zwift/smart trainer
chatlow
Posts: 850
I have just received a Tacx Vortex smart trainer and looking to set it up with Zwift.
Plugged it in and downloaded the Tacx Utility app on my smart phone from play store which gave me an update and did the calibration test. All good so far.
Next thing is pairing the sensors. I already have Garmin speed and cadence sensors on the bike. Is it best to use these or should I go with the cadence calculated from the vortex? I ask because they seem a little off (5-8 rpm difference) I tested by downloaded Zwift on my macbook (using ant+ dongle) and pairing with smart trainer. Then compared cadence of trainer vs Garmin 800 paired to my normal cadence sensor.
Finally, and please excuse my stupidity here, but with gearing - is it best to focus on using one gear around Zwift OR is it literally like riding on the road so you're expected to go up and down in gears according to the slope? :?
Plugged it in and downloaded the Tacx Utility app on my smart phone from play store which gave me an update and did the calibration test. All good so far.
Next thing is pairing the sensors. I already have Garmin speed and cadence sensors on the bike. Is it best to use these or should I go with the cadence calculated from the vortex? I ask because they seem a little off (5-8 rpm difference) I tested by downloaded Zwift on my macbook (using ant+ dongle) and pairing with smart trainer. Then compared cadence of trainer vs Garmin 800 paired to my normal cadence sensor.
Finally, and please excuse my stupidity here, but with gearing - is it best to focus on using one gear around Zwift OR is it literally like riding on the road so you're expected to go up and down in gears according to the slope? :?
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Comments
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Use the cadence sensor from your Garmin, you don't need the speed sensor so you shouldn't pair it.
And yes, use the gears the same as you would on the road.0 -
thanks, I un-paired the smart cadence and selected the Garmin instead. Had a go tonight and love it. I knew my question about the gearing was stupid as soon as I hit submit ha.0
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Not entirely stupid because if you use Zwift in workout mode then you do want to stay in one gear and let the trainer select resistance for you.0
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You don't change gear…put the trainer in ERG mode, find the gear you want and it sets the resistance for you..it really is better that way..or why have a smart trainer…its the smart element that sets the resistance..not your gears.0
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VinnyMarsden wrote:You don't change gear…put the trainer in ERG mode, find the gear you want and it sets the resistance for you..it really is better that way..or why have a smart trainer…its the smart element that sets the resistance..not your gears.
Unless you're using workout mode that's not how it works at all.0
