Tacx Fortius Virtual Reality Bike Trainer Review

This isn't exactly an electric bike review but it does use electrical signals to simulate riding a bike ;)

This stationary bicycle trainer by Tacx, called the Fortius Multiplayer, runs virtual reality games and movies using signals from your wheel, cranks and steering input. I've had the chance to run their 2.4, 3 and 4 version of software which include game modes and also real life video that gets played back at the speed you ride.

[smirkingdevil]

Nice review. I will be looking into this TACX system based on this. I appreciate the time you took to do this.

[andshin]

thx for your review, it answered on couple questions for me.

[JamieSmith-fzmz]

Thanks for the response. I didn't mean to be harsh.

I just race against a lot of people who have no idea how to get through a corner, and I can imagine them training on this all winter only to discover true physics come Spring.

[ElectricBikeReview]

I purchased it because I'm excited about virtual reality fitness stuff and the Matrix. I decided to sell it because I'm selling/giving away most of my stuff to travel around the country visiting family and doing ebike stuff. I'm in Vegas at Interbike right now. The review covers most of my feelings: expensive, not that fun :)

[ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Jeff, I think the uphill resistance in these games is harder than in real life because it doesn't simulate momentum very well and is just generally hard. The motor does kick in when rolling downhill but not nearly as long as if you were coasting in real life.

If you've ever done BMX or just rolled with your bike over mountain terrain where you pump your body and keep the bike going without pedaling then imagine that you couldn't do that and always had to pedal. It's kind of like that.

[ElectricBikeReview]

Ha! Good point, I was underwhelmed by this product for sure (especially given how expensive it is). The responsiveness and sensitivity of the turning system in general is very clunky and the games just aren't that fun. I want Burnout 3 powered by a bike system like this and I want better coasting emulation, that would be awesome! To your point however, yeah, it's mostly about muscle strength than balance.

[ElectricBikeReview]

Cool! You've got the Specialized Secteur Disc? It's an awesome bike... just looks completely awesome with that paint job and the disc brakes :D

[garymangan]

can it be used like old style or have to connect to the computer

[ElectricBikeReview]

It's not a perfect emulation, I can imagine the day when leaning and finessing the handlebars will accurately communicate into a computer game. I really wanted to hook this up to the Oculus Rift for full virtual reality but realized that it would just make the headset very sweaty.

[fixitmekanik]

Do you purchase these just to review them? or is there something you don't like about it? Just curious as to why are you selling it. I'm reviewing trainers right now and I have given very minimal consideration to this one.

[adamjwhite]

We've got the same bike :) haven't seen anyone else with it

[ElectricBikeReview]

Well, I think I spent about $3K including the computer, bike, software and accessories... maybe even a little more than that? I'm trying to sell the computer, riding setup and software right now, have it listed on eBay. I'll definitely be losing some money there :)

[ElectricBikeReview]

Hi again Jeff, I'm actually selling the exact setup you see here. The bike, computer and stand. Reach out or comment here if you're interested. I live in Austin but could probably ship if you're willing to front the cost.

[NQO]

how is the uphill resistance? life like? thanks!

[adamjwhite]

Yeah might not be as good as other same priced bikes but sure looks the part lol.disk brakes are the future in road bikes

[herbertherbst]

Hallo.; ich habe seit 2005 einen Tacx Trainer Fortius Virtual Reality - Läuft auf Win 2000 - möchte umsteigen auf Win 10 - Software 4 - wenn ich die Bewertungen lese, dann ist die Funktionalität 4 ein Grausen - hat jemand eine bessere Erfahrung mit der Software 4 gemacht- an wen kann ich mich wenden bzw Kauf? bitte in deutsch antworten. Danke

[JamieSmith-fzmz]

So you turn the bars left to turn left? And right to turn right?

That's not at all how a real bike works.

[SuperDeluxe]

i would have legs like a god if this worked with mariokart

[monoqoque]

I'm also interested for your bike trainer, please send me your email account on youtube via pm, so we can communicate. Thanks