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Sorry if there's already a thread on this but I've just set up my basic dumb turbo trainer so I can get some miles in while under lockdown. I've got a heart rate, speed and cadence sensor on the bike hooked up to my Edge 810 so I can record rides which is what I want but what's best for keeping the motivation up? Happy to pay for a subscription to something but am I just as easily served by using YouTube videos like GCN's training videos and training to heart rate compared to Zwift's multiple metrics? Just want to work on basics so I can come out the other side with decent fitness.
Just about to try it all with the Zwift free trial 25k so should have a better understanding of whether it needs the smart trainer to get the best out of it. Any thoughts welcome.
You can certainly do Sufferfest videos just working off perceived effort - not as good as a smart trainer, but from a training PoV it works fine. They also have a week's free trial.
One thing to bear in mind - it doesn't have an Android app (yet...), PC or iPhone/iOs only.
Sufferfest would mean buying new kit, pretty hard right now!!
Zwift was ok but it really needs a smart trainer to work well. I was also limited to how fast I could get the avatar to go by my gearing on the commuter bike, biggest is 38/11t and even with resistance would right up I was struggling to get a decent power figure to get up the hills with any decent speed without having a ridiculous cadence. Might be one for winter. Will try the YouTube videos tomorrow as I'm pretty sure working to heart rate will be better with my setup.
Was just about to start a similar thread about pros/cons of trying Zwift with a dumb trainer, but will jump in on this one instead. Hints or tips about doing this most welcome.
@reluctantjumper don't rule out TrainerRoad with a dumb trainer and those sensors. That's what I've used for the last 2 or 3 winters and it's been fine. No idea about how accurate the numbers are but if your setup doesn't change you're only ever comparing like with like which is all good. Their structured plans are pretty well thought out IMO. You just need to enjoy riding to a graph...
Sufferfest would mean buying new kit, pretty hard right now!!
All Android and no PC? That's the only limitation I can see.
Yeah with equipment you've got you could easily get Sufferfest up and running, likewise zwift. As above, your only limitation on Sufferfest would be no android compatibility but otherwise it's possible.
I generally prefer Sufferfest to zwift but I no longer have a Windows/ios option so can't use it. Zwift on virtual power does work but feels a bit off, the lack of resistance feedback etc just makes it less worthwhile.
It depends how serious you’re going to take it.
I used the CGN vids for a few years and they are actually pretty good. I’d not do 2 hours on them but for a short, sharp workout they are fine.
Coincidentally just got an email from the Sufferfest, they're giving away an extra 30 free days (on top of the 14 day trial) using the code ALLINSUFPLAN. If anyone's interested. AFAIK there's no limit to how many people can use the code.