Super counter productive Zwift this evening..
I know I'm not in great shape so dumped a bit off my FTP and got stuck in.
Last spring I was able to identify gear and cadence to hit and maintain the required power and maintain a pretty consistent power line.
Today, I've upto a 60w swing when in 120-140 output zones while keeping inside 1-2 rpm.
So, failed everything beyond the warm up/recover phases as I spent the entire ride chasing output
Same set-up as last spring : Cyclops Mag, CooSpoo speed/cadence sensors, ant+, virtual ftp
Heres my spikey power output.. what do I need to fix? Me or the set-up?
Can't see pic.
Try trainer road trial and see if it works? Something in your erg settings? Do you have a configuration app for the turbo?
I'm not 100% consistent but can generally say hold 200w and stay fairly close, certainly not a 60w swing.
Try zwift just in riding mode? Not training.
If equipment is the same then it'll be you. Probably just a blip - had enough sleep? Hydrated enough?
Batteries in your sensors all ok?
Tyre pressure correct/contact point correct?
We usually have Mrs Dubs bike on the turbo, but yesterday I wanted to do a long session so swapped over to my bike.
I had to put a new battery in my speed sensor and was getting tyre slip warnings a lot, which made me realise I have a slow puncture...
Calibrate your Turbo. It's usually done with an app from your Turbo manufacturer.
After properly calibrating mine, my power was much more accurate and consistent.
Yep calibrate turbo or it seems to go mental after no use for a while.
This in training plan mode. Don't try to hit the output. Aim to hit the RPM. The trainer will then adjust the resistance to get the correct power output from your RPM. The swing is so large because your down on power so speed up the legs to get more power. At the same time the turbo is increasing resistance to get you to produce more power at you old RPM. Results in you pushing harder and faster and a power spike. The reverse happens when you then try to slow to bring the power back down. Remember it can take a few seconds for the trainer to make adjustments, especially when going from a hard effort to a recovery.
My Bkool was all over the place on Thursday, coincidentally I'd just pumped up the rear tyre... paused the workout and let a bit of pressure out and it was fine.
Battery changed, swapped out the Cyclops yellow trainer tyre for a Conti Home trainer tyre and reset my roller preload.
Much better!
Still unfit but at least my wattage swings were controllable at +/- 'just a couple'.
I bought the Cyclops tyre as I mislaid my 4 year old Conti that had been through decent useage.
The cyclops tyre looked like I'd run down the entire Simpsons family after every ride.
The Conti still like new!