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Turbo Trainer

Hi all,

New member here so apologies if I inadvertently break any etiquette.

I'm an older rider coming back to cycling after many years and have decided to get a coach to help me get back up to speeed. In addition to my own road riding, a big part of his coaching will be via TrainingPeaks Virtual. He has recommended the Wahoo Core Kickr turbo trainer which costs £450.

I have a (probably 15 year old) hardly-used Elite Crono Wireless turbo trainer, and I wanted to check whether there is a way to use this for TrainingPeaks rather than shell out for the Wahoo model. Apparently, the main issue is that the Elite lacks bluetooth.

I'd be very grateful if anyone has any ideas?

Thanks

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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3 comments

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Rendel Harris | 2 days ago
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Sorry to say but your current trainer isn't going to be much use for online training in the way you describe, your virtual trainer will rely on not only having a Bluetooth connection but also on having program-controlled variable resistance, so that your online trainer can change the effort required from you to keep rolling remotely. However you don't necessarily have to shell out for a Kickr (nice though they are) - if you're happy to stay with a wheel-on trainer Bkool pros are available on eBay for around £50, or if you'd like to go direct drive Elite Diretos for £120 or less.

Welcome back to riding, hope it goes well!

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mark1a | 3 days ago
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It's possible the issue is less to do with the Bluetooth connectivity (although it's sort of related) and that's because your workout coaching programmes may require TP to be able control the trainer's resistance, and for the trainer to send back power data. I would suggest looking for a trainer that supports the protocols FE-C (over ANT+) and/or FTMS (over Bluetooth), this will provide the two-way communication that a platform like Training Peaks needs to work. As mentioned, direct drive trainers are far better than wheel-on types, although a dedicated smart bike is better still if you can run to it. 

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Sniffer | 3 days ago
1 like

Can't answer your question directly, but if you do decide to buy a new Turbo I noticed that Halfords have Elite trainers that would be perfect for your needs at 50% off.

I have a used an Elite Direto for many years on Zwift etc.  You wouldn't have to shell out £450.

Is the Crono wheel on?  The direct drive trainers are much better.

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