Zwift

Murtman wrote: »

Hey guys. Sorry for hijacking the thread. Anyone on here using zwift through an iPad? Is it possible? Can't get my hands on a laptop for love nor money in my house...

Not possible. Zwift needs a lot of horsepower. The iOS app is just to supplement the desktop app

OK so this seems interesting and the trainers bore the hell out of me so where is the best place to get the Dongle. I have the Trainers and a Garmin 800 so is there anything else other then the dongle that i need?

Thanks

at1withmyself wrote: »

OK so this seems interesting and the trainers bore the hell out of me so where is the best place to get the Dongle. I have the Trainers and a Garmin 800 so is there anything else other then the dongle that i need?

Thanks

One of these will do the trick. I got one a while back and it works perfectly and is much cheaper than the Garmin one. You might need also to think about how close your computer is to the trainer or sensors. Basically, the job of the dongle is to pick up the ANT+ signals from your bike sensors and transmit them to the game, on your computer. I think the range of ANT+ is quite short, something like 5 metres, so if you have the computer (the dongle) too far away from the sensors, it might drop in and out. I usually leave my laptop close to the trainer (which has the sensors, a smart trainer) and plug it into a monitor to watch the game on, and use my mobile as the game controller. If you can't do something like this, then you'll need a decent length usb extension cable (about 5 metres should be grand) with male and female ends.

In terms of sensors you need, it depends on other equipment. I have a Tacx Vortex smart trainer, and it has speed and cadence built in so no need for sensors. It also functions as a power meter, so no need for one of those either. If you just have a basic trainer, then you have to have speed and cadence sensors (the old Garmin combo sensor works fine as well). No need for a Garmin, you can use your phone (Android or iOS) to show data, and control the game.

irish_bhoy82 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Like a lot on here I am thinking of trying out zwift. I have an entry level turbo trainer I got on offer from Halfords, Elite Volare Mag Cycle. I was just wondering if all I needed apart from obviously a laptop and the software is some Garmin Speed and Cadence sensors like these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Bike-Speed-Cadence-Sensor/dp/B00JM6DKUA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452920244&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=garmin+ant%2B+dongle

and a ANT+ dongle like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anself-Compatible-Garmin-Forerunner-011-02209-00/dp/B00LIIMHP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452366719&sr=8-1&keywords=ant%2B+stick

Would I also need to purchase a Garmin Computer or would zwift just pair up using the Dongle? I dont really want to purchase a Garmin Computer at the moment.

Any advise much appreciated thanks

Once you have the sensors , ant + you are good to go, I would recommend buying a Garmin HRM too , is your turbo on the zwift approve list ?
No need for a Garmin computer only that it would b nice to have for on the rad with your new sensors.

Not Zwift related but just a word of warning about the Elite trainer. I assume it's the black and red one with five adjustable levels - neither Halfords nor Elite are super accurate with naming. I was using this with TrainerRoad and the power curve for the device was way off. The initial FTP test gave me 160W, which seemed low. When I replaced it with a Tacx Vortex I got a result of 240W within the same month.

I think the Elite is consistent, so it's just a number showing your effort level. If Zwift's power curves are from the same source as TrainerRoad though I would take the number with a big big pinch of salt!

Thanks Guys

Im not going to rush into to getting all the gear for a while yet. My cheap Bike Computer has gone wallop in the past week anyway so I will need to get a new one or upgrade to a better version soon enough anyway.

Ive heard from a guy in my cycling club say that you really need a power meter to get the most out of zwift so that has put me off it for the moment. For the time being i think I will stick with doing structured turbo sessions.

Thanks

irish_bhoy82 wrote: »

Ive heard from a guy in my cycling club say that you really need a power meter to get the most out of zwift so that has put me off it for the moment. For the time being i think I will stick with doing structured turbo sessions.

Thanks

I would say you need a smart turbo rather than powermeter to get the best out of Zwift so it changes the resistance be it doing free ride or workout (ERG mode). Tacx Vortex can be got for approx 300e, you are looking at double that for a powermeter. Tacx Vortex is a smart turbo so has a brake unit to change the resistance and it also reports the power back (its within 5% of my powermeter) again its calculated as doesn't have a strain gauge but allot more accurate than a dumb turbo.

If you have a "dumb" turbo that they support then they have the resistance profile so can calculate the power you are putting out. Not exactly accurate but it is close.

Yes me and my buddy were on setting up his Tacx

D Daly and JamesD PortumnaCC are our usernames.

lennymc wrote: »

whats yisser user names? I'm l.mc

I was on too... I've gone with the cryptic / creative user name of "Eoin Morris", no way anyone is figuring out who I am....

Well got my purchase santioned by the wife, once i said the Bike Computer was broken, and i explained how much it was going to be and how i wasnt sure yet its very expensive and she mentioned 'sure you may as well just get it now instead of buying a cheap thing and then buying it later anyway'. Well I didnt answer back I just clicked on checkout and the rest is history.

So I ordered a Garmin Edge 25, with Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensors, Garmin HRM and a ANT+ USB Dongle(I didnt mention the last 2 to the wife).

So should have them at the end of the week, I will use them anyway when Im on the road, Ill try out zwift for the free trial and if its not working out I just wont subscribe.

A few Irish on tonight too, I intend to be on Tuesday's from 8pm to 9pm or so for an hour / 30km.
Got my buddy to purchase a tacx smart too so have them both setup together.

Leroy42 wrote:

Does any ant+ stick work as there seems to be quite a price difference between them.

Think so.