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Training with Computrainer

hwinterhwinter
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 Hi Guys,

I'm a newbie at Endurance Nation and I'm in Canada... so most of my training from now on will be indoors. I use a computrainer, which makes thinks a bit more fun.

I would like to know how to best use the computrainer with the program. Since the plan is mostly intervals, I thought about creating a flat loop for them. Other options in my mind are:

1. Regular 3D courses, such as Challenge Roth (which I'll be doing next year!) 

2. Ergmode, where I could create courses with the actual zones for the duration of the intervals

For the threshold test, I'm planning to use Ergvideo Threshold Test, which has a 20 min and 60 min options. I usually go with the 20 min, but again, that is different from the 2x 20min at the plan.

 

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Hans

Comments

  • gilliattgilliatt
    Welcome Hans, there are several of us computrainer users here. I double it w/ a PT so pretty much mine is a 1200 dollar fluid trainer. I use the old old school resistance pre programs a lot and use resistances for intervals between and 3 and 6. I think to access them from the calibration screen you just push f1??? (I don't have mine in front of me right now sorry @ work)
    I know some people use the coaching software and write their own resistance programs (Matt Ancona) has the link to a site that makes it pretty easy I can't seem to find it.
    The ERG videos are also great, I unfortunately don't have a dedicated computer for my computrainer so I take the path of least resistance and just ride the stand alone modes. I really should sell the thing and buy a nice fluid trainer.
  • mattsullmattsull

    Hans, Welcome. I use a CT and also double it with a PT like Dan. For the FTP tests, I create a flat looping course and do my 2x20 on that. For intervals I use the Coaching Software and write the interval files. Just load them up and pedal for dear life - no cheating. Here's the link to the site Dan mentioned. Very easy for creating the interval files.

    63.134.234.143/tri/erg.asp

  • lcrjcrlcrjcr
    I use a CT and write my own programs for use with Coaching Software and it works very well. However, this is the first I've had a link like the one mentioned here. I just went there and created a workout in less than 2 minutes that would normally take me 3 times as long to write with a great deal more concentration. That link is gold. Thanks so much!
  • KitbooKitboo
    Welcome, Hans!

    Like Dan and Matt, I use my Computrainer as just a trainer and my powermeter on the bike (Quarq) as the power meter. However, if don't have a powermeter and are relying on the Computrainer as your means of measuring power, then you'll need to have a consistent calibration number each time you use it. You know: that warm up the CT for 3-4 minutes, then spin to above 20? 25 mph? then hit the F3 button. I've been told a number between 2.3-2.7 is good but I think it's more important to have the same or similiar number each time you ride as it will affect your power readings.
  • David AmbroseDavid Ambrose
    I program the workouts and use the coaching software module of the CT. Works great for me.
  • hwinterhwinter

     Wow, thanks a lot for all the [quick] replies! Matt, the link is awesome, really handy!

    I usually use the CT without the PT. My PT is on a zip 404, which I don't want to use on the trainer. I find the watts on the CT don't quite match as it feels much harder to squeeze a 220W on the trainer than outdoors, but it is close. I think it is because of the downhills, which you don't catch a break on the CT, but I'm not.

    Anyhow, I digressed. Thanks again guys!

    Cheers,

    Hans

  • steveperxsteveperx

     Hans:

    As others have written, I also use my CT with my Quarq.  I used to try to use ERG files, but the power numbers on my Quarq and CT are a little different, and I got tired of having to re-write the files.  I usually use the CT in manual erg mode so that I can manually  ramp the resistance up/down to meet what should be displayed on my Joule according to the Quarq's output.

    If you can swing it, I'd use the pre-programmed ERG files created to match the workout for the day.  As I believe Matt suggested, you can't run and hide from that.  You are forced to hang on for dear life.

    Good luck.

  • hwinterhwinter

    That is what I'm going to do. The link Matt posted makes it very simple to create the erg files.

    The only disadvantage of using erg files, is that it is a bit more boring, but since the workouts aren't that long anyway, it will be fine.

    I will start in a couple weeks. I'm just getting a break after a long season.

    Thanks,

    Hans

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