Force Feedback for the Legs!!
TravelTrac RealAxiom from PerformanceBike.com
Available for $499
Introducing the TravelTrac RealAxiom from PerformanceBike.
The following is not for the faint of heart.
The RealAxiom is an indoor bicycle trainer that interfaces with a
Windows computer. The components included in the system are the stand,
resistance unit,
computer interface, software including two video courses,
cadence monitor (not used for the review), and all tools needed
for assembly.
To begin you mount the resistance unit to the stand
Twist out the large screw that hold the wheel to attach the handle
The sliding lock ring is to keep the screw from turning when the bike
is in place. That last thing you'd want is a disconnect when sprinting
over 30mph.
The computer interfaces mounts on the handlebar and runs what looks
like an Ethernet cable to back of the resistance unit and a
standard USB cable to the computer. The USB cable is a generous 10 feet!
The final steps of assembly require replacing the skewer in your wheel
with the one provided by PerformanceBike so the locking mechanism on
the trainer will hold your bike securely. The skewer can be kept on as
a replacement unless you're obsessed about its extra grams. The
resistance unit features
a special roller designed to reduce the wear on the tire. Also included
is the front wheel stand which is an add-on for many cheaper trainers.
Installing the software goes without a glitch but Windows has a problem
recognizing the "USB to Serial" adapter and wants to continually
reinstall the driver for it. This
appears
to be a problem with Service Pack 2 on Windows
XP.
After using Windows Update
to do any security
updates an update was found for
the driver
taking care of any problems.
The main interface allows you to choose between Axiom and RealAxiom.
Axiom is graph style course where you can see your progress. RealAxiom
is actual video footage that responds to your input.
Even though you choose between Metric and Anglosaxon (USA) in the
beginning most of
the courses are
available in
kilometers and miles
as seen above. The courses range from 2.86
mile flat rides to over 100
mile hilly
rides. The training
courses never exceed 12.24
miles. The video courses included are from
actual race
courses and will hurt you badly. Those are the Limoges climb from the
Tour De' France and the Verona world championship bike race in Verona,
Italy.
After having finished the 4 week training
course I can recommend only one or two things
to make
things more 'enjoyable'. Headphones to drown out distractions if you
really want to push it or a small TV if you just want to pedal on for a
while and not worry about your speed.
My only complaints with the hardware itself is the length of the power
cord on the resistance unit and the driver install issue for the
interface unit. The power cord on the resistance unit is only 6 feet
long which comes up short if the bike is placed more center in a room.
Another issue that arose during use was the heart rate monitor picking
up erratic signals from something unknown. I've tried to isolate the
problem by moving my cell phone, digital audio
player, and
WiFi adapter away from the unit with no results. So
for
some courses I had a heartbeat and others
I
didn't. Plus the recognized heart rate
was
often under
100bpm and at times closer to 200bpm. **Update** This issue has been
addressed as you now have the ability to disable the HRM detection.
The trainer is usable without a computer as well as you can vary resistance with the head unit but that takes the 'fun' away. All together this is the perfect indoor trainer for those cold, wet months of winter.
Good news in regards to the software. Any previous issues with driver install and such have been fixed with the latest software version. Update now if you have a RealAxiom and update the software before plugging in the interface if you are getting one. I'll add new pictures when I get a new camera showing my "innovative" (steel pipe) mount for the head unit so it is easier to get your bike off and ride outside. Feel free to contact me with any questions about the Real Axiom. I appreciate you stopping by.