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Because when you're out on the course, all that's there is your internal monolog

My Eyes are Wide in Amazement!

Posted on Jul 07, 2011 under Geek Out! | Comments are off

Here in the “Great White North” riding a cycle trainer is a reality of Ironman (and any triathlon) training for at least 4 months of the year. I mean, who’s going to take their beautiful carbon fibre bike, or even a street bike onto icy streets and try to do tempo intervals in the -15C. Not me! Probably not you either!

So what do we do? We ride trainers in our pain-caves, of course. If you’re fortunate enough, you have a VR trainer like a Tacx or a Computrainer and you can break up the monotony of hours in the saddle by riding the actual course for Ironman Canada or some other race.

Well, there’s a new player in the space, and I have to say based on the press-release info, this is one heck of a machine and it’s in roughly the same price point as the aforementioned trainers. At the same price point, but does SO much more.

ProForm Introduces Official Le Tour de France® Training Bike

Not only is this a full featured trainer, but it allows you to ride any course that google maps has data for!!! No buying additional map packs or waiting for the newest race course to be released. If gmaps has it, so do you!!!  It also… inclines and declines to simulate climbing and descending hills AND adjusts resistance to simulate WIND RESISTANCE!!   On top of it all, it measures power – super important to those of us who train based on power output!  Ok really! I need to have one of these!

Additional features:

  • Power meter
  • RPM meter
  • Multiple position adjustable handlebars
  • Two-way seat adjustment
  • Console display of watts, speed, pace, time, resistance level, rpm, heart rate, percent incline/decline, distance, vertical feet, and calories per hour
  • Polar® wireless chest pulse compatible. Receiver included. Chest strap available for purchase or you your own.
  • Two-way pedals with clipless pedals on one side and toe cages on the other
  • Built-in wireless makes the ProForm Tour de France bike an internet appliance and “smart fitness” equipment
  • iPod jack and built-in speakers
  • Multiple position adjustable handlebars
  • Water bottle holder in a convenient location on the frame
  • Compact footprint of 58 inches long by 25 inces wide by 59 inches tall.
  • Wheels on front of frame for easy movement within the home.
I’ve contacted proform to see if I can get an evaluation unit to review for the community.  They’re still waiting for shipments, but I remain hopeful.  I’ll let you know what I hear from them as units become available.
I’ll leave you with a video of the trainer “in action”, just to whet your whistle as much as mine is 🙂

dailies from Le Tour de France from Icon Health & Fitness Studios on Vimeo.

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