The TacX Fortius Multiplayer Trainer is an interactive trainer that allows you to train indoors and cycle in virtual locations while you build your speed and endurance.. The TacX includes a powerful resistance motor to simulate riding on the road as well as the virtual reality software program to simulate the terrain/course that you want to ride The software has three different terrains you can choose from, the Atlantis, the Olympus and the Callisto.
The Tacx Fortius connects to your computer and uses it as an interface. You can choose from animated images, graphic training or cycling in a live video. In the virtual world, you can actually ride with other riders who cycle with you in real live motion. You can simulate racing, go for a leisurely spin or setup fitness specific training. If you want to race, you can decide where you want to race. Italy, France, Spain and Belgium are a few of the countries you can choose from.
While cycling your Tacx Fortius will give you information about your speed, heart rate, distance, time and wind direction just to name a few things. Using the integrated computer software, you can easily choose different types of race scenarios as well as specific terrain that you want to train on. The resistance motor gives real-time feedback and the appropriate resistance when climbing uphill or cruising downhill. You will get nearly the same sensations as if you were actually riding outside with hills.
You will encounter virtual images of other riders that seem almost real. They will stand up on their pedals, cheer and yell. Some will even provide you with sites of some spectacular crashes. You will see everything you would see in a real live race. Even including the time of day that you are riding. The simulation and envirionment can appear as if it is sunny and warm, or cool and cloudy.
If you want to skip the race scenarios and just ride for pleasure, you can choose the area you want to ride in. You will see different kinds of scenery and you will notice that when you ride faster, the scenery passes by much faster. It is all tied to the speed you are actually riding at. The virtual reality software allows you to imagine you are just about anywhere.
With the variety you can choose from with your Tacx Fortius, you will never get bored while cycling in your living room or your recreation room. You can travel to a different location whenever you want to. This allows you to stay in shape, and maintain your endurance even during those cold winter months when you can’t actually ride outside. Without a doubt this trainer is worth the money.
Here are a few of the main benefits of the TacX Fortius:
- • You can train in the comfort of your home year round
- • Has various terrain choices for varying resistance levels
- • Beautiful scenes to make you feel like your really there
- • Virtual races with almost real competitors
The Tacx Fortius is a fantastic quality interactive trainer. It can be purchased for around $1499 at respected cycling retailers. Minimum requirements for your PC for the software to run are as follows. You need a minimum of a Pentium IV processor. 1024 MB memory for XP and 2048 MB for Vista. Ideally you should have at least 850MB of hard drive space available, a sound card and a graphics card as well as one free USB port.
For a home trainer, this is a great option to look at. You will not need to go to the gym anymore. You now have multiple terrains and environments you can ride right in your own home!
Check out the TacX Fortius Multiplayer Trainer now at the iwillnotbonk ironman triathlon blog and start improving your cycling fitness!