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I just bought a fluid roller to help me recover from a knee op.
Do any of you have one? Mine's a Qubo Fluid Elite.
What's the best app for training/virtual cycling and how does it work if the front wheel is stationary e.g. how does it back up my (virtual) speed?
All help, as ever, gratefully recieved!
Hi Brian, there's a few options but the way most will work is through a speed sensor attached to your back wheel. You might then need a USB plug-in so that can communicate with the computer, so best to find one with Bluetooth to negate the need for an ANT+ stick- you can find a few options here https://support.zwift.com/en_us/speed-and-or-cadence-sensors-ryZdj7beB . Based off the power curve of your trainer the programme can judge the watts you're putting out using your speed and move you on screen as a result. In terms of programmes, Zwift is very popular and is useful for anything from a pootle to full on competitive racing. They also have training sessions you can use on there if that's your bag. It is like a computer game with full on graphics- other apps like Rouvy and Fulgaz use real video footage so you can ride real routes and roads filmed. Personally I like watching TV or listening to music when using the turbo and just do intervals or whatever whilst doing that which is also an option if you don't want to pay for the other stuff, not to mention there's loads of sessions and stuff on YouTube.
Hi Brian, there's a few options but the way most will work is through a speed sensor attached to your back wheel. You might then need a USB plug-in so that can communicate with the computer, so best to find one with Bluetooth to negate the need for an ANT+ stick- you can find a few options here https://support.zwift.com/en_us/speed-and-or-cadence-sensors-ryZdj7beB . Based off the power curve of your trainer the programme can judge the watts you're putting out using your speed and move you on screen as a result. In terms of programmes, Zwift is very popular and is useful for anything from a pootle to full on competitive racing. They also have training sessions you can use on there if that's your bag. It is like a computer game with full on graphics- other apps like Rouvy and Fulgaz use real video footage so you can ride real routes and roads filmed. Personally I like watching TV or listening to music when using the turbo and just do intervals or whatever whilst doing that which is also an option if you don't want to pay for the other stuff, not to mention there's loads of sessions and stuff on YouTube.
Welcome to the love/hate world of the trainer!
[Post edited 20 Aug 2020 12:00]
That sounds great. Thanks for all the effort in typing that.
I'll do some research on my trainer, but it's a wheel-on trainer.
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Hi Brian, there's a few options but the way most will work is through a speed sensor attached to your back wheel. You might then need a USB plug-in so that can communicate with the computer, so best to find one with Bluetooth to negate the need for an ANT+ stick- you can find a few options here https://support.zwift.com/en_us/speed-and-or-cadence-sensors-ryZdj7beB . Based off the power curve of your trainer the programme can judge the watts you're putting out using your speed and move you on screen as a result. In terms of programmes, Zwift is very popular and is useful for anything from a pootle to full on competitive racing. They also have training sessions you can use on there if that's your bag. It is like a computer game with full on graphics- other apps like Rouvy and Fulgaz use real video footage so you can ride real routes and roads filmed. Personally I like watching TV or listening to music when using the turbo and just do intervals or whatever whilst doing that which is also an option if you don't want to pay for the other stuff, not to mention there's loads of sessions and stuff on YouTube.
Welcome to the love/hate world of the trainer!
[Post edited 20 Aug 2020 12:00]
Timeforheroes,
Ok, I've decided on a Garmin® Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2.
In the Youtube videos I watched they mention that people who use my Elite Qubo wheel-on trainer should also use a Power Meter.
Have you any idea what that is, please?
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
I'd be interested to get your verdict on the roller Brian. Thinking about getting one for the winter, but just to amble on while watching TV. I don't want to disappear down the power metre tunnel.
This is a great youtube channel and should motivate you despite the extreme Californication - even if it's not connected to your power, you can accelerate out of the corners and do a sprint finish etc.
(Edit - I cant get a working YT link; the channel's NorCal cycling, it's ace.)
I'd be interested to get your verdict on the roller Brian. Thinking about getting one for the winter, but just to amble on while watching TV. I don't want to disappear down the power metre tunnel.
This is a great youtube channel and should motivate you despite the extreme Californication - even if it's not connected to your power, you can accelerate out of the corners and do a sprint finish etc.
(Edit - I cant get a working YT link; the channel's NorCal cycling, it's ace.)
[Post edited 20 Aug 2020 14:58]
Cool. I'll let you know once I've given it a few spins.
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Ok, I've decided on a Garmin® Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2.
In the Youtube videos I watched they mention that people who use my Elite Qubo wheel-on trainer should also use a Power Meter.
Have you any idea what that is, please?
A power meter will give Zwift or whichever programme you choose (although I can only speak with authority about Zwift to be honest) more accurate data, however that comes at the cost of a cool £400+.
With your trainer and a speed sensor, you will select Elite Fluid Grey Roller (as per Zwifts instructions here https://support.zwift.com/en_us/pairing-elite-trainers-HJoxNNZer ) when setting up, then using your speed sensor, which I believe (?) has Bluetooth and you can connect that way, it can work your power. It's this calculation, and other variables such as tyre pressure which make a power meter the more accurate option but as I say, they're almost prohibitively expensive. The cadence sensor just tells you how quickly you're turning the pedals so you can use that work on leg speed/make sure you're not putting too much strain on your knees and improving your cycling economy but doesn't come in to Zwifts power calculations.
So no, as I understand it you don't need a power meter but it might make it work a bit smoother.
Fyi zwift also has a subscription fee but I think it has a trial period to see if you like it.
A power meter will give Zwift or whichever programme you choose (although I can only speak with authority about Zwift to be honest) more accurate data, however that comes at the cost of a cool £400+.
With your trainer and a speed sensor, you will select Elite Fluid Grey Roller (as per Zwifts instructions here https://support.zwift.com/en_us/pairing-elite-trainers-HJoxNNZer ) when setting up, then using your speed sensor, which I believe (?) has Bluetooth and you can connect that way, it can work your power. It's this calculation, and other variables such as tyre pressure which make a power meter the more accurate option but as I say, they're almost prohibitively expensive. The cadence sensor just tells you how quickly you're turning the pedals so you can use that work on leg speed/make sure you're not putting too much strain on your knees and improving your cycling economy but doesn't come in to Zwifts power calculations.
So no, as I understand it you don't need a power meter but it might make it work a bit smoother.
Fyi zwift also has a subscription fee but I think it has a trial period to see if you like it.
That’s magic. Thanks again for all that advice.
You’re a superstar.
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Brian it’s worth checking the type of trainer you have. Qubo, like most trainer manufacturers, do entry level trainers on which you can train to Youtube sessions say. But to use Zwift and similar apps you need a ‘smart’ trainer. So I think the Qubo range needs to be the ‘power’ model to qualify as a smart trainer. Smart trainers can work in ergo mode and can change the roller resistance automatically to simulate the uphill/downhill of the course you’re riding. And if you use the app for workouts they can control the roller resistance according to your estimated power output measured in watts. Zwift etc allow you to do something called an FTP test which is supposed to be find the power you can sustain if riding say 45 mins to an hour. Once you’ve done the test (expect it to be tough), the app can then design training programmes for you to work at and ideally improve. These sessions are sometimes called ‘sweet spot’ sessions and can mix up intervals between say 70 percent and 130 percent of your ftp. The cadence sensor is a good idea as you can focus on efficiency instead of grinding low gears and stressing your knees. My old Tacx trainer is about 20 years old and consigned to the loft. But recently my son upgraded his smart trainer so I lay claim to the old one and have been having fun on that. But be warned, an hour session of interval training can be tough with barely any let up and you can find yourself wondering which of your legs, heart or lungs hurt the most. You can also switch off the erg mode on smart trainers and work through the gears as if riding outdoors. Personal choice if to buy a power meter but they’re not essential. My son spent £600 on power meter pedals but he’s much better than me and competes so his investment is easily justified.
Brian it’s worth checking the type of trainer you have. Qubo, like most trainer manufacturers, do entry level trainers on which you can train to Youtube sessions say. But to use Zwift and similar apps you need a ‘smart’ trainer. So I think the Qubo range needs to be the ‘power’ model to qualify as a smart trainer. Smart trainers can work in ergo mode and can change the roller resistance automatically to simulate the uphill/downhill of the course you’re riding. And if you use the app for workouts they can control the roller resistance according to your estimated power output measured in watts. Zwift etc allow you to do something called an FTP test which is supposed to be find the power you can sustain if riding say 45 mins to an hour. Once you’ve done the test (expect it to be tough), the app can then design training programmes for you to work at and ideally improve. These sessions are sometimes called ‘sweet spot’ sessions and can mix up intervals between say 70 percent and 130 percent of your ftp. The cadence sensor is a good idea as you can focus on efficiency instead of grinding low gears and stressing your knees. My old Tacx trainer is about 20 years old and consigned to the loft. But recently my son upgraded his smart trainer so I lay claim to the old one and have been having fun on that. But be warned, an hour session of interval training can be tough with barely any let up and you can find yourself wondering which of your legs, heart or lungs hurt the most. You can also switch off the erg mode on smart trainers and work through the gears as if riding outdoors. Personal choice if to buy a power meter but they’re not essential. My son spent £600 on power meter pedals but he’s much better than me and competes so his investment is easily justified.
Ok, hove, thanks a million for that.
I don't know enough just know but you've given me all the info i need to find out.
Much appreciated.
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Brian it’s worth checking the type of trainer you have. Qubo, like most trainer manufacturers, do entry level trainers on which you can train to Youtube sessions say. But to use Zwift and similar apps you need a ‘smart’ trainer. So I think the Qubo range needs to be the ‘power’ model to qualify as a smart trainer. Smart trainers can work in ergo mode and can change the roller resistance automatically to simulate the uphill/downhill of the course you’re riding. And if you use the app for workouts they can control the roller resistance according to your estimated power output measured in watts. Zwift etc allow you to do something called an FTP test which is supposed to be find the power you can sustain if riding say 45 mins to an hour. Once you’ve done the test (expect it to be tough), the app can then design training programmes for you to work at and ideally improve. These sessions are sometimes called ‘sweet spot’ sessions and can mix up intervals between say 70 percent and 130 percent of your ftp. The cadence sensor is a good idea as you can focus on efficiency instead of grinding low gears and stressing your knees. My old Tacx trainer is about 20 years old and consigned to the loft. But recently my son upgraded his smart trainer so I lay claim to the old one and have been having fun on that. But be warned, an hour session of interval training can be tough with barely any let up and you can find yourself wondering which of your legs, heart or lungs hurt the most. You can also switch off the erg mode on smart trainers and work through the gears as if riding outdoors. Personal choice if to buy a power meter but they’re not essential. My son spent £600 on power meter pedals but he’s much better than me and competes so his investment is easily justified.
Hove you're right, a smart trainer will give you a fuller Zwift experience and change the resistance so consider that Brian, however you can use 'dumb' trainers with Zwift and a speed sensor as long as you can find them on here https://zwift.com/hardware?utm_source=ericschlange&utm_campaign=zwift_cycling_af . I can see the Qubo on there under the 'elite' trainers, worth looking for yours too Hove on the off chance- mine is quite dated but also supported with the speed sensor power calculation.
As Hove says not quite the same (you won't slow down when the virtual road goes uphill but your speed on screen will so you have to use your gears etc to go faster) but it is still an engaging experience.
The trainer I got off my son is a Bkool Smart Pro. He was going to flog it so I laid claim instead! It does the job and the way it changes roller resistance is great. I've managed to spin the back tyre a bit but reduced that with higher tyre pressures. Having used smart and non-smart trainers, if you can afford the price difference, then smart is the way to go.
Something to bear in mind. A slight downside/inconvenience of wheel mounted trainers is you'll wear your back tyre. The tyre will become polished after a while and may even shred some rubber. So it can, potentially, affect grip when you venture out in the wet if using the same wheel and tyre for both riding and indoor training. Some people buy a cheap wheel and tyre and fit it for indoor training and then switch back for outdoor rides. But that's a bit inconvenient. I've been a bit lucky because I've found a use for my 20 year old bike by sticking it on the trainer and saving my good bike for actual rides.
"Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1."
Hi guys, I bought a Planet X road bike early in lock down and am loving cycling again after twenty years or so. You’ve inspired me to get onto Zwift. Any advice on whether the entry level Wahoo Snap trainer is ok? It’s a fair jump in cost to the Kickr models. I expect I’ll use it often, maybe with a second hand bike from eBay, so I can keep the Planet X for outdoor use when it’s dry.
I just bought a fluid roller to help me recover from a knee op.
Do any of you have one? Mine's a Qubo Fluid Elite.
What's the best app for training/virtual cycling and how does it work if the front wheel is stationary e.g. how does it back up my (virtual) speed?
All help, as ever, gratefully recieved!
If you fancy virtual racing, try RGT. We at Westerley CC (West London club) run virtual races on Wednesday evenings on RGT and attract riders from all over the world. It's two or three Wednesdays a month. Check our website for details. https://www.westerley.cc/virtual-online-rides-races/
Hi guys, I bought a Planet X road bike early in lock down and am loving cycling again after twenty years or so. You’ve inspired me to get onto Zwift. Any advice on whether the entry level Wahoo Snap trainer is ok? It’s a fair jump in cost to the Kickr models. I expect I’ll use it often, maybe with a second hand bike from eBay, so I can keep the Planet X for outdoor use when it’s dry.
Sounds good Silver and listed as an option for Zwift on their own website https://zwift.com/uk/shop/product/wahoo-snap-smart-trainer . I reckon Zwift will come into its own during the autumn/winter and having a smart trainer which gives the changes in resistance etc will make it that bit better, though it might also be worth considering spending the same money on a power meter for your Planet X, a spare wheel so as not to wear out your outside tyre and a more basic trainer. Whilst you won't get the resistance changes, having a power meter on your outside bike means you can better monitor your training outside and do more specific efforts outside as well as on Zwift (if you're into that sort of thing!). But then again the Snap looks like a really cool piece of kit so maybe ignore that- the problem with cycling is that the bike industry have come up with so many different ways to take our money! I only say this because I've been toying with the idea of a power meter for years but don't mean to overcomplicate things for you!
Thanks, TimeFH. Really useful input. I’ll go for the Snap, I think. I find I’m motivated by a bit of competition and it’s the racing on Zwift I’m attracted to, rather than a measure of the power I’m producing while cycling outside. Improving times on my favourite routes and weight loss are good feedback on how I’m doing.
On Zwift, if you explore the workouts you can do an FTP test and you will get an estimated sustainable power output and the programme can then design workouts around this. So, even without a power meter you can do training sessions based around estimated power output in watts. During the sessions you can use up and down arrows to either lessen or increase the demands of the session. I'm fairly new to this but from a training perspective and having done 1 hour and 1.5 sweetspot training sessions, I'm reasonably happy my 'estimated' power was in the right ball park. And after a few weeks of this my average outdoor speed went up. So, even if the estimated power output on Zwift isn't exact and you feel the structured training sessions are suitably demanding rather than too easy, then your cycling should improve. The sweetspot training sessions are also designed to make best use of your time and the load demand is supposed to be such that it makes you work but leaves you ready to train the next day. That said, I don't really trust the speed estimates on Zwift and suspect they are more an overestimate. Also, my GP is also a cyclist and had a quick chat with him. He likes and also uses Zwift but not for the workouts and reckons for that side of things other apps like Sufferfest and Trainerroad are worth a look.
Plus, if you want a review on bike trainers or any other bike, swim and running tech you can get detailed impartial reviews at DC Rainmaker who is a tech savvy triathlete.
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