The magnetic brake from the Bushido roller, which is driven by a 20-kilo flywheel, serves as resistance. The top version Ixion for 4,200 euros, including a computer screen and training programmes from Tacx, offers a professional basis for varied and targeted bike training.
In practice, the freewheel drive has a realistic pedalling feel, and the stationary bikes are extremely stable even when pedalling out of the saddle. The whirring of the brakes is audible, but not annoying. The 20-inch monitor provides a good overview of all the training graphics, and the videos of classic climbs such as Alpe d'Huez or Col du Galibier are particularly enjoyable.
The crank arm distance of 18 centimetres deserves criticism, forcing legs and feet into an unusually wide position - the road bike standard is 14 centimetres. We had to put the saddle in the maximum possible forward position to get as close as possible to the bottom bracket. The sled should be longer, especially for triathletes. The graphics of the route profile should offer a higher resolution - the resistances sometimes change abruptly and you can hardly keep up with the shifting; kicks into the void or sudden loss of speed are the result.
PLUS Stable; variable, high resistance; freewheel
MINUS Large crank arm distance; small saddle adjustment range; resistance changes are sometimes sudden
Prices 4,200/2,249 Euro (Ixion/Aurora)
Reference/Info www.amadasport.com
