Just a quick reminder about tonights Erg Video meeting. It will be at 7:30 EST for anyone with a computrainer who is interested in learning about how erg videos work and how to integrate them into your workouts. The sign on info is in an earlier post. Paul Smeulders, who writes all the videos, will host the meeting. Hope to see you there. jeff
I listened to the entire presentation and purchased several erg videos prior to joining EN last year. If you were not in EN, I think the erg videos are far superior to the CT software available today. The videos are around $45 each and range from intervals (hills, threshold, max aerobic) to cool rides like Mallorca. You enter your FTP and the IF and just ride. The videos add load/resistance to the CT based on the actual power file from the rider in the video. Meaning, the ergvideo for IMLP video is much easier than the Real Course video (terrain based) because the guy in the video rides hills the EN way.
www.ergvideo.com shows the different videos available and how to design rides. The ride designer is basically a way to cut and paste parts of a ride and change intensity. However, it does not seem easy to make a "preset" 5' interval to a 12' or 15' like we might need to do.
For my training, I have been using the CS software and pre-write the erg file with the set intervals and do that. Mancona made a great point on an earlier thread that this basically forces you to do the required work or quit. No pressing the "-" button to make life easier. It also eliminates the need to think early in the morning. For workouts less than 90 minutes, I am ok staring at a chart and listening to music.
I see value in ergvideos from a motivation/entertainment perspective more than anything else. If I can't go outside and need to do a 2-3 hr ABP ride, it would be much more enjoyable to use ergvideos than the CT stuff.
I'm glad Brian shared his thoughts first. I agree 100% but was not going to put it as nicely.
Paul basically sold me on the fact that there is zero reason to buy his product for the type of intervals we do in the OS. In fact what he went through to make a custom set of intervals took longer than the website many of use to make our our ERG files. Like Brian said, I like the fact that the coaching software does not have an option to make the workout easier during it.
I also agree with Brian though for longer rides during the HIM/IM plan. I did a about 3 weeks of my IM plna inside last year and I got pretty tired of the 3D and CS software. I you are going to do long rides inside I could see it being worth the $45 to have some video of other riders to watch. However at the same time I do just fine with setting up an ERG file and turing on TDF or Ironman broadcasts from the DVR.
I didn't comment in much detail earlier as I was not sure if there was some better way to use ErgVideos for EN style intervals that I am not aware of. Likewise, I own a few ErgVideos that I got pre-EN. To be fair, I like ErgVideos, in fact, I received one of the new HD ones for christmas (Col d'Aubisque), but I do not use them for EN interval workouts, especially during this time of the OS.
Yes, you can use the ride designer to create repeats and custom sets, but as Matt and the others have mentioned, using the CS software and writing your own Erg files, or using manual Erg, is a far more practical/affordable if perhaps slightly more boring way to do this. As Matt suggested, I use my ErgVideos later in the season when I am doing longer rides and get stuck inside, either prepairing for an early season half when it's still too cold out, or when inclimate weather strikes during the on-season.
All and all, Paul is a super nice guy and I think he makes a good product, but I can't recommend going out and spending a fortune on ErgVideos in the belief that they will greatly complement the EN OS. They're a 'fun' workout option when you need a little more motivation to get on the bike and ride some with less strict interval guidance though.
All and all, Paul is a super nice guy and I think he makes a good product, but I can't recommend going out and spending a fortune on ErgVideos in the belief that they will greatly complement the EN OS. They're a 'fun' workout option when you need a little more motivation to get on the bike and ride some with less strict interval guidance though.
Comments
Thanks for organizing.
x2 on password trouble
I own a few ErgVideos but may be interested in hearing his pitch anyway. I use them more for enjoyment rather than EN specific intervals.
EDIT: Oops should have checked the earlier posts first.
In the 45' I was on I got what I needed but before I share my thoughts I'm cuttings what the folks that listened to the entire call think.
www.ergvideo.com shows the different videos available and how to design rides. The ride designer is basically a way to cut and paste parts of a ride and change intensity. However, it does not seem easy to make a "preset" 5' interval to a 12' or 15' like we might need to do.
For my training, I have been using the CS software and pre-write the erg file with the set intervals and do that. Mancona made a great point on an earlier thread that this basically forces you to do the required work or quit. No pressing the "-" button to make life easier. It also eliminates the need to think early in the morning. For workouts less than 90 minutes, I am ok staring at a chart and listening to music.
I see value in ergvideos from a motivation/entertainment perspective more than anything else. If I can't go outside and need to do a 2-3 hr ABP ride, it would be much more enjoyable to use ergvideos than the CT stuff.
But, like you, since I make my own CS workouts built on EN prescription, for free, and enjoy my own videos and music, I wonder what's the point.
Paul basically sold me on the fact that there is zero reason to buy his product for the type of intervals we do in the OS. In fact what he went through to make a custom set of intervals took longer than the website many of use to make our our ERG files. Like Brian said, I like the fact that the coaching software does not have an option to make the workout easier during it.
I also agree with Brian though for longer rides during the HIM/IM plan. I did a about 3 weeks of my IM plna inside last year and I got pretty tired of the 3D and CS software. I you are going to do long rides inside I could see it being worth the $45 to have some video of other riders to watch. However at the same time I do just fine with setting up an ERG file and turing on TDF or Ironman broadcasts from the DVR.
Yes, you can use the ride designer to create repeats and custom sets, but as Matt and the others have mentioned, using the CS software and writing your own Erg files, or using manual Erg, is a far more practical/affordable if perhaps slightly more boring way to do this. As Matt suggested, I use my ErgVideos later in the season when I am doing longer rides and get stuck inside, either prepairing for an early season half when it's still too cold out, or when inclimate weather strikes during the on-season.
All and all, Paul is a super nice guy and I think he makes a good product, but I can't recommend going out and spending a fortune on ErgVideos in the belief that they will greatly complement the EN OS. They're a 'fun' workout option when you need a little more motivation to get on the bike and ride some with less strict interval guidance though.
x2, Great summary Trevor.