Peloton bikes, and the like

PooliePete said:
Depends on the type. I have a 'direct drive' turbo, so no back wheel needed at all - it just goes straight onto the cassette. No tyre wear, no frequent calibration needed, generally much better.

Bear in mind as well, on a 'wheel-on' turbo any tyre which isn't slick makes a massive racket and quickly gets very annoying.
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Yeah but I'll have my headphones in. My missus will have to make alternative arrangements when I'm on it. ;)
 
atypical_boro said:
Serious question, do you even need to put a tyre on?
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Yes you need a tyre, one minor problem is slip between your wheel and the turbo Trainer.

I wouldn't over think this sort of thing you will find the most important thing is keeping cool and trying to reduce the boredom.

I find riding on Zwift is nothing like real world Cycling.
Zwift is very intense and you rarely get a break, An hour and I'm goosed.
 
I have had a Wattbike Nucleus for 3.5 yrs now and although it has a lot of workouts, i use and enjoy Trainerroad. Think it’s about £150 a year to subscribe but find it’s well worth the fee for me.
 
BoroMart said:
Got my Wattbike coming this week, well if it's not delayed again. I'll be up on Zwift in no time. Any tips for a beginner?
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Ramp test or FTP to get your starting point.
Explore the routes.
I follow one of the build me up plans each winter ( structured plans 10/12 weeks long which improves your FTP) .
Races are the most enjoyable part of Zwift IMO.
You will love the Wattbike, I have had the V1 for 4 years and is great and use 4/5 times a week from mid October to mid March
 
Lightweight said:
Ramp test or FTP to get your starting point.
Explore the routes.
I follow one of the build me up plans each winter ( structured plans 10/12 weeks long which improves your FTP) .
Races are the most enjoyable part of Zwift IMO.
You will love the Wattbike, I have had the V1 for 4 years and is great and use 4/5 times a week from mid October to mid March
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I agree apart from the ramp tests. They are horrible! If you do some hard rides on Zwift the platform will find your starting point. If you do some hard races early (will be in Cat E) it will work out your zFTP pretty decently.

Nothing wrong with doing a ramp test but they are hard work and your first won’t be much use as you won’t know how hard you can push yourself. And no one wants to do a 2nd ramp test after their first!!!
 
MolteniArcore said:
I agree apart from the ramp tests. They are horrible! If you do some hard rides on Zwift the platform will find your starting point. If you do some hard races early (will be in Cat E) it will work out your zFTP pretty decently.

Nothing wrong with doing a ramp test but they are hard work and your first won’t be much use as you won’t know how hard you can push yourself. And no one wants to do a 2nd ramp test after their first!!!
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I find the Ramp tests easier the FTP ( it’s only the last 5 minutes of Ramp test that is hard as it keeps upping the power by 20watts per minute until it finds your limit then stops). Unlike the FTP which is best effort For 20 minutes which is hard to judge.

I found that if you go straight into races you can get carried away on the start when everyone powers away for the first few minutes and easily blow your load early.

Of course it all depends on your starting point and what your aim is using the indoor trainer and Zwift ( keeping fit / keeping bike fit in winter / increase your FTP / hill training etc).

not saying my Advice is the best idea but just another option to start with.
 
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I must try a race,never done one.can you just rock up 10 mins before or do you need to enter earlier?
 
Redpete said:
I must try a race,never done one.can you just rock up 10 mins before or do you need to enter earlier?
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You can rock up with 1 min to go if you like!

If you are going to start racing I’d recommend you sign up to Zwift Power:

zwiftinsider.com

How to Sign Up for ZwiftPower (and Why Every Zwifter Should Do It)

Racing on Zwift? Or maybe you just want access to handy, free data analytics? Sign up for ZwiftPower!
zwiftinsider.com zwiftinsider.com

That shows you how. You get loads more stats and you can see how you are progressing the more you race. It really gets addictive.
 
Plus @Redpete once you start racing let me know and if you are Cat D you can race in our Zwift Racing League team if you fancy it?

www.wtrl.racing

Zwift Racing League | WTRL - 2023/24 ROUND 2 - November 14th to December 19th 2023

Zwift Racing League is the worlds largest indoor cycle racing competition in the world. In partnership with WTRL, join over 20,000 unique riders and battle for team glory.
www.wtrl.racing www.wtrl.racing

It’s a really fun series to be in and locks in a race every week. You see your progress and it even makes the longest of courses fun.
 
Thanks
MolteniArcore said:
Plus @Redpete once you start racing let me know and if you are Cat D you can race in our Zwift Racing League team if you fancy it?

www.wtrl.racing

Zwift Racing League | WTRL - 2023/24 ROUND 2 - November 14th to December 19th 2023

Zwift Racing League is the worlds largest indoor cycle racing competition in the world. In partnership with WTRL, join over 20,000 unique riders and battle for team glory.
www.wtrl.racing www.wtrl.racing

It’s a really fun series to be in and locks in a race every week. You see your progress and it even makes the longest of courses fun.
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Thanks I will definitely let you know once I have done a few races.
 
Managed to get my Elite Novo trainer set up tonight. Quite impressed with it tbh, for the cost. Did one quick 7.5 miler and was absolutely pouring with sweat, but felt like I will use it fairly well. I like the idea of doing short/frequent rides to begin with and then if I get properly into it doing bigger stuff/races etc.

One small technical question, can I just leave the quick release skewer they sent me on the bike? Or is it strictly only for smart trainer use?? Apologies, I know how to ride bikes reasonably well but I’m a complete wally when it comes to the mechanics of it all, I pay people to do basic services as I don’t trust myself.

I CAN see why it would wear your back tyre though (and why you need a tyre!).
 
atypical_boro said:
Managed to get my Elite Novo trainer set up tonight. Quite impressed with it tbh, for the cost. Did one quick 7.5 miler and was absolutely pouring with sweat, but felt like I will use it fairly well. I like the idea of doing short/frequent rides to begin with and then if I get properly into it doing bigger stuff/races etc.

One small technical question, can I just leave the quick release skewer they sent me on the bike? Or is it strictly only for smart trainer use?? Apologies, I know how to ride bikes reasonably well but I’m a complete wally when it comes to the mechanics of it all, I pay people to do basic services as I don’t trust myself.

I CAN see why it would wear your back tyre though (and why you need a tyre!).
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You could leave the provided skewer on your wheel if you want. It’s longer though and if it’s a shiny metal one it’ll rust up pretty quick. They are only cheap.
 
MolteniArcore said:
You could leave the provided skewer on your wheel if you want. It’s longer though and if it’s a shiny metal one it’ll rust up pretty quick. They are only cheap.
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Fair enough. I haven’t quite worked out what the point of this one is? Is it just because the other one wouldn’t fit?
 
Just done a good 15 miler from Buckingham Palace to Box Hill and back. Really enjoyed it! Thanks for the recommendations.

Nice to just do it in my garage at 10pm without having to go out in the wind and rain.
 
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