Team BKool CycleChat

[jiberjaber]

I noticed something similar on the last one I did, they were all at similar altitude, so I just used as few a points I needed to get the line of the road and deleted all the ones inbetween... saved loads of time, I think it just sets the distance between the scrolling % climb bar on the video?

 

[Paulf1566]

Thank you for the replies. Although Jiberjaber, not sure I understand most of yours! I am a complete numpty with these sort of things. I am using a GoPro, so will give it a try.

 

[Asa Post]

I thought I'd compare the Bkool's power figures with my Powertap, using today's ride as the source. I exported the Bkool file to Golden Cheetah, noted the figures, and deleted the file. Then I uploaded the Garmin file, which includes the Powertap data, to Golden Cheetah and noted those figures.

Time Bkool Powertap
5 secs 226 231
10 secs 208 226
20 secs 204 223
30 secs 197 213
1 min 191 187
2 mins 176 176
3 mins 167 171
5 mins 166 168
8 mins 161 163
20 mins 152 158
30 mins 149 152
60 mins 147 151

[I can't format in columns here, but you get the idea].
There's no guarantee that the Powertap is accurate, of course, but it looks like the Bkool is undercalculating for times up to a minute, and is then pretty good.
​

 

[Glovepup]

The Pro model claims to have a cadence sensor built in. When I asked the rep how they could possibly determine cadence from wheel speed without knowing gear selection/ratios, he gave me the "ask the engineers" answer (I'm an engineer...). I also asked if the software could integrate with an actual Cadence sensor and he told me it couldn't with the pro. I'd like to find out otherwise on that one.

Thanks for the info. Will try to find out and let you know what I find.

 

[Glovepup]

That's correct, when mine turned up, I didn't check initially as the bike I put on the turbo had a cadence sensor already on it, a day or so later, I thought, hmmm... don't remember seeing one in the box. So looked on the website and it doesn't come with one. Also, there isn't a USB port for trainer upgrades, so no idea how that might work in the future.

Pairing was also a trouble for me to, I eventually got it to work in manual mode, I think it was a particular way of standing on one foot coupled with the sequence of how things were powered up! (I.e. there seemed no sense from how I got it working, it just eventually started working).

Got the trainer connected without issue through manual mode, but not the heart rate monitor. They connect via the same ANT+ USB right?

 

[jiberjaber]

Got the trainer connected without issue through manual mode, but not the heart rate monitor. They connect via the same ANT+ USB right?

Yep. All through the same dongle.

 

[burndust]

Bsim is pissing me off....its solo mode for me from now on...folk jumping in and out causing lag then getting disconnected and loosing my session.....arggghhhh

 

[Rockdel]

Wondering whether the Bkool is factoring in your weight pull when you do any of the uphill rides.

 

[theedge]

Bsim is pissing me off....its solo mode for me from now on...folk jumping in and out causing lag then getting disconnected and loosing my session.....arggghhhh

I had a couple of people do that, but didn't notice any lag...

 

[theedge]

Wondering whether the Bkool is factoring in your weight pull when you do any of the uphill rides.

Interesting you could try updating your weight to say 2kg and see if its easier..

 

[harly]

Bsim is pissing me off....its solo mode for me from now on...folk jumping in and out causing lag then getting disconnected and loosing my session.....arggghhhh

Have started to do the same solo it is

 

[burndust]

"theedge, potablet: 3349515, member: 39127"]I had a couple of people do that, but didn't notice any lag...

Its happened a few times now...and I think harly had the lag too

 

[burndust]

@kipster did the bkool sort itself out?

 

[kipster]

@burndust unfortunately not, I've not had a response from BKOOL so it will be returned to Wiggle. They intend to inspect it, implying in the email that I may have broken it (If it is not found to be a manufacturing fault).

I think I may be gearing up for a battle.

 

[burndust]

Thats a real shame @kipster...I'm a bit frustrated with bkool myself just now...such a shame that reliability in their hardware and software keeps occurring....hope you get it sorted out