There is also an “online races” feature that allows you to look for races hosted by other users. This helped me out when I was in a time crunch, because I could select a pace that I knew would get my workout finished in time. When you begin racing, you can see how your time and distance compare to your competitor's pace. If you select the system's race mode, you can pick a competitor based on their finish time. For every course, other riders’ times are recorded and saved. Now the really fun part, if you’re competitive like I am: You get to race people from around the world, or right from your town. There is some lag time between the gradient displayed on the screen and the actual resistance, but it doesn’t affect the overall experience. Many of the courses come with GoPro footage of the course that syncs to your speed, so you can almost imagine you’re actually riding outside. There are hundreds of courses and workouts available, all of which automatically change the resistance of the trainer. What I really loved was the compatible CycleOps VirtualTraining program. If you don’t have a device that is enabled with one of these protocols, you can buy an ANT+ stick to insert into your USB drive to make your laptop compatible with the PowerSync.
I chose the Bluetooth version because my Windows 8 laptop came equipped with Bluetooth. The PowerSync comes in ANT+- and Bluetooth-enabled versions. The road feel of the PowerSync is vastly improved over many fluid and wind trainers that I’ve tried. The alloy roller provided a smooth ride, and when the electronic resistance isn’t being applied, the roller provides a resistance that feels similar to riding on a flat paved road. It is equipped with PowerTap technology to measure power data within a five-percent range (a PowerTap hub measures to +/- 1.5 percent accuracy, a CompuTrainer measures to +/-2.5 percent accuracy). The PowerSync has a standard A-frame structure.
It is a splurge, but it's still significantly less than a CompuTrainer at $1,600, and the benefit of staying fit through the winter may be worth it. The PowerSync is $900, and the VirtualTraining Program is $6 a month. I was hopeful when I saw CycleOps’ electronic PowerSync trainer coupled with their VirtualTraining Program, an online catalogue of courses and workouts that control the trainer through ANT+ or Bluetooth to change resistance and keep indoor riding interesting. I’ve tried a lot of different trainers and rollers, but riding indoors-and fighting off the dreaded trainer boredom- is a necessary evil at best. Especially when it’s cold, and I’m alone, and in a basement. I like riding, and I love racing, but I’ll admit I am not really a fan of training.