Cycleops 300PT

Reviewed by Coach Matt Russ

There can be a considerable amount of dread that comes with cycling on an indoor stationary trainer. First of all you have to set your bike up on the trainer. If you are smart, this should involve removing your road wheel and putting on another dedicated for use on the stationary trainer. Skip this step and you will quickly have a nice flat spot on your rapidly diminishing tire. Getting enough tension to produce hard efforts can be a challenge with many stationary trainers, unless you have a more expensive ergometer. Out of the saddle efforts are out without risking the humiliation of an indoor crash, and there is of course the additional where and tear on your bicycle.

The Cycle Ops 300PT removes a lot of these barriers. For starters it is ready to go when you are requiring only a few seconds of quick spinning to calibrate and you are working out. Heart rate, cadence, ride time / distance, and power are all easily displayed. Yes, I did say power. The 300PT has a Power Tap mounted inboard. At a suggested retail of $1900 is a very expensive stationary bike. With the addition of a Power Tap it becomes a relatively inexpensive option for power training. The head unit is fully downloadable via USB cable, just like a power tap. If you spend countless hours on a stationary trainer, and you are thinking of incorporating a power measuring device into your training plan, the 300PT may be one of the best options for you.

The design of the 300PT is very well thought out, with the serious cyclist in mind. It is rock solid, and stable enough to make out of the saddle efforts a reality. It is also fairly easy to move once you tip it up onto its wheels. The 48 pound fly wheel is located behind you, just like on your own bike. This not only makes sense but keeps your sweat off of the moving components. I was a bit skeptical of the felt pads used to create resistance being precise enough, but I found that the grip shift ratchet mechanism allows you to dial in just the right amount of tension. Fit / adjustment is not in big increments like most stationary cycles, but infinite using a simple clamping mechanisms. In fact, you can set it up very closely (if not exactly) to the same specifications as your own bicycle, or have it professionally fitted. If you are spending extended periods of time on a stationary cycle, optimal fit is very important and the 300PT allows adjustment of the seat and handlebars on the same plane as your own bicycle. For the multi-sport crowd aerobar pads are available as an option. What would really be nice is if the handlebar had a section that allowed you to attach your own choice of aerobars. The paint and components are all top quality and corrosion resistant with plastic collars around areas that will be sweated on. I would expect the 300PT to last a very, very long time. The seat is good, but you will probably replace it with one of your own.

The resistance is road like enough to rival most stationary trainers. The head unit is simple and strait forward to use, especially if you are familiar with a Power Tap. However, if you are used to a Johnny G spin bike with the “coaster brake” mechanism beware. The PT300 will launch you if you try to stop your legs suddenly. The resistance is constantly positive like a single speed bike. There is a brake for you to slow the flywheel down but it may take a bit of getting used to.

I believe the main competitor for the 300PT is the Computrainer. How does it compare? Hands down the Computrainer has considerably more features, allows you to dial in wattage, and will keep your mind moving with the virtual reality software. Price wise it is a bit cheaper but don't forget it does not come with a bicycle. If you are not technically savvy, like to get on and ride, and spend a lot of time training indoors, the PT300 is probably a good option for you. At the very least it is one less excuse not to do your work out.

Available locally at Roswell Bicycles