Hi all
If you're using a Smart turbo on Zwift in the workout mode do you change gears to increase/decrease the wattage output?
I've read that you shouldn't you should try to maintain a cadence and rely on an increase in the resistance of the trainer to achieve this.
Cheers
Nick
I've done a couple of the workouts, and an FTP test on Zwift, from what I remember it doesn't simulate the hills in workout mode, so the resistance stays constant, you increase your wattage output by changing to a harder gear on your bike.
I think??
It's called ERG mode on smart trainers. Resistance is varied automatically so you just concentrate on cadence.
It's good but also causes some issues where resistance isn't increased quick enough for the really short intervals (5-10 seconds) also if you're unable to complete an interval you have to faff about changing the intensity setting within Zwift and before you know it your doing 5rpm because a drop in cadence means an increase in resistance so you grind to a hault.
You can set the it to use the turbo to erg mode which means that changing gear isn't (always) necessary https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/articles/209980783--How-to-use-ERG-mode-in-Workouts
I din't know about it when I first did a work out and was initially surprised at my ability to match my power to the target so well 😳
I sometimes use erg mode and sometimes just use gears (I have a smart trainer but if I use my power pedals it won't work in erg mode). I'm actually getting to the stage where I prefer to do it myself and have more control over cadence.
I must confess to this sin also, I change gear whilst in ERG mode for workouts. Clearly the guidance says no but I do prefer a smaller ring to spin a lower watt and a bigger ring for the higher watt efforts. The auto change just doesn't feel as I'd like it to.