Zwift Chat

[Peter Salt]

Doesn't help if the internet goes away. The router etc. is on the same mains outlet as my bike computer, so if one goes, so does the other!

You can get little UPS devices for stuff like that. I bought one off AliExpress a while back and works fine. Got it after there was a power cut, router went down and company VPN didn't allow me back in. Entire day of work wasted.

 

[Brusgaard]

You can get little UPS devices for stuff like that. I bought one off AliExpress a while back and works fine. Got it after there was a power cut, router went down and company VPN didn't allow me back in. Entire day of work wasted.

I know, and have actually been looking for one, but back then decided that a power cut probably wouldn’t ruin my cyciling career. Power cuts or surges are actually very rare here in Denmark, so having a UPS is for the most part not needed in private households. Most of the power grid is under ground, so usually not susceptible to stormy weather.

 

[berty bassett]

I don’t know if weight makes a difference using deep section wheels or just me being a nervous nelly but in wind I will change wheels rather than get that feeling of going pass a gap in the hedge and being at the mercy of Mother Nature

 

[alex_cycles]

Most of them just ploughed through me, and I didn't really try to latch on, as I was about to just give up. But later a group came by, travelling at around 2.5 w/kg, which meant I could stay on without too much effort. And when I hit the hills and surprisingly felt OK at a steady 3 wkg, I just continued!

It is surprising sometimes, when you think you're 'finished', that all you really need is a couple/few minutes at a lower intensity to recover. I'd say I was a bit enthusiastic at the start too (seems to be a common theme in these TdZ rides). I need to increase my power to be able to keep up with the larger guys on the flat without getting toasted. But I'm working on that. So hopefully it'll come with time.

 

[alex_cycles]

The escalator, no problem, I can punch 500-900W for short periods. A rare occasion where I can match the lighter riders

I enjoy those too. Short sprint climbs seem to be the main segments I can get anywhere near KoMs on Strava. Usually pass a few people on the escalator because it's such a short burst if you thrash it. So much fun too.

 

[Joffey]

I had a head cold from last weekend through the week. I think I managed to bluff the race of Tuesday because there weren’t any major hills. But maybe have the cold knocked my natural immunity levels (?). Don’t know if there’s any logic to that…

I’m pretty rough though to be honest. I’ve got the cough, the temperature and a bit of a headache too. Flatulance also seems to have risen to a level where I can’t blame the dog anymore, so not a good day all round!

Get well soon lad

 

[Norry1]

How unwieldy do you find them? I’m guessing it’s just a case of getting used to it and feels normal and predictable after a short while??

The bike does move around a bit, but I kind of enjoy the challenge. As @<Tommy> said, the worst time is at speed usually downhill and when you hit a gap in hedging for example and get hit with a strong gust.

 

[Norry1]

It is surprising sometimes, when you think you're 'finished', that all you really need is a couple/few minutes at a lower intensity to recover. I'd say I was a bit enthusiastic at the start too (seems to be a common theme in these TdZ rides). I need to increase my power to be able to keep up with the larger guys on the flat without getting toasted. But I'm working on that. So hopefully it'll come with time.

That is the essence of cycling fitness, especially racing fitness. The ability to go deep then recover over and over.

 

[mjd1988]

Slightly random question, just remembering someone had posted about head units a few weeks ago.

I have an edge 200, which has never done me wrong over the last few years but I'm toying with the idea of getting a power meter and the 200 isn't compatible with external devices, it is just a speed/GPS head unit, which it does well tbf.

At the same time I have a fenix 5 watch which I think does communicate with power meters but doesn't have the same mapping features/can't look at as easily on the bike I assume (must look into how it's displayed on it I guess).

Would a better head unit be worth getting? Or worth saving the money and spending it on a power meter. I know a lot of people seem to have the favero assioma pedals

 

[Norry1]

Slightly random question, just remembering someone had posted about head units a few weeks ago.

I have an edge 200, which has never done me wrong over the last few years but I'm toying with the idea of getting a power meter and the 200 isn't compatible with external devices, it is just a speed/GPS head unit, which it does well tbf.

At the same time I have a fenix 5 watch which I think does communicate with power meters but doesn't have the same mapping features/can't look at as easily on the bike I assume (must look into how it's displayed on it I guess).

Would a better head unit be worth getting? Or worth saving the money and spending it on a power meter. I know a lot of people seem to have the favero assioma pedals

You could get a decent Garmin Head Unit second Hand on eBay for not that much and splash out on the power meter. I have PowerTap pedals which are great but the Assiomas get really good reviews and I'd probably go for them - suggest Duo not Uno if you can.

 

[CXRAndy]

It is surprising sometimes, when you think you're 'finished', that all you really need is a couple/few minutes at a lower intensity to recover. I'd say I was a bit enthusiastic at the start too (seems to be a common theme in these TdZ rides). I need to increase my power to be able to keep up with the larger guys on the flat without getting toasted. But I'm working on that. So hopefully it'll come with time.

That is the essence of cycling fitness, especially racing fitness. The ability to go deep then recover over and over.

Its still a clear recent memory, where I couldn't/wasn't able to hang onto the starts of every race I entered. Now I'm able to match Cs and some Bs on the flat.

Yesterday, it was around the 12 mile marker where the pace of my pack dropped to allow me to be comfortable, around 25mins.

The only issue I have with these multi category mass races is, you don't know who you are trying to hang onto-Id wish they would put the cat colours next to each rider.

Obviously the front is A cat and so on thru the field, but you don't know. I tend to go pretty hard out of the gates, to get near the front, set my power and HR where I want to be and let myself slip back until I find a group that doesn't make me ride literally at 100%. If my HR jumps up in the early race, I'll let the group go, IF there is another group close behind, else I will have to suffer for as long as possible to see if others fall away so we can form a smaller chasing pack. You never want to ride solo on the mass events- just too slow

 

[mjd1988]

You could get a decent Garmin Head Unit second Hand on eBay for not that much and splash out on the power meter. I have PowerTap pedals which are great but the Assiomas get really good reviews and I'd probably go for them - suggest Duo not Uno if you can.

Cheers. Yeah I think assiomas is likely what I'd go for. In terms of head unit wahoo bolt or 530 would probably be the two I'd look at it If i need to. I'll check dcrainmaker as well

 

[<Tommy>]

Cheers. Yeah I think assiomas is likely what I'd go for. In terms of head unit wahoo bolt or 530 would probably be the two I'd look at it If i need to. I'll check dcrainmaker as well

If you get a power meter you’ll need both. So on the premise you’re getting a power meter get a new computer too.

Maybe have a think about what you’ll use it for Michael. If you’re planning on doing a lot of mapping bigger screens are better. Both because the map is easier to see and also you can get more metrics on the screen while still keeping a reasonable sized map.

I would get a new computer rather than second hand too for what it’s worth. The batteries degrade over time and when you’re out the longer the battery life the better really. You don’t know how much of s battering it’s taken second hand. Also it’s good to have the warranty.

I agree with martin. I have two crank based power meters but if I were to buy one right now it would be dual assioma. Provided you can get along with look cleats.

 

[<Tommy>]

That is the essence of cycling fitness, especially racing fitness. The ability to go deep then recover over and over.

I think this is my one redeeming quality. I need a lot of time to recover. But at least my body has the decency to fall apart at the end of the race!

 

[Joffey]

Slightly random question, just remembering someone had posted about head units a few weeks ago.

I have an edge 200, which has never done me wrong over the last few years but I'm toying with the idea of getting a power meter and the 200 isn't compatible with external devices, it is just a speed/GPS head unit, which it does well tbf.

At the same time I have a fenix 5 watch which I think does communicate with power meters but doesn't have the same mapping features/can't look at as easily on the bike I assume (must look into how it's displayed on it I guess).

Would a better head unit be worth getting? Or worth saving the money and spending it on a power meter. I know a lot of people seem to have the favero assioma pedals

I have a Stages single sided PM and a Garmin 530. It does me and appears to be sufficient for my coach to work out what he needs to work out.

I'm not sure for riders of our level what specific benefits dual siding recording gives but if you need those benefits you have a smart bike don't you? That would record that anyway.

Either way as long as you are not riding different brands on different bikes it won't matter what you chose, just use the ones that fit best for you. And if you fancy a dual sided one go for it More stats are always good!