I want to buy a new cycling trainer for the winter, but I've been reading about problems with the one I want in the U.S. 110/60hz model (the motor can't register beyond 26mph).

They haven't fixed the problem in 9 months, so I've no idea when they will.

I'm thinking of buying the european (built in Netherlands) model, 230V/50Hz.

Question is, how do I get it to work?

Could I just run 220 to a european receptacle (Type-E I'm guessing)?

Should I go for a step-up convertor? (can they change frequencies? 60 to 50?)

Is there a better way?

 

220 volts for a cycling machine?!?!? That's insane! WTF does it need that kind of voltage for? Doet it give you electroshock therapy if you dont pedal fast enough?

I don't know of any 50/60 cycle converters for 220 volt; if one does exist it will probably be $$. I bet you will have to convert the A/C to D/C then back to A/C again. If so make sure you get a nice converter that have a nice smooth round wave vs a square wave...


This might help you... (not to buy; just information. this is a HUGE commercial unit)
http://www.hzfrequencyconverter.com/60Hzto50Hz.html

It's kinda what a thought, you have to go A/C->DC->A/C definitely not an efficient solution and very $$ for a good converter.

I'm trying to find a non-commercial unit. I'll lay $$ someone makes a UPS that does it...

More $$ solutions I'm sure...
http://www.behlman.com/linearac.htm
http://www.50hz.com/

Here's your step up stuff, still pretty $$...
http://www.elect-spec.com/freqchgr_a.htm#A


I think I'd find another workout bike... this doesn't seem like it's worth it. Talk to Astro I'm sure he knows of a good one. The guys is always riding...

 

For all that trouble and money, I'd just buy one that'll work right off the bat.

 

I think Astro will say a cycle trainer should be human powered...

I am not sure how accurate a conversion you are going to get with voltage and frequency converters. I would get a NA one that works... Rather than go through the trouble.

 

By U.S. standards, it's insane, sure. But 220-240v/50hz is standard in Europe and most of the world. It's pretty much just the U.S. and our conquests who run 110-130v/60hz.

Believe it or not, the machine I want is considered the best VR trainer on the market and it's the only one with a motor powerful enough to simulate climbs of 20% or grader, and speeds of greater then 50mph while descending... which is the type of terrain I typically ride in real life.

The U.S. version has some lingering bugs because the U.S. cycling market is so small compared to their European market, who gets all the goodies first.

Thanks for the links!

 

Un-assisted trainers are for wimps

You need a powered trainer to simulate challenging climbs and realistic road conditions.

 

Here's the device in question, btw: http://www.tacx.com/producten.php?la...&lvlSubSub=324

 

You routinely hit 50MPH on your bike?

 

yep, well, 49mph is my average top speed (downhill of course). it usually requires a good bit more work to break that wind barrier and get into the mid/upper 50's.

 

Looks cool!

I'd contact the manufacturer and ask about 110/60hz model and see if they plan on fixing it. If it's not too far out I'd wait it out...

 

Damn I had no clue.

I also haven't been on a bike in years let alone really get in to it at all.

Seems like something I could pick up though. I being outside.

 

Still looking for info on this, Soopa?

 

Course. The 110 model plain ol' doesn't work, and there's no other trainer that can do what this euro model (and the us model should do), so I'm pretty much trainerless until I find a way to use the 230v model.

 

you could always change the plug....... i think....

i know on our 3 phase welders you must put on a plug, but i also think that you may be able to put a 220 plug on.
ask an electrician. or i can ask my co worker, he is an electrician, but it will take a couple days for that.


going 50 downhill takes some work, i have gotten up to 60 on a mountain bike in the past.

.....w/o any headgear

 

Check out this bad boy. Should do what you want.
http://www.behlman.com/powpass.htm

Just make sure it can supply the amps you need. BTW giving an AC motor the wrong frequency will change the speed of the motor. In your case, make it faster.

Before you get all excited I bet it's hella expensive. I couldn't find a price for purchase but I found a place that would rent you one for $400 a month.

 

You could try something like this.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2000-Watts-Step-...QQcmdZViewItem

That's up to 2000 Watts, which is probably overkill. You can find lower rated devices for less.

 

on the bike

 

Well, even though I'm licensed, I don't know much about European stuff. But I do know that American 220 voltage consists of 2 phase of 110 voltage, while European 220 volt consists of 1 phase of 220 voltage.


Voltage transformers are made to convert single phase 110 or 220 volt. Knowing this, personally I wouldn't try hooking the Euro model up to American 220. Too much risk involved, but like I said, I know next to nothing about European electricity.

 

Ok. This is a complicated solution, but it would work... Buy a european UPS, it will have an inverter in it for 220-50hz that will convert 24v to 220-50hz. Buy a north american UPS. It will have a 110-60hz rectifier in it that will convert 110-60hz to 24v. Patch the 2 units together and you will have a UPS that charges on 110-60hz, but outputs at 220-50hz.

It is just so crazy it might work...