Team BKool CycleChat

[Tiny01]

Last night I struggled to access the sim with my laptop , opens up ok & I see the nice mountain pic & my user name and a little man on the right & a new user option on my left , clicked on Tiny01 to start & it asked for password , entered that & nowt happens still page won't move , dragged everything inside & fired up the main pc & the sim opens up straight away !

Any ideas anyone , I've changed password etc this morning but still seems the same with the sim on the laptop

 

[CXRAndy]

Poor internet connection possibly

 

[Tiny01]

Poor internet connection possibly

Yeah what I was thinking Andy , I'm going to add a plug in wi fi booster out there , one that gives you the option of plugging an Ethernet cable into it so hopefully that'll improve things hopefully , frustrating trying to get it all sorted & up & running correctly !

 

[Bonno]

Looks like 8pm might be a bit late for a number of people! It was originally picked because it seemed to suit people after work/bedtime/etc. but I wonder what the best time would be?

Can we do a vote in this forum? It's important for the TTT to try and get a day/time that the maximum number of people can do regularly.

Geoff

5pm is best for me

8 is a bit too late .. having my hot chocolate about then

 

[<Tommy>]

I've thought about it more today and I think I'm changing to 7 or 8 now...Both have pros and cons for me . But I think more time after rides may suit me well.

 

[CXRAndy]

Make your mind up Tommy

 

[bobinski]

fwiw Dc Rainmaker:

While BKool is best known for their trainers, it’s the software that they actually want you to focus on. And, like virtually every other app here – they work cross platform and support more than just their own trainers. Their app platform has a variety of functions, from velodrome to recreating outside GPS routes in 3D, to structured workouts/training. That’s in addition to the outside video elements as well.

Further, the app contains online multiplayer aspects, such as voice chat between players. It also supports leagues and stage-race style competitions. Though, you can certainly just ride by yourself if you want. It also has a training plan generator, though, the workouts generated from that are a bit simplistic compared to some of the more advanced workouts found from other apps. But it is handy that it can create a plan focused on various end goals – such as losing weight or getting faster in a certain type of effort. Note that you cannot however specify an exact wattage or %FTP level, one major downside unfortunately.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainer-apps-guide.html

 

[theboxers]

fwiw Dc Rainmaker:

While BKool is best known for their trainers, it’s the software that they actually want you to focus on. And, like virtually every other app here – they work cross platform and support more than just their own trainers. Their app platform has a variety of functions, from velodrome to recreating outside GPS routes in 3D, to structured workouts/training. That’s in addition to the outside video elements as well.

Further, the app contains online multiplayer aspects, such as voice chat between players. It also supports leagues and stage-race style competitions. Though, you can certainly just ride by yourself if you want. It also has a training plan generator, though, the workouts generated from that are a bit simplistic compared to some of the more advanced workouts found from other apps. But it is handy that it can create a plan focused on various end goals – such as losing weight or getting faster in a certain type of effort. Note that you cannot however specify an exact wattage or %FTP level, one major downside unfortunately.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainer-apps-guide.html

I read that post and my take was that bkool is a good all rounder. It covers most things well. Videos, 3D, Climbs, Flats, Plans and Workouts. It is just not the best at any one thing.

There are other apps that are much better at certain parts but none that are better at everything. It is very much you pays your money takes your choice.

 

[<Tommy>]

Make your mind up Tommy

I think I'm going to turn the spare room into a pain cave and get the missus to put my youngest to bed Tuesday's and Thursday's. That's the plan anyway, I'm still waiting for approval from the management!

 

[bobinski]

I read that post and my take was that bkool is a good all rounder. It covers most things well. Videos, 3D, Climbs, Flats, Plans and Workouts. It is just not the best at any one thing.

There are other apps that are much better at certain parts but none that are better at everything. It is very much you pays your money takes your choice.

Yeah, I suppose a useful reminder that its not so bad compared to other apps. We just need to make them fit it around our needs and expectations

 

[CXRAndy]

I am now a signed up member to Trainerroad. I have picked the low level plan to start off with, adjust if too easy. 8 weeks of base work starting tomorow

 

[bridgy]

Yeah, I suppose a useful reminder that its not so bad compared to other apps. We just need to make them fit it around our needs and expectations

...and stop making REALLY stupid, simple errors with the setup and design which make it harder to use than it should be. That would be really nice too!

 

[bobinski]

Does anyone use the video option for solo rides? I have tried and run a pretty souped up alienware box but the video quality is lamentable, whatever settings i use. Cyclechat bkool riding needs aside this is the one thing i would like to see improved. If they cannot stream hd quality then allow downloads that if necessary expire at the end of the ride. I cannot be the only one( i cannot believe i am saying this) who would like to ride the "real" ventoux etc on my screen rather than the generic 3d profiles that are so often a mess and really offputting. I know i would be faster with video!

 

[kipster]

Does anyone use the video option for solo rides? I have tried and run a pretty souped up alienware box but the video quality is lamentable, whatever settings i use. Cyclechat bkool riding needs aside this is the one thing i would like to see improved. If they cannot stream hd quality then allow downloads that if necessary expire at the end of the ride. I cannot be the only one( i cannot believe i am saying this) who would like to ride the "real" ventoux etc on my screen rather than the generic 3d profiles that are so often a mess and really offputting. I know i would be faster with video!

I use video occasionally, usually in solo mountain rides. I find the quality ok, but then I use a 15" laptop screen and have sweat on my glasses for most of the ride

 

[theboxers]

thorn

Does anyone use the video option for solo rides? I have tried and run a pretty souped up alienware box but the video quality is lamentable, whatever settings i use. Cyclechat bkool riding needs aside this is the one thing i would like to see improved. If they cannot stream hd quality then allow downloads that if necessary expire at the end of the ride. I cannot be the only one( i cannot believe i am saying this) who would like to ride the "real" ventoux etc on my screen rather than the generic 3d profiles that are so often a mess and really offputting. I know i would be faster with video!

Quality can be up and down. Depending on when the vid was shot. Most appear to be non pro shoots and so quality can be a bit....er...... poor. The vuelta vids are normally ok.

The newer the video the better the quality from my experience. The Descenso rides I do are usually quite good, even at the speeds I do them .

Ventoux going up was ok iirc. I got kicked off the Ventoux descenso warm down session .

I'm normally on a 32 1080p tv about 4 or 5 feet in front of me.