Team BKool CycleChat

[GuySJ]

Normally, I don't have time for a perfect warm up, but not so for this race. I did a warm up close to what I would do for a real-world time trial. 1/2 an hour in the velodrome, slowly working my way through the zones, and some high intensity intervals in there as well, but still being careful not to build up too much lactate.

I also used a tire and tube I would normally use for time trial, but pumped up a bit higher: Conti GP 4000 S, Michelin latex tubes, 130 psi. Even brought an extra bottle of water and a power gel, just in case .

I also caught myself trying to go into a more aerodynamic position when I had to catch Bill on his breakaways .

You are lucky to find a velodrome near all your time trial courses to do a quick half hour warm up!

 

[LBHIFI]

You are lucky to find a velodrome near all your time trial courses to do a quick half hour warm up!

That is where this beauty comes in handy http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-satori-smart-trainer/
A relatively cheaper and much more practical solution. Connect it to your smartphone and you can monitor all the same values.

 

[BILL S]

I'm guessing from the reply that it does, is it the trainer equivalent of epo wasn't casting any aspersions just wanted to know

I think in reality the amount to be gained using optimisation techniques like high tyre pressure is worthwhile but fairly minimal once the tyre pressure gets past a certain amount. After 100psi I think tyre make and width are more important. I look at it like I do in any sport that I have partaken and that is to be well prepared and make sure I'm not disadvantaged in the results by poor setup or equipment.
Rather than the use of epo, I liken the high tyre pressure to using aerodynamic helmets/wheels in time trials or lightweight bicycles in a road race, but in the case of bkool racing the cost of the extra air is precisely zero, so almost daft not to.
It might be worth a try to email bkool and ask them to connect to your trainer because you'd like it re-calibrated to run 150psi in your tyre ,but as with many requests they get, they may be a little confused by it.
But in summary, there are advantages to be had and I will take what I can get short of putting an electric bike on the trainer. Some (not here at a guess) are probably on £200 Halfords bikes and they are likely to be at the back in any race.
Just saying, that's all I know you're just funning with me

 

[Neilsmith]

I think in reality the amount to be gained using optimisation techniques like high tyre pressure is worthwhile but fairly minimal once the tyre pressure gets past a certain amount. After 100psi I think tyre make and width are more important. I look at it like I do in any sport that I have partaken and that is to be well prepared and make sure I'm not disadvantaged in the results by poor setup or equipment.
Rather than the use of epo, I liken the high tyre pressure to using aerodynamic helmets/wheels in time trials or lightweight bicycles in a road race, but in the case of bkool racing the cost of the extra air is precisely zero, so almost daft not to.
It might be worth a try to email bkool and ask them to connect to your trainer because you'd like it re-calibrated to run 150psi in your tyre ,but as with many requests they get, they may be a little confused by it.
But in summary, there are advantages to be had and I will take what I can get short of putting an electric bike on the trainer. Some (not here at a guess) are probably on £200 Halfords bikes and they are likely to be at the back in any race.
Just saying, that's all I know you're just funning with me

It is all good fun and I treat the trainers as a game that makes the indoor training / riding more fun. It was great fun to watch last night and I can't wait to join in. I will resist getting my electric bike out of the shed

 

[theboxers]

I'm sure 110/120 psi would be fine. I never let air out though, just top ups.

I ride @120psi on my refuse 28 (max recomended). The decathlon trainer tyre will take up to 140psi. I do it to reduce deformation of the tyre round the roller and so reducing the contact patch.

 

[RickB]

But in summary, there are advantages to be had and I will take what I can get short of putting an electric bike on the trainer. Some (not here at a guess) are probably on £200 Halfords bikes and they are likely to be at the back in any race.
Just saying, that's all I know you're just funning with me

Wonder does bike make much difference? I'm running an old racer (Commencal Colt) with a wobble in the crank due to a knackered BB. It does have sticky 23 width tyres though that seem to work well (pumped to the obligatory 120PSI )

 

[Baldo Mero]

Morning greasy cycling aficionados,
Hope you all to be well and thriving?
Just a footnote to the changing last night from the tacx vortex perspective.
As enjoyable as It was if you are a competitive sprinkler like me you need an evening playing field. The lack of any assistance, whether physical or spiritual on the down hills really took the fun away once I realised the ridiculous rubber banding in effect. I do love the system, though from now on I think I will just ride uphills or flats. Saw the apparent answer from our eec chums at bkool saying this wasn't a feature available to vortex owners? I realise it is not powered but it's quite obvious they have misunderstood the question or have no interest in attracting rival trainers to their system?
The basic bkool model, the very basic one uses speed and cadence sensors, has no powered roller effect. How does this one work with their software?
Zwift, despite my computer being a little impotent sorts this out well and I feel if bkool show no interest, once I have completed the 100 hills I may have to cancel my bkool subscription and go to the enemy. New pc first.
Love to all.
Lars P Engstrum

Feel your pain Lars...

 

[Monte]

Feel your pain Lars...

I have a very balanced approach about the Tacx Vortex trainers v BKOOL trainers, a good friend of mine who hasn't been cycling very long and would very comfortably admit that he is nowhere near as strong as me with cycling has recently purchased a Tacx Vortex and took on a route that I have done recently and beat me comfortably. When I looked at the ride stats he generated more speed with about 80 watts less and he is very similar weight to me.

I sent a screen shot of both my ride stats & his ride stats using a Tacx and BKOOL were not interested or understand what I was saying - I replied saying if I was a software company I would be very grateful of some FREE feedback.

 

[Neilsmith]

I have a very balanced approach about the Tacx Vortex trainers v BKOOL trainers, a good friend of mine who hasn't been cycling very long and would very comfortably admit that he is nowhere near as strong as me with cycling has recently purchased a Tacx Vortex and took on a route that I have done recently and beat me comfortably. When I looked at the ride stats he generated more speed with about 80 watts less and he is very similar weight to me.

I sent a screen shot of both my ride stats & his ride stats using a Tacx and BKOOL were not interested or understand what I was saying - I replied saying if I was a software company I would be very grateful of some FREE feedback.

Could you see where the major gains were? uphill or flat or was it both? I think the vortex is maximum 7% simulated gradient so I would have thought that would be an advantage on climbing above 7%

 

[Neilsmith]

Did a first chain gang ride for practice today, my longest ride to date with the injury 20km I can keep a reasonable pace up on the flat without having to push on the right leg, hills are a nightmare though as you tire. And I have to buy a fan that lack of wind resistance to cool you down is a killer

 

[Lars_engstrum]

I think at the moment equality island very difficult concept in the expanding world of the smart trainer. At least in the land of bkool. I think it probably does swing either way as far as distinct advantage goes. Seems a shame that the obvious disparity does exist.
In my opinion and admittedly limited experience, one week ownership. Zwift is far more equal between brands and it seems a shame that bkool cannot implement a change within their software to close the gap so to speak.
Love it anyway, when spring comes you better watch out Sussex cyclists I am breeding a monster in here.
Regards,
Lars P Engstrum

 

[Neilsmith]

I think at the moment equality island very difficult concept in the expanding world of the smart trainer. At least in the land of bkool. I think it probably does swing either way as far as distinct advantage goes. Seems a shame that the obvious disparity does exist.
In my opinion and admittedly limited experience, one week ownership. Zwift is far more equal between brands and it seems a shame that bkool cannot implement a change within their software to close the gap so to speak.
Love it anyway, when spring comes you better watch out Sussex cyclists I am breeding a monster in here.
Regards,
Lars P Engstrum

I hear that Zwift software does a better job at coping with different trainers, probably because software is there big thing

 

[theboxers]

I hear that Zwift software does a better job at coping with different trainers, probably because software is there big thing

I have not used zwift, yet. But I have a couple of quetions. What is the maximum grade up or down on zwift? Could they be handling the trainers better due to lower resistances being needed?

As for the downhill issue, I feel that is just reluctance to put in the work to get the balance correct.

I ride mine at more or less max resistance at anything over 5.5% due to the mamoth I carry on my back.

 

[tpb1]

I have just purchased BKool Pro. Eagerly awaiting delivery

 

[LBHIFI]

Hmm, did I miss something or is Bill not the winner of Oct/Nov 2015 Cyclechat Chaingang series?