Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  Your products look very similar in format to RLV from Tacx. Can I use these with my iMagic system ?

Answer:
The VR trainers like iMagic and Fortius are PC trainers and cannot work in a stand alone environment.

If you purchase the TACX "FLOW" head/control unit and then unplug the "telephone" type cable from your iMagic control unit and plug it into the FLOW head you will be up and running. The one difference is that you need to manually push the UP or DOWN arrow keys on the FLOW head when the video tells you to do so.

Our manual Chasek Real-Time DVD's are based on TACX trainer technology, so even though it's manual, it is totally compatible with the TACX gradient levels that range from -4 to +9. The other difference is that in the Chasek DVDs, you can complete a ride of up to 120km, in a practical time of about 1hr 50min.

The Tacx RLV concept was actually initiated from the Chasek Indoor Trainer Routes, about 2 years ago, and that's why they look the same. The difference is the Chasek Indoor Trainer Routes are aimed at the "manual" indoor trainer market which in our opinion is more practical. Our aim is to give the majority of indoor trainers who still use a manual system access to real routes while training, without the necessity to invest in the more expensive PC compatible trainers, whilst still delivering an excellent solution.

Question:  My questions are how long are the DVD's?  Does it have a number of specific sessions, eg a interval session, a technique session etc, or is it just like going on a long ride and the difficulty levels on the screen are just to give the impression of doing what is on the screen.

Answer:
The DVD's vary in time from 60min to about 110min. We do not believe it practical to have anything longer than that. Something like 4hrs on an indoor trainer is actually not practicle. From a medical point of view, one needs to consider the extreme body fluid loss, as sweating is far more profuse when on an indoor trainer. Some sort of cooling system, like a fan as well as drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Each route has a good mix of terrain. It is up to the individual to decide what kind of training/riding he wants to do. None of the routes have been designed around a specific type training. The displayed gradient levels are there to give an indication of the severity of the climb. If a user just wants to ride his bike, then it is obviously a matter of scenic or time selection.

Question:  Are the gradient levels displayed on the screen real percentages?

Answer:
No. Both figures on the screen are simulated gradients based on TACX trainer technology.

Question:  The routes are great to use as simulated scenic rides, but can you suggest how to do a quality training session?

Answer:
When you first receive your DVD's, it is advisable to just ride each of the routes until you have an idea of the terrain. You will then be in a position to choose the correct DVD for your training session.

Each DVD has been designed to have a bit of everything in it, although some will have more climbs, as others will have flats. Indoor Training allows you to do high quality, specific sessions where you can control your Heart-rate, Cadence and Power, without being affected by "on-road" elements. Any coach or experienced cyclist will talk about the importance of leg speed for pedalling technique. The biggest simulation during the Road/Trainer change over will be when the film shows a DOWNHILL. On the road, one would freewheel or ride at a much faster speed. By transferring this road speed to pedalling speed (cadence), these downhills allow you to perfect this valuable technique. Depending on your training schedule, FLATS are ideal for recovery, where you would ride at an easy pace on a moderate gear. However, these FLATS are also an excellent opportunity to train your legs to constantly turn a big gear as in a time trial. The FLAT sections are also excellent for training in an anaerobic state, which one would experience in a sprint. Sitting and in a big gear, but at very high cadence. CLIMBING has a couple of techniques. Power climbs, which are generally short but very steep. Use a big gear and stand in this instance. Long hauls are about rhythm and psychological strength as well as energy conservation. These would generally be in a lighter gear either sitting or standing depending on your personal climbing style or preference. Of course this is also an ideal opportunity to practice an alternative style of climbing or how to switch between the two, so as to keep the affected muscle groups supple. Doing these long hauls, on a big gear and sitting, is also perfect for strength training.

If you are interested, we are publishing specific training suggestions for different routes in our free ezine. More information is available here.

Question:  The video film speed is faster than what one would would normally be able to ride a bike. Is there any specific reason for this?

Answer:
Yes. The speed gives a constant momentum, which in turn encourages you to keep pedalling. If the film stopped or slowed down for a stop sign or traffic congestion, you would want to do the same.

Question:  I don't have a TACX trainer, so how do I best use the settings displayed on the screen?

Answer:
The “ADV” (Advanced) screen displays are directly related to the brake unit tension levels on TACX trainers; users of all other trainers can use these displays as a simulated gradient. Because most trainers in use in the market are cable operated it would be better to use the "STD" setting display, where 0=downhill, 1=flat and all other options would be a climb.

Question:  I have a normal stationary (gym) fitness bike at home - can I use your DVD's ?

Answer:
Yes you can. All you need is a DVD player and a TV. Use the on-screen gradient displays as a guide for the settings your specific fitness bike uses.

Question:  What soundtrack/music accompany the pictures?

Answer:
There is no music or a soundtrack on the DVD's. Our research and testing over the past two years has shown that most people either become bored with a soundtrack after they have listened to it a couple of times or they prefer to play their own selection of music. Based on feedback from many customers we took a decision to remove the soundtracks.

Question:  What is the aspect ratio of your DVDs? Widescreen? Are your longer PAL DVDs dual layer or single layer?

Answer:
All DVD's are standard aspect ratio, not widescreen. All DVD's are currently single layer, however may can change at any time.