
Discussion

Rich_W

Original Poster:

12,548 posts

212 months

Tuesday 25th November 2014
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Hey all.

Got it down to 2. But looking for experiences of either/both smile

Tacx Satori Smart (Magnetic with adjustable resistance and ANT+)



And Cycleops Fluid2 (Fluid and no extra gubbins)



I've read that Fluid is more natural but "can" leak. And there's no real resistance at low speeds and the only way to get a harder workout is to go up the gears and speed up.

Whereas Magnetic is more intensive but feels "different" to actual riding. How different I'm not sure. confused

Ascetically I like the Tacx better and it seems easier to set up. The adjustability seems like a good idea and I like the "smart" angle. Although I'm unlikely to use it at this time. Maybe if I upgrade my computer it would be more use. I don't think it can be used with those videos that slow down or speed up depending on your riding. But if anyone knows different

Both units get good reviews. Noise in operation is not too much of an issue. I'll be outside and it'll only be for maybe a couple hours during the week in addition to my longer actual ride at the weekend.

Over to you guys for opinions. biggrin

tonto1

441 posts

202 months

Tuesday 25th November 2014
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I've had both and definitely recommend the Cycleops by a mile!!

Dammit

3,790 posts

208 months

Tuesday 25th November 2014
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I've got the CycleOps - it's very well made, has never leaked, and feels like it'll last and last.

The resistance curve is directly related to wheel speed, so if you want a low cadence just whack it into a big gear.


fromage

537 posts

203 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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I have the Cyclops Fluid and gone through 2 resistance units now (the actual turbo) both times its just slowly got louder and louder. Paligap have replaced it both times next day for free (they just asked for proof of purchase).

TKF

6,232 posts

235 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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I have the Fluid Pro which is only a tenner above your budget on Wiggle at the moment. I've not used the Fluid 2 to compare but in the shop the Pro felt much better build and a sturdier unit.

I bought it for £300 as part of a kit with mat, climber blocks and thong.

MadDad

3,835 posts

261 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
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I have the predecessor to the Tacx Satori, imho it's OK - takes a bit of effort to get the resistance between the tyre and unit correct, and if you get out of the saddle to attack a climb can move about a little, I wouldn't say it fells unstable - it just moves a bit.

My only real complaint is that the resistance lever has always taken a lot of effort to change levels, which is a pain when you are in the middle of a workout. However, this is no longer an issue as the lever snapped clean off in my hands the last time I used it - so I have wound the resistance down a little and use the bike's gears to manage the resistance levels.

julianm

1,534 posts

201 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
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IroningMan

10,154 posts

246 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
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Use the bike's gears to adjust resistance - and go for fluid.

Rich_W

Original Poster:

12,548 posts

212 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
quotequote all
TKFs suggestion above of Jet Fluid Pro seems to fit the bill.

Erring towards that at the moment with a riser and thong.

Cheers for the replies smile

arn22110

201 posts

194 months

Friday 28th November 2014
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Curious to know how you would track miles ridden with the Cycleops turbo?

Dr Imran T

2,301 posts

199 months

Friday 28th November 2014
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arn22110 said:
Curious to know how you would track miles ridden with the Cycleops turbo?
Rear wheel speedo?

IroningMan

10,154 posts

246 months

Friday 28th November 2014
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Rear wheel speedo, cadence and HRM for mortals to get the most out of a turbo: stick a good film/boxed set DVD on the laptop and spin away on a base ride or write a plan for 30 minutes' worth of vomit-inducing intervals.

Indicated speed = work done, so changing gear allows you to vary the resistance from virtually zero to brick wall and you can use something like Trainerroad and get power figures, but unless you already ride to power numbers on the road they're not going to mean much.