I have always struggled with my weight in the winter and I needed to make a change. So this year i bought a smart trainer and a subscription to Zwift. It has been worth every penny. I have ridden about over almost 600 miles since Thanksgiving and look forward to riding 3 to 4 times a week. I have been averaging about 75 miles a week. I am looking forward to the upcoming riding season knowing the there won't be the saddle soreness at the start of the season.

Question:
Are you a Zwifter

Choices:
Yes
No

Question:
Would you be interested in a SF ride?

Choices:
Yes
No

 

Is that like "Swinging/Swapping" in the 70s?

^^^^^^
Like this you mean?

In all seriousness have never heard of Zwifter. Guess it must be a regional thing. Sounds like it works for you and that is good.

I thought he was asking about disposable dusters....

I was Zwifting for a while, but wound up joining 24-hour fitness for my indoor cycling and bought a fairly nice Orbea for my road work. Not sure if I'll hook up the trainer in the house anytime in the very near future.

Is that when you lick the back of a frog to get high?


Oh naw bruddah, winter time be training time. Summer time be speedo time.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Is that like "Swinging/Swapping" in the 70s?

I think they call that "Lifestyling" these days.

I literally downloaded the app on the apple TV last night and was going to try to set it up since my wife is traveling next week. I'll come back here if I get it all figured out.

I don't have a bluetooth trainer and would need to connect to the speed and cadence sensors on my road bike.

I alternate between Zwift and BKool for programs to control my smart trainer so I can ride my bicycle in the house.

I need to get back in the saddle again, it’s been over a year since I last rode. I was one of the very first subscribers to Zwift and used it to lose the last 50lbs or so of the 130 lbs I lost back in 2015-2016. I just checked to see how many miles I’ve logged in Zwift and it says I’ve done just over 29000 miles.

My Zwift setup:

I have an older Kinetics Rock and Roll Trainer that's not a "Smart" Trainer. After I bought my Orbea, I converted my old circa 1985 piece of steel Miyata bicycle into my indoor trainer by purchasing and building a "standard" 700c x 23mm wheel/tire setup...back when Zwift first came out, the program assumed that was your wheel size. Since my trainer isn't "Smart", I strung a USB cable with an ANT+ dongle under my bike to get the readings from the wheel and pedal sensors...I believe Zwift calls this "zPower" and it converts parameters such as MPH, Distance, and Wattage Output via algorithms based on your trainer, and required a "standard" wheel setup.
In later updates, Zwift made program changes that allowed the set up to be more accurate/flexible by having the user select his specific wheel size. This was helpful for a lot of folks that train with mountain bikes and others that don't have the "standard" 700c x 23mm wheel.

All that is wonderful and great and the drafting feature is cool and I pedaled a lot of miles into that program...at least for me. The problem I have/had has nothing to do with the program...it's the level at which I ride, or rather CAN'T ride anymore. In my younger days (late 20's/and through my 30's) I was maintaining a constant 20 MPH pace...EASILY. Now I'm lucky to maintain 15 MPH and I was getting passed by everyone because I'm sure the majority of Zwift riders is pretty young and/or much more fit.

So it kinda discouraged me when I did a couple of group rides and wasn't able to keep up with the young bucks and does just due to age (late 50's now) and fitness level (or lack thereof). That's primarily why I joined the gym to cycle indoors and to boot, I can pass the time and watch part of a hockey game or an episode of something from Netflix, Prime, etc. on the iPad while doing so. And to be honest, Zwift was kind of a pain in the ass without a Smart Trainer because you have to "trick" the program with too much shifting when going up/down hills. I'm sure it would be much more enjoyable with a "Smart" trainer, which I might consider in the future.

This was a waaaaaaaay longer diatribe than I intended, but had to speak my opinion on the subject...my apologies.

Largefarva...if you logged 29,000 miles, I APPLAUD your great achievement!!! WOW!!

MaThGr82...if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. As described above, I had to do the USB cable setup, but it was pretty easy. Just make sure your sensors and ANT+ dongle are compatible with each other.

I wrecked my zwifter at Zwiftweek doing stunts so I probably won’t be able to make it.

I figured there would be more than just 3 or 4.

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
I figured there would be more than just 3 or 4.

Valor, any ideas for a decent yet inexpensive smart trainer?

quote:

Originally posted by cooger:

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
I figured there would be more than just 3 or 4.

Valor, any ideas for a decent yet inexpensive smart trainer?

Wahoo often has refurb Kickr and Kickr Snaps on their website. The Snaps are cheaper by a good margin. We have one here and it’s a pretty good trainer....works well over ant+ and Bluetooth.

Saris is another popular line up as well. They have quite a few options, and they’re all built in Wisconsin as a bonus. I believe they have refurb sales too.

Check out dcrainmaker.com for tons of reviews and buying guides. TONS of info on his site.

quote:

Originally posted by cooger:

quote:

Originally posted by Valpo Fz:
I figured there would be more than just 3 or 4.

Valor, any ideas for a decent yet inexpensive smart trainer?

I used a BKool Pro for a few years before upgrading. This trainer has stood up for many thousand miles. They can be purchased online for under $600.00 new or you can find a used unit.

I have a used unit that I purchased new in 2014 I would sell, but I fear shipping would be expensive.

I just use a dustmop

^^^^^
Yeah...but does it have AI interface???