[Closed] Tacx flow smart turbo - what heart rate strap?

I'd recommend learning a bit about power - doing an FTP test is not complicated. Maybe checkout the TrainerRoad thread on here if you're interested.

I use a Garmin HR strap over ANT+, but many people seem to recommend the Wahoo Tickr for bluetooth use.

Thanks @gray.
BC have a recommended FTP test. But since I've been training on HRT I want to stick to that until after my next two events this month. I didn't have the ability to train on power before now as I don't have a power meter.

I'll definitely take your advice once I've gotten them over with.

Thanks again.

Hi @julzm,

Keep in mind, if you'd like to start training with power, you can do so with us using VirtualPower. All you'll need is a speed/cadence sensor. But we hear ya about waiting it out in order to stay consistent with your training. After all, consistency is most important! That said, we sure would love to have you training with us down the road. 🙂

Feel free to learn a little more at: www.trainerroad.com/how-it-works

Thanks @gray for spreading the good word.

Cheers,

Community Manager at TrainerRoad - Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool

I use a tacx Vortex with an iPad and trainerroad.

I have to use the ant+ dongle for TR but I just use a wahoo cadence/speed sensor and a generic Bluetooth hrm. They can be had pretty cheap on amazon etc. I've seen generic bt cadence sensors too. I think lidl might even have them in currently.

Oh, and trainerroad is excellent, has made using a turbo much more enjoyable. Along with an Amazon prime TV subscription....

With the Flow Smart, you'd be wasting its capabilities a bit if you didn't make use of opportunity to let software control the resistance. Some prefer Zwift, but for me TrainerRoad made a massive difference to how I felt about time on the turbo. It's just really cool, and really effective too. Whether now's the right time or not, switching over to training with power at some point rather than HR is really a good idea.

Oh and in case any don't know, the Flow Smart is a little known Tacx turbo. In the UK it's only available in Halfords and Decathlon, and seems to be essentially similar to the Vortex Smart (which I have), but with a slightly less powerful brake.

The new wahoo tickr hrm straps broadcast Ant+ and Bluetooth so they seem to be the no brainier choice as you can use em with Garmin or android/iOS systems

Thanks for all the advice everyone. The duotrap is a Bontrager specific speed/cadence sensor that fits directly inside the chain stay so I already have that part. I definitely have a look at trainer road, sounds perfect for what I'm trying to achieve.

Thanks again.

@julzm

Keep in mind what @gray said about the convenience of the electronic trainers too. You may enjoy the ability of having the TR software control the resistance of the trainer in accordance to what the particular interval of your workout demands. But again, you'll need the ANT+ key for that. 🙂

Happy Training!
Community Manager at TrainerRoad - Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
https://www.trainerroad.com/how-it-works

@nickkanwetz I signed up for trainer road and did the FTP the other day. Not done anything else yet as I have an Enduro race this weekend and then an endurance XC race the following weekend. Have to say I'm really impressed with what I've seen so far.

Heck ya, @julzm! Stoked you're digging it, man!

Looking forward to what kind of progress we'll be making together.

Now, time to get fast! 😉 Of course, feel free to hit up our support crew at support@trainerroad.com if you run into [i]any[/i] questions or concerns at-all. And I'll be around as well.

Good luck out there!

Cheers,

Community Manager at TrainerRoad - Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
https://www.trainerroad.com/how-it-works