The most frequently asked question about Velotron is "Why should I consider Velotron over a CompuTrainer?"  This answer is is multi-fold.  There are obvious reasons to buy either one, but here are the main differences between that set Velotron apart from CompuTrainer:

• No Tire.  Because the Velotron does not use a tire, there is no tire slip.  Tire slip is by far the largest contributor to inaccuracies in the displayed wattage and the resistance you feel.

• No daily calibration.  Because the Velotron has no tire there is no daily calibration needed.  Calibration on CompuTrainer is only used to determine the amount of tire drag (rolling resistance).  Though the Velotron has no tire we have hard-coded a value in the physics control of what the typical rolling resistance would be based upon a bike with fully inflated road tires riding on an asphalt surface.

• No Heat.  Heat is a variable that will have an effect on many things.  With Velotron's unique design, cooling is never an issue because it never gets hot like a CompuTrainer can.  You can pedal up the steepest grade all day long without the need for interval cooling and it will be as cool and as accurate as the moment you started.  Any warmth that is generated is slight and has been added to the physics calculations.

• Large Flywheel.  Velotron has a 55 pound flywheel making it the smoothest device out there.  This both makes acceleration smooth, but also allows for coasting. 

• Lowest Starting Load.  With its direct-drive system, Velotron has the lowest starting load of less that 5 watts.  This makes it ideal for even those who are in rehab.

• Accuracy.  Velotron, for all the reasons listed here, is by far the most accurate ergometer in existence.  Because it was developed with accuracy in mind and individual load curves calculated for all conditions it will see, it is +/- 1.5% accurate under any condition you throw at it.

• Accuwatt.  Because the Velotron is not effected by any of the above issues, once it ships from the factory there is only the need to determine whether the Velotron is working correctly to know if it is accurate.  This is accomplished using Accuwatt.  Accuwatt, which is a software feature found in either Velotron Coaching Software or Velotron Wingate, can determine whether your Velotron is still matching the results produced on the day it was built.  Directly pointing back to the day it was calibrated on RacerMate's dyno, Accuwatt is a quick test you can use before doing any athletic test.  It will verify the reliability of the system and pin-point a hardware failure before conducting athletic tests.  Discovering a problem in a piece of equipment too late can cause large costs in a testing facility -- especially if you have to rerun tests on multiple clients.

• Electronic Gear Shifting.  Though the Velotron is designed with a fixed gear setup on the outside, in the software we can simulate any bike using up to 30-gears.  This is helpful in testing athletes who would otherwise loath riding an indoor exercise bike.  It can be customized to shift the same gear ratios they have on their bike.  In addition, this is an excellent way to determine an optimum gear setup for those trying to modify their actual road bike.  Gearing is accomplished with a single center-off switch.  Using quick "flicks" of the switch the cyclist will shift a virtual rear derailleur.  Holding the switch one way or the other for more than one-second shifts the virtual front derailleur.

Mainly for the cost savings, but most specifically because CompuTrainer allows you to quickly install your own road bike onto it and train.  CompuTrainer is still the best trainer for the athlete who wants a good, reliable, and repeatable workout and isn't overly concerned with a +/-2.5% accuracy range.  In addition, Velotron isn't conducive for daily bike changes like you can easily do with a CompuTrainer.  If an athlete or client insists on putting their bike on a Velotron, it can be done, but expect it to take about a half hour to remove the front and rear derailleurs and stock sprockets, break the chain - and then put on the new chain, sprocket and adjust it all too fit.  We really recommend installing a dedicated bike and leaving it on a Velotron.

Page Last Updated: 08/05/2009