Team BKool CycleChat

[GarethT]

Is there a way to calibrate the bkool trainer ? I've just used my replacement trainer and the power readings are quite a lot lower than I would have expect, I do ride with a powertap hub on my road bike so I know my numbers approximately. Never noticed my power being massively out on my old trainer but this new UK edition seems very low on power numbers.

Nope. It's very much completely plug and play I'm afraid. If we could calibrate it, or it had a roll down, it'd cost considerably more.

Use the powertap for a number of sessions to compare against the Bkool. Make sure your tyre is the same psi, and bring the turbo into the room you'll be riding in at least 30 mins before to reduce temperature compensation/drift. If it's out by the same watts, at least it is repeatable and consistent. If you use it primarily for the VR, you may want to take it up with Support.

 

[Monte]

Nope. It's very much completely plug and play I'm afraid. If we could calibrate it, or it had a roll down, it'd cost considerably more.

Use the powertap for a number of sessions to compare against the Bkool. Make sure your tyre is the same psi, and bring the turbo into the room you'll be riding in at least 30 mins before to reduce temperature compensation/drift. If it's out by the same watts, at least it is repeatable and consistent. If you use it primarily for the VR, you may want to take it up with Support.

As this is my 2nd unit (replacement) I know that the reduced output = I'm slower when competing with anyone. If this can't be calibrated it would mean I can still use the trainer for my training but not for any online races.

 

[Vertego]

Personally, now that I'm knocking on a bit I'm not too bothered about competing with anyone other than myself. So as long as the BKOOL gives (reasonably) consistent results, I'm happy(ish).

 

[RickB]

As this is my 2nd unit (replacement) I know that the reduced output = I'm slower when competing with anyone. If this can't be calibrated it would mean I can still use the trainer for my training but not for any online races.

Have bkool gave you any feedback about this Monte? Pretty disappointing to know you're down on power.

 

[IrishAl]

Anyone keep getting the "our chain has come off message" on the bkool site when trying to set up / edit a programmed session?

 

[Monte]

Have bkool gave you any feedback about this Monte? Pretty disappointing to know you're down on power.

Rick, I struggled to hold 200 watts on the new replacement trainer, when I stood up and kicked I saw 300-350 but could only hold it for a few minutes... (if that)

I really enjoy the bkool when it all works, marvellous piece of kit but I just don't have any confidence in the company/products. Fingers crossed BKOOL will have an explanation, I am thinking about I wonder if I should set up another profile, what does anyone else think ? the trainer runs quiet & smooth and feels about right with regards resistance etc... just the power numbers are incorrect.

 

[Randyberlin]

Rick, I struggled to hold 200 watts on the

Rick, I struggled to hold 200 watts on the new replacement trainer, when I stood up and kicked I saw 300-350 but could only hold it for a few minutes... (if that)

I really enjoy the bkool when it all works, marvellous piece of kit but I just don't have any confidence in the company/products. Fingers crossed BKOOL will have an explanation, I am thinking about I wonder if I should set up another profile, what does anyone else think ? the trainer runs quiet & smooth and feels about right with regards resistance etc... just the power numbers are incorrect.

I think the last upgrade tweaked the algorithms for us heavier riders. I used to really struggle to generate watts on level but it seems higher now. Also I don't seem to get as many going uphill. And the numbers jump around much more. It bounces between 230 and 300 with not much change in effort. Or I'm looking for an excuse.... I was active 2 before the upgrade but now am amateur 10. I may try a FTP test this weekend.

 

[Monte]

That would make sense as the trainer feels good, loads better than my original trainer. I have emailed BKOOL, let's hope they are already aware of the problem.

 

[theboxers]

Well that's gone and done it. I have just resubscribed for another year .

Can't get out of doing the T100(ish) climbs now

 

[Ryan lawman]

well ive done some big races this year up to 180 km and climbing over 4000 meter . But These short top 100ish climbs take it out of me ..can not compete with some of you . Keep up the good work guys ..

 

[g00se]

Rick, I struggled to hold 200 watts on the new replacement trainer, when I stood up and kicked I saw 300-350 but could only hold it for a few minutes... (if that)

I really enjoy the bkool when it all works, marvellous piece of kit but I just don't have any confidence in the company/products. Fingers crossed BKOOL will have an explanation, I am thinking about I wonder if I should set up another profile, what does anyone else think ? the trainer runs quiet & smooth and feels about right with regards resistance etc... just the power numbers are incorrect.

Hi,

Just a thought, have you tried the new trainer with Zwift? It's still free for a week or two and I've found power in Zwift very similar to the Bkool sim. If that's off there too, then it would suggest the unit. If that's Ok, then it's something to do with your account.

 

[kipster]

As this is my 2nd unit (replacement) I know that the reduced output = I'm slower when competing with anyone. If this can't be calibrated it would mean I can still use the trainer for my training but not for any online races.

Monte,

When I was having problems with mine Bkool connected to my PC and put some software on it that allowed them to update the trainer, but it also had some test / calibration stuff I think (it was a while back). So they might be able to do something. If not, I've still got the software and can share it with you, all at your own risk.

 

[borchgrevink]

Cadence is definitely off, but funny enough only when lower than approximately 70. Seems like it then only register every second push. The app on Android and the Bsim on PC both register the same. 35 rpm on screen in more like 70 when doing a real count. Over this it seems accurate.

Suggestions?

 

[bobinski]

Monte, have you compared bkool and powertap using the same bike in the trainer? Not vey well put but wasn't clear to me you had.
I can say bkool registers lower consistent speeds and power than I generate on the road. The difference is not great but taking a flat road as an example I can see a difference. No way of checking aaccuracy on gradients but my unit seems accurate enough knowing my speed and power when in Alps this summer.
Bkool must be able to log into your unit and assess accuracy if it is clearly generating lower numbers.

 

[Ryan lawman]

Gareth that's some time you have on alp'd heuz . Just challenged you and in the second half you came from over 1 min behind and put 2 min on me