Team BKool CycleChat

[uncle_adolph]

Very rarely use BKool software now.....much prefer using my Pro on Zwift. However, did plug it in yesterday when it offered me the firmware update.

The question I have is.....if I accept this update is it going to affect things in Zwift in any way? I had a helluva job to get the Pro to work in Zwift, and had to send it back to Spain for an upgrade, so I'm pretty loathe to do anything that's going to mess about with my Zwift settings.

 

[CXRAndy]

I have had a quick try of ERG mode on Bkool. Its different, a little awkward to set target power whilst cycling by pressing key 'p' when you're at that power level. Would of been better to press p then select a number say within 5 seconds. I wonder if it would work in a race environment?

 

[CXRAndy]

Very rarely use BKool software now.....much prefer using my Pro on Zwift. However, did plug it in yesterday when it offered me the firmware update.

The question I have is.....if I accept this update is it going to affect things in Zwift in any way? I had a helluva job to get the Pro to work in Zwift, and had to send it back to Spain for an upgrade, so I'm pretty loathe to do anything that's going to mess about with my Zwift settings.

Check which version of firmware you have by starting Bsim. You could reject the update if you don't fancy doing it.

 

[bobinski]

Very rarely use BKool software now.....much prefer using my Pro on Zwift. However, did plug it in yesterday when it offered me the firmware update.

The question I have is.....if I accept this update is it going to affect things in Zwift in any way? I had a helluva job to get the Pro to work in Zwift, and had to send it back to Spain for an upgrade, so I'm pretty loathe to do anything that's going to mess about with my Zwift settings.

I can only give you my experience which is:
Pre update i could not use ERG in Zwift. otherwise fine in Zwift and i felt actually more realistic or closer to real life thank in bkool. Much the same in Zwift post update , and now very similar in bkool but i have ERG in Zwift which is great.
I updated as bkool indicated, firmware first then software. The firmware update probably triggers the software update.

 

[theboxers]

Just got back from a works team building event. Canoeing 5 miles in guildford . 3 hours or so of paddling . My ass hurts, my hips hurt, my legs...... you guessed, hurt and to top it all off my arms and shoulders hurt . I did not get wet, well at least not by river water . But we did get caught out by the apparent golf ball sized rain drops that were falling . They were passing around the bailing shovel to clear our boats .

I will not be taking part in the hadicap rerun tonight, I am .

 

[JLaw]

I have had a quick try of ERG mode on Bkool. Its different, a little awkward to set target power whilst cycling by pressing key 'p' when you're at that power level. Would of been better to press p then select a number say within 5 seconds. I wonder if it would work in a race environment?

I guess setting it via 'p' is just the first step -- it's certainly a poor UI to force a sweaty, huffing & puffing cyclist to have to hit a key on a laptop/desktop (which may not be in reach) to go into ERG mode.

I suspect they'll roll out further improvements to ERG over time. Ideally something like "for X minutes set wattage to N, then set wattage to M for Y minutes, etc"

 

[AAAC 76C]

Very rarely use BKool software now.....much prefer using my Pro on Zwift. However, did plug it in yesterday when it offered me the firmware update.

The question I have is.....if I accept this update is it going to affect things in Zwift in any way? I had a helluva job to get the Pro to work in Zwift, and had to send it back to Spain for an upgrade, so I'm pretty loathe to do anything that's going to mess about with my Zwift settings.

Its most likely the reason you had to send it back was because you had an early Pro that could not be updated to ANT+ FEC and therefore required a Hardware Update.
I for one don't use, but would like to use, Zwift because I have a second hand PCB in my Trainer that is from an early Pro and they wanted a fair few shillings to carry out the work you would have had done under warranty.

 

[AAAC 76C]

I can only give you my experience which is:
Pre update i could not use ERG in Zwift. otherwise fine in Zwift and i felt actually more realistic or closer to real life thank in bkool. Much the same in Zwift post update , and now very similar in bkool but i have ERG in Zwift which is great.
I updated as bkool indicated, firmware first then software. The firmware update probably triggers the software update.

I got the BSim update but not the BKool Turbo update as my unit is no longer supported for updates sin ANT+ FEC implementation.

 

[AAAC 76C]

I guess setting it via 'p' is just the first step -- it's certainly a poor UI to force a sweaty, huffing & puffing cyclist to have to hit a key on a laptop/desktop (which may not be in reach) to go into ERG mode.

I suspect they'll roll out further improvements to ERG over time. Ideally something like "for X minutes set wattage to N, then set wattage to M for Y minutes, etc"

Whats the latest on your loaner toasted BKool Pro?

 

[CXRAndy]

AAAC, it's me who has the faulty bk pro. My in- law has got a returns number to send it back. It is still under the 2 year warranty period. I only find out when it is examined by Bkool. Goodness knows how long that will take.

In the meanwhile the kickr is back in service. The next few events will determine whether it is a handicap against the Bkool units in head to head racing.

 

[bobinski]

I guess setting it via 'p' is just the first step -- it's certainly a poor UI to force a sweaty, huffing & puffing cyclist to have to hit a key on a laptop/desktop (which may not be in reach) to go into ERG mode.

I suspect they'll roll out further improvements to ERG over time. Ideally something like "for X minutes set wattage to N, then set wattage to M for Y minutes, etc"

I do hope so. In the meantime have a look at Zwift. The training workouts are really good, lots of variety to help in achieving different training goals.

 

[bridgy]

Had a go at stage 5 tonight as I am on the beers at lunchtime tomorrow! Old habits die hard so I hit a couple of the hills at high speed and cadence - if you're going too fast your speed drops instantly from 35-40mph to about 4mph! Overall though a much more realistic experience with the speed on uphills - I like it

 

[AAAC 76C]

Had a go at stage 5 tonight as I am on the beers at lunchtime tomorrow! Old habits die hard so I hit a couple of the hills at high speed and cadence - if you're going too fast your speed drops instantly from 35-40mph to about 4mph! Overall though a much more realistic experience with the speed on uphills - I like it

Blimey, I haven't seen 4 mph since the days of early BKooling on 25% just to be overtaken by Pro riders (like BiilS esq) seemingly unaffected by the wall.

 

[AAAC 76C]

AAAC, it's me who has the faulty bk pro. My in- law has got a returns number to send it back. It is still under the 2 year warranty period. I only find out when it is examined by Bkool. Goodness knows how long that will take.

In the meanwhile the kickr is back in service. The next few events will determine whether it is a handicap against the Bkool units in head to head racing.

I meant you any, just a(nother) senior moment (again).

 

[AAAC 76C]

Very rarely use BKool software now.....much prefer using my Pro on Zwift. However, did plug it in yesterday when it offered me the firmware update.

The question I have is.....if I accept this update is it going to affect things in Zwift in any way? I had a helluva job to get the Pro to work in Zwift, and had to send it back to Spain for an upgrade, so I'm pretty loathe to do anything that's going to mess about with my Zwift settings.

PS, we know where you live Mr 'rarely using BKool' from Chelmsford in Essex so we might send one of the boys (well comparatively younger men) around to sort out your Firmware, so be warned. We're not a pretty sight in Lycra!