TheX Posted December 24, 2019 Share Posted December 24, 2019 I spin at least 5 hours a week, and I want to ditch my spin bike. No reason not to mount the Kona to a smart trainer...except for the cost. I would love to be able to live with one for a week to make sure I love it. I don't mind paying for one if it does the job, it will definitely get used. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 27, 2019 Author Share Posted December 27, 2019 I think I need the $1,300 Wahoo. I really prefer that to a spin bike, now that I have the Kona all set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 27, 2019 Author Share Posted December 27, 2019 Wait, don't want to exaggerate, it's $1,200. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 27, 2019 Author Share Posted December 27, 2019 Heading to BSS Parmer to pick up the Wahoo Kickr in a few minutes. https://www.bicyclesportshop.com/wahoo-fitness-kickr-power-trainer.html 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 27, 2019 Author Share Posted December 27, 2019 Setup was dead simple, and it's a LOT better than a spin bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 28, 2019 Author Share Posted December 28, 2019 OK, so now I get the whole Zwift thing. Well done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree Magnet Posted December 28, 2019 Share Posted December 28, 2019 Do you have a fan set up or something to keep you cool? I always found spin bikes a PITA because I couldn’t cool off.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 28, 2019 Author Share Posted December 28, 2019 Ceiling fan right over the bike. 55 inch Monitor on the wall for the PC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 29, 2019 Author Share Posted December 29, 2019 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 29, 2019 Author Share Posted December 29, 2019 Gotta say, I'm loving Zwift so far. I'm going to swap out the cassette on the Kickr for one identical to what I have on the back wheel. Also... I have a hard time maintaining 250 watts for even short'ish bursts. People doing 400 for hours and hours are BEASTS. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntonioGG Posted December 30, 2019 Share Posted December 30, 2019 On 12/29/2019 at 3:35 PM, TheX said: Gotta say, I'm loving Zwift so far. I'm going to swap out the cassette on the Kickr for one identical to what I have on the back wheel. Also... I have a hard time maintaining 250 watts for even short'ish bursts. People doing 400 for hours and hours are BEASTS. If you want to do more than 150-200W for any reasonable amount of time, you'll need more than the ceiling fan. Probably also good to try to figure your FTP so you don't overdo it. Let me know if you want a free trial code for Trainerroad. I prefer it to the other options out there since it has formal training programs you can follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 30, 2019 Author Share Posted December 30, 2019 Jan 10th is the 6th anniversary of my heart attack. I have cool heart monitors and have done stress tests with Dr. Tiblier many times. I spin a LOT, just never on MY bike. This is awesome. I'd love to try Trainerroad if you want to PM me a code. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 31, 2019 Author Share Posted December 31, 2019 Since I use a PC, I decided to mount a Logitech Touchpad to the bike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taco_junkie Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 Ooh interesting. Hows the track pad work? I prop my laptop up in front of my bike with 2 big fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted December 31, 2019 Author Share Posted December 31, 2019 It's a Win 10 PC with a 55" monitor. The track pad is the mouse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntonioGG Posted January 1, 2020 Share Posted January 1, 2020 My laptop's bluetooth didn't provide a good enough connection to the trainer, so I tried an external BT and also a ANT+ dongle (my HR monitor is ANT+) and that works well. However, sometimes I just run the Trainerroad app on my phone and don't worry about HR. It's the fastest setup for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted January 1, 2020 Author Share Posted January 1, 2020 I had to run the Zwift Companion to use BT to the PC. I bought a $13 ANT dongle on Amazon and it's flawless. My HR monitor is ANT so it's all good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted January 2, 2020 Author Share Posted January 2, 2020 So, my GRX rear mech didn't seem to like the SunRace 11 speed cassette that came with the Wahoo, even though it's supposed to be compatible. I replaced it with the same SLX 11-42 that's on the rear wheel and it's PERFECT. Since that bike is a 1x, it also gave me a little extra help on the 14-16 degree grades that try to kill me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willatter Posted January 2, 2020 Share Posted January 2, 2020 Nice setup, definitely add a fan or 2 when possible. Getting a smart trainer was a game changer for me. I got back on the bike about a year ago after a long hiatus. I started on Zwift and have since switched over to Trainerroad as I tend to respond better to a more structured regimen, the Trainerroad podcast and forum is an awesome source of info. I love how easy it is to jump on the trainer and bust out a workout and be done. It will never replace the joy of being outside but with a busy life it has allowed me to fine tune my fitness to a level that I thought to be impossible. I spend most of my weekly ride time (8-10hrs.) on the trainer watching videos of people riding outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4fun Posted January 5, 2020 Share Posted January 5, 2020 On 12/29/2019 at 9:27 AM, TheX said: Now you need the kickr climb, totally worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted January 5, 2020 Author Share Posted January 5, 2020 Zwifting in London, hit 50 mph and 600 watts this morning. 50mph is spinning, my gravel bike is a 1x11 with a 32 chainring. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted January 6, 2020 Author Share Posted January 6, 2020 16 hours ago, 4fun said: Now you need the kickr climb, totally worth it! Just ordered one, it's on sale at Wahoo Fitness for 100 bux off and free shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheX Posted January 7, 2020 Author Share Posted January 7, 2020 On 1/5/2020 at 6:04 PM, TheX said: Just ordered one, it's on sale at Wahoo Fitness for 100 bux off and free shipping. Your Wahoo Fitness items have shipped! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita Handle Posted January 8, 2020 Share Posted January 8, 2020 Zwift has FTP estimation, does it not? They also have training plans but maybe not as good as trainer road, maybe better, I can't say. I'd read some not so great things about them but Zwift is always adapting and improving so they might be better now. Is there a virtual biking app that includes riding trails? Or real video of singletrack? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntonioGG Posted January 9, 2020 Share Posted January 9, 2020 59 minutes ago, Anita Handle said: Zwift has FTP estimation, does it not? They also have training plans but maybe not as good as trainer road, maybe better, I can't say. I'd read some not so great things about them but Zwift is always adapting and improving so they might be better now. Is there a virtual biking app that includes riding trails? Or real video of singletrack? Rouvy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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