Updated on January 4, 2012
Where are my Proform Tour de France Trainer Shifters?
Well ever since Bruce posted his review of the Proform TdF trainer we’ve had a bunch of comments about the Shifters. Since I have gotten my trainer a few weeks ago I have been through a series of events that lead me to believe not every revision of the TdF trainer has these shifters. Let me say — I am pretty happy with this purchase. The only complaint I have is that it’s not obvious on the website that some training plans are for running, and I did my first 2 workouts to a running workout — and I was wondering why I was at 20% grade for 3/4 mile. (Treadmill workout) That – and you need a fan in front of it.
So my bike arrived in good shape and on the last piece I put on (Left pedal) I stripped the threads. I also managed to push the headphone jack into the computer and didn’t (at the time) realize you could access the computer from the back.
When I went to the customer service site I looked up Model PFEX01311.2. This search returned these results:
This leads me to believe that there have been at least 3 “versions” of the 2011 TdF bike. Seems like the shifters, the packing strategy, as well as the offer with a free heart rate monitor and mat are newer features.
Below are some pictures of the shifters and the heart rate monitor that works with my model (heart rate monitor is a Polar T31.)
I hope this helps some of our readers who have been asking what they look like.
Updated on December 11, 2011
Review – ProForm Tour de France Stationary Bike
If you watched the Tour this year, you couldn’t help but notice the ads for the ProForm TDF bike. It inclines and declines up to 20%. You can plot your own routes on Google Maps and download them to the bike or ride preset routes like each Tour stage from 2011. It adjusts resistance to simulate wind speed based on your size. It slices, dices, and overall looks pretty damn sexy.
The initial geek in my wanted to reach for the phone and order one straight away. The little pragmatist in me (yes, there is one… just not very loud) said I should hold off until all the bugs were shaken out and I could see some reviews. Even now, the reviews on this bike are few and far between. There’s reviews on ProForm’s site, which arguably may be a bit biased. There are some write-ups from ppl with early version problems. and only one or two comprehensive reviews… So I’m writing this one.
Posted on November 5, 2011
Review: 800 Miles with the Garmin Edge 500
I think I’m going to try to review major pieces of gear after 800 miles of use. 800 seems like a good distance to do a review on something. It’s enough time to make it through the bumps of a new purchase and get a feel for a product… but it’s not pretentious like 1,000 miles 😉
800 miles ago, I picked up a Garmin Edge 500. I had been using a Cateye wireless cycle computer with cadence for the early part of the season. It was a great device for the features it offered… all the basics and a one button interface. Practically a Mac in cycle computer form. However, I have been pushing myself more and more in my training trying to get ready for our cross country ride and trying to lose more weight. I needed to be able to download stats to my computer, have integrated heart rate stats, and track where I’ve been on rides.
Updated on October 23, 2011
Finally Back on the Bike w/@BikeRochesterNY and Hack the Hat Update coming soon
So if you have been checking back here — wondering how our ride ended up — it was awesome! We did days of 67, 74, 87, and 49. We rode into Derbycon in fashion. The ride into Louisville over the Ohio River was awesome! We have pics, details and more to come! As soon as we get everything together!
I was able to get back on my bike this weekend. Since the 260 miles in 4 days the last week of September, I’ve ridden a grand total of 70 miles since (wow, Dexter is crazy) I have broken out the mountain bike due to alot of rainy weather and the leaves falling. I just put a Surly steel fork on my 5 year old trek to remove the front shock that didn’t lock out. I decided I wanted a feel more like my road bike for my crappy weather ride, which we get plenty of in Rochester, NY.
I rode a 20 mile ride yesterday on the mountain bike up to Lake Ontario and back with Brian from Bike Roch.com, (here’s his Blog Post about our ride.) I had never been all the way up and there is an awesome boardwalk along the river and we saw the lift bridge open up. The fall riding up here is awesome! I almost wish our across the country ride could be in the fall as it’s gorgeous in many parts of the North right now.
So here’s to an awesome first summer of really being into cycling! I officially hit 2000 miles today! What’s everyone else up to?