Signed up. Great way to keep thing interesting on the basement trainer, and also a good reason to ride in some of the not-so-stimulating worlds (Richmond, etc)Quote:
Originally Posted by carpathian
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Signed up. Great way to keep thing interesting on the basement trainer, and also a good reason to ride in some of the not-so-stimulating worlds (Richmond, etc)Quote:
Originally Posted by carpathian
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Looking to add a smart trainer or spin bike to the basement soon. From what I can gather, serious riders are more likely to get a smart trainer (Tacx, Wahoo, etc.) and use an app like Zwift, TR, or Sufferfest. Those who are interested in a hard workout but care less about specific riding translation are more likely to get a Peloton, Eschelon, iFit bike and subscription.
I haven't seen any Spin bike studio type (Peleton) apps for a smart trainer that takes advantage of what a smart trainer does, and there doesn't appear to be any Zwift style classes for the spin studio bikes.
My wife's interested in getting the Peleton style bike and I'm more interested in getting the Smart trainer. Ideally, I could provide her with the ability to join a spin class on my smart trainer.
iFit seems like a better alternative to Peloton due to the variety of workouts, but I've only tried Peloton.
Any thoughts?
Seth
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My wife is very interested in the Peloton as well, but I can't speak for it as we've never had one. However, I've used Kreitler rollers, then a rear wheel contact smart trainer (Kinetic Inride), and finally upgraded to a Wahoo Kickr Core, which uses a flywheel. I am extremely glad I switched to a flywheel trainer - on the Kinetic it got where i had to stop and clean the rear tire every 45 minutes or so, or it would start slipping, regardless of how I set the tension. Having a smart trainer with variable resistance is pretty cool as well for training apps that simulate hills.Quote:
Originally Posted by sethschmautz
...and have another beer.Quote:
Originally Posted by carpathian
I'd go with a flywheel trainer if she already has a bike that she likes and is comfortable riding outside. You two can easily share the trainer with your own bikes (assuming both have the same rear gearing now - 10spd, 11spd, 12spd). I'm a big fan of Zwift, with a little practice, she will find group rides or fun routes that interest her. I usually just ride around (does she have a decent route finding sense?), and find routes that interest me for that day and particular workout. I get the feeling that the female group rides are very welcoming and inclusive.Quote:
Originally Posted by sethschmautz
Alright, I’m on board. Got a Wahoo Kickr when the 2017s went on closeout for $800. Setup is Kickr, Wahoo Tickr, Rotor InPower power meter, Zwift. Zwift uses the Kickr for power output and just uses the InPower for cadence, which is fine. I use a tripod mount for my Ipad with bluetooth connection and so far it’s been fine but will look into an Ant+ dongle if things go south. Also have a full spectrum light in the garage so I can theoretically get some vitimin D while I’m in the pain cave, hahaha.
Finally got it all set up and working. Had some bad shifting issues and finally got it sorted out by replacing the low end SRAM cassette that came on the Kickr with my Ultegra one, and added an inline barrel adjuster to the cable. Figured out I need to keep my Elmnt Bolt OFF so it doesn’t compete for connectivity with Zwift.
Zwift is fun, definitely infinitely easier to stay at it than just rollers. The kickr obviously provides way better power output. One drawback of the 2017 Kickr is it’s louder than the new ones. Not terrible but quite a bit louder than my rollers. I guess the new one is much more quiet and so are the Tacx from what I gather. It would be cool to have something that gives tactile feedback for different surfaces but that shit gets real expensive. A big screen for the garage would also be nice but it’s pretty low on the list. My garage is detached and not heated and I like it that way for riding. Need to find one of those fans with a remote.
Looking forward to using this thing more now that I have the bugs worked out!
Attachment 313716
Be sure to get the Zwift companion app for your phone. Makes using the power-ups way easier. And you can check upcoming races/events. I got booted out of C class into B, this last stage of tour de Zwift is gonna hurt!
Nice, will do. Good work on getting bumped, hahaha!
As you level up, you can start to spend your drops/fake money on nicer frames and wheels. Around level 10 or 11 I upgraded to a sick Cannondale with Enve wheels. It’s for sure faster than the stock bike.
My setup. I trashed my old road wheel (11sp) and didn't have a spare other than my deep carbons which I'm not putting on a trainer. So now I've got my cross bike (10sp) set up on it which is actually really nice. It's a little more upright. Super comfy.
Attachment 313754
Attachment 313755
I have no pictures, but made the plunge and bought a Tacx Flux S. I'm using Zwift and liking it.
Curiously, though, I have Zwift set for maximum trainer difficulty in settings (it whatever it's called) but cannot notice a difficulty change on my trainer when I hit a hill. I don't have to shift even though the guy on the screen goes a bit slower.
Should my trainer get harder when I hit a hill and require that I downshift?
Seth
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Does the trainer connect via bluetooth during setup? If so, did you do the calibration? Short answer is yes ... it should get noticeably harder when you hit a hill. Even an increase in grade of 1% should be obvious depending on your speed. See the grade in the upper right hand corner.Quote:
Originally Posted by sethschmautz
Yeah for sure you should notice a difference. Try to climb the alpe de Zwift on max setting and your knees will explode! I run mine closer to the lower setting. I’m a high RPM freak. If you don’t have a cadence sensor you should get one. My rides, I average 90 rpms or higher. It doesn’t make you a cheater if you run the setting lower, you just have to spin high rpms to generate watts.
Even just getting in someone’s draft on the flats it gets noticeably easier. I drop around 20-30 watts at the same speed. Do you have a cadence sensor, is Zwift giving you power readings? Something’s fucky for sure.
I have my trainer smack in the middle of the resistance and I’m using the whole cassette.
My first race went pretty good got a new 20 min average of 371 putting me at 351 FTP... which is right at 4.0, bottom end of A class
Next 3 stages race not so good
I got down graded from A class because 20 min average in last 3 races was under 4.0 w'kg so now B... so sad but can still race A for regained glory lol
As sad as it is I was worn out from too much skiing pow and ended up missing my Stage 5 race... gotta check the make up dates. ButtahFlake you figured out ZwiftPOwer.com yet? I guess you did because you got bumped up or do they notify you elsewhere?
I have to say it was noticeable lack of power after skiing all week
IN other news as of last night Im at 99% done in achieving Tron Bike!! Only need 1600' vert and she is mine. Might get it tonight...
Yes, it connects and I've run the calibration. The calibration is a spin down. I'll try to give Tacx a call this week.
Seth
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Go to www.zwiftpower.com and check out the forum there. All things Zwift related might have Tacx answers
Maybe try a separate calibration using the Rouvy app on your phone. Quick and painless.Quote:
Originally Posted by sethschmautz
Yep, I went all in! ZwiftPower and updating my bikes and whatnot. Working towards the tron bike, I have a long way to go. My last race in C was DPG’d. I averaged 3.6 watts per kilo. Not bad for a skinny ass, old guy. Crazy how much harder I’ve been riding indoors than I would by myself, outdoors. I’m expecting to get smoked in B’s, but I’m for sure getting fit doing this.Quote:
Originally Posted by carpathian
Any recommendations for first "C" race to join?Quote:
Originally Posted by buttahflake
Look at the companion app and find a time that works for you. There’s racing all day everyday, but there is also group rides for all the different levels. The group rides are cool because the group leader will put the ‘fence’ up and won’t let it turn off into a race. If you go past the fence, you have one minute to get back behind it or you get booted from the ride. So the leader keeps it a manageable pace. If you do jump into a race, get a good froth going before the start. These things typically start fast as fuck, and a group will go off the front, and then it will mellow out a bit. If you don’t suffer to get into the first group, you won’t see the front of the race again. You should get a log on for Zwift Power and that way you can really geek out on stats and it will let you know when you have moved into another class. It’s addicting
Sorry man. I should have been more specific. I've done dozens of group rides. Love em. I have a Zwiftpower account. I'm a washed up Cat 3 on the road. Was just hoping for a rec on a "C" race that wasn't going to rip my nuts off first time out.Quote:
Originally Posted by buttahflake
I’ve found that they all start fast Try to make that front group and sit in. Only go to the front in the last 300 meters!
graciasQuote:
Originally Posted by buttahflake
Alright ... that sucked. I took your advice and just simply couldn't hold the front group for long. Although I think I got messed up because the race was a mix of A, B and C and I wasn't paying attention to who was in what group. I got my ass kicked, but will be back for more soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by buttahflake
Funny thing is when I actually went and signed up for a B Race for the first time I thought I would place higher then in the A's. But I think the B field is full of A riders who all think they can win it. I got smoked! Guys were hold 5-6 watts up these hills way longer then I could...
The TDZ has been weird this year I think because the fields are so small and race so short. last year the equivalent Group Ride was the race course. Hour to 1.5 efforts whereas these races this year are all 22-30 min gut busters.
So in an A race last year it was fun, I could pull off any where from 50-20th out of 800 or 1000 riders. Race this year there is like 15 people and I'm middle of field. Less exciting, I like the huge pelotons. maybe go check out a TDZ Group ride.
Starting riding this morning with a Rouvy calibration. That seemed to work great, but Zwift was still funky. In fact, noticed that downhills seemed harder than uphills. Figured maybe it was stuck in erg mode, so unpaired and repaired and that seemed to fix it.
Seth
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Great. Let the suffering begin!Quote:
Originally Posted by sethschmautz
I think I asked this before, but are there rides for people recovering from the same surgeries, or just rides for broken people? I obviously won’t be able to hang on the regular rides yet, not sure if I should wait to join when I have more power.
Thoughts?
Edit: I found this, but it doesn’t answer my question about group rides.
https://zwift.com/news/10028-ask-gcn...g-using-zwift/
Group E rides are super mellow. If you chose a flat course, you can probably get by with 100 watts in the draft. Barring that, I would just explore at your own pace where power, cadence, HR are all tracked and recorded so yo can see how you're progressing.Quote:
Originally Posted by rideit
yeah, in the summer most of my Zwifting is super recovery mode trying to spin on legs destroyed from running. I got into a routine there for a couple months when I was never going above 130-140 watts. Lots of miles at 100 watts (despite all of the internet posturing of robust FTP figures lol)
I finally did it after 98 hours of ride time, got the Tron Bike!! It was anticlimactic. For the last month I had been starting at Jungle Route, throwing a U turn and climbing the KOM reverse route just for the vert.
The top of the Bonus climb was empty and lonely. A cold internet wind blew pixelated snow flurries across the road. I hit 50,000 meter mark and a little screen came up- saying I won. There was no one to share my glory. I went to 'my garage' and chose new ride with green wheels. No one was in my bike studio. No one cares at work when I tell them. I showed my wife and she was less then impressed.
I guess I'll bike Italy or California next. (next challenge offered I didn't even know about. It is video game after all)
I have a triathlon in late April so I should keep it up I guess....
Congratulations on the Tron! Have you ridden her yet? Is it noticeably faster?
Not yet, gonna give her a spin tonight. I even gave my avatar a hair cut and new outfit. I just gotta get a haircut in real life now.
So, what kind of average watt outputs are you guys getting on your rides? I am just getting into using my wahoo kickr, (new knee), and I am curious how people are training on average. Currently I can maintain around 125 watts for an hour, is this terrible, or acceptable if I want to join a Zwift ride?
Sorry if this is a dumb question.
What’s your watts to kilogram ratio?
I haven’t messed with that, tbh, the watts were calculated on a stationary at PT, and not the wahoo. I weigh 78 kilos usually.
No worries. The beauty of Zwift is the amount of people using it at any given time. You can just jump in anywhere, Watopia or whatever city is being highlighted that day. And there will be folks riding at all different levels, groups form on the road, there is always someone to chase or drop. It will show what your watts to kilos is and then you can jump into big group rides or races from there.
Make sure you download the Zwift companion app for your phone, it’s the easiest way to use the power-ups, take pictures, adjust camera angles and to find out what events are happening and whatnot.
Rideit, you need to tell Zwift how much you weigh then you can see your w/kg down on the lower right in relation to the other riders around you. Looks like your doing 1.6w/kg based on 125w average.
Like I said I'll do half hour at like 1.3 to 1.5 then then jump 2-2.5 for another 30 min and call it a day. Or just roll at 2 for an hour or if feeling peppy stay above 3 or whatever. I swear some days I'll get on there and 100 watts for 20 minutes feels like plenty. (usually after skiing all day, that shit will wear you out)
Did the group version of the Tour of Innsbruck the other day, mountain top finish. Averaged 3.3 w/kg. I could have gone harder in retrospect, didn’t want to blow up and whatnot. I’m addicted.
Yeah man ... good stuffQuote:
Originally Posted by buttahflake