***Can't wait then jump straight to our Top 3 Best Computer Controlled Turbo Trainers list.***
The top-end turbo trainers have electronically operated resistance brakes and can therefore hook up to a PC or laptop (and in some cases a tablet) that assign workout programs for you to ride through. These trainers are normally 100% wireless and automatically adjust the resistance of your trainer in accordance to a specific program. Perhaps the main appeal of these trainers is that you can even ride on videos of famous cycling courses, such as sections of the Tour de France, and as you power your way up a steep incline the resistance of your trainer automatically reacts and you really feel it in your legs. As an added benefit some trainers allow you to compete against other real-life riders, where you can monitor their relative position and even their performance stats (heart rate, speed etc.) as you race on a specific course.
Below we discuss a host of indoor cycle trainers that offer an interactive experience that is controlled by a computer.
Turbo Trainers with PC controlled workouts
There are 4 main brands who offer some sort of interactive computer controlled trainer. These are Tacx, Elite, CycleOps, and BKOOL. There are others such as Minoura that have special apps for iOS mobile devices and workout videos of cycling races, but these are not computer controlled and require manual adjustment of your trainers resistance. We'll touch on this at the end but the majority of this article will focus on the electronically controlled turbo trainers.
The trainers are listed in alphabetical order by company name.
BKOOL computer controlled cycle trainers
BKOOL only have one turbo trainer, but it just happens to be a great interactive computer controlled turbo trainer. You can tell BKOOL have put a lot of effort in making the turbo trainer experience as social and as motivational as possible, making it easy to interact with other riders online, where you can communicate, challenge, and compare performance stats.
Out of the box you get a powerful electro-magnetic resistance unit, a cadence sensor, a front wheel support, and an ANT+ USB for you computer or laptop. You can download the free BSim software from the BKOOL website and set up a profile and then you can start your workout. You can ride on video races that automatically sync with your trainer, meaning when you are cycling up an incline your resistance with automatically increase. The BKOOL is a powerful trainer, simulating inclines of up to 20% (which is steep).
While riding you get an array of performance metrics on-screen, such as power output, heart rate, and cadence. Also, when racing against others you can monitor your relative position on a course, and even see performance stats of the riders (i.e. their heart rate and power outputs etc.). For all of this the BKOOL turbo trainer is available at extremely attractive price of less than 430; however, there are some monthly membership costs if you want all of the features. There are free memberships, and others cost as little as 7/month, which isn't too bad.
Also, the BKOOL indoor cycle trainer is compatible with the BKOOL app that allows you to record and upload your real life rides via GPS. You can then re-ride these indoors on your trainer. Using Google maps you can track your progress, and even use other BKOOL member's courses.
The video below shows you the BKOOL trainer in action. It's only 50 seconds long.
Read more about the BKOOL trainer and see best prices.
CycleOps computer controlled cycle trainers
CycleOps have many trainers, but only their PowerBeam Pro has an electro-magnetic resistance brake that can be controlled via a computer. The CycleOps PowerBeam Pro comes with PowerTap, which uses strain gauges mounted in the resistance unit to measure the power generated. This is a very accurate (perhaps the most accurate) way to measure power output. The maximum resistance is 1000 Watts, which translates to an incline of 10% when riding the on-screen terrains.
CycleOps have their special VirtualTraining software, which lets you ride on GPS courses that can be hooked up to synced videos and also Google maps. You can download or stream these courses onto your desktop computer and upload your times online. You can even race others and compare times against those who have completed the same courses. You can also used this software on a tablet, making it even more accessible.
There are free versions of the software as well as paid versions. These paid versions can cost as little as 6/month. See more here on the CycleOps website.
The video below shows the CycleOps software in action.
Read more about the CycleOps Powerbeam Pro and see best prices.
Elite computer controlled cycle trainers
Elite have a host of turbo trainers in their range, with 3 that are all compatible with software that runs off a computer. It is Elite's Real range of trainers that have electro-magnetic resistance brakes and consists of the RealTour, RealAxiom, and RealPower indoor trainers. The main difference between these 3 trainers is their maximum simulated incline and their maximum power output. All run the Real software via a PC or laptop, and allows the rider to compete on videos of famous terrains, such as the Tour de France, as well as allowing you to analyse many performance outputs (e.g. power, cadence, speed etc.). There are also online races where you can push yourself against real-life competitors.
You can see the Elite Video software in action below. This video is about 9 minutes long, but skip to 6mins 30secs to see the RealVideo in action.
The Elite trainer experience involves their RealVideos, of which there are many famous rides from all over the world. Elite also have a MyRealVideo app that lets you record your own videos using your Apple smartphone, and then upload them so that you can ride your route indoors. You can also see and ride other peoples routes that have been uploaded.
Check out the video below that summarises how this app works.
Compatible Elite Turbo Trainers
Elite RealTour
The Elite RealTour is the lowest cost computer controlled trainer by Elite, with an RRP of 549.99 (you can get it online for around 400 though!). The electro-magnetic resistance brake provides a modest maximum power output of 500 Watts at speeds of 30km/h, which is comparable to inclines of around 6% when riding GPS courses.
Like all of the Real range by Elite, the RealTour comes with special 'dancing' feet that allows the trainer to roll and tilt as you ride. To see this in action watch the first video in the Elite section above and fast forward to 1 minute in. These mobile feet really add to the rider experience. As standard the Real trainers come with a large Elastogel resistance roller, which reduces rear wheel tyre wear by 20% and noise by 50% over conventional turbo trainer rollers. Read more and see best prices for the RealTour.
Elite RealAxiom
The RealAxiom is quite a bit more expensive than the RealTour, with an RRP of 999.99 (you can however get it for less than 800 online). For the extra cost you have an increased maximum resistance, which is comparable to inclines of 10%. You get all other Real features as standard, such as the dancing feet and large Elastogel resistance roller. You get 2 RealVideo terrains and GPS import support with the RealAxiom. Read more and see best prices for the RealAxiom.
Elite RealPower
The RealPower trainer carries an impressive price tag, but at the same time is also carries some impressive specifications. It has an RRP of £1499.99 and can be found online for about £150 less than this. A key specification is that is can generate high power outputs at low speeds and has a maximum simulated incline of 20%. This is 10% more than the RealAxiom.
Also, for the extra cost you get 5 RealVideos as standard, more than both the other Real trainers. As well as the 'dancing feet' and Elastogel resistance roller, you also get a higher quality gel block front wheel riser. This front wheel support has an Elastogel insert for added stability and reduces vibrations. Read more and see best prices for the RealPower.
Tacx computer controlled cycle trainers
Tacx have 5 different trainers that can be controlled via a PC or laptop. 3 of these trainers use an electro-magnetic resistance brake, 1 uses an electro-motor resistance brake, and the top-end trainer uses a pure motor resistance brake. The main difference between these different trainers is their maximum power output, which generally increases with the price you'll pay.
The video below gives you a solid overview of the kind of experience you will get Tacx's interactive turbo trainers.
Tacx have an impressive arsenal of interactive features, and are the only company to offer a true virtual reality experience. Read more about virtual reality turbo trainers here. The virtual reality software allows you to ride and race in fully immersive 3D rendered environments, where you can even steer your way around corners and past other riders. Tacx also have a large selection of HD quality films to ride through, and include mountain stages, city rides, and even an 8 hour long Route des Grandes Alpes course. These films are synced up to your trainer so that your speed influences the speed of the film, and the resistance of the trainer is automatically adjusted to the inclines (and with the top of the range motor brake, the declines) as you ride on the different terrains. Tacx have a special feature that overlays opponent position right onto the films, which is pretty impressive.
Along with the virtual reality and films, there are an array of different workout programs and fitness tests to try, and all the time vital performance data such as heart rate, power output, cadence etc. is displayed on-screen. Tacx have a version of their software that runs on a tablet, making its interactive experience even more accessible.
This link will take to you the Official Tacx Software webpage.
Compatible Tacx Turbo Trainers
i-Flow
The i-Flow is the cheapest compatible turbo trainer with an RRP of 449.99 (although it can be purchased for as little as 330), and offers very good value for money. As standard it comes with Tacx's Basic software that includes one virtual reality terrain and a velodrome race, the choice of 1 film, a GPS rides feature, and a Catalyst workout program. You can however upgrade to the full Advanced software that includes 7 virtual reality environments, 30+ films, and a host of other features.
The i-Flow is the least powerful of all Tacx interactive trainers, with a maximum power output of 800 Watts. It comes with a Skyliner front wheel support as standard, but you can get an optional VR steering frame that will allow you to steer in the virtual reality courses. Read more and compare best prices.
i-Vortex
More powerful than the i-Flow, with a maximum power resistance of 950 Watts, the i-Vortex has all the same interactive and virtual reality options but can also be used as a stand-alone trainer because it has its own handlebar console with display. It again comes with the Basic software and a standard Skyliner front wheel support, but both can easily be upgraded if necessary. There is an option to use the i-Vortex with a BlackTrack steering frame that will allow you to steer in the VR environments. The i-Vortex has an RRP of 574.99 but can be found online for around 430. Read more and compare best prices.
Bushido (with i-Bushido upgrade)
The Tacx Bushido is not compatible with a PC or laptop right out of the box, but a simple upgrade that includes the Tacx Trainer software 4 Advanced and an ANT+ USB II dongle means it can be powered by a computer. The Bushido uses a powerful electro-motor brake to generate maximum power outputs of 1400 Watts, which is comparable to inclines of 20% and also declines of -5% when riding the VR or film courses.
The Tacx Bushido has an RRP of 774.99 but can be found for as little as 525, so even with the upgrade costs this could be a good option for an extremely powerful turbo trainer. Read more and compare best prices here.
i-Genius
The i-Genius is Tacx's top of the range trainer that comes with a motor resistance brake that offers a hugely powerful 1500 Watts of resistance. The motor brake means the resistance can be controlled to the very finest of detail, so you can have extremely high resistance even at very slow speeds. The motor brake means both inclines and declines can be simulated, meaning your rides on virtual reality or film circuits will be as realistic as possible. The i-Genius comes with Tacx's Advanced software as standard where you get all of the virtual reality and film courses and all other training and monitoring features.
The i-Genius trainer comes with a standard Skyline front wheel support, but there is a special i-Genius Multiplayer bundle that comes with a BlackTrack steering frame and also a multiplayer license that allows you to race real-life people. Up to 10 people can compete on any one race. This multiplayer license is an optional upgrade that costs around 35 per year on all other Tacx trainers, but comes as part of the i-Genius Multiplayer trainer package.
Read more and see best prices for the i-Genius and i-Genius Multiplayer.
Other Options
While not strictly computer controlled, the Minoura trainers deserve a mention because they offer some interactive characteristics. Minoura have a range of trainers called LiveRide that are all compatable with Minoura's Live Training app. This exclusive app offers many features including access to performance metrics such as cadence and power, as well as training programs and GPS input functionality. Using a clever and accurate (95% accurate) method the app uses your heart rate to estimate power output. This means it is significantly cheaper than buying expensive power meters or turbo trainers with build in power devices. The app is limited to Apple devices.
What the video below to learn more about this LiveTraining app.
Along with this Minoura trainers are compatible with The Sufferfest: Downloadable Cycling Workout Videos, that give you extra motivation to get on your trainer and workout. These videos are specially recorded and contain important on-screen data to get the best out of your workout. Check out the video below for more details.
Read about all Minoura trainers here.
Top 3 Interactive Computer Controlled Turbo Trainer
This is an extremely tough ask, but taking all things into consideration, which include features and price, our top 3 interactive computer controlled turbo trainers are:
- Tacx i-Genius
Why? The main factor that gets the i-Genius the number 1 spot is its motor resistance brake. Not only is it on par with the most powerful trainers on the market, it can also deliver high resistance at very low speeds. Add to this its facility to physically drive your back wheel on declines and the Tacx full virtual reality software (not to mention its films and GPS functionality), the i-Genius is worthy of the #1 spot. - BKOOL
Why? Any trainer that can simulate 20% inclines at a cost of less that 430 deserves a top 3 spot. The BKOOL indoor cycle trainer delivers video rides and races that are fully synced to the trainer, meaning the resistance is automatically altered to the on-screen terrain, and the speed at which you travel through the video is real. Being able to race and interact with other BKOOL riders coupled with the powerful resistance unit and low cost means this trainer claims the #2 spot. - Elite RealPower
Why? Dancing feet, oversized Elastogel resistance roller, powerful electro-magnetic resistance, and Elite's Real software. Elite are a company with a history steeped in pro cycling, and the RealPower is their top-end trainer. The RealPower is the most expensive trainer from all discussed here, so why does a trainer that can simulate inclines of 20%, which is equal to both other trainers in our top 3, justify its higher price tag?
You get a host of RealVideos to race on along with the other Real software training features, there is an online community to compete and compare against, there is an app to record and upload your own video rides, you get specialised trainer feet that allow the trainer to roll and tilt as you ride, you get an oversized Elastogel resistance roller for less tyre wear and vibrations, and you even get a special gel front wheel riser for added stability and reduced vibration. The Elite RealPower is expensive and this stopped it from claiming the #1 or #2 spots, but it is a quality computer controlled turbo trainer and worthy of the #3 spot.
Summary
If you are looking for a computer controlled turbo trainer with interactive races to make training more enjoyable and realistic, then you have a fair amount of choice. The cheapest options are either BKOOL's trainer, Tacx's i-Flow, or Elite's RealTour, all available for under 450. The BKOOL trainer is as powerful as some of the most expensive trainers here that are twice its price, which makes it a very good option. However, some of the top end trainers have a brand behind them that are synonymous with cycling, with established equipment, software and features that justfy the high prices. The only fully virtual reality trainers here that allow you to overtake and steer past other riders are offered by Tacx (e.g. i-Genius), although all others have high quality video courses that are synced to the trainer so that resistance and speed are fully controlled.
All trainers here are high quality, and the ultimate choice comes down to which features you most desire and how much you are willing to pay.
Need more help? Visit the homepage and browse/filter all turbo trainers, or check out our popular Best Turbo Trainer 2013 Guide or our new Best Turbo Trainer 2014 Guide.
