That looks a lot bigger than a set of rollers and what kind of deal used? I mean for under $1k go get a smart trainer and a zwift subscription. Just my $0.02

I use an Expresso HD bike at work which is basically the same thing that you posted. It's nice but I'd never buy one personally.

 

I just ment in case I took a tumble on the rollers I would end up stuffed in a wall which I would like to avoid.

I haven't seen the zwift, I will take a look at that. Thanks.

 

I just ment in case I took a tumble on the rollers I would end up stuffed in a wall which I would like to avoid.

I haven't seen the zwift, I will take a look at that. Thanks.

Haha I have done that before. Swift is software that the trainer links to. Trainer road is another software to look into. Just look at each of the sites, see what features you like then check the compatible trainers to buy and you're set.

 

I remember reading about the Trixster X-Dream exercise bikes when they were first launched in 2009. The moving handlebars for extra interaction when riding looked like it could be good.

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/first-look-trixter-xdream-exercise-bike-20073/

Because of the $7,000 USD price they were aimed more towards commercial gym use. That could potentially be a good thing, in that they're built strong for gyms, but if you get a second hand one (that has actually seen heavy use in a gym) it could be in a bit of a state. I'd imagine repairs are expensive if the moving handlebar unit were to go wrong.

You can fit your own pedals, saddle, bars, grips etc so it should be possible to get it setup close to your normal bike.

The main downside looks to be the software side. Software never ages well. You have the built in interactive routes that can be ridden, along with a built in power meter, but there's no mention of bluetooth or Ant+ connectivity. It doesn't look like you would be able to use it with the newer indoor training apps and software (Zwift, Trainer Road, Kinomap etc) or get the ride data out for uploading rides to your Strava training log to keep the totals up to date.

 

Ya i guess i didn't know there were so many options out there. So I will pose another question - Is there a system that offers google street view on its own system(so I dont have to use a computer)and automatic resistance adjustment to simulate hills? I love the proform tour de france as it has all of the feature id like but the reviews on these things are TERRIBLE!

I would be up for a trainer in that case but Id like to have its own display if possible as my wife would like to use it and if it starts having to much seperate tech(such as having to plug out laptop as its used for work) she will get frustrated!

Thanks guys for all the ideas so far.

 

With a smart trainer you would have a tablet or laptop providing the video and changes in resistance.

One example would be Kinomap:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2015/12/20...ap-updates-ui-adds-skuga-a-strava-kom-synced-app-to-control-your-wahoo-trainer/

The Sufferfest now offer control of the trainer resistance based on the workout video steps too:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2015/12/21...s-cycling-training-app-to-improve-your-suffering-w-live-feedback-cached-videos/

 

Yeah, using Zwift can be a bit techy, especially if you have to diagnose connection and s/w update issues. Not sure if I would recommend it for your wife, especially if yours is like mine, who is spoiled by 24/7 white glove tech support. I know that with the limited time you guys now have, your wife might have a 30 minute window and the last thing your wife wants to do is to diagnose why something is not working.

I'm thinking that perhaps your wife might prefer a stationary bike without a monitor, that is positioned in front of a TV so she can watch her favorite TV program while riding. She might or might not prefer that. If so, then set up a stationary bike for her and separately set up a smart trainer for yourself!

 

I know that with the limited time you guys now have, your wife might have a 30 minute window and the last thing your wife wants to do is to diagnose why something is not working.

You nailed it! That is why I would really love the proform tour de france bike to be good and they seem to work great when they work but all I find is they break all the time and customer service is terrible. Maybe the new ones are better? I see they do offer extended warranties now...that may be the ticket at this point without having two setups for us both.

after looking more I think i may have to look into the virtual trainers more. I didn't realize there were so many option.