Tacx CycleForce Swing Bicycle Trainer
By Jon Sharp

What is the worst part about spring? Okay, besides all the yardwork you've gotten used to not thinking about? The thing I dread the most each year is trying to undo all the harm done to my body through the winter months of inactivity. Each year, I push myself and work hard to get into some sort of decent shape. Each winter, I destroy all that with a few months of holiday eating and slumping around the house. "Is there no cure?" you might ask. Well, besides moving to Southern California, you might try looking into a cycling trainer. Reviewed here is the Tacx CycleForce Swing indoor trainer. It's just what you need to prevent your body from "winterizing."

Like most trainers, the CycleForce Swing utilizes a small roller that attaches to your rear wheel. This roller is connected to, in this case, a magnetic flywheel, to provide resistance. There is a lever for adjusting the resistance that mounts, via a thumbscrew, to your handlebar to provide seven levels of resistance. This resistance unit can generate 400 watts of power. The rear-wheel mount is adjustable to fit either road or mountain bike tires. (I do, however, recommend smooth tires, no matter what bike you choose to use with the trainer: Trainers don't really work properly with knobby tires.) The whole trainer can fold for storage.

Setup was pretty easy, and mounting various bikes posed no problems for the Swing. It is recommended that you use the enclosed quick-release skewer, as it is designed specifically for mounting in the trainer. One of the keys of a smooth working trainer is a solid mount between the bike and the trainer. (I tried to use a standard steel skewer with poor results.) If you find yourself switching often between bikes, you might want to consider buying a second skewer.

The ride was smooth and stationary--just like a trainer ought to be. With the seven levels of resistance, I found I could easily simulate steep hills and level ground with ease. If only there was a way it could let me coast down a "hill." Besides the resistance lever, I found that a lot of variance can be accomplished with just different gears. And, after a few months on this trainer I can say this: variety is good. Right away, I missed the change of scenery and, most importantly, the wind. It's amazing how hot you can get in a room without a breeze. Sweat can be quite corrosive to paint, so a fan might be a good idea to keep you cool. Of course, this says nothing negative about the Tacx CycleForce Swing, but it is something to consider when purchasing a trainer.

Summary: For $180, the Swing is priced about average for the feature set. I found the quality to be quite excellent. If you want to blow away your friends on your first spring ride, pick up a trainer. Although more boring than a real ride, in the winter, when there's a foot of snow outside, boring can be good.

Jon Sharp is a Contributing Editor to GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.

For more information:
Tacx
www.tacx.nl