computrainer -- to buy or not

I have one, and I love it.  I consider myself a beginner cyclist, and honestly I use my Computrainer to about 20% of it's potential. I've been solid MOP at 2 of my 3 races this year and I almost never get out of Zone 2 on the trainer. As I improve (and ride consistently) I'll get closer to maximizing the bells and whistles. I do train by watts. I would recommend that you get it if you can. Especially if you are looking to improve your workouts.

i am in the same boat... i say buy it... it's a great tool 

I have an athlete selling one - PM what you are paying - this one is brand new and the athlete will pay for shipping too.

I think it depends on how you want to use it. If you like the idea of having an indoor 'race' on different courses against a pace setter; or like the idea of building your own courses for indoor rides; the CT is great.

However, if you are more interested in tracking your power output and training with power, I would suggest buying a power meter (Ergo, Powertap, etc.) and using it on a regular trainer. That way you can have power information for both your indoor and outdoor rides.

I love my Computrainer. But in retrospect I'd have purchased a power meter (probably Ergo) and used that with a trainer indoors. Once I started understanding cycling with power I really wanted to have the same information I get from my CT for my outdoor rides. In fact it's kind of a bummer NOT to have it.

However, another advantage of the CT is to ride and train on a course indoors that you might not get the opportunity see otherwise. (You can live in Canada and train on a course for a race in California).

In a perfect world I'd have both a CT and a power meter. ;)

But yes, I would recommend a CompuTrainer, especially for those long, cold winter days. It's helped my biking considerably. And it helps make indoor riding much more enjoyable.