Minoura Japan – V270-2

V270 -2

The top model with the latest "Advanced-Magturbo Technology" (AMT)

What's V-series ?

V-series is Minoura's latest and full-fledged magnetic type indoor bike trainer combined with AMT (Advanced-Magturbo Technology). Minoura is the world-first company who owns the patent for magnetic resistance system on indoor bike training.
V-series trainer features various new techniques to provide more realistic pedal feeling, much wider variety of resistance level, tremendous quietness and easy bike installation/removal system.
V-series unit newly adopts Neodymium magnet which is 4-times stronger than standard Ferrite magnet. The flywheel has unique stair step style design (patent pending) for generating great variety of power from low to high. It's 2 times wider than VFS series.

World Quietest Trainer

Quietness is one of the finest points on ATM. It is much quieter than our VFS series which was used be the world quietest trainer until AMT was launched. We proudly recommend you that AMT is the best choice, especially for those who live in apartment house and need to maintain peaceful circumstance for neighbors.
Most competitors don't care about the noise. Even if they say their model is quiet, we can say they don't know how serious the actual demand is. We have been trying very hard to reduce the noise level for many many years. Our history length is different from them.

Position of V270

As the top model in V-series line, V270 was designed to feature its own special frame with quick release hub clamping mechanism and the heaviest flywheel for really realistic pedal feel.
The actual weight of V270's flywheel is just 2.0 kgs, but it will simulate 35% heavier 2.7 kgs once it spins. This weight is not just a heaviest number, it's the best balanced weight for simulating the actual on-road riding.
The main stage of V270 is road race training.

Purpose on U-shaped Leg Design

The unique U-shape leg design on V270 is not just for a design.
It's independently height adjustable in +/- 10mm travel to enable to place the trainer super stably even on uneven outside ground. It's a good feature when using at race event.
The total weight of U-shape leg is lighter than standard single tubing leg, and it opens widely for supporting your weight efficiently.

Compatible with Watt-Master

V-series trainers (except V100) are compatible with "Watt-Master" bike training computer which monitors output power, speed, cadence, time and distance for more effective workout.
By programming the training pattern, you can simulate the actual race course such as Tour de France, or you can design your own training pattern to achieve your goal.
Of course, Watt-Master can be used on road as a standard bike computer.

Note on Hill-Climb Training

Hill-climb training requires low-speed but high-power.
V270's super heavy flywheel won't reduce speed so quickly due to its higher moment-of-inertia, so it may not be the best for this kind of training. We recommend using V130 or V150 instead. They provide fewer inertia but same strong power.

V270-2 is almost the cosmetic changed model from original V270. No difference on Mag unit spec.

V270-2_blank.jpgV270-2
V270-2_bike.jpgV270 U-leg Adjuster.jpg
V270_cutaway-L_blank.jpgnew shifter lever - cp.jpg
V270_left-hub.jpgV270-right-hub.jpg
v270-flywheel_front.jpgv270-flywheel_back.jpg

What's Advanced-Magturbo Technology (AMT) ?

For more natural pedal feel and wider resistance range

Flywheel is a large metal disc piece on the resistance unit to work for providing smooth pedal feel as if you are riding on the road. If the trainer doesn't have flywheel, the pedal feel must become very jerky.
It is a fact that the heavier flywheel, the better pedal feel. However, too heavy flywheel sometimes cause damage on your knee due to too much load, especially when start pedaling. Too heavy flywheel often shorten your tire life. In addition, too much weight is not good for easy transportation.

AMT is Minoura's latest patent pending technology.

AMT's flywheel is specially designed to have thicker outer edge and thinner inner wall. It's the technical design approach for generating heavier weight virtually.
Our flywheel is not just a "thick metal disc" which is usually found on competitors.

Controlling resistance power is unavoidable function to enable to enjoy various patterns of training for simulating up-slope or head-wind.
However, the previous controlling system was not perfect, because each step is not equal so you sometimes get too close or too much power difference when shifting the lever.
There are many models combining with remote shifting device, but no model can provide equal power step.
For example, a Dutch trainer Tacx "Satori" features 10 positions and it offers gradual power difference in the first 3 steps, but after the 4th position, the difference will become too wide and too close then you won't be able to use the truly desired level. Honestly speaking, their 10-position control works just 4 positions.

AMT's flywheel is designed to have precisely calculated stair step shape on the inner side that controls the power difference ideally so its 7 positions are set to be exactly equal step.

We call this new design approach having above two good functions as "Advanced-Magturbo Technology", and we adopt it on every V-series trainers.

Flywheel Mechanism

Unique design on dimension and inner face

As you can see from the cut-out photo of AMT unit, the flywheel is designed to have thick outer and thin inner. This realizes to increase the moment of inertia without increasing its own weight. So AMT flywheel can work as if you are spinning much heavier flywheel.
The actual weight of V270's flywheel is 2.0 kgs but it works as 35% heavier 2.7 kgs once it spins.

You find a special stair-step shape on the inner side of the flywheel, and they are in uneven pitch.
AMT is an Eddy-Current type magnetic resistance system. Controlling resistance level is done by adjusting the distance between the magnet and the iron flywheel. The closer the distance, the more resistance.
We are precisely tuning in each step both 1) the distance and 2) the dimension of magnet facing to flywheel in order to maintain the resistance power difference exactly equal among 7 positions for enabling you to choose your favorite resistance level easily.

This technology was established together with a Japanese automobile company (we have a non-disclosure contract with them so we are not allowed to open their name here).
This flywheel design is not just for a unique shape, it's scientifically considered one.

Neodymium Magnet

4 times stronger than normal Ferrite magnet

We have been adopting standard Ferrite magnet on our trainers for many years because of its reasonable cost. However, Ferrite doesn't have enough capacity so we had to set the performance to either lower or higher. It was not almighty.
Neodymium is one of the strongest magnet in the market available now. Its power is 4 times stronger than Ferrite.
By adopting Neodymium, we can expand the resistance range double (comparing to VFS) from low to high, and just one setting can cover all performance requested from beginners and professionals.

For expecting effective but gentle-to-physical training, you need to make a streamline of workout.
Keep the level light in the beginning for warming-up muscles, then increasing gradually or changing the level alternately for interval training, and lastly back to light level again for cooling-down to avoid any damage from workout.
Any fluid type trainer cannot realize this dynamic change of resistance level at all.

The basic adjustment method on fluid trainer is changing the oil surface level in the chamber in order to adjust how deep the fins are sunk in the oil.
But unfortunately it doesn't work effectively, because once the fins start spinning, the oil will be spread out to the wall of the chamber, and the fins will not be able to touch the oil so much.
If they increase the oil amount in the chamber to solve this problem, the expanded oil volume due to heated up temperature will occur another oil leakage problem, so they cannot do it.
Therefore, the resistance adjustability on fluid type trainer is quite limited.

In addition, fluid type trainer cannot simulate "High-speed / Low-resistance" mode for sprint training, because the resistance level on fluid system will have to be increased automatically when accelerating speed.

Minoura's AMT is the most controllable and the widest adjustability trainer in the market.

Remote Shifter Device

New quick release type shifter

If you wish to make your workout as effectively as possible, you should have a mechanism to control the resistance level without getting off the bike.
Adjusting resistance may be able to be done by shifting the gears on bike, but it will give different taste from your desired feeling, because you cannot train in your desired gear combination. And too wide gear ratio often makes pedaling jerky due to too much pedaling torque fluctuation.
V-series comes with the newly designed convenient remote shifter device to allow you perfect training experience.

The previous remote shifter's clamping device was made of metal or plastic, so it won't fit any aerodynamic carbon handlebar or stem, including the handlebar with bar-tape, but a plain round tube only.
The new shifter's clamp is constructed with flexible textile band so it can fit any dimension.
In addition, it has quick release mechanism for quite easy installation/removal.

The shifter lever size is enlarged for easier operation. The lever ratchet mechanism contains a thrust bearing for smoother and comfortable touch.

V270-2 has the chrome plated shifter lever and a convex lens type decal cover for easier view.

H-shaped Main Frame

Capable with up to 700x40c

V270 adopts the newly developed H-shaped main frame.
It is much lighter than previous Ergo type frame for easier transportation. And the total durability becomes tougher to hold the rear wheel axle stiffly and to maximize the stability.

The previous frame was not so big, it was designed to be capable with standard road bike tire (up to 700x25c or so on).
But now cross bikes with much fatter and larger tire are getting popular in the market, so the new frame has been expanded in its height to be capable with up to 700x40c size.

V270 is not compatible with 29" tires.

When using 26x1.5" or smaller tire, you must install the supplied Z-shaped adaptor between the Mag unit and the base plate. The minimum wheel size is 22".

The maximum load on V270 is 120 kgs including bike weight.

U-shaped Leg

For lighter weight and better stability

V270 adopts very unique U-shaped legs. This is not just for unique designing, it works for enabling lighter weight and better stability. Of course, it's foldable.

Let's compare V270 to VFS150 with standard single leg frame.
The total weight of VFS including 1.5 kgs flywheel is 9.0 kgs, but V270 is 0.5 kgs lighter even though the flywheel weight is 0.5 kgs heavier!
It means the combination of H-frame and U-leg have reduced the weight 1.0 kgs!

Each U-leg has an alloy support bar and each bar has adjuster knob on its top. By adjusting this dial, you can adjust each foot position independently in +/- 10mm travel.
Thanks to this mechanism, you can get perfect stability even if you use V270 on outside uneven ground surface at race event or in your garden.

The latest CycleOps PRO series also has similar height adjustment system on the leg, but it is just on left side so it's not perfect. V270 has this system on BOTH sides.

V270-2's U-leg finish has been changed from red paint to chrome plating in order for smoother action when folding/expanding the leg.

Quick Hub Clamping System

For minimizing your bike installation/removal time

We have been adopting a plain thread type hub clamping handle for long time for clamping/releasing the bike to/from the trainer.
The large handle helped the operation so it was not so difficult, but it's true that this style has to take longer time than quick release system. And you had to keep holding the bike with another hand during this operation.

Both V-series and new M-series adopt the long-awaited quick hub clamping system on the right side (rear cog side). Just push down the lever, the coupling slides inward to catch the hub acorn nut in a second. Pull up the lever to release the coupling from the acorn nut,

Coupling distance adjustment is done by changing the left side coupling position.
The left side coupling is made of very durable single-piece solid bolt. A lock ring is built in it to fix the coupling position.

The standard setting will fit the rear hub width between 120mm and 145mm.

On every V-series and new M-series, the coupling is designed to be compatible with the supplied quick release skewer only. You must replace the rear wheel quick release skewer to the supplied one.
When using the bike with plain nut type hub axle, you will not use the supplied skewer and replace the left side coupling bolt to the optional special one.

Foot Pedal

For quicker roller contact and extending your tire life

For contacting the drive roller to the rear tire after installing the bike on the trainer, we usually rotate a knob bolt.
But it takes longer time, and you must micro-adjust the compression depth every time you use the trainer. It's very troublesome and frustrated.

Foot Pedal allows you to minimize the roller setting up time. Push down the pedal then the roller contacts the tire,. Pull up the pedal then the roller will be off from the tire. It's quite easy operation.

The tire will have to wear down on any tire drive trainer, it's the unavoidable destiny. But once the roller pressure to the tire is properly adjusted, you can expect almost same tire life as if you use on the road normally.
If you apply too much pressure (compressing too deep), the tire will be worn down quickly and may burst due to the heated up temperature in the worst case.
And you should know that too less contact like as just touching the tire surface will eat the tire very quickly. It's not a joke that a brand-new tire will die in an hour.
To avoid such stupid problems, it's crucial to maintain the pressure adjustment properly.

The proper adjustment is that the roller compresses the tire in the depth of 3 - 4mm. This is the tip to extend your tire life.

Foot pedal can repeat the same compression stroke automatically once you set it properly. This is the greatest benefit on the Foot Pedal.

Cautions

Important notice

  • Flywheel and Alloy Rotor become very HOT while workout. Do NOT touch them during and at least for 15 minutes after the session.
  • Flywheel and the rear wheel are spinning very fast and will cause serious injury if you touch them. Keep small children and pets away from the trainer while using.
  • The maximum load of V270 is 120 kgs including bike weight.
  • The couplings fit the supplied quick release skewer only. Any other skewers cannot be used on V-series and new M-series trainers even if it looks alike. Replace the skewer to the supplied one whenever you use the trainer.
  • Hub nut type bike should have fitting problem. The inner diameter on the coupling is a little larger than the hub nut so we cannot guarantee the stability. Replace the left side coupling to the optional special one.
  • Any internal transmission type bikes cannot be used on our trainer.

Modified Points

Modified points from the previous model

Frame Color
Changed from mat carbon-black to shiny black
U-leg Color
Changed from red color to chrome plated finish
Remote Shifter Color & Decal
Changed from red color to chrome plated finish, and have a lens type cover on indicator
Vibration Absorber
Add a rubber sheet between Mag unit and base plate
Not Compatible with 29"
Change max size to 700x40c and allow to use 22" wheel

Options

Useful items for making your training more comfortable

Training Mat 2
A floor mat to protect the floor or carpet from scratch and stain, and reduces the vibration to the floor up to 75%
Extra Pad Set
A set of 4 soft foamed PVC 100 x 100mm pads. Just put beneath the trainer legs to reduce the vibration to the floor
Mag Riser 3
A plastic front wheel leveler block to keep the bike position level
Safe-T Net 2
100% cotton frame protection net catching salty sweat while training
Dualist 700x23c
A specially tuned road bike tire for reducing tire noise and super long life. Dual purpose for indoor training and for road. 700x23c only
Left Side Coupling Bolt
A replacement left side coupling for hub nut type bike
Watt-Master
A useful training computer to monitor your output power, speed, cadence, time and distance. For AMT series only (except V100). Can be used as a standard bike computer

Specs

  • SKU 400-4910-00
  • Resistance Adjustability 7 levels (remote)
  • Flywheel Weight Actual 2.0 kgs / Virtual 2.7 kgs
  • Adaptable Wheel Size 24 - 29-inch
  • Dimensions W 680 x D 530 x H 400 mm
  • Net Weight 8.5 kgs
  • Max Load 120 kgs (including bike)
  • Accessories Instructions manual, Special quick release skewer, Small wheel adaptor, Warranty policy card
  • MSRP US$364.99
  • Warranty Period 1 year (Mag unit) / 5 years (Frame)

Data Download

  • Instructions Manual (PDF 660KB) Doticon_grn_Down.gif
  • Schematics (PDF 147KB) Doticon_grn_Down.gif
  • Performance Data (PDF 49KB) Doticon_grn_Down.gif

U-Leg Length

One side leg has different length against another side

The U-Legs of V270 are packed under unassembled condition, so you need to assemble them to the frame by yourself before using.
At this time, it may occur that you have assembled the leg(s) improper way, then it looks have different length.

<Phenomenon>
V270 has lost enough stability because the U-Legs are not in same length and all 4 foot points don't touch the floor at once.
If you want to sit V270 stable, you must fully tighten up one side adjusting knob and fully loosen another knob.
This length difference can be visually confirmed; one side leg is 10mm longer than another side.

<Reasons & Solutions>
When you re-assemble the U-Leg by inserting the bolt to the holes, you had not put the bolt through the hole on the metal U-Leg, but the hole on the plastic bracket only.
Disassemble the U-Leg again, push the plastic bracket fully to the metal U-Leg, then confirm the bolt comes through BOTH plastic and metal holes.

Shifter Operation #1

I cannot set the shifter at "L" position

It may occur that the lever will go back to "1" position automatically even if you twist the remote shifter lever to set at "L" position. This is because the remote cable tension adjustment is not done properly (the cable length is too short).

Firstly, extend the cable as straight as possible.
As the general habit of the cable, if it's coiled, the inner cable will have to be retracted and it will cause the cable shortage. You need to set the cable as straight as possible.

Secondly, check if the cable tension adjustment screw is properly adjusted.
Pull out the black plastic cap from the foot of the cable, then you will see the adjusting screw.
Check the gap between the lock nut and the screw head. If there is any space between them, tighten the nut toward screw head to make the gap to zero.

Thirdly, turn the remote lever strongly beyond "L" position. This will push the outer cable to pull out the inner cable.

It should be up to 20 degrees. Be sure over-tightening the lever may cause serious damage to the inside mechanism.

If you cannot get any good result after trying above 3 issues, contact the shop where you purchase the trainer to replace the remote cable.

Shifter Operation #2

When setting the lever at "H" position, I listen a hitting sound

It's the sound the magnet plate hits the plastic housing. It's not a defect.
If you want to erase it, adjust the cable tension adjusting screw at little bit tighter. However, it will cause another problem that it becomes harder to set at L.

Shifter Operation #3

The lever goes back toward "H" while pedaling

You see a bolt in the center of the remote shifter. It works keeping the lever in position. Tighter the bolt, tighter the lever.
Our magnetic resistance unit has a habit that the magnet will go back toward "H" position naturally, because the magnets are pulling each other.
At this time, if the center bolt has been loosened, the lever cannot be kept in certain position and will move toward H one or two steps.
To solve this problem, tighten the center bolt a little more by M4 hex wrench.
Be sure too much tightening will cause another problem that it will have to become hard to operate the lever.