Minoura Japan – VFS-3-R

There are two major systems on bicycle trainer; Fluid and Magnetic. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Fluid system generates resistance by spinning a turbine or cup in liquid in a sealed chamber. It features an exponential power gain that has been believed to simulate the natural headwind.
However, it is hard to control the resistance level on fluid system. You must have higher resistance automatically if you accelerate speed. And it must have many cooling fins to radiate the temperature so its production cost will have to become expensive.

Magnetic system generates resistance by cutting magnetic current between magnet and steel flywheel (Eddy Current system). Therefore, it enables to control resistance level very widely and it's free from any oil leakage. We can say magnetic is a clean system.
However, magnetic system must have opening holes to radiate the heated air flow so it was used be noisy system. But the latest technique can reduce the noise level significantly so nowadays magnetic system becomes quieter than fluid. At least, our VFS is much quieter than Kurt Kinetic.

VFS takes both advantages in just one unit; smooth resistance gain from mid speed zone by fluid, and wide variety of adjustability by magnetic.

The best system on fluid resistance unit is spinning a turbine with fins in liquid, but this very basic point has already patented by CycleOps. So any other companies are not allowed to use this most efficient mechanism.
Our VFS approaches to have a metal cup piece instead of the turbine. Cup has much larger surface area than solid columnar piece to catch more liquid at one time.

For your reference, Elite spins just a plain tiny columnar flywheel in fluid so they cannot get enough resistance.

The axiom of our world patented "Magturbo" system originally controls the resistance level by adjusting the angle of opposing magnets.
Every magnet has S-pole and N-pole. S–N combination position that the magnets pulling each other generates maximum eddy current. On the other hand, S–S or N–N position makes the magnet pushing each other, so it doesn't generate any eddy current. The stronger the eddy current, the more power we can get.
This is the basic mechanism on the typical magnetic system, but it requires a pair of magnet.

VFS adopts the simpler mechanism as same as the previously developed E-RDA rim drive system. It uses only one magnet.
A steel flywheel is located close to the magnet. Steel will be temporally magnetized when the magnet gets close. When the magnet goes away, steel will be back to neutral condition. By adjusting the distance between the flywheel and magnet, we can use the steel flywheel as if another magnet piece.

The disadvantage on this single magnet system is that it is hard to generate so wide variety of resistance. But VFS has fluid system on another side. And also we learned from our own analysis that most people prefer quietness rather than so big power.

VFS-3-R adopts a unique front & rear connecting frame based on our Ergo type one.

The main frame is constructed with a double layered main pillar that is designed to have multiple dimensions that is changing from rectangle to hexagon gradually in order to be much more stronger than plain tubing.
The backside plate of the main pillar is an independent part, so the frame has two layers. This is for lightweight, durability and good design.

The center frame is freely length adjustable to fit your bike's wheelbase perfectly, and the front frame clamps the fork end. There are totally 6 points touching the floor to support the bike and yourself quite stable.
Now it becomes very rare to see this shape of trainer frame in the market, but it was the standard in the past. You may be surprised how stable VFS-3-R is. It's the original taste many people enjoyed in the past.
This frame is foldable compactly when not in use.

When using 26 x 1.75" or smaller tire, you need to install the supplied Z-shaped adaptor between the Mag unit and base plate to lift up the roller position.
The minimum tire size is 24", and 29" is not compatible.

The maximum load of VFS-3-R is 120 kgs including bike weight.

When contacting the drive roller to the rear tire after installing the bike on the trainer, we usually operate 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.

The tire will have to wear down on any tire drive trainer, it's the unavoidable destiny. But if the roller pressure to the tire is properly adjusted, you can expect almost same tire life to your normal use on road.
If you apply too much pressure, the tire will wear down quickly and may burst due to the heated up temperature. And you should know too less contact like as just touching the tire surface will eat the tire very quickly. To avoid such problems, the pressure adjustment must be done properly.
The proper adjustment is that the roller compresses the tire in the depth of 3 - 4mm. This is the tip to expand your tire life.

Foot Pedal allows you to minimize the roller setting up time. Pushing down the pedal contacts the roller to the tire, and pulling up the pedal will release the roller from the tire.
It also can repeat the same condition automatically once you set it properly. This is the greatest benefit on the Foot Pedal.

• The fins on the fluid side become very hot during workout. Do not touch the fins and the metal housing during session and for 15 minutes after finish.
• Do not touch any spinning part like wheel or roller. To avoid any possible injury, keep children and pets away from the trainer.
• The maximum load on VFS-3-R is 120 kgs including bike weight.
• Do not steer the handlebar to avoid any damage on the front fork.
• The couplings are specially designed to fit the supplied quick release skewer. We strongly recommend you to replace the skewer to the supplied one for using the trainer. We will not guarantee anything if you use your own skewer on VFS-3-R.
• Any bikes with internal transmission type hub cannot be used.
• Hub nut type bikes can fit VFS-3-R.
• Not compatible with Watt-Master computer.

Training Mat 2
A floor protection 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 urethane 100 x 100mm pads. Just put beneath the trainer then reduce the vibration to the floor
Safe-T Net 2
100% cotton made frame protection net from salty sweat during training
Dualist 700x23c
A specially tuned road tire to reduce the tire noise and super long life. Can be used even on road

• SKU 400-9500-00
• Resistance Adjustability 7 levels (remote)
• Flywheel Weight 1.5 kgs
• Adaptable Wheel Size 24 – 27-inch / 650c – 700c
• Width & Height W 640 x H 390 mm
• Applicable Wheelbase 800 – 1,120 mm
• Net Weight 13.0 kgs
• Max Load 120 kgs (including bike weight)
• Accessories Instructions manual, Special quick release skewer, Small wheel adaptor, Warranty policy card
• MSRP US$389.99
• Warranty Period 1 year (Mag unit) / 5 years (Frame)

• Instructions Manual (PDF 708KB)
• Schematics (PDF 112KB)