I picked up a Computrainer Pro 8002 from Ebay. The listing said Computrainer Lab, and what I received does not look like any of the description, but I got it at a steal.
Anyone with an 8002 that can give comments, etc? I am on the fence about having it sent back, or just keeping it, assuming that it is in true working order as it was sold. Had to order a new FTDI USB cable since what it came with was a serial connection.
The flywheel is a blue color, which I’m sure is irrelevant, just an older machine. I’ve read some people able to swap out the microcontroller chip in the controller. Anyone find that they needed to do this?
There was a photo. It was strange, because it was a screenshot, of what I later found to be another auction that wasn’t hers. I questioned her a bit. Ultimately, I got it for about $650 shipped. It was a Pro 8002 model, not a lab. The coloring on the load generator was white, stating Pro 8002, and not yellow Lab as in the photo.
I called Racermate, and they said it could be older, but should be functional. Wrote to the seller and she’s asking what I would want to keep it. She thought it was all the same. I don’t think it was an intentional bait and switch. Claimed to be a 50 year old woman who now only rides a recumbent now.
Will plug it in today and what I’m concerned the most is with the controller’s version number. I think there is a minimum to use with Trainerroad. Not sure with Ergvideo. I was told that you can change these out. The “expert” on the hardware wasn’t in today at Racermate, so will be having a conversation tomorrow.
I think that’s the same model I have at home; the description sounds the same but I can’t remember the model number. That would be the Pro model and I think I bought mine in 1995, so it’s definitely older. There were a few changes that I’ve made over the years, replacing chips in the head unit. So, you may need to replace the chip if it is from the mid-late '90’s. I don’t know if you need it for Trainerroad.com, but I’m pretty sure you would need it for Ergvideo.
So everything I discovered today talking with Racermate, I can update the chip on my controller. When I turned it on, the version number I got was 25.43. Trainerroad required something higher. Fortunately, I was able to just order the chip and should be able to replace it myself.
The flywheel is blue color, so I think it is much older. Also had to order an additional FTDI cable, since the one that it came with did not work for me.
Used my FTDI from another Computrainer I have and seems to work fine. Only additional thing I noticed was tightening the knob, there is a plastic washer or something missing. Its like grinding metal on metal, so not so smooth in tightening it down.
For Trainer Road, you’ll have to have the latest chip or it won’t work. The earlier chip will work with ErgVideo, PerfPRO, Tour de Giro, and RacerMate One. Replacing the chip is standard IC swapout, taking care not to bend the pins or get static buildup. Takes about 5 minutes. As for the load generator, I run old 6000s, 8001s, 8002s, Pro, and Lab, and they’re all about the same. Yes, there’s some variation in terms of resistors inside to facilitate HR, but if you’re gong to ride Trainer Road, it’ll work. No matter which one you have, they can get a bit off over time and might need to be recalibrated, but for the average Joe, just ride the darn thing. So what if you’re 2 watts off? You’ll get that much variation by calibrating sloppily or too high or too low, but it’s still very close.
$650 is a good deal. I’ve paid more and paid less, but that’s not bad at all…
Thanks for that. Going back and forth everywhere I’ve kind of come to the same conclusion. My watts will be what my watts are.
I did order the chip, an FTDI cable and a new power supply. The casing for the power supply crapped, so didn’t want to take a chance. Set me back about $150, but the seller agreed to refund me $100. So kind of worked out. Tested it out last night. Swapped out my FTDI from my other Computrainer and seemed to work.
It created a different kind of sound, but I’ll accept it.
Likely the power supply popped the fuse, and that happens a lot if you don’t unplug the power supply before plugging cable in. It’s a bit of a hassle to replace the fuse in some of the power supplies, and I always put a replaceable fuse holder inside when I do. You might take the bottom off and slide the transformer out to see if the fuse is blown.
Different kind of sound? All my load generators sound the same, even the old 6000s. I find it helps to keep the tire in the center of the roller, but you probably know that if you have another CT. If the eddy current disk is touching the magnets, that can create a scraping sound, but that’s pretty noticeable. I had a load generator lose a bearing once and that made some whiny sounds, so look for that.
Just sounded different, but was testing with another bike that had a Continental Gatorskin, versus a Trainer Tire.
I’m happy regardless. Despite the additions I had to purchase, lucked out I think.
I did open the powersupply, and the rattling was the plastic housing that was broken. Still usuable I think. Might get away using Gorilla Glue to seal it, and keep it as a spare.
With Ergvideo, I think the Computrainer is one of the best things out there. No experience with the Kickr, but I’d personally take the Computrainer + Ergvideo combo over anything else. Been working great for me.
If it works, that will keep you motivated. I run 6 CompuTrainers and have 6 sessions a week, so the experience with maintenance and software builds quickly. We typically run PerfPRO Studio software, as it has the most features and analysis for our use. We’ll ride Sufferfest videos (all 13), ErgVideo, Interactive Real Course Video, and Tour de Giro on occasion. Each has their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s a matter of finding what works for you.
Tires, they are the bane of trainers. And Gatorskins are the noisiest and worst on traction at the roller. I finally switched most of the riders to Cycleops Trainer Tires (they are Kenda Kriteriums, just rebadged) and they are much quieter and longer lasting.
Thanks for the tip. I’ve used the Continental trainer tire. My first one, got 1000 miles on it and it bubbled. I tried a Vittoria Trainer tire, and managed only 600 miles before it bubbled.
So far okay with the Continental. Will look into the Cycle Ops when I need to change.
So the noise might have been the Gatorskin. As old as the trainer was, wasn’t much use on it, looking on the roller.
Had my road bike on the original Computrainer, and my time trial on a fluid. Was actually nice getting on the fluid after being only on the Computrainer. Now I’ll have one for my time trial and can switch back and forth. Maybe excessive, but I’ve found for me, then less setup and movement, the better chance of me getting on and riding.