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Ultimate Guide
Article: Tacx - It's About Innovation And Passion
Author: Art Penz
Tacx, an Italian company focused on innovation, is taking their
passion for cycling and an inspiration for excellence and
turning it into products to make training easier for the rest of
us with their exceptional line of Virtual Reality trainers,
software and cycling films. Not to mention their full line of
repair stands, tools, water bottles and water bottle cages.
It all started way back in 1935 when a child named Koos Tacx was
born, or rather, born to ride. On his 22nd birthday, Mr. Tacx, a
diehard cycling fan,purchased himself a small bike shop. That
little bike shop gradually expanded its services to include the
many innovative ideas that were fueled by the passion and
persistence of Mr. Tacx and his family. Now, well into the 21st
century, we can honestly say, Tacx has made riding and training
easier and more efficient for competitive cyclists and amateurs
all over the world.
Take the TacxFlow for example. It is Tacx's best selling
trainer. The Flow looks much like many other magnetic trainers
on the market, but Tacx takes the Flow further by making it a
complete Ergo Trainer. The Tacx Flow offers heart rate and
pedaling frequency as well as current, average and max for speed
and power. All of this data is measured and visualized on the
sleek, handlebar mounted computer display. During your workout
the TacxFlow allows you to easily adapt the program to your
needs for more power or incline resistance. The adjustment is
controlled right from your handlebars because the
electro-magnetic brake communicates directly with the slimline
handlebar mounted computer display. In the Tacxline of trainers,
the Flow allows the lowest cost for a trainer with watts, aka -
power!
We all know that training can be excruciatingly boring when
you're just staring at your wall. And a television show as a
riding partner makes for a weak training session. With this in
mind, Tacx developed a line of software systems and cycling
videos that will put you in the midst of a road race. You just
need a computer, the software and the trainer unit so you can
ride in places like Mt. Ventoux or Alpe d'huez, without leaving
the climate controlled comfort of your home.
There are several different levels represented by the
TacxTrainers line each one has their own merits. We'll start
with the cycling training videos. Tacx trainers now have more
than twenty films of legendary rides and cycling classics that
were made specifically for the TacxVirtual Reality Training
systems. Rides like Milan San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, the
Tour of Lombardy, the Alpine Classic and the Pyrenees Stage,
just to name a few. When the videos are linked to your
TacxTrainer, your trainer helps control the speed of the video
and the video controls the incline resistance on your trainer.
Over the years of developing this system, Tacx has created a
wide screen version that allows you to veer left or right so you
can explore the course even further.
Next up is the Ergo Video system where you can join in a
training ride with world class pro cyclists. It makes for an
efficient way to improve your technique and fitness level. The
videos are shot on site with the pros, so you can experience the
ride with them. With that said, you had better keep up! When
they speed up, you will have to also. Fortunately, when they
take it easy, you'll have a chance to catch your breath. It's a
great way to get to that next level in your ride.
Our favorite is the Tacx Fortiusvirtual trainer. It is like a
video game where you get to use your own bike. You can even race
against other Tacx Fortius users via the internet. With a
plethora of courses and lengths, you'll never get bored with
indoor training ever again. Powerful engine brakes provide a
more realistic resistance to simulate climbing. And they even
allow you to coast during descents. We particularly liked how
natural the other riders are, their pedal strokes are very
realistic. They will cheer, stand on their pedals, shift gears,
drink from their water bottles and provide some spectacular
crashes for your viewing pleasure.
Tacx has been around since 1957 continuing to make great
strides in trainers and accessories to make sure you have the
best stuff to work with. In the world of Trainers, Tacx stand
above the crowd with its innovation and affordability.
About the author:
For more info about installing Tacx Trainers or info on Tacx Flow, visit us today.
To your cycling enjoyment!
Marietjie
Email: marietjie@imaginet.co.za
