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Test: Cardgirus indoor trainer
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When it rains in Spain, head indoors to train
By Chris Henry
Testing a high-end indoor trainer at the Euskaltel-Euskadi training center
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The mere fact that my test ride on the Cardgirus trainer was to be arranged at the training center of the Euskaltel-Euskadi pro team told me that this was a serious piece of equipment. After all, while the Cardgirus is the indoor trainer of choice for several top teams and riders, the company does not have any sponsorship deals, meaning all who use the Cardgirus choose to use the Cardgirus. Besides the Euskaltel-Euskadi team at their training center, the Cardgirus is used by the Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Argentinean, and Mexican cycling federations, as well as riders such as Joseba Beloki, David Plaza, Claus Moller, and Samuel Sanchez, to name a few.
Having done a little homework on the trainer prior to my visit, my expectations were fairly high. The system boasts a very technically-oriented PC interface, with an impressive degree of customization. Knowing its advertised features, I was eager to see both how the user interface would function, and equally important, how the machine would feel.
Key features
The features of the Cardgirus are almost too numerous to list, but it is important to give an idea of just how much can be done with the software. To begin, users can design their virtual bikes to mimic their real-life machines. After setting up the physical unit, i.e., saddle height, handlebar extension, etc., users can input data to truly define their ride. The software offers a choice of road, track, mountain, triathalon, or touring bikes. For each, users may enter the weight of the bike, wheel diameter, number of chainrings, number of cogs, and specific gearing for each. That is, complete customization is possible between the 53x11 of an 18 or 20 speed road bike and a single speed track machine. Triple chainring touring and mountain bike configurations are also possible. Every bike configuration set up in the software can be saved for future use.
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Fitness tests are an important component of the software as well, and users can undergo a number of tests to determine their current fitness level with such information as maximum heart rate, power output in watts, and so on. This data can be used both to guide specific workouts, as well as a reference point to gauge improvement over time. Based on users' initial fitness tests, an alarm for maximum heart rate can be activated. Built in tests include the Cardgirus test, Conconi test, Wingate test, stress test, and a force/speed test.
Specific workouts are available, including interval training sessions, where users can decide the length of interval, length of recovery time, and workout duration. All the while, data such as maximum and average heart rate are logged, along with power output, pedaling cadence, and so on. Similarly, a user could create a profile of his/her favorite road or time trial course to prepare for specific events.
Besides the wealth of information displayed by the Cardgirus software, one of the greatest attributes of the system is the ability to measure performances against one's own previous efforts, other Cardgirus users connected together, or even other Cardgirus users via the Internet. Users can race one another whether in the same room or in another country.
So how does it feel?
Quite simply, the Cardgirus felt to me as though I were riding a bike. Granted, no indoor trainer will provide the exact experience of riding outdoors, but given the circumstances, the ride on the Cardgirus felt good. What matters is the pedaling efficiency and the perceived change when shifting gears, encountering a gradient, etc. Having logged enough hours indoors to understand the difference between rollers, rear-wheel mounted trainers, and clumsy exercise bikes at my local gym, I was quite pleased with the feel of the Cardgirus. It wasn't my road bike, but it wasn't far off either.
The sensation of reaching a hill, for example, felt completely natural. Gone was the feeling of a sudden tightening of a nylon belt around a flywheel, or the ka-chunk of a change of resistance on a unit fixed to the rear wheel of a road bike. During my test I rode an easy approach to the Col de Peyresourde. Spinning easily for several minutes, I began to feel an appreciable- but not overwhelming- increase in difficulty as I hit the lower slopes. Rather than an arbitrary and sudden increase in pedaling resistance, I simply slowed down until my legs and brain realized that I best shift gears, get out of the saddle for a few seconds, and settle into a long, long climb. While climbing, the resistance was smooth, and changing gears during the climb felt just right.
(What I didn't have an opportunity to test was the descent, but somehow I think spinning wildly in a 53x12 and cranking up the fan in front of me would have done about all that was required to simulate that which really can't be simulated indoors.)
With all of the pertinent information displayed on the computer screen, including cadence, speed, heart rate, gradient, and gear selection, I got a sense of just how detailed a workout could become. The software allows users to design their own rides, and also comes with pre-programmed profiles of race courses and famous climbs, including Col du Tourmalet, a fixture of the Tour de France.
The pros' perspective
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Out of curiosity, I decided to ask Euskaltel pro and Tour de France stage winner Roberto Laiseka how the simulated Tourmalet compared to the real thing. Lucky for me, Laiseka and teammate Mikel Artetxe dropped by the Euskaltel-Euskadi center at the time of my visit, to discuss their use of the Cardgirus and shed some light on the team's winter training programs. Laiseka told me the comparison between the real and programmed Tourmalets was valid, but naturally real-life race conditions and one's own fitness are what ultimately define the experience. But for the average client, he noted, the comparison was a good one, if not a bit harder on the Cardgirus for the simple fact that one's living room might not provide the same inspirational surroundings as a mountain climb.
The Euskaltel-Euskadi team uses the Cardgirus at its training center, located in Derio, Spain, at the Osasum Centrum (Derio's Seminary). The training center is available to the public as well, and visitors to Derio (about 20 minutes from Bilbao) may benefit from the guidance and assistance of physiotherapists on staff at the Osasum Centrum.
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For the Euskaltel riders, the Cardgirus is used primarily to begin building fitness during the winter months, particularly when the cold, wet winter of the Basque country makes indoor training a more appealing alternative. Riders use the trainer to develop power and build strength, and to help maintain a base level of fitness before the major preparations begin on the road for the coming season. Laiseka also affirmed that for the team, the trainer is of particular benefit for time trial training.
Specifications:
The Cardgirus is available in three models: Pro, Medical, and Medical Pro. Each model comes standard with Look-compatible clipless pedals, which may be swapped by the user for his/her brand of choice. The unit can be purchased with either standard road or triathalon (aero) handlebars, and either 170mm or 175mm crank arms. The saddle is a standard model and may also be swapped by users for their own saddle at home. The seat post, which features a quick-release adjustment for height, is 31.6mm, although Cardgirus offers an adaptor for those who wish to use their own 27.2mm diameter posts. The Cardgirus package also includes a heart rate monitor.
As an Apple user, I naturally believe the software should be made available for Mac as well as Windows systems. Furthermore, my test of the Cardgirus did not encompass the full experience of initial system setup, i.e., unit assembly, and software installation. The software interface reflects the amount of detail involved in the setup and use of the system, and thus itself is fairly complex. A glance at the user's manual leads me to believe that first-time users will probably need to keep the instructions handy.
During my test, I also had the benefit of using one of the customized machines at the Euskaltel facility, which include a touch-screen monitor mounted in the unit. Finding an ergonomically functional placement of computer, mouse, and keyboard next to a Cardgirus trainer at home may take some experimentation, although for laptop users Cardgirus offers a computer holder which mounts to the unit. Finally, the unit's high cost may put it out of reach of many consumers. (Then again, there's something to be said for not subjecting your road frame's top tube to the sweat from a good indoor workout.)
Overall, however, the Cardgirus gets high marks. While the software may not be the simplest or most user-friendly, the strength of the system is the wealth of features and information available. The key to indoor workouts is to maximize effectiveness, since few people have the patience to spend much more than an hour pedaling indoors (pros included, as I was pleased to hear). With the ability to program workouts, compete against other users or pervious workouts, and monitor power output, heart rate, etc., the Cardgirus provides the tools necessary for specific training and effective workouts. With a sturdy frame and the ability to customize the rider's position on the unit, the physical characteristics of the Cardgirus live up to its technical assets.
The Cardgirus currently ranges in price from 1,500€ for the Pro to 3,500€ for the Medical Pro model. (The Euro and US Dollar are roughly equal, although at time of publication the Euro held a slightly higher value) Cardgirus is based in Spain; all shipping and importing and customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer.
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More information: Cardgirus website
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