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Testing and Training with Computrainer

samrittersamritter
in General Training Discussions

 So, after recent experiences on my computrainer and my pending OS training, I would like to hear what the experience of the team is with computrainers.

I've had my computrainer since late March of this year.  I blew both front and back side boards training recently after talking to a local trainer and wanted to prove that a slower hill workout was more intense than a fast flat workout.  I know that in the haus, the 2 terrain workout values should be very close.  He is/was calculating my "allowed" calories by speed and length of workout.   This came up after I saw the 2 different workout profiles side by side.   I'm sure that you know the hill workout was more intense.  I rode one of the computrainer's uphill courses for 25 minutes until the boards blew.  I wasn't trying to do damage to the computrainer, and was averaging 320 watts on the course and feeling like I could go for quite a bit longer.   To make the story short Computrainer fixed the system and I have it back now.  I also have a fan just for the computrainer.

I've also done intervals on the road lately where I was generating 370 watts @ 94 rpm over a mile.

So what is the general experience on computrainer by team members?  Which part of the Computrainer program do you use? 

Thanks for your input!!!

Comments

  • bkcomiskeybkcomiskey
    The general consensus is to write your OS workouts in Coaching Software which forces you to do the work as prescribed or quit. In terms of longer stuff like a Sunday ABP ride, I personally prefer erg video series to dial in a particular IF for a ride. Just curious, what cadence were you riding when you blew up your CT?
  • Peter GreaggPeter Greagg
    Hi Sam, I use my CT for all interval workouts all through the year. Within the racing season, I take my TT bike out for the last bit of Saturday's ride and all of the ABP on Sunday.

    Cheers
    Peter
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I used my Computrainer for one OS a couple of years ago. Wrote my EN workouts for the CT (very, very easy btw) and had a great season. The good thing about the CT is that you are like a gerbil on a wheel, pedal or stop which can be great motivation.

    In the past few years I have used my PT and trainer. It has just been easier, I'm lazy I guess, and I had been concerned about calibrate issues between the PT and the CT - since resolved. There is a great post somewhere on how to calibrate the CT to match the PT. I can dig it up for you if you want.

    Anyway, nothing wrong with using a CT so long as it causes you to work really, really hard.
  • samrittersamritter

     @Brian,  I'll have to check the logs, but I believe I was doing between 60 and 70 rpm.   In general on long rides outside, my average has been 73rpm which I've been working at raising.   Althought the 73 does include coasting, stops, and having to slow for the slow people on the trails.  

    I've been trying to find faster people to ride with so that I have a bit of a challenge.  I think I've got a couple of possible candidates... 

  • afrostafrost
    Like Peter I use my CT all year round for the intervals and only head outside for the last part of the Saturday ride and Sunday's ABP ride. I don't have power on my bike, only on the CT so that way I ensure I am doing the necessary work. I just use the erg mode though. Except testing I ride a flat course.

    ---Ann.
  • bkcomiskeybkcomiskey
    @Sam: I found it much easier on the CT to hit and hold FTP and higher watts with a cadence of 95+. I was able to transfer this to my outdoor riding as well. I would also invest in a serious industrial grade fan to keep yourself cool. I have an air king one on the floor that makes a big difference.
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