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Intervals on Compu Trainer

nalbinonalbino
in General Training Discussions

What is the best way to use the compu trainer to do intervals?  Do people set up in ERG mode, dial in a watts and ride them or use the 3d video and choose a relatively flat section? or do something else?

Comments

  • TundraCatTundraCat
    You should get a mix of responses ... some do erg mode and some load up a flat course and hang on. Personally I load up the 40k TT flat course and let er rip.

    Because there are ever slight differences between the CT watts and my PT watts, I just look at the PT since that is what I'll have when outside (that has nothing to do with my preference of 3d over erg)

    Try both and whatever one you prefer is what you should do.
  • mattsullmattsull

    I write erg files and load them in the coaching software. Many of us use this site to write the files. 63.134.234.143/tri/erg.asp Super easy. Just load it up and pedal away. No cheating unless you stop.

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Because I'm too lazy to deal with the site Matt references, I use a Training Peaks program called ERG + ($75 or bundled with WKO+ if you don't already have that). It takes a couple of minutes to create a generic OS workout ".erg" file which can be used with the Compu Trainer Coaching Software (Comp CS) 1.6. Then, I adjust the times and wattages for the intervals, creating a unique file for the day's workout in about 30 seconds. It can be loaded under the "Start" menu of the Comp CS program.

    What I like about this method, is it forces me to work at the prescribed wattages or take my feet off the pedals - aids in motivation. If you want more info about how to do this, ask - several of us use this system with our CTs.

  • Peter GreaggPeter Greagg

    As Al says, it is so easy to program the intervals using the bundled software with WKO.

    FWIW, I really like using the CT in erg mode for all intervals (year long) as others have said, you either do the prescribed workout, or you stop the workout, get off, and walk to walk-of-shame

  • ejbeach01ejbeach01
    I use a flat course.
    I really don't like ERG mode for the heavier wattages. Its great for z3 and below, but it always seems to force me into an uncomfortable low cadence.
  • Matt SamojedenMatt Samojeden
    When I just had the CT I used the erg mode with the workouts programmed into it. I have a PT now and I use its watt reading as my results for inside and outside rides. So for intervals I find myself using the manual ERGO mode . During my warm up I get the CT calibrated and then before I start my intervals I do a final check of what CT watts do I need to dial up to hit the “real watts” on the PT. Given that level I now know what put the CT at for the workout. This also gives me the flexibility to override the interval levels in needed or capable of doing more.

    The only down side is you have to push the CT control button a bunch of times to get from a 60% level to a 120% level. So I start this process of loading up the CT before the interval starts.
  • gilliattgilliatt
    I use the joule for my data, with my CT. I think I might be the only one in N. America who uses general exercise mode, in the CT. In calibration mode push reset, it gives you some programs, I use between 1-4 for straight resistance. A total waste of my computrainer.
  • meadows6meadows6
    You aren't alone, Dan! I just put it on spinscan because it's the easiest thing for me to open. I mainly just concentrate on my numbers on my garmin from the quark. I don't even save the computrainer file... But I keep telling myself that I will do some of the real course videos closer to race time. I have set up erg files, well my husband did it for me but I am too lazy to go through that hastle since it's usually 9pm by the time I get a chance to hop on the bike
  • gilliattgilliatt
    I don't even use the computer, standalone exercise mode! Glad someone else is lazy and motivated at the same time...just like me.
  • kjanracingkjanracing
    Computer??? My CT uses a Nintendo and TV. But it is a 32" CRT tv. No little computer monitor for me! I use it mostly stand alone and wack to a Spinervals DVD or maybe even an old Spinervals tape.
  • mattsullmattsull
    Posted By Kurt Andersen on 04 Feb 2011 10:21 PM

    Computer??? My CT uses a Nintendo and TV. But it is a 32" CRT tv. No little computer monitor for me! I use it mostly stand alone and wack to a Spinervals DVD or maybe even an old Spinervals tape.

    I'll bet you use your Sony Walkman sometimes too.

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