The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Mavi/Pookie - wonder whether you can help. I remember a while back you found some good deals on the Tacx trainers - well I'm game for one right now but having looked I can't find many second hand and wondered whether you'd seen any recently?

Nope none on BR recently

Here's the best deal online

http://www.acycles.co.uk/tacx-flow-h...FUzHtAodvmAAfQ

Halfrauds have ordinary turbo's for £74, half price which is good.

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Oh also Pookie you're probably the man for this - do I need anything specifically for the computer side of thing?

Just pay attention to the TACX spec, although my old PC seems to run the OLD software fine.

The more memory you have installed & having a reasonable graphics card makes the newer software run smoother without crashing

Wow that is a bargain Mav!I thought the Wiggle deal of £316 was cheap.

I'm still a bit confused about the software and the Tacx site is really unhelpful.

If I want to ride say, the Stelvio pass. Can I do that if it's on google maps?

[maviczap]

I think so, but Pookie is the expert.

I think you create the route on Google maps, then convert it to the correct file type for the Tacx, which then creates the route on the pc once its linked up with Google maps.

But I think you need to pay for a Google maps licence to do this?

But in the back of my mind, I think you still need to have the GPS data from a Garmin to do this?

Surely if you find a GPX from someone else, then you can steal that - must be able to find them online.

Also Mav, can I check that link you've put is that not the trainer with no software? (And so isn't VR?)

It seems to me that Tacx have been rather self defeating in their advertising and software. Apparently, it's complicated, and I can tell you - I'm confused.

The product details certainly do not make it clear enough just what it is you're getting!

[maviczap]

Yes, its the GPX data you need to recreate the route.

Ah yes, its only the basic model, but the older software is available online, but isn't the super dooper one that lets you create your own routes. I've got that on a disc.

Then only thing I think you need is the cable to connect the TACX head unit to the PC. And that's a standard printer USB cable, you just need a longer one

But maybe easier to get the full version rather than messing about with this & that

My OLD software works with my PC, doesn't need registering with TACX & works with all the Tacx RLV DVD's I've got.

I just think it's a shame the company are so rubbish at selling their product. Without being able to go and try one, it's a pretty big purchase from online. At least Wiggle have good returns policies.

Think I'll sleep on it and decide if it's worth the £316 tomorrow (or more likely wait till the first day of ice then order it)

Cheers Mav!

[maviczap]

Yes, thw Wiggle price is the best I can find and it comes with the Tacx TTS4 software & steering frame.

You don't really need the steering frame, so you could sell that unused for about £75 or a bit more?

Yeah I was thinking that. I'm not THAT fussed about being able to steer, probably more of a gimmick than anything, I'm interested in decent winter training seeing as I've got slow after injury, and some serious conditioning, without the boredom of the solid state trainers that you get five settings for and off you go.

I've seen some really cool DVDs though (on Wiggle - they have four including classics and climbs)

[maviczap]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tacx-i-mag...item4d17167e46

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tacx-I-Mag...item19e6fa1728 + free PC!

Yeah seen those and watching, although suspect they will go for silly money as quite often things like this do on ebay. Will see though!

Cheers Mav.