Recently I had the pleasure of purchasing a Tacx i-Vortex to keep me going through the cold winters here in Switzerland. Below are a few observations and comments on the trainer. Firstly, it is a very simple kit to set up. We have 2 bikes of different sizes that are easily interchangeable. You just snap one bike out and set the new one in place. The control panel is also easy to move from one bike to the other with the multi width straps allowing it to fit any bike handlebar. TTS4 - The software is came with. To get the most out of this software I upgraded to the advanced version. This allowed me to bring in more training information from external sources and also allowed me to have multiple users and compare previous rides. It also gives you access to edit and create your own training rides. 

With the google maps ad-on you can also use your I-Vortex break to mimic real road rides with the trainer adjusting as you go to allow you to feel like you are climbing those hills. Also, you can import your GPS rides from other programs such as Garmin Connect with ease. Issues: Although only small they are

• A bit noisier than I expected. It is not too bad and if you just turn your music or TV up a little loader than you would normally have while exercising it is enough.
• At first I had problems with the software and computer reading the bike. It turned out that the problem was that the Garmin software interferes with the Tacx so only one can be running at a time.
• Sometimes the GPS does not calibrate properly leaving you cycling much faster down a short stretch of road. Not very common with my software but still there
• The integration from TTS4 to Garmin connect is not native. There are programs that will allow you to do this but I have not yet found a free one. On the plus side this is a great machine that allows me to keep riding the roads I love on my own bike during the harsh winter months and I would recommend this to anyone looking to get an indoor trainer.