Zwift Chat

[Breedon]

Weird today, first block of TR felt ridiculously easy on the legs whilst suffering from 'Doms' after leg workout on the weekend. .

I might be getting stronger

Edit, subsequent blocks felt bloody hard

I couldn't do any Sunday even the EASY recovery rides felt wiped out.

 

[CXRAndy]

I couldn't do any Sunday even the EASY recovery rides felt wiped out.

I felt pretty tired Sunday. Had to collect boy from party, 1.30am when we got home

 

[Randyberlin]

Thanks @bridgy, I’ll give that a go on Tuesday

I’ve just checked messages on the app and some American well and truly got annoyed by me joining and then leaving, calling me a f’ing dropout, charming!
You wouldn’t get that on bkool

We are known for our politeness. On behalf of all septic tanks, sorry.

 

[bridgy]

Very close indeed Paul. Most who have compared the two trainers say that climbs are quite accurate, it's downhill and flats where a difference appears

Just looked at this Andy, and my fastest time on the descent of Box Hill is also on the Neo actually. The 7 times I've done are only separated by 10 seconds so there doesn't seem to be much in it at all between the Bkool and the Neo in terms of speed on a long descent like that - I suppose you'd expect this as Zwift takes over your speed for much of it anyway.

It was on the long flat section between the two ascents of Box Hill that I made up the most time on the Bkool vs the Neo. It's not completely pan flat of course, just no big hills, so this supports my theory that the main benefit the Bkool gives over the neo is during those minor changes in gradient. Comparing the various segments, Bkool watts show as higher almost every time, even when speed was slower on the Bkool (I don't think this could ALWAYS be due to drafting)

 

[bobinski]

Just looked at this Andy, and my fastest time on the descent of Box Hill is also on the Neo actually. The 7 times I've done are only separated by 10 seconds so there doesn't seem to be much in it at all between the Bkool and the Neo in terms of speed on a long descent like that - I suppose you'd expect this as Zwift takes over your speed for much of it anyway.

It was on the long flat section between the two ascents of Box Hill that I made up the most time on the Bkool vs the Neo. It's not completely pan flat of course, just no big hills, so this supports my theory that the main benefit the Bkool gives over the neo is during those minor changes in gradient. Comparing the various segments, Bkool watts show as higher almost every time, even when speed was slower on the Bkool (I don't think this could ALWAYS be due to drafting)

fwiw its worth i have always believed that the pro became more accurate the steeper the gradient going up. That said it has taken me the best part of a year with the NEO to beat my best uphill times set on the pro. That may of course be a reflection on me and my fitness.
Never underestimate the draft especially with all the evidence suggesting it works up to inclines of 4%.

 

[Whorty]

The only way to definitely say you didn't have the Bkool fairy dust help is to try a Neo, Atom, Kickr, powertap or other power meters

The qualified accountant in me insisted I carry out a cost benefit analysis and the findings are the cost of £300+ doesn't give me any real benefits given my objectives of using the turbo. Knowing my real power number, assuming the Pro is over reading, won't actually get me any fitter. I ride for 60-90 mins and I'd still be doing that whether I have a power meter or not.

I've been researching the power meters and as always there are pros and cons of each one; at the £300-£400 price point there is the obvious issue that I can only get a one sided meter which may not be that accurate if I am significantly weaker on my left side and I'm not prepared to shell out double that for a two sided meter.

Maybe if my Pro fails then I'll reconsider options but for now I'll stick with what I have. If Neo users want to beat me, they will need to be x% (add your own number for x) fitter than me

Definitely not interested in the Neo or Kickr as don't like the fact I'd have to faff with the rear wheel and also buy and fit a separate rear cassette. Powertap pedals not an option as they require new shoes. Stages and 4iii I've considered but they get mixed reviews, and if I'm aiming to get better accuracy over the Pro these don't guarantee this. The Atom I'm keen on as it does give benefits over my current set up, namely no dropped chains, no flat tyres, hopefully easier/smoother gear changes but I'd want to see real life reviews before spending that kind of dosh.

 

[CXRAndy]

Lee, super time up KoM. . Less weight always wins on long climbs. I'm following a chap who weighs 52kg, today he was 15-30mins faster for a half climb of Mt Teide than his co riders.

 

[theboxers]

The qualified accountant

Snip

The Atom I'm keen on as it does give benefits over my current set up, namely no dropped chains, no flat tyres, hopefully easier/smoother gear changes but I'd want to see real life reviews before spending that kind of dosh.

The cost benefit of a remotely operated power switch £5, combined with a fan £10, new pedals £20, shoes £30, track pump £20 and a TUE from the local qwack priceless. Means you have promoted yourself to the point of being able to put several members here under pressure to perform. How much benefit the above actually gives is currently unknown, but everyone keeps complaining about a bloody trainer

 

[berty bassett]

Lee, super time up KoM. . Less weight always wins on long climbs. I'm following a chap who weighs 52kg, today he was 15-30mins faster for a half climb of Mt Teide than his co riders.

i dont know if your following that Andy lamb - hes playing out in the sun AGAIN !

 

[CXRAndy]

i dont know if your following that Andy lamb - hes playing out in the sun AGAIN !

Yes he's on the Tenerife Bike training 100th tour. Steve Hurley is the super lightweight, he's there aswell

 

[bobinski]

Lee, super time up KoM. . Less weight always wins on long climbs. I'm following a chap who weighs 52kg, today he was 15-30mins faster for a half climb of Mt Teide than his co riders.

Yeah, but still 1 second slower than me on the whole London Loop

Seriously though, cracking KOM Time Lee. Great power on the flats for a lightweight fella

 

[CXRAndy]

Yeah, but still 1 second slower than me on the whole London Loop

Cough

Bkool Pro

 

[berty bassett]

Yeah, but still 1 second slower than me on the whole London Loop

consider the carrot well and truely dangled

 

[bobinski]

Cough

Bkool Pro

Shhhhh....

​

 

[bobinski]

consider the carrot well and truely dangled

I hoped so!
We could ride together perhaps with Dean and Paul, choose a race day and benefit from drafting. I know you guys likely to be faster but I don’t mind if I improve on my pro time.