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Computrainer Slope vs ERG mode on Trainerroad

gilliattgilliatt
in General Training Discussions

Can someone explain the difference in the two modes while doing a standard trainerroad interval workout on a computrainer.  Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • tim cronktim cronk
    ERG mode.... CT adjusts the resistance to match the power requirements of the intervals automatically... no shifting required .....
    Slope mode.... you must change gears and cadence to meet the power requirements of the intervals
  • gilliattgilliatt

    So if I am understanding correctly easier to "over achieve" in slope mode.  ERG mode is probably better for getting it done and not being a hero? Thanks Tim

  • tim cronktim cronk
    Yes ... Its virtually impossible to over achieve in ERG mode..... you can increase or decrease your power temporarily by changing your cadence but then the CT will re-adjust the assigned power keeping the power the same .... I like to mix it up a bit with both ERG and Slope!
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    If you're using any pre-programmed TrainerRoad workouts, including the EN OS ones and have selected CompuTrainer in the Devices tab, then TR will "take over" your CT and, as Tim says, keep the wattage/power on the CT constant, no matter what gear or cadence you are using. The only exception is the "test" workouts. During the test intervals, TR switches the CT to Slope mode, making your effort the key variable - necessary so you can find out just how hard you are able to work for the time interval.

    The CT head unit is linked in to the TR program. The + and - buttons will raise or lower the fixed wattage by 1% of FTP each time they are pressed when in the ERG mode. To calibrate the CT, which I do after about 15-20 minutes of warm-up, press the F3 button to calibrate, then F3 to lock in the calibration, then F1 to re-start the workout. The F2 button will switch you from Slope to Erg and back, but also it will mess with the control of any pre-programmed workout, so it's only useful if you are "free-riding".

    And under "profile" tab of the TR program, be sure to uncheck the "Use cadence to start/stop" (or something like that), and use the F1 button on the head unit to start and pause the TR program.

  • tim cronktim cronk
    @Al I use the F2 button to switch back and forth between Slope and Erg in the middle of programed wko's all the time with no issues?
  • gilliattgilliatt

    Thanks guys on both accounts.  I've been  CT user for about 10 years I started with TR last year but never put in slope mode never did with the old school ERG software either.  Once season I used the general exercise mode (bonus points if you can access these workouts without first consulting your manual)   Never really had the slope/erg mode explained so well.  Thank again  I am pretty much never hit the goals on the ERG mode, I can come close but 250 will usually be 244 for example.  I will play around with slope

  • tim cronktim cronk
    @Dan... Here is a typical TR workout from today.... The first 3 intervals are ERG and the last 2 intervals are Slope.... the differences are obvious...

    http://www.trainerroad.com/cycling/rides/587145
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