Is it the cool graphics? The fact that you can race against a pacer, an old performance, or someone else? Could it be the fact that you can test your power, spinning efficiency and aerobic fitness to measure improvement? Could it be all of that?
The Computrainer, is a device that takes indoor training to a whole new level – it simulates the outdoor riding experience, and at the same time, allowed you to analyze your pedaling stroke, ensuring you were getting the best of all possible worlds.
A large proportion of Ironman Triathlon World Championship last year were Computrainer users. So what, specifically, are these athletes doing on their trainers that they’re not able to do on other types of equipment.
One of the most important features that you get when using a Computrainer is the “Spin Scan.” By measuring the efficiency of your pedal stroke, the Spin Scan helps you pedal correctly – keeping an even amount of pressure on the pedals at all times, and using all of the muscles in your legs optimally to generate the most power. And all of this is done on your own bike. So you are getting quality riding through the winter months on a set up that the body and mind memorises.
The guys at Computrainer are so sure that the Spin Scan will help your cycling that they actually guarantee your improvement if you use it!
While the Spin Scan is a great feature, things get really fun when you combine the Spin Scan and your power output to figure out your optimal cadence. So you can use the Computrainer to figure out your optimal cadence and gear choice to generate the most speed for a given ride.
As an coach/athlete, one of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of a training period is through various tests. At the drummond clinic we often use the “Power Test” offered on the Computrainer with athletes to make sure the strength component of their training is working. We routinely check their anaerobic thresholds to ensure that they working in the correct heart rate zones.
The simplest test you can do on a Computrainer, though, is to race yourself! By saving a previous performance, you can set your previous performance up as a pacer, who will then race you through the course. How much simpler could it get – you were either faster than a month ago, or you weren’t!
Buy a package of sessions to really benefit from the quality work and watch your times drop
Remember it is about YOU, NOT the bike