Tacx Vortex Smart

[gillian]

Does the Tacx Vortex Smart work with Bkool simulator?
I'm looking to get a similar experience to what is described using the Bkool pro e.g. The resistance changes automatically to mirror the selected route. The BKool trainer, whilst it looks great, is a tad pricey. Was hoping to get something similar for less and the Vortex Smart looked like it might do the job.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Yep, I'm using one

 

[gillian]

Yep, I'm using one

Ahh nice one. I notice the Bkool trainer states it can replicate 21% gradients but the vortex only 7%. That's quite a big difference, is it noticeable in use would you say?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

A little bit, if it doesn't feel right just change up a gear or two

 

[gillian]

A little bit, if it doesn't feel right just change up a gear or two

I'm always in my granny gears going uphill anyway so I'm guessing the only difference it'll make to me is not having to get off and push!

 

[steveindenmark]

I'm always in my granny gears going uphill anyway so I'm guessing the only difference it'll make to me is not having to get off and push!

Which would be a bit embarrassing in your front room. :0)

 

[Gert Lush]

Yep, I'm using one

According to Evans I need to buy the software for it to work with Bkool? For it to automatically change the resistance?

 

[Milkfloat]

According to Evans I need to buy the software for it to work with Bkool? For it to automatically change the resistance?

They are talking rubbish. You may need to update the firmware in the Vortex using an iOS device (iPhone/iPad) but no need to purchase anything.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

According to Evans I need to buy the software for it to work with Bkool? For it to automatically change the resistance?

No. You need an ipad/iphone and the free tacx utility app to update the firmware. The only other cost is for a USB ANT+ stick which is a given for most pc based training programs

 

[Gert Lush]

Thank you both. I had thought that but I just wanted to be certain.

I'm trying to get evans to price match with wiggle so I can get it asap! Wiggle is out of stock.

Edit: Won't price match because it's not in stock. So will have to wait for a bit then.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/...hbjZ1YRB9ssz-ZLAvoCj0U65WmO4_JQEukRoCQA3w_wcB

 

[Gert Lush]

So I may be using this a bit sooner than anticipated. May have bought one!

Now Bkool or Zwift? I'm thinking Bkool because of the amount of you people who play it from here.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Easy one, Zwift is pretty much 2 courses rideable in reverse. Bkool is a massive video library and in the big thread there's daily races, climb leagues etc

 

[Gert Lush]

I did not know that. So Bkool it is! I'll be joining the leagues once I've got it. Pretty new though, so I won't be doing great.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I'm new enough too