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Post by gvale on Nov 7, 2007 14:34:53 GMT -5
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Post by trikpark on Nov 8, 2007 8:24:17 GMT -5
Absolutely, but only if you use it. I train on my computrainer year around. I ride it at least 50% of the time, even in the summer.
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Post by RoviChris on Nov 8, 2007 10:35:36 GMT -5
George,
I'm sure it depends on where you are today.
It is a great tool, if you have any weak links in your spin it will identify it. Also very competitive as you can race against computer or other owners.
As dedicated as you seem to be the claims will probably hold true.
I however find it very hard to remain stationary, so I will be selling my hardly used trainer now, and purchasing cold weather gear and getting out the mountain/snow bike.
Contact me via e-mail or PM if you're interested.
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Post by karming on Nov 8, 2007 12:05:50 GMT -5
I think it is awesome. My ride times have slightly improved but I saw my best improvement on the run as I felt a lot stronger. I ride year round and probably do 75% of my summer rides on it. No need to worry re: cars, stop signs. Plus with 2 little ones, I am a scream away. ;D
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Post by RoviChris on Nov 8, 2007 16:10:56 GMT -5
No guarantee or refund from me George...
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Post by m gorris on Nov 8, 2007 17:38:23 GMT -5
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mnowac
Olympic Member
"Once in awhile you get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right" JG
Posts: 117
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Post by mnowac on Nov 13, 2007 10:53:19 GMT -5
Those of you who use computrainers, would you say taking a hard spinning class is just as effective? I spin 2-3 times a week, but wonder if I wouldn't be better off on a computrainer?
Monica
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Post by robreddy on Nov 13, 2007 11:36:51 GMT -5
Good comments from some folks that really know the CT.
I have to admit I was never that captured by the CT - until last winter. Mark G and Dave M both forced (encouraged) met to do some work outs on the CT. It was awesome. It is a fantastic tool.
Few thoughts....
Like Mark said - drop all the bells and whistles - racing against someone, doing a pre mapped course and all that stuff is interesting and fun - but it is not really where you get the benefit fromt he CT. In the ridding I did with Dave and Mark we never used this stuff.
You have to become knowledgable about power to get real benefits. And then you need to have work outs that are written with power as the focus to your effort. That is where things pay off.
One thing I thought the CT lacked - was work outs that focused on single leg drills and improving your cadence (some structured high cadence work) - not to say you can't do drills on the CT and of course it gives you cadence - just thought the CT program did not focus on this stuff.
Like everyone said - the CT is a great tool but you have to use it a ton to get the benefits. I'm hard pressed to think it would give you 30 min on an IM course based on your abilities though George. The seems like good marketing ;]
I do find it interesting about folks that ride the CT a large amount of time in the summer - I just could not do that as I love being out side even if I could get a better work out on the CT.
Monica - just my opinion - i think spinning is a good way to work out - but it is not like being on a bike/trainer. Nothing beats ridding outside (for me) and second to that would be the CT/bike trainer. I don;t have a CT (wish I did) but do use my cheep wind trainer over going to spin classes.
r
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jacqui
Olympic Member
Posts: 120
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Post by jacqui on Nov 13, 2007 13:10:39 GMT -5
I've done a few indoor time trials on a ct and I think it would be great to have one....those tt's were hard as hell....but my reply here really is more in response to the spinning. Having kids forced me to turn more to indoor training for my workouts and ,even though I think riding outside would be the ideal, spinning classes have worked great for me. How you set up the spinning bike...I make it fit as closely to my road bike as possible, and WHAT you do in class are the important things. A choreographed aerobics class on a stationary bike is not what you want if you want anything to carry over to your outside riding. Endurance rides, strength rides, rides that incorporate pedal stroke drills and cadence drills....these things will help outside riding. Even during the summer I usually only get outside once a week...everything else is done on the spin bike. When my kids are a little bit bigger and I can leave them for an hour or so I'll definetly be outside more , but until then....spinning is it. (unless perhaps my husband decided to buy me a ct for christmas....but I'd trade that in for a tri bike...some day!)
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Post by trikpark on Dec 14, 2007 10:15:16 GMT -5
"I do find it interesting about folks that ride the CT a large amount of time in the summer - I just could not do that as I love being out side even if I could get a better work out on the CT."
Rob,
For me, it's all about time management and trying to limit interference with my family. I love riding outdoors, but that's hard to do at 5:30 in the morning. I'm also a fair weather outdoor rider. I know I get better workouts on the CT compared to outdoors, especially if I'm with a group where it's difficult to do "your" workout when riding with others. And for me, training on it with power has paid huge dividends the last 2 years.
KP
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