Post by: salar55 on 17 March, 2020, 10:18:42 am
Post by: L CC on 17 March, 2020, 01:08:11 pm
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200317/d8b1845abc24012ea6294bc3b438cb80.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200317/e7cb446893a5abfd2648621bc8936d6f.jpg)
Post by: DuncanM on 17 March, 2020, 02:32:54 pm
After that, there are a few brands that are reputable - Elite are one of those. The best place to check out reviews is probably https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/the-smart-trainer-recommendations-guide-winter-2019-2020.html - DC Rainmaker knows his stuff. How you control your smart trainer is up to you - there are quite a few platforms, and a basic one will probably come free with your trainer.
Post by: ElyDave on 17 March, 2020, 04:57:53 pm
It's bloody quiet, just the noise of the chain and your
Post by: DuncanM on 17 March, 2020, 09:06:54 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 18 March, 2020, 06:21:00 am
Stac got bought by 4iiii's last year. There is a 4iiii's version of that trainer out, which has some cool developments, but also some disappointing power limitations. I was reading the DC Rainmaker review today as it popped up and they are such a neat idea...
When you say disappointing power limitations?
I don't think that will apply to me with my paltry 3.2 W/kg ftp
Post by: DrMekon on 18 March, 2020, 07:54:21 am
Post by: salar55 on 18 March, 2020, 10:22:07 am
Post by: Ham on 18 March, 2020, 11:01:33 am
Post by: DuncanM on 18 March, 2020, 12:31:17 pm
Depends how heavy you are. DC Rainmaker seems to think that for someone with an FTP much above 200W, VO2 and anaerobic intervals might be an issue: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/12/4iiii-fliiiight-smart-trainer-in-depth-review.htmlStac got bought by 4iiii's last year. There is a 4iiii's version of that trainer out, which has some cool developments, but also some disappointing power limitations. I was reading the DC Rainmaker review today as it popped up and they are such a neat idea...
When you say disappointing power limitations?
I don't think that will apply to me with my paltry 3.2 W/kg ftp
Post by: ElyDave on 18 March, 2020, 01:50:39 pm
I bought it partly on the basis of ability to use with the FWD 'bent based on another forum, but also reading DCRainmaker's earlier review when they were still StacZero
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 18 March, 2020, 03:14:06 pm
I've been on the elite ones and they are lovely. However, I got a tacx neo - done 17,000km on it. Whatever you get, if you are doing lots of miles on it, it's probably not worth skimping. Mine can simulate 25% climbs and has roadfeel surface simultion. Sounds like you don't need any of that. Still, they do feel different - the Neo is deliberately flexy, which is good for carbon, but like rocker plates, requires some adjustment if you sprint.
I have a Neo (though it's about to get loaned out) - the flexiness bothers me, but that might be because I'm used to really solid static bikes.
Post by: rogerzilla on 22 March, 2020, 04:11:07 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 23 March, 2020, 10:28:27 am
I miss my old Tacx Speedbreaker, which was a PROPER turbo trainer...just a centrifugal fan and a flywheel. It was noisy but it did a pretty good job of simulating real-world resistance. The magnetic thing I have now is rough by comparison, if quieter.
You could always buy yourself an old Concept 2 rower and join WJ in the workshop
Post by: toontra on 23 March, 2020, 12:41:53 pm
Post by: basset on 23 March, 2020, 03:37:23 pm
Post by: toontra on 23 March, 2020, 03:44:45 pm
I would try a Neo if I was getting another .
Also sold out everywhere online :(
Post by: salar55 on 24 March, 2020, 10:55:42 am
Post by: AlexEaling on 24 March, 2020, 11:12:47 am
Post by: salar55 on 24 March, 2020, 11:50:17 am
Post by: ElyDave on 25 March, 2020, 06:34:48 am
Bought a Drivo 2, good price saved £500. Set up the turbo, wheel circumference etc, 1st run i am a superstar ( no way) . Downloaded a climb (Sierra Nevada ski road up to the petrol station at 16km stopped there as its 27km total. ) and checked against the same section of the climb on Strava (real world) a lot faster on the turbo🤔. Reset the turbo to get the times similar for climb. Zwift has a default setting of 50%, so if its up to you to set resistance whats the point of signing up for races.
Did you update your strava time? ;)
Post by: salar55 on 25 March, 2020, 05:53:29 pm
Post by: Phil W on 25 March, 2020, 06:00:19 pm
Post by: Davef on 25 March, 2020, 07:40:59 pm
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Greenbank on 25 March, 2020, 08:09:43 pm
I can provide a service to fine tune your gpx files. I call the process Electronic Positional Optimisation or EPO for short. Email over the activity gpx and the % time improvement requirement and a suitable wad of cash and I will send it back in a jiffy.
There used to be a site called Digital-EPO that used to do just that. It's gone but here's the yacf thread about it: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=103488
Post by: salar55 on 25 March, 2020, 10:02:47 pm
Post by: Greenbank on 26 March, 2020, 01:38:08 pm
I have experienced the effects of DEPO, looked a flyby on Strava after an Audax. One persons garmin arrived at a control before us and they turned up as we were leaving. 😂 Excuse was bad time stamps, you begin to wonder what else. 🤔
Well, that's not how the original Digital EPO used to work (see other thread for more info), but anyone can mess around with the files that GPSes spit out.
Anyway, back to Turbos. I got given a very basic trainer for my downstairs neighbour (he runs a removals company and gets given tonnes of junk to dispose of). I can't set it up easily in a 1st floor flat (I did get a trainer mat) and especially not now we're all holed up here - there's enough cabin fever already.
Post by: drossall on 26 March, 2020, 02:50:08 pm
Post by: toontra on 27 March, 2020, 01:28:46 pm
I've never used a trainer of any kind so this is going to be a novel experience. I'll be using it in the back yard while the weather stays dry so no 3rd party apps or screens - I'll rely on HR and wattage info to judge efforts.
Any suggestions for getting going?
Post by: DuncanM on 27 March, 2020, 01:42:57 pm
Assuming you have a modern smartphone, you can use that to control the turbo. Zwift probably wouldn't be much fun, but the OEM app would probably work, and stuff like Trainer Road is happy on a phone screen too. An elastic band over the Garmin mount will hold it in place (maybe a zip tie around the stem for extra support). If you want to give TR a go (either choosing a workout as as you want, or building a plan), PM your email and I'll send you a months free trial.
Post by: toontra on 27 March, 2020, 02:47:13 pm
I'll probably be doing intervals, trying to replicate what I've been doing in the gym, so 1-hour above/below FTP.
Never thought about using phone as a screen. I've also got a tablet so could maybe rig that up on a stand of some kind.
Post by: DuncanM on 27 March, 2020, 02:57:23 pm
Post by: toontra on 27 March, 2020, 03:01:54 pm
Post by: drossall on 27 March, 2020, 07:20:14 pm
Not that anything's available at present anyway, of course...
Post by: Phil W on 27 March, 2020, 07:48:33 pm
Is there anywhere that's good for feeding in some requirements and seeing what's available? Product descriptions aren't always clear. For example, I don't think I can justify the cost of wheel-off, I'd quite like to let Zwift or similar control the trainer, and I'd really like to use my old 5/6 speed road bike = narrow drop-outs.
Not that anything's available at present anyway, of course...
You want a smart trainer that supports ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth Smart open. If it supports those it’ll work with any smart trainer app including Zwift.
Post by: DuncanM on 27 March, 2020, 07:49:37 pm
Is there anywhere that's good for feeding in some requirements and seeing what's available? Product descriptions aren't always clear. For example, I don't think I can justify the cost of wheel-off, I'd quite like to let Zwift or similar control the trainer, and I'd really like to use my old 5/6 speed road bike = narrow drop-outs.This is the definitive guide: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/the-smart-trainer-recommendations-guide-winter-2019-2020.html
Not that anything's available at present anyway, of course...
He has lots of reviews if you see something available that isn't listed.
Post by: grams on 27 March, 2020, 07:52:32 pm
I'd quite like to let Zwift or similar control the trainer
If it says "smart" and "Zwift compatible" it's a start. Beware there are models that say both these things *don't* allow electronic control of resistance - it just means they have a speed sensor or something. You really need to read the reviews/specs very carefully to know which is which. If it's got a manual control lever on a cable that's a bad sign.
Quote
and I'd really like to use my old 5/6 speed road bike = narrow drop-outs.
For a wheel-on you'd just insert a spacer between the supplied QR and the frame, or maybe not even that. If it's not QR you need special nuts to interface with the trainer.
Post by: drossall on 27 March, 2020, 08:02:20 pm
You really need to read the reviews/specs very carefully to know which is which. If it's got a manual control lever on a cable that's a bad sign.That's my impression - and the reviews, not the manufacturers' specs, because they sometimes obfuscate it on purpose. Thanks for the lever tip.
Quote
For a wheel-on you'd just insert a spacer between the supplied QR and the frame, or maybe not even that. If it's not QR you need special nuts to interface with the trainer.Oh it's a good bike, but older. I raced on it for a fair few years. So QR absolutely. The spacer tip is good, thanks.
Post by: yoav on 28 March, 2020, 06:47:52 am
Post by: Chris N on 28 March, 2020, 07:13:47 am
Bargain.
Post by: drossall on 28 March, 2020, 09:33:20 am
It’s a bit academic at the moment. You can’t buy a turbo for love nor money, all sold out.It's true, but all this has sparked my interest. As above, I have a plan B for now, so I'm prepared to take a slightly longer view and wait for something suitable to be available. We don't know how long this will last, and models will come back into stock eventually. There may even be offers if the market has now been saturated. Not to mention a flood of little-used ones on eBay!
Post by: audax-man on 28 March, 2020, 01:33:03 pm
Anyhow I started doing Training Peaks sessions with a Yahoo Elemnt Bolt on a WattBike at a local gym two months ago as the weather was so bad, however the gym has closed now.
So what sort of turbo trainer do I need at home to use the Elemnt Bolt to do Training Peaks sessions?
I have access to an Elite Turbo Muin Smart B+ turbo trainer which has been in a box for 2 years and never used, but will this work with the Elemnt Bolt?
If not what do I need?
Thank you
Post by: Phil W on 29 March, 2020, 10:51:31 am
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/rollers-and-turbo.258188/
Post by: rogerzilla on 30 March, 2020, 10:58:32 am
Post by: DuncanM on 30 March, 2020, 11:37:05 am
At her request, I tried to set up my daughters 24" wheel bike on my old Tacx Booster. The latest one can accommodate 24" wheels, but mine must be a bit older - it only goes down to 26". :( She's not so enthusiastic about riding the rollers (fair enough, they are a bit scary) - any suggestion of how I can provide some resistance with the wheel hanging in space?
Post by: Phil W on 30 March, 2020, 11:45:05 am
Otherwise playing cards taped to every spoke on her rear wheel?
Post by: toontra on 30 March, 2020, 11:49:00 am
Post by: salar55 on 30 March, 2020, 05:54:27 pm
Post by: Kim on 30 March, 2020, 06:00:00 pm
That's daft.
At her request, I tried to set up my daughters 24" wheel bike on my old Tacx Booster. The latest one can accommodate 24" wheels, but mine must be a bit older - it only goes down to 26". :( She's not so enthusiastic about riding the rollers (fair enough, they are a bit scary) - any suggestion of how I can provide some resistance with the wheel hanging in space?
Molish a stand-off to support the resistance unit closer to the wheel. Here's a not very good photo:
(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/sprint/IMG_3258.sized.jpg)
Ingredients: A couple of bits of MDF (sheet metal would be better), 1 long bolt to go all the way through the resistance unit, a couple of woodscrews each side (nuts and bolts if using metal).
That I've never got round to making a decent version out of the 3mm aluminium I've got kicking about is a testament to our infrequent turbo use.
Post by: DuncanM on 30 March, 2020, 10:11:20 pm
(https://static.evanscycles.com/production/training--energy/turbo-trainers/product-image/Original/tacx-booster-ultra-high-power-folding-magnetic-trainer-na-EV152532-9999-40.jpg)
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 March, 2020, 01:08:11 pm
Post by: DuncanM on 31 March, 2020, 03:00:54 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 31 March, 2020, 03:07:26 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 31 March, 2020, 06:43:28 pm
Post by: DuncanM on 31 March, 2020, 07:44:22 pm
Post by: toontra on 31 March, 2020, 08:59:32 pm
Very happy with the "road feel" and how quiet it is. Stopped before the sweat started dripping - floor fan ordered!
Post by: rogerzilla on 01 April, 2020, 09:52:04 am
When you're using a turbo trainer do you usually keep your hands on the bars or sit up hands free?Sitting up gives you a break but your heart rate will increase, suggesting it's actually a bit more tiring.
Post by: bludger on 01 April, 2020, 12:48:54 pm
My LBS say the soonest they can get units in is LATE MAY
I'm just going to sit tight and pray the government don't crack down.
Post by: pdm on 01 April, 2020, 01:09:15 pm
Post by: toontra on 01 April, 2020, 04:03:31 pm
Post by: zigzag on 01 April, 2020, 04:07:33 pm
Out of interest does anyone know where I could source an out-front handlebar mount for a mobile (in this case a Galaxy S10)? That would be really handy for the turbo sessions. I've seen pics of them but damned if I can find anywhere to actually buy one.
stick a garmin bayonet adapter (from ebay etc.) to a phone case and use a standard garmin mount?
Post by: DuncanM on 01 April, 2020, 04:34:53 pm
Post by: toontra on 01 April, 2020, 04:43:16 pm
stick a garmin bayonet adapter (from ebay etc.) to a phone case and use a standard garmin mount?
Great idea. Cheap too! Unfortunately only shipping from China so there will be a bit of a wait.
I'll try Duncan's tip in the meantime :thumbsup:
Post by: salar55 on 01 April, 2020, 06:03:25 pm
Post by: drossall on 01 April, 2020, 06:13:38 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 April, 2020, 07:52:39 pm
I use my phone for TrainerRoad at the moment, but their desktop version is very flash.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Kim on 01 April, 2020, 08:30:16 pm
Long time since I’ve used a music stand. Can one be tilted back enough to support a MacBook Air?
Projector stand :)
Post by: HeltorChasca on 02 April, 2020, 08:03:27 am
Thank youLong time since I’ve used a music stand. Can one be tilted back enough to support a MacBook Air?
Projector stand :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: PaulF on 02 April, 2020, 08:21:29 am
Long time since I’ve used a music stand. Can one be tilted back enough to support a MacBook Air?
Mine goes to within a few degrees of horizontal, but that makes it harder to read the score :D
Post by: HeltorChasca on 02 April, 2020, 08:38:14 am
Thanks for this. I imagine it’s stable.Long time since I’ve used a music stand. Can one be tilted back enough to support a MacBook Air?
Mine goes to within a few degrees of horizontal, but that makes it harder to read the score :D
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ElyDave on 02 April, 2020, 04:49:45 pm
Now need to do a bit of fettling of the computer arrangements for the 'bent on the turbo
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 April, 2020, 07:08:41 am
Used Big Ring VR for the first time yesterday, quite impressed.😀👍
Now need to do a bit of fettling of the computer arrangements for the 'bent on the turbo
Post by: DuncanM on 03 April, 2020, 06:27:00 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49731596811_bbceeb82c2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iLBr7k)2020-04-03_06-25-30 (https://flic.kr/p/2iLBr7k) by duncancmartin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/90461577@N00/), on Flickr
1.6mm zintec sheet I had lying around, plus a couple of nuts and bolts to move the pivot point. Works nicely with her Islabike Luath 24.
Now let's see if she will actually ride the thing longer than 10 seconds!
I am wondering if I will have to do the same thing to my smart trainer (Bushido smart) so she can go on Zwift and make it interesting for her!
Post by: toontra on 03 April, 2020, 07:34:03 pm
Made a wooden frame to sit around a worklight & stand with a resting ledge on the bottom. Took about 30 minutes. Finished off with a bit of black gaffer tape (quicker than painting!)
(https://i.postimg.cc/NyVPpGgY/20200403-122038.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyVPpGgY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xNP5D9SX/20200403-122124.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xNP5D9SX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/N2tDz5Zh/20200403-122518.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2tDz5Zh)
(https://i.postimg.cc/pyYMX8WF/20200403-122534.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pyYMX8WF)
Really effective but quiet floor fan just delivered so nearly ready to go. Just waiting for a replacement seatpost so I can quickly swap saddles - the Brooks Swallow just doesn't feel right for some reason - poking me right where it hurts!
Post by: ElyDave on 06 April, 2020, 05:39:25 pm
My turbo set up for the recumbent
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 April, 2020, 06:52:08 pm
The only drawback is that the QR skewer on my Thorn is too robust to fit the machine so I have ordered a TACX one from the LBS. That should arrive soon.
It's a Cycleops Magneto or some such. Will have a play when the QR skewer arrives.
Post by: morbihan on 09 April, 2020, 02:46:33 pm
I picked one up about 18 months ago to do hard sustained efforts for race training, but found a knee injury flared up and abandoned the idea.
Since then we put an old rust bucket on the turbo that just about fits myself and Ms Morbihan. There is an old rusty triple set up with an 8 sp cassette. Some gear selections actually work :-)
The couple of sessions I have had didn't seem to aggravate my knee which is a pleasant surprise. Whether it is the smaller frame, a flat pedal and sneaker set up, or shorter cranks the my racing bike I don't know. Im just ecstatic to be able to turn some pedals TBH.
Post by: toontra on 09 April, 2020, 07:13:43 pm
Everything working really well - Kickr synced to Tickr HRM, Bolt, TR on tablet (on bodged up stand which does its job). Outside on the patio and the floor fan was on full blast.
(https://i.postimg.cc/d7PFkHp4/20200409-171955.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/d7PFkHp4)
Post by: zigzag on 09 April, 2020, 07:43:34 pm
First session on the Kickr today doing a Trainerroad ramp test. FTP 223 which sounds about right and leaves plenty of scope for improvement!
exactly as my dad's (67), he's trainerroad user too, and alternates between the ssb1 and ssb2, low volume (3 workouts/week)
Post by: toontra on 09 April, 2020, 07:51:52 pm
First session on the Kickr today doing a Trainerroad ramp test. FTP 223 which sounds about right and leaves plenty of scope for improvement!
exactly as my dad's (67), he's trainerroad user too, and alternates between the ssb1 and ssb2, low volume (3 workouts/week)
Ah - interesting. I'm hoping for a bit of improvement so have set up a 1-month plan (I know - very short, but that's the length of the trial period - thanks DuncanM!). I'll see how that goes and then probably start paying.
I've got to say the Kickr feels good and works really well - syncs up with everything faultlessly. The workout even gets logged on RideWithGPS (what I use for road stuff) automatically. Really happy :thumbsup:
Post by: zigzag on 09 April, 2020, 07:59:15 pm
Post by: toontra on 09 April, 2020, 08:09:59 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 10 April, 2020, 02:00:27 pm
Post by: toontra on 10 April, 2020, 04:03:29 pm
Final tweaking/adjustment/positioning of equipment. I've gone as far as marking positions of everything on the mat so I can replicate the setup precisely ::-) ;D
Post by: Chris S on 10 April, 2020, 05:47:11 pm
Yes, exactly. The initial month is really to see if TR is for me or whether I'd be better with something using VR graphics. Do some folks use both?
I have, in the past - though we're mostly a Zwift household these days.
You can do TR workouts on Zwift; just let TR control your trainer, and "free ride" on Zwift. Another decent integration is Zwift/TrainingPeaks; if you're on a programme on TP, your workout will appear as a custom workout in Zwift, and you can ride it on there as a Zwift workout.
Post by: toontra on 10 April, 2020, 06:01:14 pm
Yes, exactly. The initial month is really to see if TR is for me or whether I'd be better with something using VR graphics. Do some folks use both?
I have, in the past - though we're mostly a Zwift household these days.
You can do TR workouts on Zwift; just let TR control your trainer, and "free ride" on Zwift. Another decent integration is Zwift/TrainingPeaks; if you're on a programme on TP, your workout will appear as a custom workout in Zwift, and you can ride it on there as a Zwift workout.
Thanks Chris. That's really useful.
I'm thinking that maybe TR in the warmer months when I'm hopefully able to set up outside, then possibly move over to Zwift in the winter when I'm in the spare bedroom facing a wall. I could set up a TV for some extra motivation.
Another limiting factor is the cheapo tablet I'm using outside at the moment - it's fine for TR but can't handle the graphics of Zwift.
Post by: Chris S on 10 April, 2020, 06:09:41 pm
Yes, exactly. The initial month is really to see if TR is for me or whether I'd be better with something using VR graphics. Do some folks use both?
I have, in the past - though we're mostly a Zwift household these days.
You can do TR workouts on Zwift; just let TR control your trainer, and "free ride" on Zwift. Another decent integration is Zwift/TrainingPeaks; if you're on a programme on TP, your workout will appear as a custom workout in Zwift, and you can ride it on there as a Zwift workout.
Thanks Chris. That's really useful.
I'm thinking that maybe TR in the warmer months when I'm hopefully able to set up outside, then possibly move over to Zwift in the winter when I'm in the spare bedroom facing a wall. I could set up a TV for some extra motivation.
Another limiting factor is the cheapo tablet I'm using outside at the moment - it's fine for TR but can't handle the graphics of Zwift.
I use a PC, but a perfectly decent and much cheaper option is Apple TV; it's what fboab uses. You have to put up with the remote though - which is the very work of Beelzebub himself. She has hers connected to a 32" TV, and it's just fine - very slightly lower quality graphics compared to my PC, but still more than satisfactory.
Post by: toontra on 10 April, 2020, 06:22:26 pm
Just been looking at BigRingVR as an alternative to Zwift. I'm not so interested in the social/group side of things (stereotypical anti-social miserable audaxer ;D) and the BigRing graphics and routes look great. They even have my favourite Tenerife Teide climb! Oh - and it's cheaper ;D
Post by: toontra on 26 April, 2020, 06:12:55 pm
However, one thing that has come to my attention is cadence. For years I've been grinding away at (probably, never really paid much attention) around 70-80, and 65 on steep hills. On all the TR session in ERG mode I'm quite happy doing threshold intervals at 90-100. Hopefully this will translate to road riding, at least to some extent.
Another really useful thing is being able to do long periods on the tri-bars. I'm using the bike I do audaxes & other long stuff on so the setup mirrors real-world conditions and this will hopefully reap rewards too.
All in all, is some ways this turbo stuff is turning the lockdown from what could have been a minus into a bit of a plus.
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 April, 2020, 08:42:54 pm
It's moved my ftp from 230 after ride 1 to 251 ride 4. What accuracy this has I don't know but the speeds seem right for me on climbs - lowest so far 5km/h! Biggest incentive is competition with other riders, I had a long tussle with a Brazilian rider in Harrogate. He was stronger and more skilled but I made him work for his ultimate triumph.
I want to climb Alpe d'Huez next but it's locked - level 6 and I am still only a 5.
Post by: mcshroom on 28 April, 2020, 09:59:38 am
I need to get the Tacx Flow trainer calibrated again, and then I can remind myself just how unfit I've become :-\
Post by: L CC on 28 April, 2020, 10:10:28 am
I want to climb Alpe d'Huez next but it's locked - level 6 and I am still only a 5.Join a group ride going up it- REVO climbers do it several times a week.
https://zwift.com/events/view/647558
https://zwift.com/events/view/680668
https://zwift.com/events/view/687951
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 April, 2020, 07:54:51 pm
I want to climb Alpe d'Huez next but it's locked - level 6 and I am still only a 5.Join a group ride going up it- REVO climbers do it several times a week.
https://zwift.com/events/view/647558
https://zwift.com/events/view/680668
https://zwift.com/events/view/687951
Thanks, although became level 6 today doing an FTP workout. It were crool 'ard, it were.. And they kept on at me to try even 'arder..
Post by: salar55 on 01 May, 2020, 10:05:45 am
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 02 May, 2020, 10:55:09 am
One day I will pay a lot more and get a trainer that will do what Zwift tells it to do!
I'd a fantastic descent down the Aubisue but it's best to slow it a bit through the tunnels:
(https://i.ibb.co/TYgzMzn/DSCF0100.jpg)
Post by: drossall on 02 May, 2020, 12:16:00 pm
...85 km/h is not unreachable...I probably would be too, at that speed.
Sic transit...
Post by: mzjo on 02 May, 2020, 09:02:02 pm
I don't mind that descents are only perceptible on my trainer by looking at the speed. One advantage is that I don't spin out and 85 km/h is not unreachable.
One day I will pay a lot more and get a trainer that will do what Zwift tells it to do!
I'd a fantastic descent down the Aubisue but it's best to slow it a bit through the tunnels:
(https://i.ibb.co/TYgzMzn/DSCF0100.jpg)
Just out of curiosity what happens if you get it very wrong in a tunnel on a turbo?
I'm old skool, no electronics. I have a FR3 video of PBP that I use to distract me!
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 May, 2020, 01:14:05 pm
Post by: DuncanM on 03 May, 2020, 01:48:18 pm
However, if all you care about is measuring improvement/effort, you don't need one of those curves. Just keep the tyre pressure the same (ie check it regularly), don't adjust the drum settings, and record how fast/far you go. If you are going further in the same time, and all else has remained equal, you are fitter. This is essentially the method Graham Obree used when he was breaking hour records (he basically did a 30 minute TT every week on his trainer to see if he could go further).
Post by: Doosh on 09 May, 2020, 02:59:31 pm
Post by: yoav on 09 May, 2020, 04:15:05 pm
Post by: Doosh on 09 May, 2020, 05:32:22 pm
Post by: Chris S on 09 May, 2020, 05:42:44 pm
Post by: simonp on 09 May, 2020, 05:46:45 pm
My Drivo died :'(
Oh no! Is it under warranty?
Post by: Chris S on 09 May, 2020, 05:59:06 pm
My Drivo died :'(
Oh no! Is it under warranty?
Should be - I've opened a ticket with Elite, but they're in Lombardy, Italy - so I'm not expecting rapid turnarounds to be honest. I'll switch to walking and maybe even riding outside for a while.
Post by: salar55 on 10 May, 2020, 02:13:58 pm
Post by: Chris S on 10 May, 2020, 02:44:53 pm
Chris have a look on the Singletrack forum page 2 bike section , one guy had a problem with his Drivo 1. Even in lockdown they sent out a new motherboard after he described the problem. Another Elite plus Part 1 and 2 of the Maratona has been uploaded to the free video workouts gives 130+kms of good quality on 3 videos 😁
Good to know, thanks!
Post by: Chris S on 11 May, 2020, 08:06:36 pm
Post by: Kim on 11 May, 2020, 08:26:11 pm
there's stuff that should be moving that ain't.
WD40. And possibly a hammer. It's the universal engineering solution.
Post by: Doosh on 13 May, 2020, 06:18:10 pm
No, as most smart trainers broadcast both ANT+ and Bluetooth. Laptop has to have Bluetooth 4 LE minimum - at least to work with Tacx trainers. Having said that, I invested in a £20 ANT+ dongle as it made the connection more reliable, and I could add my HR sensor into the mix.
Looks like I'll be needing the ANT+ dongle as well, Zwift isn't having BT no matter what, POS!
Post by: drossall on 13 May, 2020, 07:39:34 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 13 May, 2020, 07:42:45 pm
No, as most smart trainers broadcast both ANT+ and Bluetooth. Laptop has to have Bluetooth 4 LE minimum - at least to work with Tacx trainers. Having said that, I invested in a £20 ANT+ dongle as it made the connection more reliable, and I could add my HR sensor into the mix.
Looks like I'll be needing the ANT+ dongle as well, Zwift isn't having BT no matter what, POS!
I don't use ZWIFT, but as with YOAV, I find it much easier for everything to go through ANT+ for the sake of £20
Post by: Doosh on 13 May, 2020, 08:21:02 pm
No, as most smart trainers broadcast both ANT+ and Bluetooth. Laptop has to have Bluetooth 4 LE minimum - at least to work with Tacx trainers. Having said that, I invested in a £20 ANT+ dongle as it made the connection more reliable, and I could add my HR sensor into the mix.
Looks like I'll be needing the ANT+ dongle as well, Zwift isn't having BT no matter what, POS!
I don't use ZWIFT, but as with YOAV, I find it much easier for everything to go through ANT+ for the sake of £20
Yes I think that will be the answer, I got it going after a bodge where you connect via the companion app on the phone, even though my laptop could see the tacx Zwift thought BT was constantly turned off. It seems a bit flaky so I've ordered a dongle.
On another note, jesus wept how complicated is Zwift, I need an instruction manual or something. I can't seem to end a ride without it closing the game, the only option I get is to "save and exit", if I press "back" I just go back to the ride and not any sort of main menu.
Still managed some sort of training, I'm not exactly sure what but I was sweating anyway so must have done some good. I've a long way to go to get the hang of this and make any sort of productive/structured use out of it though.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 May, 2020, 06:27:55 am
I've also downloaded the free Tacx software to do my more structured stuff once the tts4 software falls over (no longer supported now they've gone all subscription model, money grabbing Garmin)
Post by: toontra on 14 May, 2020, 09:04:49 am
There are other options, somewhere upthread I was recommended bigringVR which I've now paid for, and just completed the exact same ride as I would have done on holiday.
What did you think of BigRingVR? Sounds good and cheaper than the others. PC or Mac only though - no tablets or phones?
Post by: Doosh on 15 May, 2020, 02:59:32 pm
Post by: grams on 15 May, 2020, 03:11:06 pm
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 15 May, 2020, 03:42:07 pm
No, as most smart trainers broadcast both ANT+ and Bluetooth. Laptop has to have Bluetooth 4 LE minimum - at least to work with Tacx trainers. Having said that, I invested in a £20 ANT+ dongle as it made the connection more reliable, and I could add my HR sensor into the mix.
Looks like I'll be needing the ANT+ dongle as well, Zwift isn't having BT no matter what, POS!
I don't use ZWIFT, but as with YOAV, I find it much easier for everything to go through ANT+ for the sake of £20
Yes I think that will be the answer, I got it going after a bodge where you connect via the companion app on the phone, even though my laptop could see the tacx Zwift thought BT was constantly turned off. It seems a bit flaky so I've ordered a dongle.
On another note, jesus wept how complicated is Zwift, I need an instruction manual or something. I can't seem to end a ride without it closing the game, the only option I get is to "save and exit", if I press "back" I just go back to the ride and not any sort of main menu.
Still managed some sort of training, I'm not exactly sure what but I was sweating anyway so must have done some good. I've a long way to go to get the hang of this and make any sort of productive/structured use out of it though.
Yup, got half way up Alpe du Zwift stopped for a tea-break and now it won't let me get back on. Says I have to do a workout or Innsbruck. I've done Innsbruck; once is enough for now.
Post by: L CC on 15 May, 2020, 05:56:08 pm
Zwift moves your in game character based on estimated power, not wheel speed, so it doesn’t care what size your tyre is.It estimates your power based on the speed of your wheel...
Post by: Doosh on 15 May, 2020, 06:20:57 pm
Post by: DuncanM on 16 May, 2020, 09:53:59 am
The only case where the software needs to do the math is where you use a dumb trainer and they are doing virtual power (and the chances of that being accurate are remote).
Post by: ElyDave on 17 May, 2020, 06:01:24 am
I'm not sure why this is as I think/thought the StacZero used power to derive speed, but it also has a wheel magnet, so is clearly sending both bits of data. I've not really played with the road feel settings too much, but I do seem to be in a higher gear than the indicated speed would suggest
Post by: giropaul on 17 May, 2020, 08:29:27 am
During lockdown a group of riders who previously attended Wattbike Classes are having fun with some 10 mile TTs etc. Some are on Wattbikes ( rented out from the studio) but others are using various smart or dumb trainers. I know their FTPs etc from before lockdown, and some data now is wildly different.
I know that some take i-racing seriously, but the same issues exist - and I gather that it’s not unusual for riders to use clever manipulation to their advantage.
If you haven’t got an accurate power meter, your pulse rate is the best available indication of power - slightly lagging behind the effort level though.
Post by: ElyDave on 17 May, 2020, 10:15:57 am
Post by: Doosh on 18 May, 2020, 12:11:03 pm
Unless you have a properly calibrated power meter the information going to the i-platform are always going to be guesstimates. This doesn’t matter as long as you don’t change anything, you will still be comparing yourself against previous results, and hopefully tracking improvements.
During lockdown a group of riders who previously attended Wattbike Classes are having fun with some 10 mile TTs etc. Some are on Wattbikes ( rented out from the studio) but others are using various smart or dumb trainers. I know their FTPs etc from before lockdown, and some data now is wildly different.
I know that some take i-racing seriously, but the same issues exist - and I gather that it’s not unusual for riders to use clever manipulation to their advantage.
If you haven’t got an accurate power meter, your pulse rate is the best available indication of power - slightly lagging behind the effort level though.
Yes I didn't expect the power to be anything like accurate enough to not take with a pinch of salt, I was more worried I was a country mile out because I'd potentially failed to input any wheel/tyre size but that seems a non issue.
On a further note I'm really enjoying Zwift now I've got the hang of it, I've finished sessions on there at an effort level I've never been close to on the road, for one reason or another.
What I seem to be finding when doing a higher intensity is that I'm not getting severely out of breath or an overly increased heart rate, it always seems to be lactic in the legs that has me backing off, where as with running it is the complete opposite, the legs feel fine and it's just due to breathing through my arse on the verge of collapse that I have to stop.
Post by: drossall on 18 May, 2020, 01:26:21 pm
Yesterday, I clicked on the meetup in Zwift and was whisked off to another world, but it was back to the hilly loop. I was getting some updates from the meetup, but not many, and I couldn't see other riders. So I ended up doing the loop again, by myself. But I ran out of timed meetup (for the clubrun - I could see the remaining time) before I'd finished the loop. So I reckon that every time I go back into Zwift it will be groundhog day on the hilly loop, and I'll never finally finish it.
Post by: yoav on 19 May, 2020, 05:14:19 pm
I can't seem to end a ride without it closing the game, the only option I get is to "save and exit", if I press "back" I just go back to the ride and not any sort of main menu.
I think this a feature rather than a bug. The aim, I think, is for Zwift servers not to be overloaded by people logging on, switching between rides and never logging off between rides. Ending a ride forces you to log off and presumably freeing up server bandwidth for someone else until your next time.
BTW 1, take a look at zwiftinsider.com for interesting information on Zwift.
BTW 2, I've also been trying RGTcycling.com which is kind of similar, not as sophisticated but it is free.
Post by: Chris S on 20 May, 2020, 06:37:46 pm
New motherboard for the dead Drivo incoming from Elite SRV tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Can't fault the Support experience so far; especially as they're located in Covid-Central, Italy.
Post by: toontra on 20 May, 2020, 07:14:07 pm
INCOMING!
New motherboard for the dead Drivo incoming from Elite SRV tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Can't fault the Support experience so far; especially as they're located in Covid-Central, Italy.
I think UK has taken over the mantle of covid-central!
Good news, though. Hope it fixes the problem.
Post by: Chris S on 20 May, 2020, 07:20:02 pm
Good news, though. Hope it fixes the problem.
Indeed! Although....
I rode outside today.
Post by: Defblade on 21 May, 2020, 09:59:50 pm
...are there any bike shops with a selection of demo turbos to try? Mainly smart ones.
I know Tredz in Swansea -currently covid closed - have one direct drive set up; I'm wondering if any further afield have a bit more choice.
If so, I'll probably struggle on with my knackered old fluid trainer until such time as I can go try a few out. Otherwise, I might as well just hunt stock on-line for now. It's a lot of money to drop for me and so I'd like to maximise the chances of getting it right first time...
Post by: yoav on 22 May, 2020, 08:32:46 am