The official TrainerRoad thread

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  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 12,035
    Hi guys,

    a friend of mine gave me a free trial for a month which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and am now a convert!

    My trial expires tomorrow, and I am suspending it, as I am on holiday from Thursday for nearly 3 weeks, so plan to take it out again on my return, but instead of going for the monthly plan, want to pay the lump sum for the year up front.

    Now excuse my ignorance, and or stupidity here, but I'm marginally confused about how to avoid currency conversion fees.
    It's been a long time since I paid for anything in USD.

    Is my best bet to go through Paypal, and just go with whatever conversion rate they give me, which then links to my visa credit card, and the GBP amount is then taken, thus bypassing any currency conversion fees?

    I appreciate I could google it, and likely find it out, but thought a laod of people on here who must be paying for it with TR, would know collectively the best method!

    Thanks

    Dan
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Daniel B wrote:
    Hi guys,

    a friend of mine gave me a free trial for a month which I have thoroughly enjoyed, and am now a convert!

    My trial expires tomorrow, and I am suspending it, as I am on holiday from Thursday for nearly 3 weeks, so plan to take it out again on my return, but instead of going for the monthly plan, want to pay the lump sum for the year up front.

    Now excuse my ignorance, and or stupidity here, but I'm marginally confused about how to avoid currency conversion fees.
    It's been a long time since I paid for anything in USD.

    Is my best bet to go through Paypal, and just go with whatever conversion rate they give me, which then links to my visa credit card, and the GBP amount is then taken, thus bypassing any currency conversion fees?

    I appreciate I could google it, and likely find it out, but thought a laod of people on here who must be paying for it with TR, would know collectively the best method!

    Thanks

    Dan

    Welcome aboard, we're happy to have you training with us! :)

    You guessed it right! Your best bet will be to get your PayPal account linked up and make your payments through there. That way you don't get hit with any foreign transaction fees. You can learn how to switch your payment method over by following the link below:

    Switching to PayPal

    If you have any issues in this process, don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team at support@trainerroad.com. They'll be happy to help you out.

    Thanks Daniel!

    Cheers,

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 12,035
    Thankyou for that reply Nick, I was partly sceptical I must be honest, but the option of a free month has shown me the real value of it.

    Simple things like the one leg drills, and spending more time in the aero position, as well as fast leg drills, I have found very beneficial, and only after a few weeks - this has also translated to achieving my highest average cadence out on a 50 miler on Sunday, of 88, which I was rather pleased with, and also avoided any muscle cramps towards the end of the rides which I fairly often get - that may well just be down to lack of fitness of course.

    I am also now spending probably 50% of my ride down in the drops, which is something I could never manage before.

    I also find the kick and pull method really good, although the steady and deep breathing is not something I have yet mastered in any form really, I have to properly concentrate to achieve that, and as soon as I am not thinking about it, it goes back to normal, one to work on though for sure.

    One minor query, which I will e-mail in if that's better.

    I have the application installed on one laptop, and also log into the website from another laptop.
    On the second laptop I said I wanted to start a training plan, and that was the mid level base build one I think it was, the first one bascally.
    On that laptop that does not have the application, I can see whta I have completed week on week, but when I log into the actual application on the first laptop, it doesn't show me as having started a training plan, and only shows me the rides I have completed in my history view, which makes it a tad triccky to remember where you are up to.

    I expect I am just doing something wrong though!

    Oh and one other thing, I have asked for a 'smart' turbo trainer for my birthday next month, I forget the make now, could be a Tacx, not super expensive, around £250 I think.
    I understand this links in with trainerroad, which then adjusts the resistance to match what is required.
    I'm being even more dim here I am sure, as currently of course I use the gears to adjust the resistance, and to get my cadence in the desired ball park, be it 70, 110 or what have you.
    So presumably I can just leave the bike on one gear or something, and it will do the rest, and if I have to pedal super fast, it will just drop the resistance to be the equivalent of me dropping gears?

    I guess you still want to use different gears though, as otherwise you will just be hammering one cog on the rear cassette.
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • madden2011
    madden2011 Posts: 142
    Daniel B wrote:

    Oh and one other thing, I have asked for a 'smart' turbo trainer for my birthday next month, I forget the make now, could be a Tacx, not super expensive, around £250 I think.
    I understand this links in with trainerroad, which then adjusts the resistance to match what is required.
    I'm being even more dim here I am sure, as currently of course I use the gears to adjust the resistance, and to get my cadence in the desired ball park, be it 70, 110 or what have you.
    So presumably I can just leave the bike on one gear or something, and it will do the rest, and if I have to pedal super fast, it will just drop the resistance to be the equivalent of me dropping gears?

    I guess you still want to use different gears though, as otherwise you will just be hammering one cog on the rear cassette.

    I'm guessing its the Tacx Vortex you are getting, you do not need to change the gear as the trainer will be in ERG mode which automatically adjusts the resistance for you. Most TR workouts have a desired cadence range e.g 85-95rpm some even higher so you pick a gear, one you can spin in that range and keeping to the required power without cooking your legs, and let TR and the turbo do the rest. If you find you can't do an interval just drop the intensity on the TR app and try not to change the gear as it can "confuse" the trainer.

    Once you get your smart trainer up and running you'll get the hang of it in no time.
  • HD101
    HD101 Posts: 28
    Got into TR a couple of winters ago - totally changed the way I train and ride. Such an awesome tool!
    I've been fitter and faster at the end of 2 successive off seasons now, giving me great impetus to go on and really enjoy the summer. Most importantly it provides measurable stats which you can review and actually chart the improvement (hopefully!).
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Daniel B wrote:
    Thankyou for that reply Nick, I was partly sceptical I must be honest, but the option of a free month has shown me the real value of it.

    Simple things like the one leg drills, and spending more time in the aero position, as well as fast leg drills, I have found very beneficial, and only after a few weeks - this has also translated to achieving my highest average cadence out on a 50 miler on Sunday, of 88, which I was rather pleased with, and also avoided any muscle cramps towards the end of the rides which I fairly often get - that may well just be down to lack of fitness of course.

    I am also now spending probably 50% of my ride down in the drops, which is something I could never manage before.

    I also find the kick and pull method really good, although the steady and deep breathing is not something I have yet mastered in any form really, I have to properly concentrate to achieve that, and as soon as I am not thinking about it, it goes back to normal, one to work on though for sure.

    One minor query, which I will e-mail in if that's better.

    I have the application installed on one laptop, and also log into the website from another laptop.
    On the second laptop I said I wanted to start a training plan, and that was the mid level base build one I think it was, the first one bascally.
    On that laptop that does not have the application, I can see whta I have completed week on week, but when I log into the actual application on the first laptop, it doesn't show me as having started a training plan, and only shows me the rides I have completed in my history view, which makes it a tad triccky to remember where you are up to.

    I expect I am just doing something wrong though!

    Oh and one other thing, I have asked for a 'smart' turbo trainer for my birthday next month, I forget the make now, could be a Tacx, not super expensive, around £250 I think.
    I understand this links in with trainerroad, which then adjusts the resistance to match what is required.
    I'm being even more dim here I am sure, as currently of course I use the gears to adjust the resistance, and to get my cadence in the desired ball park, be it 70, 110 or what have you.
    So presumably I can just leave the bike on one gear or something, and it will do the rest, and if I have to pedal super fast, it will just drop the resistance to be the equivalent of me dropping gears?

    I guess you still want to use different gears though, as otherwise you will just be hammering one cog on the rear cassette.

    You're most welcome mate!

    To address your first question, we are currently in the process of updating the app to reflect the new plan integration. It's in beta at the moment getting some kinks worked out and will be rolling out very soon! Woohoo!

    Secondly, just like Madden mentioned above and like you've eluded to, you'll simply leave it in one gear and TR/Vortex will do the rest. Sounds easy enough, ay? Well, it can be awfully relentless. ;)

    The article that's hyperlinked below will tell you everything you'll need to know about how to use your new smart trainer with TrainerRoad in ERG mode:

    ERG mode explained

    I hope this helps in getting your started! But of course, feel free to let us know of any questions or concerns.

    Cheers — Ride Hard!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    HD101 wrote:
    Got into TR a couple of winters ago - totally changed the way I train and ride. Such an awesome tool!
    I've been fitter and faster at the end of 2 successive off seasons now, giving me great impetus to go on and really enjoy the summer. Most importantly it provides measurable stats which you can review and actually chart the improvement (hopefully!).

    Music to our ears my friend!

    Very stoked to have you training with us! We'll be looking forward to even more improvements to come! If you run into questions or concerns of any kind, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at support@trainerroad.com. We're happy to help. :)

    Cheers — Ride Hard!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • madden2011
    madden2011 Posts: 142
    After using TR pretty much solidly for the last couple of weeks with the sustained power build plan gave the 20min test a go today and got a decent rise of about 3% FTP from my previous one.

    The last 5mins are still brutal! Nearly tasting my porridge again!

    Will just have to put up with slightly harder workouts now
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    Been having a problem with my HRM, some days it'll work fine others it'll drop out and others it will give really low/strange readings. Thought it just needed a new battery, so changed and made no difference.

    I have a spare HRM so tried pairing that (un-pairing the old HRM first) but for whatever reason I can't see it to add. Changed the battery in this one too in case it had died but has made no difference and now it won't even pair my old HRM.

    Have been on the troubleshooting page, but it refers to the old TR software and not the updated version I'm running.

    Any idea on how to pair up HRM please?

    Should add, speed and cadence sensor are paired and working fine so it's not the ANT+ stick.
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Dinyull wrote:
    Been having a problem with my HRM, some days it'll work fine others it'll drop out and others it will give really low/strange readings. Thought it just needed a new battery, so changed and made no difference.

    I have a spare HRM so tried pairing that (un-pairing the old HRM first) but for whatever reason I can't see it to add. Changed the battery in this one too in case it had died but has made no difference and now it won't even pair my old HRM.

    Have been on the troubleshooting page, but it refers to the old TR software and not the updated version I'm running.

    Any idea on how to pair up HRM please?

    Should add, speed and cadence sensor are paired and working fine so it's not the ANT+ stick.

    Sorry to hear about the recent issues with the HRM. :(

    I've heard of heart rate monitors act up on a few occasions similarly to this. But that's pretty strange the old one isn't even pairing.. The sensor is usually woken up when placed on your body, so as long as you did that during the pairing process maybe it's kaput? We also tell users to wet the HRM sensors to ensure the most consistent connection if you wanted to give that a shot with the one that's been acting up.

    In any case, when you get a chance go ahead and shoot an email over to support@trainerroad.com. I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of things. :)

    Thanks @Dinyull

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    I got the HRM to pair last night, but still getting strange readings.
  • cdrewery
    cdrewery Posts: 16
    Not sure which HRM you are using but I used a Garmin HRM for a long time and kept on getting multiple dropouts both out on the bike and on the trainer. Replaced it with a Wahoo Tickr and it has been perfect ever since...
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    cdrewery wrote:
    Not sure which HRM you are using but I used a Garmin HRM for a long time and kept on getting multiple dropouts both out on the bike and on the trainer. Replaced it with a Wahoo Tickr and it has been perfect ever since...

    I'm betting that the Garmin HRM was ANT+? In which case, certain interferences that affect ANT+ may not affect Bluetooth devices if you're connecting the Tickr over BT now? Or maybe the battery? I'm just taking a stab at that one, as I'm not entirely sure. :)

    If you ever run into any issues with the Tickr (despite whichever means of connectivity you're using), please don't hesitate to get in touch with the support team at support@trainerroad.com.

    Thanks man!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Dinyull wrote:
    I got the HRM to pair last night, but still getting strange readings.

    I saw that you got another ride in and that the HRM data was looking solid. What ended up being the issue?

    Thanks!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • Cliveyp
    Cliveyp Posts: 173
    I'm looking to kick off a TrainerRoad 'trial month' as has been recommended to me. One question I do have though is on the minimum term of any subscription.

    While I don't doubt its effectiveness as a virtual trainer, I probably only have a real need for it for a month or two. I have a Tacx Vortex Smart but it's only on loan from a friend, so I'd obviously like to make good use of it when I have it, but know that at some point in time I've got to hand it back. If I sign up for the monthly subscription, am I able to then unsubscribe at any time, or is there a minimum term?
    2015 Ridley Fenix 105
    2012 Cube Ltd SL
    2011 Trek 1.2 - Sold
    2001 Giant Boulder - Sold
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Cliveyp wrote:
    I'm looking to kick off a TrainerRoad 'trial month' as has been recommended to me. One question I do have though is on the minimum term of any subscription.

    While I don't doubt its effectiveness as a virtual trainer, I probably only have a real need for it for a month or two. I have a Tacx Vortex Smart but it's only on loan from a friend, so I'd obviously like to make good use of it when I have it, but know that at some point in time I've got to hand it back. If I sign up for the monthly subscription, am I able to then unsubscribe at any time, or is there a minimum term?

    Thanks for your interest in training with us! We'd be stoked to have you on-board, even if it is just for a couple months. Which, by the way, is totally doable! :)

    We have the ability to sign up for a monthly subscription as well as a yearly. Sounds like the monthly will be more your speed, and when you need to unsubscribe, you can suspend your account whenever you wish. When you're on the monthly plan and you suspend your account, you'll still be able to use your subscription until the next billing period. That way you can use what you've paid for, but won't be charged again on would've been the beginning of your next pay cycle.

    If you run into any questions or concerns with getting started, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our support team at support@trainerroad.com.

    Hope this helps!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 12,035
    Took out my years subscription today :-)
    Planning to hit it again at the weekend I reckon, probably have to start from scratch after 3 weeks off.....
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    Nick Kanwetz wrote:
    Dinyull wrote:
    I got the HRM to pair last night, but still getting strange readings.

    I saw that you got another ride in and that the HRM data was looking solid. What ended up being the issue?

    Thanks!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training Tool

    On the very next ride I was getting abnormal readings again. Just got married and been away for a little honeymoon so haven't been on for almost 2 weeks now but I've put both HRM straps in the wash so fingers crossed for next week.
  • narbs
    narbs Posts: 593
    I love TrainerRoad but I always turn to it in a panic in Jan/Feb having done nothing for a few months.

    This year I'm determined to to a proper Base/Build/Specific programme throughout the autumn and winter and be raring to go in decent shape next spring.

    Starting the Sweet Spot Base low plan for the next 6-8 weeks coupled with an increase in running.
  • peteco
    peteco Posts: 184
    I have just signed up for Trainerroad, and intend doing the FTP test this weekend. The software has given me a estimated FTP based on various parameters, and I will use this for the test, but what happens after that ?

    Will I be given a revised FTP after the test automatically by the software, or will I have to adjust it myself, based on my assessment of how I performed during the test ?

    If I am given a new value, what does the software use to calculate this, or am I over thinking what the software does for me ?

    Thanks,

    Pete
  • narbs
    narbs Posts: 593
    peteco wrote:
    I have just signed up for Trainerroad, and intend doing the FTP test this weekend. The software has given me a estimated FTP based on various parameters, and I will use this for the test, but what happens after that ?

    Will I be given a revised FTP after the test automatically by the software, or will I have to adjust it myself, based on my assessment of how I performed during the test ?

    If I am given a new value, what does the software use to calculate this, or am I over thinking what the software does for me ?

    Thanks,

    Pete

    Pete, you'll start off with TR giving you an FTP of 200. The two 8 minute efforts (or 1 x 20) will be based on this - so if you hit the target power TR suggests you'll stay at 200. If you go higher, so will your resulting FTP and vice versa.

    You'll be told the result at the end of the test and given the option to update the FTP value. If you do all your subsequent workouts will be based on the new FTP until you either do another TR test or alter the FTP manually.

    It's quite clever :D
  • peteco
    peteco Posts: 184
    That's really helpful thanks.

    I have another question :)

    I am using the Windows version of the software. If I go to the Career window, then I have the option to pick a Training Plan.

    Do I pick a whole Training Plan (can't see an option to do this), or do I pick an individual Workout within a Training Plan, and the software then knows that I have chosen that Training Plan, but it is up to me to make sure I follow the workouts within that Training Plan ?

    Just thought of another question - is there a test workout which I can use to make sure that all my devices are working correctly, and that I know how to drive the software, before I launch into a full FTP test workout ?

    Cheers,

    Pete
  • narbs
    narbs Posts: 593
    I use a Mac but I presume things are the same - do you have a separate TR programme? This is where I launch the workouts and where I can see that my HR and speed/cadence monitors are being picked up (the devices tab).

    28684407252_94d086ea1b_z.jpg

    From this I can pick Training Plans and they are stacked, so I just click on the next one in the list when I begin. If you've chosen a plan to follow on your web-based page this will then update to show you've completed that workout.

    28684407352_a785889c07_z.jpg

    I'm not sure if I've explained it very well so let me know if it doesn't make sense!
  • peteco
    peteco Posts: 184
    Many thanks for your help.

    Pete
  • pauljink
    pauljink Posts: 51
    I've got a MacBook (with Bluetooth), a Garmin 1000 (with endorsed) and a Kickr Snap - do I need an Ant+ dongle to tie everything together, or will everything work with Bluetooth?
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    pauljink wrote:
    I've got a MacBook (with Bluetooth), a Garmin 1000 (with endorsed) and a Kickr Snap - do I need an Ant+ dongle to tie everything together, or will everything work with Bluetooth?

    Boom! No need for the ANT+ dongle in that case! You've got all you need to get the wheels rollin' my friend. :)

    And you won't necessarily need to use your Garmin, since TrainerRoad will act as your head-unit. All your devices will be paired directly to TR where you can visualize your metrics on your training interface.

    Something to keep in mind: Many sensors and devices utilize ANT+, so there may be a chance you'll need to pick one up down the road. That said, a lot of devices are dual-band now (both BT & ANT+), so there's a chance you don't run into any problems as well. In case you do want to pick an ANT+ dongle up, here's one of the options we suggest: Garmin mini USB

    There are some cheaper alternatives out there too, but that's a smaller option that's a little less cumbersome. To learn more about ANT+ connectivity, check out our Help Center article here: ANT+ connectivity

    Hope this helps mate! Feel free to drop a line to our support crew at support@trainerroad.com if you run into any other questions. We look forward to making some serious gains with ya!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • carytb
    carytb Posts: 14
    With the good weather finally here I cannot face going on the turbo for a 35 minute Sweetspot ride. Does anyone know what an equivalent Zone 2 endurance ride length should be to emulate the same training effect as such a sweet spot ride.
  • peppern123
    peppern123 Posts: 38
    So I am thinking about giving TranierRoad a go, I currently have an elite dumb trainer, Powertap P1 powermeter and an old windows laptop (3 years old).

    Do I need to upgrade to a smart trainer or will the power data from the pedals be used? Do I need anything else to get started?

    Also my turbo is in my garage so no wifi will that be a problem?

    Thanks for any help
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    peppern123 wrote:
    So I am thinking about giving TranierRoad a go, I currently have an elite dumb trainer, Powertap P1 powermeter and an old windows laptop (3 years old).

    Do I need to upgrade to a smart trainer or will the power data from the pedals be used? Do I need anything else to get started?

    Also my turbo is in my garage so no wifi will that be a problem?

    Thanks for any help

    I don't have a power meter and have wifi connection at all times so I could be wrong, but:

    You only need a recognised or smart trainer if you plan on using TrainerRoad's virtual power. You having a powertap would negate that need so any old turbo would suffice. You would need a Movestick mini or similar ant+ stick plugged into you computer to get the power readings from the meter (as well as any hrm and cadence sensor you have).

    You download the software onto your computer, the workouts are all in the software and you only need a wifi connection when uploading you completed rides onto the TR site. So that shouldn't be a problem.
  • peppern123
    peppern123 Posts: 38
    Thanks for the response I have a Garmin HRM and the cadence data comes from the powertap. So sounds like I just need an ant+ stick and I am good to go !!

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