Compu Trainer HELP...PLEASE :-)
Hi all-
I am wondering if I can somehow use my compu trainer to take the FTP Bike Test for the Jan outseason. I understand the compu trainer has watts, but can I use that information to translate into power like using a power meter?
Thanks!
Mandy
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The real answer depends on (a) how familiar you are with the CompuTrainer, (b) what additional CT software you have (if any), (c) whether your bike also has a power meter, (d) what additional third party software you might have to use in controlling the CT, and/or in analyzing CT files.
I can tell you how *I* and some others here in EN use the CT to test, but your set up may not match mine in terms of those resources noted above.
The easy part is just riding for 20 minutes in slope mode on the CT. The hard part comes in capturing the data and then analyzing it after the ride.
Once you have the right additional software and hardware, and learn how it can be used, the CT and power training the EN way are a snap. But gathering the needed supplements, and coordinating the CT (which has pretty poor documentation) with them does have a bit of a learning curve.
Mandy, I've used the CT for my past two out seasons even though I do have a PM on my bike for outside riding. I live in southwest Missouri where riding outside in the winter is a rare treat. So, my OS training is indoors making the CT the means to the end. My Garmin 910XT picks up my PM indoors (Quarq). I've compared my results to see how the PM and CT are similar/different when testing indoors. My results tend to be within 2 watts with the PM being the higher of the two when testing inside using both. (The common observation that outside testing results tend to be different than inside testing results is a whole other issue.) The reason I mention the use of the Garmin is that once I have selected a CT program using RM1, such as the 3D cycling or the power training module, that is a flat course I can use my Garmin on the bike to measure my 5 minute and my 20 minute effort (being a reflection of V02 max and 105% of my FTP, respectively)* without having to stop and reset my CT. This does require that the Garmin be reset. On the other hand it is not difficult to reset the course--which can be done from the controller, and, in my opinion, either approach is fine. If you are doing some of your training outside you will want to test outside, as well, so you have a different set of numbers to go by.
*Remember 95% of your 20 minute test is the FTP. (The EN zone calculator will do this automatically.)
IMO, the easiest way to use the CT in the OutSeason is with Trainer Road. Costs $10 per month, but it takes all the thinking and trying to translate the CT documentation out of the equation. You need NO extra equipment. The whole thing is web based. If you have a CT, I assume you have a PC, as that's the only computer system it works with. I also assume you have the USB cable to connect to a PC, which comes with the CT. That's really all you need.
Brief instructions for making this work:
http://support.trainerroad.com/entries/20883987-How-do-I-connect-and-use-my-CompuTrainer-with-TrainerRoad-
The TR web site "takes over" your CompuTrainer so you don't need the cludgy CT software. It also does analytics on your ride, so you don't need any other method to get the data you want when the ride is over. It's clean, elegant, complete, with excellent customer service. Almost makes training fun
There are actually EN specific workouts in the TR database; there's a sign-up method for those (free) which maybe someone else can explain - I signed up last year, and don't know how it's working this year. Point is, you just look for, say, EN OS Week 3 Tuesday, or something like that, and up pops the workout, and off you go. If you're more adventurous, you can create your own workout, or use one of the hundreds they have on-site.
For the "20 minute" FTP test, you can use the TR workout called (duh) "20 minute test". It has a 5 min recovery period instead of the 10 minutes EN uses. I get around that by simply pressing "F1" on my CT controller to pause the workout, then fool around for 4 minutes or so, then press F1 again to start up.
The TR web-based software automagically switches the CT from ERG mode to Slope mode for the "test" portion of the workout, meaning you may have to shift gears to get to the right effort level. All other TR workouts use the ERG mode exclusively, meaning the resistance is fixed in the CT, no matter what gear you shift to.
Please continue to feed me more information as you think of it.
I'm going to let all this info digest overnight and then try to do the test on Thursday.
Mandy.... after you opened your TR account you should have downloaded the TR software... This is the App and then yes you will have an Icon to open , select devices, and pair to Computrainer when the computrainer is connected (via Al's instructions above from the CT controller to a USB port) to your computer.... go here choose the correct computer system and make sure you downloaded the software
http://www.trainerroad.com/install?type=unknown
If you are looking to get set up with trainer road and EN, there are two Wiki articles you will have access to after you join:
http://members.endurancenation.us/R...ng+Started
http://members.endurancenation.us/R...n+Workouts
These will explain the setup and how to get the EN outseason workouts to show up in the custom workout tab of your trainer road program. Sweet.
After a good nights sleep, I went after conquering the installation with renewed spirit and vowed I would win!
With that spirit, I conquered, installed, and accomplished my 20 min test. TR is a new favorite training tool!
THANK YOU for all your help!
MM
I know I have asked the question before, and it was answered, but I cannot remember where to find the information pertaining to what all the numbers mean across the top of the TR workout when complete. Please direct me to the right place.
Thanks-
Mandy