Phantom 3 Indoor Cycle

Comments about CycleOps Phantom 3 Indoor Cycle:

I have used the 300 for a couple of years and it has really provided the opportunity to improve my fitness on the bike. When it rains so much here, outdoor riding isn't always accessible or safe. I live in a Condo which also makes it difficult to keep my bike clean during the 9 months it rains. So indoor training is essential in keeping my fitness level up. The only downside as one reviewer pointed out, was the rust issue. I hope the newer versions have moved on to a better coating (paint or anodization) to help prevent this. After a couple of years, I just repaint part of the bike. Kind of annoying though.

Comments about CycleOps Phantom 3 Indoor Cycle:

I am a very long time user of the Pro 300PT indoor cycle - approximately 12 years. The only thing I've had to do is occassionally replace that which I've worn out. My early version had a simple but early display that could not be upgraded or replaced. Understand that I've lived most of my life in areas of long, cold and snowy winters and very much enjoy riding and have been an early adopter of any/all kinds of indoor trainers ranging from the first RacerMate to a mamouth Tunturi Professional Training Cycle. In fact, bike riding has been/continues to be my "escape" and also encouraged me into some excellent racing opportunities. In addition, I am a total tech-training geek and have training logs from about 1969 through today. Although my training goals have changed over the years, I require excellent products that are not "fix and repair" frequently and are accurate measures of my training. The Pro 300PT fulfilled the above beyond expectations. I've extimated that since owning the 300, I've ridden it 40,000 miles!!! In financial terms, it was pennies per mile investment.

Eventually, it was worn to the point where it would cost me more to repair or jury-rig parts to make it work that to look for something else. I looked and reviewed everyother indoor trainer I could find. Also understand, I own one of CycleOps Mag trainers to use when traveling or warming up before a race. It again, is a fantastic device. I'm not sure they still make it but it continues to operate flawlessly since I got it. Personally, I find attaching a trainer to one of my 15 bikes (Yikes! however...being a old guy I've collected my bikes for parts...) just not as comfortable as riding a designated indoor trainer. I believe if you are going to ride inside regularlly and for a significant length of time, you need comfort AND any "distractions" or "entertainment" you can find.

As a profession, I am a PhD researcher, teach statistics and research design at the university level and have an ACSM personal training certificate - this means nothing other than I tend to make decisions more based on data rather than opion although I very much consider other's opinion/perspective/observations.

After considerable research and actually calling trainer manufactures, I decide to go with the Phantom 3 trainer because of the quality of build (...based on my previous experience) and that it had current and upgradeable electronic technology. Consequently, I phone CycleOps Customer Service phone number.

Upon calling, I work through the menus and get to the "trainer" area where I am immediately put on hold. I remain on hold for approx. 15min - realize that I regularlly hear their message of "...we are experiencing heavy call volume...).
Leaving a phone message was an option and since I had a meeting to attend, I chose to do so but did not expect much. I mean, even uses phone messaging anymore? And if they do, how many are return called?

To my suprise, "Rob" called me back within 30min. He was both personable and knowledgeable of products and uses. I asked him questions for about 200min. I really appreciated his no "BS", no sales pressure but there to help attitude. I decide to think about what he said before making any decisions.

About a day later, I phone CycleOps customer service number again this time to order a Phantom 3 and, again, I get put on hold. Having a good experience, I again leave another detailed message describing that I had previously spoke with "Rob" and was now interested in purchasing a trainer.

Rob returns my call within 30min, I put my order in and pay with a credit card.

Bottom line: My trainer arrived before it was stated it would be delivered. It is better than my earlier 300. It is so well made and everything worked extremely well. Included was the ProTap Joule GPS+ computer. Learning the computer was the only difficulty and even that is the wrong word because it only meant for me to simply get up to speed on its operation and functions - again, a fantastic product that works both on the Phantom 3 AND my outdoor bike.

Cycleops delivered product and service beyond any expectations I had. If we are going to own/buy big buck bikes a highly reliable indoor trainer is almost a trival cost when considering the length of time in can be used.

This is my experience and I hope yours is as good as mine.

Comments about CycleOps Phantom 3 Indoor Cycle:

This is an excellent indoor cycle with very accurate adjusting capabilities. You can reproduce exactly the geometry of you real bicycle.
Only disadvante: all exposed steel parts should by rustless, which is not the case. Result: rust shows up on pedals, joints, screws, etc.