Showing posts with label indoor cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indoor cycling. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Spinervals Virtual Reality 2.0: Lake Placid Training Ride DVD Review

Spinervals Virtual Reality 2.0: Lake Placid Training Ride DVD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
purchased this item because i liked the spinervals competition series so much and because i know the lake placid area well...could be a great video with a couple of changes...
1) i don't mind the "coach troy cam" when it is a small frame to the side of the main frame, but when it is the only view, it is horrible...it is very blurry which makes it hard to watch for long, and it flattens the road so you cannot determine the grade of a climb or descent...the climb out of jay is 100% "troy cam" and while it is described by troy as a hard climb, it is impossible to tell...and did i mention that it is blurry the whole time?
2) troy's incessant chatter is ok when he is talking about technical things like gear ratios, cadence, heart rate, etc...but the filler stuff is hard to take ("i'm looking around to see where you are...thought i had lost you..." or "the sign ahead says take a right to go to 'some town name' but we're not going there so don't worry about it, although we will be taking a right eventually"
so, for future road series dvd's, i hope spinervals gets rid of the helmet cam and limits troy to the technical aspects of the ride and let the video speak for the rest.

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Enjoy incredible scenery as you ride on Troy's wheel as he coaches you on proper technique, gear selection and intensity during this high aerobic endurance training ride of about three hours in duration. As this ride covers much of the race course for the famous Iron distance event in Lake Placid, you'll hear tips and suggestions on race day nutrition, pacing strategy and more! Starting in Lake Placid, the ride takes you down the hill to the town of Keene then over rolling hills to the sleepy town of Jay. The climbing really starts on the way to Wilmington, with an out and back section on Haselton Road that shocks the legs. Once back in Wilmington, the last leg of the ride includes a 14 mile uphill jaunt back to Lake Placid with the incredible White Face Mountain and the Au Sable River on your right side. Overall, this is a cycling workout for the record books and a fantastic training workout! This DVD contains two audio tracks including one with coaching mixed with music and one with only coaching and no music, allowing you to play your own favorite music in the background. Produced by Hopestar Productions, LLC. Executive Producer - Troy Jacobson. Distributed by Lifesports, Inc. Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved. Compatible with stationary bikes and all stationary trainers Has a 'music on/music off' option allowing you to listen to your own music Duration: 56 miles - about 2 hours 50 minutes Difficulty level: 9.0 DVD Format: all regions

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Monday, October 24, 2011

On The Road 1.0 Autumn Country Training Ride Spinervals DVD Review

On The Road 1.0 Autumn Country Training Ride Spinervals DVD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am just a recreational cyclist but I like using Spinerval DVDs to help stay in shape during the winter. I have close to a dozen and they are mostly from the Competition series. I thought a virtual tour ride would be a good change. Unfortunately I found the use of the Coach Troy Cam very distracting. It would have been fine if it was just a helmet mounted camera. That would allow people to visualize taking a turn at the lead. But when listing to Coach Troy talk about catching his wheel and then they switch to the view with Coach Troy Cam printed across the top of the screen with a red square and a much fuzzier picture it is hard to maintain that visual. And the use of picture in a picture is terrible. It destroys any sense of "virtual reality".
Maybe the format works well for elite athletes. But I would prefer the head camera just be the view without the writing and red boarder. If the transfer from the trailing camera view to the helmet mounted one could be a more gradual transition, you could visualize taking the lead. And coach should never talk about catching his wheel when the helmet mounted camera view is being used. It loses something when there is no wheel to catch! And I found picture in a picture view very distracting.


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Enjoy beautiful autumn scenery during this challenging 50-minute workout. Join Coach Troy for a challenging 50 minute (17 mile) workout on open rural roads in northern Baltimore County, Maryland. Video taped during the fall months, you'll enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery and the explosive colors of changing leaves. In the ON THE ROAD series, you'll 'ride' with Coach Troy on the road in different locations as he guides you through training sessions designed to make you a faster and stronger rider. In a 'Virtual Reality' format, you'll feel as if you're actually riding on the road on Troy's wheel as you see the scenery whisk by. Boredom will never again be a factor when it comes to indoor bike training! This ride will take you through a variety of heart rate zones as the terrain is rolling and challenging. The focus for this workout is primarily upper blue zone (aerobic) training and you'll soon discover it'll go by really fast for an enjoyable and effective 50 minute training session.

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Friday, September 2, 2011

Tacx Fortius Multiplayer Virtual Reality Cycle Trainer (TTS 3.0) Review

Tacx Fortius Multiplayer Virtual Reality Cycle Trainer (TTS 3.0)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is an absolutely fantastic system. I mostly use the VR training (and/or now multiplayer VR) because in the full-on VR software (as opposed to the real live video) you can pass people, draft people, change weather, chart your own course with the steering frame, race against other rides from yourself or others (you can also share all this online).
The Real Life Video works well also, and if you want to bike along the real routes that a lot of the famous races ride along, then that is the way to go.
In the past the problem with the Fortius software was that steering wasn't quite working right, and the graphics were a bit primitive even though still burdensome for the PC to render. The new v2.04 Fortius software fixes ALL of the problems in the older Fortius VR software and makes this move from a 4 star to a 5 star rating in my book.
The new software is much higher quality than the older software AND it runs BETTER on the old PC I use as a dedicated PC just set up for the trainer. On newer computers it really sings, but you don't need a fancy new computer either.
The steering is incredible. I wondered at first if it might be a gimick, but it is really really a great addition to add to the VR impact (if you only ride on Real Life Video then you don't need steering really). When you combine the steering with the latest VR software it is really like being out on the roads. You can ride any course you want, save it, and ride it again or share it online.
The only problem is that if you start a 30 minute ride to have a quick spin, you'll always end up riding for an hour or a lot longer. Just like in reality - you can't ask for anything better than that.
p.s. I have recently started to use the Tacx blue trainer tire. I used to just use my old discarded worn out tires, but the trainer tire is a must have and improves everything just one more notch.

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Tacx's most advanced Virtual Reality Trainer - 2011 Tacx Fortius Multi-Player takes training to the next level. It features a powerful motor brake with its stable Virtual Reality Steering Frame to bring you the most vivid and enjoyable indoor training experience. The MultiPlayer Fortius also includes a one-year free license for web racing. This high-tech trainer challenges you literally and figuratively to push back the frontiers. Comes with TTS 3.0 software

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Garmin FR60 Black Fitness Watch Bundle (Includes Foot Pod, Heart Rate Monitor, and USB ANT Stick) Review

Garmin FR60 Black Fitness Watch Bundle (Includes Foot Pod, Heart Rate Monitor, and USB ANT Stick)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I Purchased the Garmin FR60 Bundle W/ Foot pod to Help me learn run pacing and for Triathlon Training. My old HRM just gave up but the chest strap works still works with most of the equipment at the gym without the watch. But there is no need since I have the FR60 but there are some "Issues" to deal with first. The Look and function is very good. However since I'm new to Garmin the menu's took a little getting used to and programing was a little bit difficult, but from what I've heard this is typical. Once you do get the menus down it's very intuitive and similar to other models they offer. The other reason I picked the Garmin unit is the Manufactures of other HRM's in this price range had non replaceable batteries. IE you had to send them back to the factory to be replaced. This is something I really wasn't fond of since I use mine daily. This unit fits nicely on the wrist and can be used as a "Sport Watch" and no-one would know you a Workoutaholic if they didn't know you.
Packaged in the box were the Owners manual and Watch, Foot-pod, HRM-Strap, USB Ant+ stick. There is no software to speak of since it's self loading on the Ant+ Stick. You also need to set up an account with Garmin to download your data and analyze it. BEWARE: Firmware Updates will erase your data and settings on the watch and they need to be set back up!!! There is no Off-line option to review your data :-(. This means you upload your data to Garmin then re-download it in Excel or TCX format then upload it into a training website like Training Peaks(Online) or Sport Tracs(Stand Alone Runs Offline). Granted it takes only a few minutes to do but is a little bit of a pain. Also when uploading you have the option to leave the data on your watch for you to review or when the download is completed the workout date is erased. It takes a little bit of faith to let your data go. When setting up your account you can set up your Heart Rate zones based on age and resting Heart Rate. You can add as many zones as you see fit. For Simplicity I just use 5, now when you look at your data though the amount of time in each zone is not displayed on the website on your HR Graph. The graph look really good but the only data given is Avg HR, Max HR. It would be nice if the time in each Zone was given as well. My old HRM(Which was $40) displayed these with times and % in zones on the watch and didn't need to upload the data. Other data that is Give is Workout Time, Avg Speed/Pace, Max Speed/Pace, Avg Cadence, Max Cadence. All good Data that is essential for training/racing purposes.
For Running the Foot Pod Sensor tracks steps, pacing and speed very accurately out of the box. Pick a spot on your shoes to mount the sensor and pair the device with your FR60, I did a test run at the track and it was spot on after a 1 mile test run. You can either adjust the stride length automatically or manual adjust. There are supposed to be shoe on the market that the Foot-pod will mound directly into the sole under the shoe insert. I believe Nike makes one. Mounting in the laces are just fine for me. The advantage the FR60 has is It can be used indoors without a GPS signal. The combination of the Foot-Pod and HRM gives you very accurate Calorie data when running of a treadmill. I have found that most treadmills are off speed wise to the FR60, for example I warm-up at 10:00 indicated pace on the treadmill and my FR60 shows anywhere from a 9:20-9:35. No a big deal since I'm logging the information for later retrieval.
Since I Cycle I use the GSC-10 Speed and Cadence Sensor for my Bicycle. Same setup as the Foot-Pod with regard to pairing. This can be used indoors as well during winter months on Stationary Fluid Trainer or Rollers to track speed and distance. The downside is NO FREAKING Odometer!!!!!!! what was Garmin Thinking. You get everything else, Distance, Current Speed, Calories, Avg/Max Speed, Avg/Max Cadence, Time, Lap/Distance/Time/AvgSpeed/MaxSpeed/LapCalories, blah blah blah... I had to add my old Speed sensor back to the front wheel to capture Overall ODO distance.
Functionality: The FR60 is pretty easy to set up once you figure out the page layout and logic. You get your data input(AGE, HEIGHT, WEIGHT, ACTIVITY Class(read the manual for this one) into the devise under SETTINGS/USER. After pairing your footpod and Speed/Cadence sensor, You can then set up your "TRAINING PAGES" This is where the FR60 really shines. You can take all the data collected from either your Run/Bike/Other and display up to 3 pieces of data on the screen and have 5 pages to display the data. You can have one screen for Time only and another for Distance and Pace then another for Heart Rate, HR Zone, Calories and so one. If only One line of info is displayed it fits almost the entire screen and gets smaller from there. the Dot Matrix LCD Screen is fairly easy to read at a glace either running or biking.
The FR60, HR Chest Sensor, Foot-pod are all waterproof to 3 Meters so they can be worn during the swim portion of Triathlons or during off road runs that cross creeks or during Steeplechase events. I've worn mine during the swim of a sprint Triathlon. For Triathlon the F60 is not Tri Friendly meaning you cannot change sports easy. I just set it up in Other and Just Press Lap during transitions in and out. Since I'm only concerned with overall time and HR. The FR60 can be set up to scan for Pods so it will pick up either sensor when you press the lap button during T1 or T2. If your set on sport specific Timing press and hold the MODE button and you can then change sports.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin FR60 Black Fitness Watch Bundle (Includes Foot Pod, Heart Rate Monitor, and USB ANT Stick)

This FR60 bundle (in men's black) includes a foot pod, a USB ANT stick, and a heart rate monitor.Log every mile and every minute with FR60, a sleek fitness watch plus workout tool that tracks your time, heart rate and calories burned. When bundled with the wireless foot pod (included), FR60 also tracks speed and distance, indoors or out. Use FR60's training tools to get the most out of your workout. Then, FR60 wirelessly sends your workout data to your computer for later analysis.


Train Indoors or Out In the gym or on the road, FR60 tracks all your workout data, including time, heart rate, calories burned, lap times and averages, and more. FR60 boasts advanced training tools, such as training alarms and Virtual Partner, which lets you race against a virtual training partner to improve your performance.

At the heart of its success is FR60's wireless ANT+ technology, which allows it to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, like the included heart rate monitorn and foot pod, or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment.

Go for Distance With the ANT+ seamless wireless link, FR60 connects to the optional wireless foot pod, which tracks your distance and speed effortlessly, both indoors and out. Using advanced accelerometer technology, the foot pod collects and sends precise data about your movements, gathering distance and speed data that is 98 percent accurate, right out of the box.

Listen to Your Heart FR60 also connects wirelessly to a lightweight, flexible digital heart rate monitor, providing instant feedback about how hard you're working. FR60 continuously tracks heart beats per minute and displays your heart rate zone, so you can monitor and improve your fitness level.
Cross-Train When paired with an optional speed/cadence sensor, FR60 tracks the speed and distance of your cycling workouts. The wireless speed/cadence sensor attaches securely to your bike and measures your pedaling cadence and wheel speed as you ride. You can even use it to train indoors because the sensor attaches to your rear wheel.


Sync and Share Once you've logged the miles, FR60 automatically transfers data to your PC or Mac, wirelessly when in range. No cables, no hookups. The data is just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect.

Pick Your Form Factor Males and females may train alike, but they have different preferences when it comes to watch styling. So, Garmin offers a men\'s and women\'s version of FR60 that differs only in size and color options. The men\'s model, which weighs 1.6 ounces, comes in black (shown here, 010-00743-10) or red on black. The women\'s model, at 1.4 ounces, comes in black or lilac.



What's in the Box FR60, heart rate monitor , USB ANT Stick, Foot Pod (accelerometer), quick start manual, and owners manual on disk


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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Rides: Vol. 5 Hill Country, Bicycle training DVD Review

Rides: Vol. 5 Hill Country, Bicycle training DVD
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I love the layout of this DVD it is very fun to ride to and makes getting on the rollers enjoyable. I might be slightly biased as I live in Indiana, but it just reaffirms that there really is more than corn in Indiana.

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Rides: Vol. 5 Hill Country, Bicycle training DVD. ? The ultimate indoor cycling series training hits the hills! Pedal just along the border of Kentucky and Indiana on an extended 1hr 20min ride with one of the best cycling teams in the region as they take on the hugely popular Floyds Knobs, a challenging route with several jutting hills, rollers and amazing vistas. ? This constantly varying terrain will keep you on your toes and get you geared up for whatever your own training regimen may be. And if a little extra burn is your thing, included is a bonus stand-alone hill climbing section that will help you make any grade. ? Main Ride is 1 HR 20 MIN, BONUS HILL REPEAT workout - up to 50 minutes extra! ? DVD features include: sleek new dashboard design, optional coaching track, local facts and motivational quotes, rider interviews, and more

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