LeMond Revmaster Spin Bike Questions: Crank length & “Pilot” display

[Louis]

I just picked up one of these at a 2nd hand equipment store and two questions come to mind:

1) Crank length – As I expected, the crank length is 170 mm, but I use 175 cranks on all my road bikes. Is there any reason to try to change the cranks over to 175? From what I can tell, the BB spindle spline is not any usual standard, so I might have to change out a bunch of stuff to make that work. (That’s assuming I can even get a normal BB into it.)

2) “Pilot” display – The unit I bought didn’t come with one, but I’m thinking of getting it, mostly to provide some distraction while riding. (setting up the whole thing in front of a TV is not an option) They seem to be around $95 on E-bay or $170 at “regular” equipment sellers. Any thoughts as to whether or not it’s a useful addition?

Thanks

(Pics aren't mine, just stuff off the web)

http://cdn1.sportsmith.net/is/image/Sportsmith/p01lem0881?$sm$

http://cdn1.sportsmith.net/is/image/Sportsmith/p01lembb396?$sm$

http://www.progymsupply.com/image/data/lemond/Lemond-Revmaster-Full.jpg

http://www.sonic.net/~kjv1611/aw2k/LotImg47437.jpg

http://content.bikeroar.com/system/product/000/049/824/original/1.jpg?1337732044

[Louis]

Bump for the afternoon crowd.

Anyone out there care to comment on either of these questions?

TIA

[JasonF]

I consider the Revmaster as the best home fitness piece of equipment I've ever purchased - mine is going on 10 years now with zero maintenance after hundreds of rides. My wife uses it a lot too and we've recently bought a bunch of "Spinning" brand dvds from Mad Dogg fitness that are great workouts.

Can't speak about the crankarms, but I would rate that as a "why bother."

With respect to the Pilot, any iphone/android fitness app will blow it out of the water. It's really ancient technology and the only function it has that an app won't is cadence. Although my bike has the Pilot, I rarely use it. Rather, get some heavy duty rubber bands or some other material to create an area between the chrome "tri" bars and place your device there. It'll give you all the data you can handle. When not using a dvd, I'll also just listen to an Audible book and spin @ 65-75% in "base building" mode.

[Louis]

Thanks Jason.

Right now I'm thinking of sticking with the 170mm cranks. Unless they really mess me up, I assume I'll get used to switching back and forth without too much trouble.

[BobC]

I consider the Revmaster as the best home fitness piece of equipment I've ever purchased - mine is going on 10 years now with zero maintenance after hundreds of rides. My wife uses it a lot too and we've recently bought a bunch of "Spinning" brand dvds from Mad Dogg fitness that are great workouts.

Can't speak about the crankarms, but I would rate that as a "why bother."

With respect to the Pilot, any iphone/android fitness app will blow it out of the water. It's really ancient technology and the only function it has that an app won't is cadence. Although my bike has the Pilot, I rarely use it. Rather, get some heavy duty rubber bands or some other material to create an area between the chrome "tri" bars and place your device there. It'll give you all the data you can handle. When not using a dvd, I'll also just listen to an Audible book and spin @ 65-75% in "base building" mode.

Second this. Bullet proof.

I use 175s on my road bike & have ridden the Lemond for 14+ years (it is the basis of my winter training). Never noticed a difference.

Best trainer ever.

[thirdgenbird]

I started a thread asking about theses but it has gotten limited response.

It sounds like everyone is happy with their revmaster. Is one of theses in like new condition with a pilot display worth $550?

Is it really a lot quieter than a standard bike in a trainer?

Any problems mounting a better saddle?

Do you miss not having drop bars?

Is there anywhere it falls short vs a bike in a trainer or rollers?