Many turbo trainers use a resistance unit that you move up to meet the tyre the tyre is then held rigidly against the resistance roller. Aside from the superb resistance variability and smoothness already discussed, the trainer also uses the "Crono" design to suspend the bike. The Elite Crono Hydro-Mag ElastoGel Trainer combines many of the best aspects of Elite's training platforms. Therefore you effectively get two higher resistance settings by adding in the magnetic unit as well. To get an idea of the added resistance that the magnetic unit gives, I have also used Elite's Crono Fluid Elastogel trainer (the cheaper unit, without the magnetic unit), and find it equivalent to about setting 3 out of 5 on the Crono Hydro-Mag. The result of the combined approach, is both a smooth progression up the pyramid and a stable workout at maximum power. Therefore, the magnetic resistance unit can be used to manage the high end power output. Towards the top of the pyramid though, you are likely to be putting out a very high wattage, and with just the resistance from a fluid system you may encounter "slippage". At the base of the pyramid, the fluid technology really comes into its own as you can progressively click through the gears and get a small increase on each step up.
For example, take an interval pyramid session, where you gradually increase the difficulty of the "on" interval until you reach the top of the pyramid. When you consider the kind of sessions that you are likely to use a turbo trainer for, you are able to see the significant benefits of the magnetic and fluid technology working in partnership. The result, is a product that is perfect for all kinds of workouts: a real no compromise training platform. Therefore, you get the smooth road-like progressive resistance of the fluid system, but you also get the ability to really increase the high-end resistance with the tandem magnetic resistance unit. This trainer combines both fluid technology and magnetic technology. They are also often noisier than fluid systems.Įnter the Elite Crono Hydro-Mag ElastoGel Trainer.
#Elite chrono fluid trainer plus
The disadvantage of magnetic systems, is that they have a lower number of resistance levels available: rather than having 20 plus gears to flick through, you are often reduced to just a few index points on the remote, leading to more sudden shifts in difficulty. It can also reduce the risk of "slippage" (between tyre and resistance roller), which can occur when you use a very high gear/speed on a fluid system. Magnetic resistance has the advantage that you can really ramp-up the difficulty.
Magnetic resistance turbo trainers don't use gears to adjust resistance, instead you alter the difficulty with a remote control unit that normally sits on your handlebars. Fluid technology gives a great road-like feel, and the resistance can be controlled by moving through the gears on your bike, with a harder gear equalling a higher level of resistance. Here is what sets it apart from the pack, in my opinion.įluid resistance turbo trainers are renowned for providing a smooth progressive resistance as you increase your effort and speed. There is a good reason for that though, because it is a feature packed static trainer that is a great tool to add to your 'pain-cave' arsenal. It probably has one of the longest turbo trainer names out there. The Elite Crono Hydro-Mag ElastoGel Trainer. I don't often find myself riding indoors, but when I do, I'm grateful of having a good quality trainer to ride on.
Dark winter nights and icy roads may well drive you inside before long to sit on a static bike in front of the television.