The official TrainerRoad thread

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  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    I've been off the bike for two weeks due to illness, and was right at the beginning of the Sustained Power Build plan - i'd completed week one before being too sick to ride.

    When I am well enough again, should I do a week or two of recovery cycling before starting again? This would coincide well with the Xmas break where training may be a bit tricky to squeeze into family plans.

    I am not scheduled for any events, so there is no problem with adding in extra weeks.
    StumpJumper HT

    Canyon Endurace CF8.0

    TrainerRoad Career

    Strava
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    robu wrote:
    Is anyone else having problems with Trainerroad on a Mac after upgrading to the new software?

    Having recently downloaded the latest version of the software for OS X, I have to say it is an unmitigated pile of **** (please insert any expletive of your choosing).

    They’ve turned a simple, slightly old-fashioned but very effective and reliable piece of software into something that is not fit for purpose. All other components — heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, bike, laptop etc — were unchanged, so it is not a fault of any of them.

    I’ve just completed a two-hour workout in which the software frequently froze. Everything on the display was stuck: interval timer, elapsed time, power output, target, heart rate and cadence. It made it unusable. In one instance, it froze in the middle of a 10-second form sprint, so I had no idea how long to continue sprinting flat out. At other times, it froze near the end of an interval, so I had no idea when to transition to a different power output.

    But that’s only the beginning of the problems with the new version of the Mac software.

    In changing the interface, they've made it far less user friendly. Parts of the display are now unreadable.

    I use trainerroad on a MacBook Air with a 13 inch screen. I like to minimise the display, so that I can superimpose it along the bottom of the screen while I watch a video — sometimes Sufferfest, but more usually a movie or TV show.

    The redesign has achieved the seemingly impossible double whammy of making the strip larger and yet less easy to read. It now covers up more of the video, partly because the red, yellow and green window sizing buttons no longer disappear when the app is running. However, the font used for the readouts is smaller and thicker than on the old version, so it’s much less easy to see.

    The coup de grace is the profiles either side of the digital readouts. These used to be very straightforward and clear, but they are now tiny and obscured with horizontal lines, which makes them impossible to read when doing a workout, so I can neither see what lies ahead nor ramp up power as required by the workout.

    These are only some of the problems with the new interface and software. Others included failing to save the workout at its end (I had to refresh to get it to save), pausing the workout when I was still pedalling, and also failing to pause it when I stopped pedalling.

    Trainerroad worked perfectly before I installed the latest, abominable iteration of the software and I had grown to really appreciate and rely upon the application. Now I am in the position of trying to work out what might be the best alternative as I’m not prepared to persevere with something that is so unusable.

    Anyone got any idea how I can reinstall the previous version of Trainerroad.

    Sorry to hear you had such considerable issues using the redesigned version of our software, Robert. We had a bad download up for a couple days where users were experiencing the app freezing on them in certain instances. Again, sorry to hear you ran into this issue.

    It looks like one of our agents were able to get you back on the previous version, which appears to be working well for you. If you prefer to use the older version, please feel free. If you'd like to work out any issues you were running into with the new version of our app, feel free to leave us feedback on our user feedback channel: trainerroad.uservoice.com.

    Thanks again for your feedback.

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    I've been off the bike for two weeks due to illness, and was right at the beginning of the Sustained Power Build plan - i'd completed week one before being too sick to ride.

    When I am well enough again, should I do a week or two of recovery cycling before starting again? This would coincide well with the Xmas break where training may be a bit tricky to squeeze into family plans.

    I am not scheduled for any events, so there is no problem with adding in extra weeks.

    When you're feeling well again, I think repeating the final week from your Base plan for two weeks would be smart before diving back into Sustained Power Build. This will get you back in the groove and prime your muscles/metabolic systems for the next 8 weeks of training. It should also be light enough to not give you any troubles with your family obligations around this time. Just don't make the training about trying to make up lost time from your illness. Be patient in getting back into it and don't rush anything if you're still trying to shake off any lingering fatigue from your sickness.

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • handful
    handful Posts: 920
    I used the Android app on my phone to complete the 20 minute test the other day and found it very glitchy. The power readings were only updating every 2-3 seconds and sometimes much longer than that, making it very difficult to switch power outputs. Is this a common issue with it being a beta or is it more likely to be my phone? I have a cheap (but otherwise excellent) Chinese phone called an Umi Super, no Ant + but I had a Suunto Moviestick connected fine. Thanks in advance for any opinions or maybe a view from Nick?!!
    Vaaru Titanium Sram Red eTap
    Moda Chord with drop bars and Rival shifters - winter/do it all bike
    Orbea Rise
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    handful wrote:
    I used the Android app on my phone to complete the 20 minute test the other day and found it very glitchy. The power readings were only updating every 2-3 seconds and sometimes much longer than that, making it very difficult to switch power outputs. Is this a common issue with it being a beta or is it more likely to be my phone? I have a cheap (but otherwise excellent) Chinese phone called an Umi Super, no Ant + but I had a Suunto Moviestick connected fine. Thanks in advance for any opinions or maybe a view from Nick?!!

    Yikes! Have you had successful rides running TR on this device before? Or was the 20-Minute test the first ride you've done on Android? The app is no longer in beta so it's likely there's been an update that went up since you originally downloaded it.

    Give a look when you get a chance. If you're still having any laggy experiences please let us know at support@trainerroad.com so we can take a look a little further in-depth.

    Thanks!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • handful
    handful Posts: 920
    Thanks for the response Nick. It was my first time using the android app, I usually use my laptop with the Suunto Moviestick and have never had an issue with that. I will try it again sometime and will contact you via support if its the same next time. Cheers
    Vaaru Titanium Sram Red eTap
    Moda Chord with drop bars and Rival shifters - winter/do it all bike
    Orbea Rise
  • denkfaul
    denkfaul Posts: 39
    edited December 2016
    Do the spelling mistakes in the workout text bother anyone else? I've just finished SST Base I and pretty much every workout had multiple your / you're & their / they're mistakes. I'm only slightly pedantic but it seems like no-one has proofread any of the text.

    Edit: typo
  • bobmcstuff
    bobmcstuff Posts: 11,435
    denkfaul wrote:
    Does the spelling mistakes in the workout text bother anyone else? I've just finished SST Base I and pretty much every workout had multiple your / you're & their / they're mistakes. I'm only slightly pedantic but it seems like no-one has proof read any of the text.

    Yes. But I am very pedantic and not to be listened to!

    Also, you mean "do the spelling mistakes", not "does" ;)
  • denkfaul
    denkfaul Posts: 39
    bobmcstuff wrote:

    Yes. But I am very pedantic and not to be listened to!

    Also, you mean "do the spelling mistakes", not "does" ;)

    You should work for TR!
  • Gregger
    Gregger Posts: 71
    So I've joined Trainer Road
    I like the Zwift interface but maybe the Trainer Road fitness programes better
    I did the FTP yesterday, ooh, unpleasant

    Q's
    I did the calibration test (Taxc Flow Smart). It goes up to 30K then I coast down. Is anything meant to happen then or is that it?

    How does TR pick up cadence without a proper cadence attachment on the pedal? The figures showing were well out
  • vinnymarsden
    vinnymarsden Posts: 560
    I was a staunch user of TR for long enough, but when it went browser based, as opposed to a stand alone piece of actual software I started having all sorts of issues, some/most mentioned by other users...freezing videos's, drop outs, glitches in reading/detecting previously okay sensors.I persevered with it, and to be fair the TR customer care team were excellent, but in the end I just couldn't make it run like it did before. The Windows machine s W10 an all worked well.I have now reluctantly, but necessary to preserve my sanity suspended my TR membership.
    Zwift is okay, but a bit too gamesy for me, albeit the graphics are good, there's no denying it.
    I opted for Perf Pro, no monthly subs... and up to now everything works perfectly!! That's it now..next ride on PerfPro will crash/destroy my Kickr/computer/bike!!!
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    edited December 2016
    VinnyMarsden wrote:
    I was a staunch user of TR for long enough, but when it went browser based, as opposed to a stand alone piece of actual software I started having all sorts of issues, some/most mentioned by other users...freezing videos's, drop outs, glitches in reading/detecting previously okay sensors.I persevered with it, and to be fair the TR customer care team were excellent, but in the end I just couldn't make it run like it did before. The Windows machine s W10 an all worked well.I have now reluctantly, but necessary to preserve my sanity suspended my TR membership.
    Zwift is okay, but a bit too gamesy for me, albeit the graphics are good, there's no denying it.
    I opted for Perf Pro, no monthly subs... and up to now everything works perfectly!! That's it now..next ride on PerfPro will crash/destroy my Kickr/computer/bike!!!

    Browser based?

    It runs in it's own bit of software...
    StumpJumper HT

    Canyon Endurace CF8.0

    TrainerRoad Career

    Strava
  • Gregger
    Gregger Posts: 71
    Gregger wrote:
    So I've joined Trainer Road
    I like the Zwift interface but maybe the Trainer Road fitness programes better
    I did the FTP yesterday, ooh, unpleasant

    Q's
    I did the calibration test (Taxc Flow Smart). It goes up to 30K then I coast down. Is anything meant to happen then or is that it?

    How does TR pick up cadence without a proper cadence attachment on the pedal? The figures showing were well out

    I dont seem to get the below message

    "When the spindown is complete click “Accept” to accept the calibration value. Now you’re ready to start your workout!"
  • Vslowpace
    Vslowpace Posts: 189
    The cadence will be picked up from your trainer and as you have found out this can be a random number generator.

    Regarding the calibration test, yes that's pretty much it. Pedal up to speed and stop pedalling when it tells you.
    I re-calibrate every ride after the trainer has got 10-15 minutes on the clock. That's one of the advantages of TR over both Zwift and Sufferfest in that it has in app calibration.
  • Joshgav
    Joshgav Posts: 158
    I'm having an issue with Trainerroad on the PC where the power it is reading (virtual power using a speed sensor and my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine profile) is lagging behind my efforts significantly, maybe 15-20 seconds or so. Has anyone else had this before and know a fix?

    I am using Bluetooth smart sensors and the recommended bluetooth dongle in the PC. I have now tried replacing the battery in the sensor and moving the dongle closer using a usb extension cable.
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    denkfaul wrote:
    Do the spelling mistakes in the workout text bother anyone else? I've just finished SST Base I and pretty much every workout had multiple your / you're & their / they're mistakes. I'm only slightly pedantic but it seems like no-one has proofread any of the text.

    Edit: typo

    We'll comb through and check on those! Thanks for letting us know. :)

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Gregger wrote:
    So I've joined Trainer Road
    I like the Zwift interface but maybe the Trainer Road fitness programes better
    I did the FTP yesterday, ooh, unpleasant

    Q's
    I did the calibration test (Taxc Flow Smart). It goes up to 30K then I coast down. Is anything meant to happen then or is that it?

    How does TR pick up cadence without a proper cadence attachment on the pedal? The figures showing were well out

    Welcome aboard!

    We were having issues with calibration on Tacx trainers which we released a fix for a few days ago. Once you achieve the required speed you'll just coast until you receive a 'Successful Calibration' message. Make sure to update (if you haven't already) before giving it another shot. :)

    The cadence you're seeing is a "virtual cadence" that's calculated by the trainer and sent along to TR with the power and speed data. Though, using a dedicated cadence sensor would provide more reliable cadence data.

    Let us know if you run into anymore questions or concerns!

    Cheers,

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    Joshgav wrote:
    I'm having an issue with Trainerroad on the PC where the power it is reading (virtual power using a speed sensor and my Kurt Kinetic Road Machine profile) is lagging behind my efforts significantly, maybe 15-20 seconds or so. Has anyone else had this before and know a fix?

    I am using Bluetooth smart sensors and the recommended bluetooth dongle in the PC. I have now tried replacing the battery in the sensor and moving the dongle closer using a usb extension cable.

    I just took a look at your career to get an idea of the issues you're experiencing and something is definitely fishy. The lags in your power seem exclusive to the Windows app, but your VirtualPower readings on your Android workouts are also looking odd. For example, on Monitor 45 your VP readings are all over the place but your cadence appears consistent. I'm wondering if there's something up with your speed sensor. Have you checked it on another app or a head-unit?

    Can you send us an email at support@trainerroad.com with a description of your issues when you get a chance? We'll look into the lags/VP readings and see if this is an issue with your sensor or an issue with TR.

    Looking forward to getting to the bottom of things. Thanks!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • rudivoller22
    rudivoller22 Posts: 492
    Anyone got a 30 day free code they don't want? Currently on the sufferfest app but having issues so want to give TR a go. For use with a Tacx Neo.
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    rudivoller22 wrote:
    Anyone got a 30 day free code they don't want? Currently on the sufferfest app but having issues so want to give TR a go. For use with a Tacx Neo.

    In case you don't have any luck with an extra code floating around, keep in mind we do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. :) If you don't love us in your first 30-days we'll get you a 100% refund, no questions asked.

    Happy Training!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • peteco
    peteco Posts: 184
    Another question. I have now done a Base Phase and Build Phase, so logically should be doing a Speciality Phase next, but I don't have a specific event to target at this point in the year. Is the general intention that I should continuously cycle through the Base - Build - Speciality phases, or that I go and do another Build Phase next, and another after that, until I need to specialise later in the year.

    Thanks,

    Pete
  • vpnikolov
    vpnikolov Posts: 568
    peteco wrote:
    Another question. I have now done a Base Phase and Build Phase, so logically should be doing a Speciality Phase next, but I don't have a specific event to target at this point in the year. Is the general intention that I should continuously cycle through the Base - Build - Speciality phases, or that I go and do another Build Phase next, and another after that, until I need to specialise later in the year.

    Thanks,

    Pete

    From TrainerRoad blog:

    “What if I’ve chosen a plan but I have more than the prescribed number of weeks until my goal event?”

    You have more flexibility here. If you’re still early in the season, you can extend your Base conditioning. Or, after a couple weeks of low-intensity work following the Specialty phase, do a partial repeat of the Build and Specialty Phases. If you go with the latter, choose either the first or second half of the Build (first-half if fatigued, second-half if fresh) to set the stage for further increases in fitness. Just schedule a taper week before your event if your event doesn’t align with the end of the plan.
  • b4ssy
    b4ssy Posts: 27
    Has anyone downloaded the latest version of the software on to a mac?

    Last time I updated the software it wouldn't pick up any of my devices ( bluetooth heart rate, ant+ power and cadence ) and I don't want the same thing to happen again.

    I managed to find a beta version of the software when it happened which has been working perfectly up 'til now
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    peteco wrote:
    Another question. I have now done a Base Phase and Build Phase, so logically should be doing a Speciality Phase next, but I don't have a specific event to target at this point in the year. Is the general intention that I should continuously cycle through the Base - Build - Speciality phases, or that I go and do another Build Phase next, and another after that, until I need to specialise later in the year.

    Thanks,

    Pete

    Hey Pete,

    Our recommendation is to progress through the entire Base, Build, Specialty training cycle, even if you don't necessarily have an event that you're trying to "peak" for just yet. Since it sounds like you're going to want to peak at some point in the season though, I think the following article by our Head Coach will really help you plan the remainder of your season. In it he explores three different approaches to manipulating the Base, Build, Specialty cycle in a way that suit your needs depending on the timing of your event(s).

    How to adjust your training post.

    Based off of the recommendations in this article I could see your season looking something like this: Base (done) > Build (done) > Spec (8 weeks) > 2-3 weeks of low-intensity work > partial repeat of your Build phase to set the stages for further increases in fitness (4 weeks) > partial repeat of your Specialty phase (the revisitation of Specialty phase can be adjusted to leave you fresh for your event by replacing week 8 with the last week of training before that event—you may also not need to adjust anything at-all).

    If you don't end up having any events we'd still recommend to follow the plans as is with the intention to gradually nudge your fitness up each cycle. :)

    Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns. Cheers!

    Community Manager at TrainerRoad — Cycling's Most Effective Training System
  • Nick Kanwetz
    Nick Kanwetz Posts: 100
    b4ssy wrote:
    Has anyone downloaded the latest version of the software on to a mac?

    Last time I updated the software it wouldn't pick up any of my devices ( bluetooth heart rate, ant+ power and cadence ) and I don't want the same thing to happen again.

    I managed to find a beta version of the software when it happened which has been working perfectly up 'til now

    If this happens to you again, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@trainerroad.com. We'd like to investigate anything impeding your ability to use the app, especially if it's affecting your devices and ability to complete workouts. Give us a shout if you run into any problems with the latest download—we're happy to help. :)

    Thanks!
  • bobmcstuff
    bobmcstuff Posts: 11,435
    Question on plans: I'm currently doing Sweetspot Base II, and I'm at the end of week 4 (of 6). I am away from tomorrow till the 17th, so what I have done, possibly foolishly, is do weeks 4 and 5 together.

    I am just about to get on the turbo and finish off the last session in the list (Leconte) - once finished this will be a ~700 indoor TSS week, plus I've done ~90km outdoor riding, so quite a big week all in (13hr of which ~8.5hr on the turbo).

    I hope to get some outdoor riding in on the weekend of 14th and 15th, inc one long (4hr) ride, and I may get some gym time once or twice next week.

    W/c Monday 16th is supposed to be the "easy" week at the end of the plan.

    Question is, do I:

    a) do the easy week workouts like normal w/c 16th, even though I'll be in a different place with CTL than I would be had I not done a double week followed by a week off the turbo.

    b) add in an extra week of slightly harder workouts and push the easy week back a week.

    c) something else - possibly treat next week as the easy week and start on the build plan w/c 16th.

    Does it really matter? I'm minded to go with option A for simplicity. Timing wise adding or removing a week doesn't make much difference to me.
  • pollys_bott
    pollys_bott Posts: 1,012
    Just started using TR and did an 8 min FTP test in resistance mode as the wording in this piece

    http://support.trainerroad.com/hc/en-us ... RG-Trainer

    just confused the hell out of me. On the one hand it says "If an electronic trainer is left in Erg mode, any test workouts won't assess FTP improvement" but in the preceding paragraph it says "Fortunately, TrainerRoad switches modes for you when you assess your FTP via our 20-Minute Test or our 8-Minute Test." Looking through the comments section at the end I have since concluded that I should do the FTP test in ERG mode and it will automatically default to Resistance mode for the 2 x 8 min intervals; but could someone please confirm that my conclusion is correct?

    Many thanks...
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    Nick Kanwetz wrote:
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    I've been off the bike for two weeks due to illness, and was right at the beginning of the Sustained Power Build plan - i'd completed week one before being too sick to ride.

    When I am well enough again, should I do a week or two of recovery cycling before starting again? This would coincide well with the Xmas break where training may be a bit tricky to squeeze into family plans.

    I am not scheduled for any events, so there is no problem with adding in extra weeks.

    When you're feeling well again, I think repeating the final week from your Base plan for two weeks would be smart before diving back into Sustained Power Build. This will get you back in the groove and prime your muscles/metabolic systems for the next 8 weeks of training. It should also be light enough to not give you any troubles with your family obligations around this time. Just don't make the training about trying to make up lost time from your illness. Be patient in getting back into it and don't rush anything if you're still trying to shake off any lingering fatigue from your sickness.

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


    So the two weeks off turned into five weeks...

    I'm back on the bike today and just completed Lazy Mountain. I mixed in a couple of out 30 second out of the saddle easy intervals, and a couple of single leg drills - and came away feeling like I had just done a two hour sweet spot effort :oops:

    I'm going to quit the Sustained Power Build, and go back to Base again after a week or two of recovery sessions - would it make sense to start with Traditional Base Low 1 just to get back into the swing of things, then after that first 4 weeks switch to Sweet Spot Base Low 1 and then 2? Or should my body be OK to jump straight into Sweet Spot after a couple of easy recovery weeks? :?:
    StumpJumper HT

    Canyon Endurace CF8.0

    TrainerRoad Career

    Strava
  • franko777
    franko777 Posts: 10
    Pollys Bott wrote:
    Just started using TR and did an 8 min FTP test in resistance mode as the wording in this piece

    http://support.trainerroad.com/hc/en-us ... RG-Trainer

    just confused the hell out of me. On the one hand it says "If an electronic trainer is left in Erg mode, any test workouts won't assess FTP improvement" but in the preceding paragraph it says "Fortunately, TrainerRoad switches modes for you when you assess your FTP via our 20-Minute Test or our 8-Minute Test." Looking through the comments section at the end I have since concluded that I should do the FTP test in ERG mode and it will automatically default to Resistance mode for the 2 x 8 min intervals; but could someone please confirm that my conclusion is correct?

    Many thanks...
    Yeah, I just started a plan on Friday too, and I simply left my Kickr in ERG mode and for the two 8 minute blocks it just automatically switched to resistance mode and then back again.
  • UKCarl
    UKCarl Posts: 1
    New here (as a poster) and also new to TR having previously mtb'd 8-10hrs a week "as I feel". However I have accepted family challenge race so will be trying structured training for the first time.

    Purchasing a Tacx Flow smart, also have an Iphone6s for the app and signing up for TR, however the 2 outstanding questions are;

    I'm guessing my Garmin HR belt is only Ant+ so I either need a new BT belt or Ant+ adapter for my Iphone?
    Do I need a separate speed sensor, from posts they seem to give a more accurate reading but is this important?

    I'll post up my FTP increases (hopefully!!) over the next 6 months.

    thanks

    Carl

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