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Gym refurb has included a Wattbike. Had a quick pedal today and I've downloaded the app. Any users on here, what do you use it for? What tests have you used or base yourself on?
You need to do at least the submaximal test which sets up the zones and heart rates for training.
Other than that it is just matter of choosing training program or doing just a ride every now and then. I did 3 month base training program and it seemed to work well for me even if I skipped quite a few workouts to go skiing instead. The test-based zones and power levels were very clever - first intervals on a workout felt bit too easy but last ones always felt like they hit the spot.
I use mine with Sufferfest. Connects over Bluetooth, shows power and cadence. Mine is the Wattbike Pro so no erg mode.
With a Sufferfest there is plenty of free training plans, you can do the 4DP test, this tells you your strengths and weaknesses, FTP plus 5 second test, 5 min test and 1 minute test. Then you can select a plan to improve your week areas. Works well for me, the only thing I’d add is that it is too easy to get your head into constant HIIT sessions, so no easy rides. This can lead to stagnation and serious fatigue.
We have just got one as we are doing a specific training program for an upcoming race in Sept. We use it for intervals, FTP tests and when its shite outside. I have a local road loop that takes me an hour to do. On the Wattbike I get the same exercise in just 30 mins. So it's very efficient.
But dont forget to go and ride your real bike outside. You still need to do basic zone 2 distance / time riding to get fit.
I use one on the rig I work on to keep some form in the legs when im away. I cant be bothered with all the programmes so I use 'Just ride' and sit at 280-290W for 45 minutes. This keeps enough in the legs so that when I get home i'm usually nearly as fast as when I left, at least for rides upto about 3 hours. I find that it takes a week of riding in the real world to build the stamina back up for anything over about 60 miles.
Hi,
I have one at home, like the others I generally use "Just ride setting" and complete the submax test every three months on so. The app is handy as it integrates with Training Peaks etc in as far as it uploads the data straight there. One thing the app is lacking is the ability to program your own workouts into it.
Cheers all. Had another shot today and had downloaded the app, no problems getting connected. Quite surprising experience, I've not been cycling for a good while but looking at the results, I'm a total masher, never mind a sausage shape it's a definite 8,improved somewhat after I tightened the straps, though the clips were pretty poor. Think I need to get into better position too. Also improved as I tried to focus on smoothing out the pedal stroke. I'll hopefully try one of the tests later in the week.
I've only just learnt that I can pair my Garmin 920XT with the Wattbike at the gym so I can record the work out and then look at the data in Garmin or Strava, I find these both better than the wattbike app.
I wasnt aware about doing the submax test, will give it a go. I have just been doing 20min, 5min and interval efforts via amending the fan and magnetic resistence and timer on the screen.
I wonder if I can pair my Garmin Vivoactive 🤔 had another shot today, slightly improved the pes by concentrating on it and setting the bike up a bit better but I think my lack of saddle time is rather telling. I'm also doing it after a class so there is a bit of fatigue in the legs.
I checked that the ANT plus was on via the wattbike menu, there is a option for it from the initial menu and then got my Garmin to search for new sensors, picked up both sensors from the wWattbike: speed and cadence and then power.
have used the non erg version a bit at the gym, after initial excitment I just sit at 200w + and watch a movie. Its not a patch on my kickr. Also, I now have vectors and find the distribution reading on the vectors is not the same as the wattbike. This could be down to position. Readings are about 10% out too vs kickr/vector.
Years ago I saw Chris boys wattbike data. It was scary. Big numbers for power and almost circular for pedal stroke. For the getting the power down strokes.