Zwift, TR, Sufferfest etc

[VTskibum]

That’s on my specifically built, indoor trainer only, Di2 equipped Specialized.
I have 9100 and 9000 on my other 2 outdoor bikes. I didn’t have a 3rd pair of DA pedals for indoor only use.
Is that flexy enough?

That is a pretty good flex... ah I just use my plebe gear for Zwift.

Dragging jumping into one of those Haute Route rides today or doing something like a Pretzel since it’s raining and skied 5 hrs last night w kids


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[smartyiak]

BLUE? Sure!
Attachment 364945

That is a solid shoe lineup, sir!


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[jamal]

Did stage 1 of haute route yesterday, it was hard. Not really looking forward to stage 2 today.

[Flounder]

You actually can turn off group chat and turn off notifications for private messages.

Yep. I had done that on mine but forgot when I set her up.

[forty]

officially joined the smart crew last week
been on a dumb trainer for ~3 years doing mellow spins nightly for injury rehab and beer justification
think im ready to ramp it up a notch just need to make sure my knee agrees with the decision

the setup:
kickr snap
trainer tire
zwift on ipad
companion app on phone
fan with remote
tv with roku for bike/ski porn
beer
cbd lotion
meds


got a better table on backorder to get ipad into good position

some initial q's:
do i want a hr monitor?
do i want a cadence sensor?
whats the workflow for doing a workout then doing a route after? do i have to end ride and start a new one? thats obnoxious...
zwift seems very poorly thought out as an app, am i missing things or is it really that bad?
wtf does "bias" adjustment mean?

so far havent gotten into the social aspect, i like to throw on a workout routine and set it on erg mode then just space out while watching youtube and let the computer tell me what to do

usually pedal 6-8ish in eve on west coast so not aligned with tgr rides but will try to make it sometime, i tried to find the route you guys do to give it a test run but couldnt figure it out in zwift

skimmed most of the thread but anything else i should know about to get started?

[Dee Hubbs]

-You don’t need a heart rate monitor. $80. Some people like to use it to monitor how hard their trading session is. If you’re going to do any official races, you will need a HR monitor for your results to be official. They use your HR vs power a measure by to make sure you’re not cheating.
-cadence sensor, $30, you don’t need one, but some workouts are cadence based.
- You can choose any route to do your work out to, and when you’re done your workout you are just left freeriding in that world/route. No need to restart after a workout.
-the app has some quirks to it, it just takes some time to understand the best way to navigate everything. But yes some things seem very backwards.
- bias allows you to adjust the difficulty of your work out. If your FTP is 400 and the work out wants you do 10 minutes at 75% (300 watts) you can decrease the “Bias” to make that 10 minute session easier to 250 watts or harder to 350 watts. Because in erg mode you can’t just pedal easier, because erg set your power to that determined 300 watts. If your struggling to finish a specific session in the work out, “bias -“ let’s you grind it out.
- TGR rides are Tues 5pst and Thurs 3pst. Follow Dee Hubbs on Zwift and I’ll invite you to the rides, and join if you can make it.
- we ride 3 laps of the Innsbruckring in the Innsbruck World. Everyday Watopia is available plus 2 other guest worlds. There are 7 guest worlds, so you’ll see Innsbruck approximately ever 3 days.

[forty]

thanks good info
think i followed on zwift, mostly dig barely ride is me

so if i choose route, then choose workout, then hit ride, will it give me route badges while i do workouts?
is there any way to see the popup messages after they disappear? i miss route completion notices and its annoying...

i think i will want a hr monitor at some point, have a fitbit ive used for running and interval timing but it cant push data in real time

never used cadence before, saw the scosche hr monitor also does cadence, cant find much in way of reviews of the feature for cycling though... the tickr fit seems like prob best option

a q on technique
do you guys actually enjoy shifting?
i find it a pita, just like in real life
is this due to my old school downtube shifters? are fingertip shifters that much better?
or do i just not like shifting?
i hate it on mtb as well and avoid it if at all possible, but my knee doesnt let me do this like i used to so i need to learn to shift and spin more

[rideit]

Ok, so Tuesdays and Thursday’s are out for me, but I have been getting into it, figuring it out, and really enjoying this thing. Simple questions for now, my FTP has been steadily improving, but I have never taken the FTP ‘test’. Is that function easy to find in the app or on the companion?
How do I see my FTP on those without doing a workout or a route?
Also, if I soft pedal a route (keeping my watts at a 150 average, for example) will my FTP trend downward?
I’m about to start a ride, and am hoping to keep it off the ftp calculation, is that possible, or is it cumulative with every ride?
Cheers!
Once again, if anyone would like to do something on a Monday or Wednesday, chime in!

[bennymac]

Someone else on here recommended the armband heart rate monitor - gotta say I’m a fan. Easy to take on and off and doesn’t require wetting it with water to function. Small luxuries sure but for $20-$30 more I think it’s worth it.

After your ride is over you can view the “stats” for it in the companion app and it will show you there any badges or routes you earned on that ride. Plus your power, cadence, heart rate, some info on zones etc.

One thing I dislike about zwift is that I find I have to be going to a handful of different sites/services to maximize my personal enjoyment of it.

Zwift power for data and results
Zwift hub for keeping track of routes done and still to do
Zwift insider for news
Strava for more data (don’t have paid subscription so missing the deeper dive into data)

(It’s of course not essential to visit those sites)

More experienced users can chime in with better advice to these questions

[VTskibum]

...
is this due to my old school downtube shifters? are fingertip shifters that much better?

Good god YES!!!

Also since I skipped skiing today, decided to knock off one of the tougher Routes, Quatch Quest and completely cracked! Normally woulda just pulled the plug but 2/3 up Alp after committing 1:15 decided to hop off and try to get something to recover. Ate a cookie, few of my kids chik Fil a nuggets, and a banana. Still no real recovery once you’re that far gone, but that was easily my slowest Alp going from 3.6w/kg for first few turns and finishing somewhere around 1.6w/kg. Figure I’ve been doing this long enough to know better, but a PBJ an hour before the rideable just water during doesn’t cut it for ~5500ft vert.

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[Dee Hubbs]

think i followed on zwift, mostly dig barely ride is me

Got it, you're on the invite list.

so if i choose route, then choose workout, then hit ride, will it give me route badges while i do workouts?
is there any way to see the popup messages after they disappear? i miss route completion notices and its annoying...

Not in ride, only after your ride. I track all my badges at zwifthub.com. It does not link directly to Zwift, you have to manually click your achievements, but I go there and see I want to ride the2015 UCI Worlds Course, I can see the course profile, and know that its 16.2km long ride with a 0.5km lead in. That way I know if my work out ends at 14kms I know I need to ride 2.7 more kms to ensure I get the route badge.

i think i will want a hr monitor at some point, have a fitbit ive used for running and interval timing but it cant push data in real time
never used cadence before, saw the scosche hr monitor also does cadence, cant find much in way of reviews of the feature for cycling though... the tickr fit seems like prob best option

The Scosche Rhythm 24 is a good optical HR arm band and has a cadence sensor feature. It has good reviews.

a q on technique
do you guys actually enjoy shifting?
i find it a pita, just like in real life
is this due to my old school downtube shifters? are fingertip shifters that much better?
or do i just not like shifting?
i hate it on mtb as well and avoid it if at all possible, but my knee doesnt let me do this like i used to so i need to learn to shift and spin more

In the TGR 45 minute, 3 lap ride I probably shift 180 to 225. I can track it with my di2 shifting, but I dont have that sensor/stat hooked up right now.
But if you don't want to shift very ofter, you can change your "trainer difficulty" down. This is in the settings menu. Basically the smart trainer add resistance when you go up hill, (thus needing to shift) but if you reduce the trainer difficulty lower, you wont feel the hills as much, and not need to shift as often. You still are working just as hard, still need the same watts to propel you up the hill, it just wont make the resistance as hard on your trainer.

[Dee Hubbs]

FTP:
Zwift automatically tests your FTP on every ride, prompting you if an increase is detected. Your FTP value is calculated at the end of your ride as 95% of your highest 20-minute average power.
Example: if your FTP is set to 270 watts, and you averaged 307 watts for 20 minutes in a Zwift race, the game would prompt you with the when you finished your ride: FTP Increase detected, You went from 270w to 292w (95% of your 20minute 307w)

Your FTP is not something that is listed on your ride stats. It's kinda a measurement that is there in the background. Your FTP score is like saying you can do a marathon in 4:30. So when you do an easy run, it does not effect your marathon time. So your FTP wont go down from easy rides. Its not a cumulative average, its a "your best power", and its most easily calculated by taking your best 20 minute time and multiplying it by 95%.
The easiest (less painful) FTP Test, and best for less skilled rider is the Zwift FTP Ramp Test. Basically every minute the ERG mode on your trainer increases by 20w, until you cant pedal any longer. This can be found in the WorkOut tab.

I think I hit all your questions.

[evasive_MT]

Percussion massages are incredible. Without a doubt helps my legs feel better the next day.

With that said, you guys are monsters. I'm good for an hour on Zwift. Tops.
Super Impressive.

About the same. I can ride my MTB all day, but Zwift runs the clock faster. I think I need to adjust my saddle for the trainer.

[rideit]

Thanks Dee, that was a great explanation. Aleviates the pressure to just give'r when you get passed by the honchos when that's not the goal of the ride. I have started to tune out the other riders a bit, though.

[buttahflake]

Ramp test sucks beyond belief. If you want to check your FTP and maybe get a boost, jump into a Crit City race, I prefer the downtown dolphin, direction. Races are usually just over 20 minutes at just under full gas, if you haven’t raced on Zwift, you should give it a go, it’s a blast. Maybe start in a (D) race just to get a feel for it. Make sure you are stomping on it 3 seconds before the gun, and try to get in the front group.

[Dee Hubbs]

Thanks Dee, that was a great explanation. Aleviates the pressure to just give'r when you get passed by the honchos when that's not the goal of the ride. I have started to tune out the other riders a bit, though.

Ramp test sucks beyond belief.

The FTP Ramp test really does suck. I haven't done one is a long while. maybe I'll do one tomorrow morning.

[XtrPickels]

Ramp test sucks beyond belief. If you want to check your FTP and maybe get a boost, jump into a Crit City race, I prefer the downtown dolphin, direction. Races are usually just over 20 minutes at just under full gas, if you haven’t raced on Zwift, you should give it a go, it’s a blast. Maybe start in a (D) race just to get a feel for it. Make sure you are stomping on it 3 seconds before the gun, and try to get in the front group.

The 20 to 30 minute crits are nice. They're hard enough and short enough that you're engaged the whole way.

Basically every lap for me goes like this:
Should I attack. No, next lap.
Next lap, should I attack? No, next lap.
Next lap, Should I attack? No, next lap....

In all seriousness, Zwift racing has a lot of tactics, but is really fun and pushes me deeper than i can go solo in workouts.

1. Most solo attacks do not stay away. I've seen a couple survive, I've never been able to do it myself.

2. There will be surges that split groups. If you want to be competitive, you must be aware of when they might happen and be ready when they do. If you need to go deep to stay with the group, then do it. You're better off in the draft than spit out the back.

3. Pay Attention to the lap, find the difficult sections. This is where people will attack. Be ready and be proactive. It's better to lead into these sections, ride steady, and drift back in the group a bit as people surge so that you don't have to surge. However, don't relax to the point that you get separated out of the group.

4. Spend as much time as you can protected in the group. Learn how your avatar reacts and how long it takes. Learn how to give just enough power to stay in a draft. Learn the cues of your rider (and your competitors), sitting up means you're in the draft. Dropping lower on the bars means you're out of the draft. Avatars stand when Cadence is below 70rpm (maybe a good time to surge if your competitor is doing it) or when 2x FTP.

5. Be ready for the start to be hard for a minute. Be spun up to threshold / slightly above BEFORE the count down stops. However, don't be concerned about being on the front of the group.

6. In mixed class starts, it's helpful to get in with a faster group immediately. Draft off them and let them pull you away from your direct competitors.

7. Many Zwift races end in a sprint. Learn how to sprint. Use your knowledge of the course to determine when to go. Don't go first, draft someone else, but when you do go, go all in and don't stop until the line. Remember to shift and when your legs are jelly, a slightly harder gear is better than a slightly easier gear.

8. If there are intermediate sprints, follow the people sprinting and draft off them. When they dial it back, keep the gas on. This is a great way to split the field. All it takes is another minute or two of effort and 70% of the field will be gone from behind you.

[dan_pdx]

a q on technique
do you guys actually enjoy shifting?
i find it a pita, just like in real life
is this due to my old school downtube shifters? are fingertip shifters that much better?
or do i just not like shifting?
i hate it on mtb as well and avoid it if at all possible, but my knee doesnt let me do this like i used to so i need to learn to shift and spin more

Downtube shifting vs. fingertip shifting is like the difference between having a remote for your TV and getting up every time you want to change the channel or adjust the volume. You lose a little bit of time getting down to your downtube shifters vs. fingertip, and it will make a difference when you're trying to stay with an attack.

[jamal]

Did all the haute route stages, think I'm sick of epic kom for awhile. Completely blew up on adz today, but saw that coming after doing like a best 20min and staying with the lead group to the bottom.

[huckbucket]

Did all the haute route stages, think I'm sick of epic kom for awhile. Completely blew up on adz today, but saw that coming after doing like a best 20min and staying with the lead group to the bottom.

Nice job man.

Been nice enough to be outside around here so its been good to not sit on a trainer.

[rideit]

Does anyone know if you can set your wahoo kickr (or Zwift?) to operate within a window of watts? Interested in doing 1 hour of zone one (say, 125-150 watts or something) with it changing your resistance if it goes over or under.
I searched, but couldn’t find anything definitive or explanatory.
Thanks.

[Dee Hubbs]

ERG mode does this. Not a range, but it will vary around +/-10w.
Set the Zwift ERG settings for 150w and just pedal away. No shifting, no uphill changes.

[rideit]

Got it, I haven’t messed with that. Is it in workouts, or where do you go first?
Sorry for the dumb q’s

[Dee Hubbs]

Ventoux Bagde
Don’t need to do that one again any time soon.

Fawk, that’s just too long to be on a trainer.
Why didn’t I just go skiing today?

[bennymac]

Ventoux Bagde
Don’t need to do that one again any time soon.

Fawk, that’s just too long to be on a trainer.
Why didn’t I just go skiing today?

Nice work.