Since its original introduction by FitCentric® in 1995, NetAthlon® virtual interactive fitness software has provided users of fitness machines the ability to simulate outdoor riding activity in 3-D real-time virtual environments. t uses leading-edge technology to create an immersive virtual reality environment for both the avid and casual biking fitness enthusiasts. Continuous research and development has brought significant upgrades over the original software, enhancing both functionality and user interaction. The newest version NetAthlon® Cycling 2.0, incorporates the Web Racing® and UltraCoach® functions that you’ve come to expect from NetAthlon® software as well as the new features and functions mentioned below.

3 Ways to Enjoy NetAthlon
SOLO NetAthlon gives individual users motivating virtual training courses. In addition, virtual training partners can quickly be created to challenge you during your workout.
NETWORK Two or more NetAthlon users can use a network or direct PC connection to create head-to-head competition. Up to 16 users on the same network can join in, too!
INTERNET

Web Racing is what NetAthlon was ultimately created for: Using the internet to take participatory sports beyond the current constraints of time and space. Up to 16 users at a time.

New NetAthlon® 2.0 Features
Improved Graphics and Action
Enjoy a more realistic experience through enhanced digital graphics and audio (5X times
resolution over previous version).
Easier-to-Read Real-Time Data Display
Performance data displayed on screen is now semi-transparent, reducing visual distractions during training with real-time data import into UltraCoach® software.

Fitness Data Capture
UltraCoach® Lite comprehensive fitness data management system is included in all NetAthlon® Cycling 2.0 software. This impressive feature simplifies the collection, recording, and analysis of fitness and performance data each workout.

Steering
NetAthlon 2.0 supports steering of the equipment machine (via buttons or steering wheels). Also, NetAthlon 2.0 now supports input from wireless retrofit fitness devices used with your fitness machine.
Configurable Features
New options allow users to add drafting, crashing and other functional characteristics as well
as VOIP to increate program realism.
New Courses/Upgraded Existing ones
Two new courses have been added to the product line. Additionally, all NetAthlon® 1.0 courses can be easily convert to the enhanced 2.0 version through upgrade software.
More Configurable Features
**More options for users including Voice Over Internet, drafting, crashing, Update utility to make sure you are running the latest software for your register product, and more.

NetAthlon 2.0 Cycling courses:
Included in the package: Olympic Velodrome course, Atlanta 1996 Olympic Bike course, and Lost in Arizona II MTB course.
Featuresl NEW upgraded courses from NetAthlon 1.0.
All New NetAthlon 2.0 courses with HD resolution and enhanced graphics.
Find more information about NetAthlon 2.0 courses.

NetAthlon 2.0 characters:
Support for customization of characters: NetAthlon enables you to customize your characters.
Character robotics for realistic crashing.
Find more information about NetAthlon 2.0 custom characters.

Real-Time Coaching via Firstbeat Technologies

Real-Time Coaching is a function developed by Firstbeat Technologies, Ltd. (www.firstbeat.fi). Please visit their website for a detailed description of their research and methodologies. When Real-Time Coaching is enabled, NetAthlon 2 for Bikes will display Real-Time Coaching in the lower right portion of the session screen. Session Screen, Real-Time Coaching enabled.

Real Time Coaching

In the above screen shot, you will notice two values at the bottom right of the screen (above the Statistics area):

  • Current Training Effect (TE) – This value represents the current effect of your workout, if the workout were to stop at this point. Please refer to the Firstbeat Technologies website for a detailed discussion on Training Effect and what the TE values mean.
  • Time to Next TE Level – This value represents the amount of time (in minutes) it will take to reach the next TE level, if your heart rate were to remain at its current value. In the screenshot, “8 min” means that if this person kept his heart rate at 162 BPM, he would reach the next TE level in eight minutes.Occasionally, the Time to Next TE Level will be “???” instead of a number. This means that either:
    • It is not possible to reach the next TE level at your current heart rate (you need to
      increase your heart rate to be able to reach the next TE level), or
    • It is possible to reach the next TE level at your current heart rate, but it will take 180
      minutes or more.

Real-Time Coaching currently works with the following equipment:

  • Dynastream sensors as the selected equipment (the Dynastream HR transmitter is
    required)
  • Dynastream HR transmitter as the external HR device
  • Suunto HR transmitter as the external HR device

If you do not have the Dynastream or Suunto HR transmitter, you will not be able to use the Real-Time Coaching feature.

Real-Time Coaching is a premium feature which you can purchase in the same way you purchase a course.

Computer Hardware requirements:
Minimum:
Pentium 4-class CPU, 256MB RAM, DirectX 9-compatible graphics with 128MB graphics memory, Windows XP
Recommended:
Pentium 4-class CPU, 512MB RAM, Nvidia or ATI graphics with 256MB graphics memory, Windows XP

Note: NetAthlon 2.0 is compatible with Vista (Home)except the 64-bit version.