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| The Revolution trainer doesn't look anything like your current bike trainer. LeMond Fitness takes a different approach to trainer design in that the Revolution doesn't rely on your bike's rear wheel, with your bike attaching to the Revolution's upright that consists of the drive wheel with the cassette bolted in the same place that you'd find on on a standard wheel. But why not just use the wheel that is already on your bike? One of the issues with using a mountain bike wheel with a standard trainer is the knobby tire rolling on the trainer wheel that creates a load of noise, as well as a rough feeling. Swapping your wheel out is one solution, as is changing your tire, but in the end both are less than ideal. The Revolution doesn't wear out your rear tire or expensive cassette, but your bike is also clamped in place just as it would be if your wheel was in the frame so it is more stable than that usual side clamping methods found on most trainers. The cassette pictured is actually part of the trainer (it uses a standard Shimano freehub that will fit any speed cassette and is available with or without one from the factory, a Campagnolo version will be available soon as well) and stays put on the unit. Simply drop your rear wheel out and set the dropouts onto the Revolution as if it was a wheel and you're ready to roll. |
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| The Revolution's surrogate rear wheel is connected to a fan via a drive belt that doesn't require any lube or maintenance. The weighted fan is what provides the resistance, which is a bit of a rarity these days as a lot of trainers have gone to magnetic resistance. While a fan can be louder than a magnetic unit, which is the main reason why they are less common, there are advantages to air resistance. The fan used on the LeMond Fitness unit features a weighted perimeter that is said to offer much more progressive resistance than a magnetic unit could produce, thereby having a far more realistic feel that is less lurchy and doesn't hesitate when putting the power down after a moment of coasting. |
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| You're looking at the sturdy upright that holds your bike in place. The internal webbing keeps things stiff and flex free. At the top of the photo you can see the axle that the surrogate wheel uses, and at the bottom you'll find the roller bearing (and sealed ball bearing hidden from view) that the drive axle spins upon. The bottom of the burly frame also features independently adjustable feet to let you dial in a stable position on uneven surfaces. |
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| I spent a few minutes on the Revolution trainer and it was quickly evident that the sensation is different from other units. Just as advertised, there is little to no hesitation when beginning to put the power down after coasting for a few seconds. What I was feeling is the weighted fan holding it's momentum as I eased up the pedaling. The Revolution isn't inexpensive, $499 USD without a cassette and $549 USD with, but could make sense for riders who spend a lot of their winter season training indoors. For those who are really serious about getting faster, an optional ANT+ compatible power meter will be available at the end of October. |
That makes riding more realistic... and ya can haul arse on them also. Never rideen me dh bike on it, but I think it would be an issue due to the travel. They own on hard tails and bmx tho So not to side track, but this is another alternative guys... http://triathlons.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/bike-rollers-in-winter-by-ccgd.jpgAbout Us
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