The official TrainerRoad thread

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  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    Just looking into TR now, i have just ordered a satori from decathlon and have a garmin 800 with cadence sensor, do i just require the Ant+ computer gadget now? Also i had a quick look at the plans, is there more than that available once you register? I noticed the base plan is only 3.5 hours a week, is it recommended to stick to the plans, (3.5 hours doesnt seem much at all) or are the plans only to supplement your regular long outdoor rides?
  • t.m.h.n.e.t
    t.m.h.n.e.t Posts: 2,265
    Have a look for the Suunto Movestick too. It can be cheaper than the garmin usb stick and is much much smaller.

    The listed plans are about it,but you can of course make your own rides and can't forget about sufferfest integration. I still ride on the road as well as doing plans (and other health/fitness related activities not directly related to cycling :lol: ) which is why it's taken me soo long :)
  • ChrisSA
    ChrisSA Posts: 455
    jamienorton wrote:
    Just looking into TR now, i have just ordered a satori from decathlon and have a garmin 800 with cadence sensor, do i just require the Ant+ computer gadget now? Also i had a quick look at the plans, is there more than that available once you register? I noticed the base plan is only 3.5 hours a week, is it recommended to stick to the plans, (3.5 hours doesnt seem much at all) or are the plans only to supplement your regular long outdoor rides?

    You'll get the Ant+ stick with the Garmin 800. You won't need the 800 for TR though, albeit you can capture the workout on it (without the power data).
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  • t.m.h.n.e.t
    t.m.h.n.e.t Posts: 2,265
    ChrisSA wrote:
    jamienorton wrote:
    Just looking into TR now, i have just ordered a satori from decathlon and have a garmin 800 with cadence sensor, do i just require the Ant+ computer gadget now? Also i had a quick look at the plans, is there more than that available once you register? I noticed the base plan is only 3.5 hours a week, is it recommended to stick to the plans, (3.5 hours doesnt seem much at all) or are the plans only to supplement your regular long outdoor rides?

    You'll get the Ant+ stick with the Garmin 800. You won't need the 800 for TR though, albeit you can capture the workout on it (without the power data).
    You sure? None of the 800 bundles list one being included
  • ChrisSA
    ChrisSA Posts: 455
    Interesting. I was making a gross assumption as to how it connects to your PC. Does is use one of those outdated cable thingies? ;)
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  • manxshred
    manxshred Posts: 295
    All edge cycle computers connect with a mini usb as that is how they are also recharged.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    50 up! :D
  • Warwickshire Whizzer
    Warwickshire Whizzer Posts: 218
    ManxShred wrote:
    All edge cycle computers connect with a mini usb as that is how they are also recharged.

    They come with a mini USB cable but not an ant+ USB sensor to pick up signals from the speed sensor and hrm. You'll still need an Ant+ sensor to pluf into your USB port.
  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    You'd think garmin would throw in the usb gadget considering the price of the things. Any way just had my first go on the trainer, did a ramp test, nothing to do with TR yet though. Got up to 200bpm and soaked half the dining room. Does maximum HR actually relate to your fitness or tell you anything of use, other than how to structure zones?
  • wardieboy
    wardieboy Posts: 230
    What is the general consensus on the best power test to perform? 8 or 20 minute? I'm half way through the basic build plan (after performing an initial 20 minute power test), and now skimming through all the subsequent plans I note that they all start with the 2 x 8 min power assessment.
  • ChrisSA
    ChrisSA Posts: 455
    jamienorton wrote:
    You'd think garmin would throw in the usb gadget considering the price of the things. Any way just had my first go on the trainer, did a ramp test, nothing to do with TR yet though. Got up to 200bpm and soaked half the dining room. Does maximum HR actually relate to your fitness or tell you anything of use, other than how to structure zones?

    Just zones. Sweating loads is good for weight loss too! :D
    wardieboy wrote:
    What is the general consensus on the best power test to perform? 8 or 20 minute? I'm half way through the basic build plan (after performing an initial 20 minute power test), and now skimming through all the subsequent plans I note that they all start with the 2 x 8 min power assessment.

    With TR, unsure. I'd prefer the 20 minute, as it is likely to be more accurate* when predicting FTP. Coggan et al use the 20 minute test, whereas I believe the Time Crunched lot use 8 minute tests. Both are used to set zones by each author, though I gather the zonage is defined differently.
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  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    Also would like to know if you can export workouts to the Garmin, to do the workouts outdoors?
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    OK, I've joined the TR club :-)

    Revolver (remastered)
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93194

    God it's tough on a turbo... :wink:
    Simon
  • dw300
    dw300 Posts: 1,642
    wardieboy wrote:
    What is the general consensus on the best power test to perform? 8 or 20 minute? I'm half way through the basic build plan (after performing an initial 20 minute power test), and now skimming through all the subsequent plans I note that they all start with the 2 x 8 min power assessment.

    Haven't done the 8 minute test, but I can tell you from experience that the 20 minute gave a very close result to a full hour test for me.

    springtide9 wrote:
    OK, I've joined the TR club :-)

    Revolver (remastered)
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93194

    God it's tough on a turbo... :wink:

    Revolver is epicly good! I was gona needle you for not hitting the targets, but that only works if my FTP was better, which it's not .. by a long way. :p
    All the above is just advice .. you can do whatever the f*ck you wana do!
    Bike Radar Strava Club
    The Northern Ireland Thread
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    dw300 wrote:

    Revolver is epicly good! I was gona needle you for not hitting the targets, but that only works if my FTP was better, which it's not .. by a long way. :p

    Yep, it wasn't the best one to start with, given my legs were not in the best shape (excuses, excuses...).. but it was good. Overall, the TR is experience was very good... having a focus on what you need to do... left to your own devices, I don't think you'd be half as focused.

    I seem to have trashed my Conti GP (think it's pretty soft compound).. need to get the tyre changed before the next session.... but luckily the tyre is on it's way out anyway... so not such a big deal.

    Quick question.... re: HR zones
    I noticed that it gives your HR zones... but I have NOT (as far as I remember) either entered my age or my Max HR ... so how is it defining these zones? I see that VO2 Max is defined as between 158 -> 220 bpm within my 'ride'.
    Simon
  • ChrisSA
    ChrisSA Posts: 455
    springtide9 wrote:
    Quick question.... re: HR zones
    I noticed that it gives your HR zones... but I have NOT (as far as I remember) either entered my age or my Max HR ... so how is it defining these zones? I see that VO2 Max is defined as between 158 -> 220 bpm within my 'ride'.

    Have you done an FTP test on TR? It generates zones from that. Otherwise, no idea!
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  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    ChrisSA wrote:
    springtide9 wrote:
    Quick question.... re: HR zones
    I noticed that it gives your HR zones... but I have NOT (as far as I remember) either entered my age or my Max HR ... so how is it defining these zones? I see that VO2 Max is defined as between 158 -> 220 bpm within my 'ride'.

    Have you done an FTP test on TR? It generates zones from that. Otherwise, no idea!

    OK, so it's 'self learning'. Only have done one ride so far so I guess it will work this out in time.

    Thanks
    Simon
  • Warwickshire Whizzer
    Warwickshire Whizzer Posts: 218
    jamienorton wrote:
    Also would like to know if you can export workouts to the Garmin, to do the workouts outdoors?

    I don't believe you can, but this would be a useful feature. That said, what's to stop you just exporting all the workouts and then stopping your membership?

    You could just use the Garmin workout creator to make close approximations anyway?


    Also, I did Baxter last night...I think I enjoyed it. :shock:
  • t.m.h.n.e.t
    t.m.h.n.e.t Posts: 2,265
    jamienorton wrote:
    Also would like to know if you can export workouts to the Garmin, to do the workouts outdoors?
    Negative. You can though, export from TR to strava and the likes.
  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    Ok, thanks for answering my questions guys, think ill get the Ant+ USB Gadget and sign up to this on payday. Looking forward to it.
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    Latest ride
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93437
    using TR with the 'Training and racing with a Power Meter' book.
    Although you cant use all the bells and whistles of power training with TR, you can at least use the textbook to help you understand what is going on.
    Like my 4th interval was the classic '1 too many' with its drop in power of 5/6% which according to Allen and Coggan is when you stop doing (5min) intervals .
    I cant recommend this book highly enough.
  • manxshred
    manxshred Posts: 295
    I wish I could get my FTP up to that level. I'll just have to keep working at it.

    Here is my ride from last night http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93138
    I have never raced before, but I do seem to be able to do a bit of a sprint.
  • bobones
    bobones Posts: 1,215
    JGSI wrote:
    Latest ride
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93437
    using TR with the 'Training and racing with a Power Meter' book.
    Although you cant use all the bells and whistles of power training with TR, you can at least use the textbook to help you understand what is going on.
    Like my 4th interval was the classic '1 too many' with its drop in power of 5/6% which according to Allen and Coggan is when you stop doing (5min) intervals .
    I cant recommend this book highly enough.
    I see you're using a Tacx Satori at level 5, which is exactly what I use too, although I don't have Trainer Road yet. How do you manage to set it up consistently for use with Trainer Road? Do you find it's a good trainer to use with TR?
  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    bobones wrote:
    JGSI wrote:
    Latest ride
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93437
    using TR with the 'Training and racing with a Power Meter' book.
    Although you cant use all the bells and whistles of power training with TR, you can at least use the textbook to help you understand what is going on.
    Like my 4th interval was the classic '1 too many' with its drop in power of 5/6% which according to Allen and Coggan is when you stop doing (5min) intervals .
    I cant recommend this book highly enough.
    I see you're using a Tacx Satori at level 5, which is exactly what I use too, although I don't have Trainer Road yet. How do you manage to set it up consistently for use with Trainer Road? Do you find it's a good trainer to use with TR?
    Was about to ask this myself. Also anyone know if it is possible to remove the handlebar mount thing, from the satori?
  • springtide9
    springtide9 Posts: 1,731
    jamienorton wrote:
    bobones wrote:
    JGSI wrote:
    Latest ride
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93437
    using TR with the 'Training and racing with a Power Meter' book.
    Although you cant use all the bells and whistles of power training with TR, you can at least use the textbook to help you understand what is going on.
    Like my 4th interval was the classic '1 too many' with its drop in power of 5/6% which according to Allen and Coggan is when you stop doing (5min) intervals .
    I cant recommend this book highly enough.
    I see you're using a Tacx Satori at level 5, which is exactly what I use too, although I don't have Trainer Road yet. How do you manage to set it up consistently for use with Trainer Road? Do you find it's a good trainer to use with TR?
    Was about to ask this myself. Also anyone know if it is possible to remove the handlebar mount thing, from the satori?

    As a FYI, I'm using my Tacx Satori with a Powertap. What I'll give a go at some point is seeing if I can use the PT just for Cadence and Speed, and use TR to try and work out the power (and compare some of the data with my Edge 800)
    I have no idea how to do a full compare of the plots, but I guess comparing NP and Ave P should give some indication.
    Currently, the Edge 800 and TR are giving the same figures, so obviously processing the raw data in a similar way.

    Currently using Satori at L.6, as it seems slightly less noisy... although I think the wheel was a little tight on the roller after talking to someone today.

    As for keeping it consistent as possible, I would guess tyre pressure (and same clamp tightness) are key factors.
    Simon
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    bobones wrote:
    JGSI wrote:
    Latest ride
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93437
    using TR with the 'Training and racing with a Power Meter' book.
    Although you cant use all the bells and whistles of power training with TR, you can at least use the textbook to help you understand what is going on.
    Like my 4th interval was the classic '1 too many' with its drop in power of 5/6% which according to Allen and Coggan is when you stop doing (5min) intervals .
    I cant recommend this book highly enough.
    I see you're using a Tacx Satori at level 5, which is exactly what I use too, although I don't have Trainer Road yet. How do you manage to set it up consistently for use with Trainer Road? Do you find it's a good trainer to use with TR?

    I am using up the 2nd of an old set of Blizzards... I justmake sure the bar pressure is set to .. well high 8 .
    The roller pressure hasnt been altered in months.. and yes I will use this trainer until something goes bang on it...but it's a robust beastie.
    It is serviceable as well... the resistance cable can got as a spare part for instance.
  • Roubaixsl3
    Roubaixsl3 Posts: 48
    Hi folks,
    Just signed up on TR and found this interesting discussion, been reading the posts for the last couple of hours. I've always cycled year round (despite the awful weather in Aberdeen, snow today) but never done any structured training. I can ride centuries, some good, some bad, I love climbing as I'm a weenie 56Kg, hate headwinds due to lack of big power. I've recently had a sub-maximal power test performed in a lab (SRM bike) that produced a lactate threshold power of 255W, with a view to setting some training targets. I therefore have a good aerobic fitness base but lack the ability to maintain power on the longer rides. My target therefore is to improve this. So basically looking for some starting advice, like do I need to start with the intermediate base 1 plan then progress to base 2 etc., or should I be looking only at the endurance plans ?. There are so many workouts to choose from it's bewildering. Appreciate any advice you can offer, really looking forward to starting a structured programme,
    Robin
  • dw300
    dw300 Posts: 1,642
    Roubaixsl3 wrote:
    Hi folks,
    Just signed up on TR and found this interesting discussion, been reading the posts for the last couple of hours. I've always cycled year round (despite the awful weather in Aberdeen, snow today) but never done any structured training. I can ride centuries, some good, some bad, I love climbing as I'm a weenie 56Kg, hate headwinds due to lack of big power. I've recently had a sub-maximal power test performed in a lab (SRM bike) that produced a lactate threshold power of 255W, with a view to setting some training targets. I therefore have a good aerobic fitness base but lack the ability to maintain power on the longer rides. My target therefore is to improve this. So basically looking for some starting advice, like do I need to start with the intermediate base 1 plan then progress to base 2 etc., or should I be looking only at the endurance plans ?. There are so many workouts to choose from it's bewildering. Appreciate any advice you can offer, really looking forward to starting a structured programme,
    Robin

    I'm in a similar boat. Not quite as light, bit less power. But yeh, I'm aiming to build a bit of leg mass along with increasing my base fitness, mainly through near/over threshold work, and pushing bigger gears to develop the required power. This isnt based on anything I've read, it's purely just come from working on what I feel are my weak points.
    All the above is just advice .. you can do whatever the f*ck you wana do!
    Bike Radar Strava Club
    The Northern Ireland Thread
  • jamienorton
    jamienorton Posts: 182
    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/93894 just done the 8min test, tbh im not quite sure i did it right, the 8 min intervals felt comfortable but difficult, until i buried myself in the last 30 secs. Alot of other peoples test seem to be a consistent effort over the 8 mins. Anyone care to shed some light, if it looks right?
  • jgsi
    jgsi Posts: 5,062
    The 2 x 8 minute tests are 'all out'.
    As the tests are short, dont hold back but keep it consistent.
    and
    dont get too hung up on 'testing' either..
    These are all bullet points from CTS, on which this test is based upon.

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