Trainers
Why do I sometimes experience periods of missed data during rides on my CycleOps PowerBeam Pro trainer?
CycleOps Power utilizes ANT+ technology to ensure a robust and reliable connection between the various sensors used in our products. However, there is a limit to the number of sensors that can operate in a given environment. Practically speaking, when riding by yourself or with others using less than 30 total ANT+ sensors, you should see no more than a 1% loss in data due to communication errors in your sensors. However, in an environment with more than 30 total ANT+ sensors you may see an increase in communication errors.
Can I upgrade my trainer?
Yes. You can purchase new resistance units if your original trainer was manufactured after 1999. Please call your local dealer or our customer service department for details. 1-800-783-7257.
Why doesn't my bike fit into the trainer?
It is possible that the quick-release skewer of your bike's rear wheel may not fit well in the trainer's cones. Use the skewer provided with the trainer for the best fit. If your bike does not have a rear wheel skewer, but uses nuts, you may need to replace the nuts with "track nuts," which have a built-in flange and can improve the fit of the bike in the trainer. For replacing or changing axle nuts, please see your local bike shop.
How tight do I need to make the resistance unit against my tire?
You want to make sure the tire does not slip when accelerating or sprinting. It will depend on the tire size. A good rule of thumb for units with the resistance knob is 2.5 to 3 complete turns of the resistance unit knob once the roller hits the tire. For units with the Cam Lever, turn the Cam Lever enough so that when the Cam Lever is parallel to the ground, it is constantly just touching the rear wheel. Then push the Cam Lever to the locked position.
What's better, trainer or rollers?
A trainer is designed to work on strength and endurance training and typically provide more resistance than rollers. Riding rollers promotes good balance and a smooth pedal stroke. Many people incorporate both in their off-season training. So, it depends on your training goals as to which one is right for you.
What is the difference between linear and progressive resistance?
When you're riding your bicycle outside, wind resistance increases exponentially according to your speed. It's more than twice as difficult to ride at 20 mph than at 10 mph. The best stationary trainers offer built-in progressive resistance: pedaling faster or shifting the gears on your bike results in increasing resistance. With linear resistance, you lose this road-feel. Pedaling faster or shifting your gears has little effect, other than spinning your rear wheel faster.
Which trainer is best for me?
- Wind: The wind provides progressive resistance with a fan blade design. It is simple, inexpensive, with good road-feel, but noise levels increase quickly with your wheel speed.
- Magnetic: Uses magnetic resistance with three resistance levels. It is a perfect trainer for novice riders who simply want to log some miles over the winter.
- Magnetic Plus: Same unit as above, but with a handlebar-mounted remote control, which enables a wider selection of resistance levels at your fingertips.
- Magneto: The only magnetic trainer on the market with progressive resistance. Extraordinary road-feel, an elegant design, and a very quiet ride. Includes Cam Lever for easy adjustment of resistance unit. Resistance range is more than adequate for most enthusiast riders, but Sprinters, Clydesdales, and Mountain-Goats, please read on...
- Fluid 2: The Fluid trainer is the quietest trainer we made, and offers the widest range of progressive resistance. Spin along with virtually no resistance or hammer out a 2000-watt sprint. You will never outgrow this trainer. Includes Cam Lever for easy adjustment of resistance unit.
What is the warranty on CycleOps Trainers?
CycleOps trainers come with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials. The Electronic trainers come with a one-year warranty. Please see our
warranty page for more information.
