Zwift questions and impressions
#226
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The gifted programs are not confined to the individual districts. They are above and beyond that. You get the best education opportunity your tax dollars are paying for. Here are the links:
https://henricoschools.us/gifted/
https://mychesterfieldschools.com/cu...ted-education/
I was in Short Pump last Saturday for the better half's family's Christmas lunch. We ate at Firebirds then tooled around the shopping center. You know it's an upscale shopping center when they have a Peloton store! I should have walked in and asked them about Zwifting on a Peloton. The wife and her cousin went to the Circuit Arcade Bar the night before. They gave it high reviews.
https://henricoschools.us/gifted/
https://mychesterfieldschools.com/cu...ted-education/
I was in Short Pump last Saturday for the better half's family's Christmas lunch. We ate at Firebirds then tooled around the shopping center. You know it's an upscale shopping center when they have a Peloton store! I should have walked in and asked them about Zwifting on a Peloton. The wife and her cousin went to the Circuit Arcade Bar the night before. They gave it high reviews.
#227
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Now that's an interesting tangent!
Identifying kindergartners as gifted is a real stretch. In all likelihood, all that's being identified is how much education they've already received at home, or how much their parent knows about the system and can "game" it accordingly. "Parent recommendation"? Come on. This is pretty silly and the cause of serious equity concerns due to hos disproportionate minority participation is.
Identifying kindergartners as gifted is a real stretch. In all likelihood, all that's being identified is how much education they've already received at home, or how much their parent knows about the system and can "game" it accordingly. "Parent recommendation"? Come on. This is pretty silly and the cause of serious equity concerns due to hos disproportionate minority participation is.
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#228
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Discovered a whole new avenue of nerdery for Zwift use today-
www.zwiftpower.com
Pretty intense system they've created to virtually rank people, which I'm sure will be shredded by the anti-Zwift purists, but it's IMO an interesting way to dissect your data.
www.zwiftpower.com
Pretty intense system they've created to virtually rank people, which I'm sure will be shredded by the anti-Zwift purists, but it's IMO an interesting way to dissect your data.
#229
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Well, that tells me that, in my current level of conditioning, I don't currently produce the W/kg to compete on C level races, but I already knew that.
#230
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Discovered a whole new avenue of nerdery for Zwift use today-
www.zwiftpower.com
Pretty intense system they've created to virtually rank people, which I'm sure will be shredded by the anti-Zwift purists, but it's IMO an interesting way to dissect your data.
www.zwiftpower.com
Pretty intense system they've created to virtually rank people, which I'm sure will be shredded by the anti-Zwift purists, but it's IMO an interesting way to dissect your data.
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#231
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My impression of Zwift so far...
Normally, this time of year, I'd be not biking as much, losing fitness and getting fatter. I got a trainer back in November and I'm spending more time sweating and keeping my fitness up. I don't give a crap about racing, but its fun to get frisky every now and then in a virtual world (or real world) to spice things up. This is far from a perfect simulator - no braking, turning, wind, but its a tool that's keeping me engaged so I keep working when the weather is bad. I've had two other trainers in the past that collected dust because I couldn't stay on them. If people want to make virtual racing a thing, I don't really care one way or the other. It doesn't really interest me and has no effect on me whatsoever, but if that's what interests you - have fun.
Personally, I would rather skip the racing aspect and have a game where you're chasing a spy through the park and you have handlebar mounted buttons that activate weapons. If we're going to have a game, lets really make it a game. Maybe we could be running from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park world trying to make it to the helicopter before we get caught. Seems like there's a lot of ways to make working out fun with this...
Normally, this time of year, I'd be not biking as much, losing fitness and getting fatter. I got a trainer back in November and I'm spending more time sweating and keeping my fitness up. I don't give a crap about racing, but its fun to get frisky every now and then in a virtual world (or real world) to spice things up. This is far from a perfect simulator - no braking, turning, wind, but its a tool that's keeping me engaged so I keep working when the weather is bad. I've had two other trainers in the past that collected dust because I couldn't stay on them. If people want to make virtual racing a thing, I don't really care one way or the other. It doesn't really interest me and has no effect on me whatsoever, but if that's what interests you - have fun.
Personally, I would rather skip the racing aspect and have a game where you're chasing a spy through the park and you have handlebar mounted buttons that activate weapons. If we're going to have a game, lets really make it a game. Maybe we could be running from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park world trying to make it to the helicopter before we get caught. Seems like there's a lot of ways to make working out fun with this...
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#232
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Personally, I would rather skip the racing aspect and have a game where you're chasing a spy through the park and you have handlebar mounted buttons that activate weapons. If we're going to have a game, lets really make it a game. Maybe we could be running from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park world trying to make it to the helicopter before we get caught. Seems like there's a lot of ways to make working out fun with this...
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#234
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I did read on another forum that they hired a bunch of new UI designers for the development team at Zwift, so the entire UI should be getting a big update at some point which is much needed. There are things that just don't make sense, like being unable to edit your route selection once you've started a ride, being unable to change equipment choices unless you're in a ride, etc.
#235
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I would hope they update the companion app. I've had lots of issues with it lagging 10+ minutes behind what's actually happening (both in terms of being able to use boosts and make turns/stop the ride, and just in the display of time, distance and effort), and sometimes I'll log in to the companion app (after making sure computer and tablet are on same network) and it won't realize that I'm on a ride for it to control for the full time I'm riding. Times like these, I want to find a way to mount my keyboard to my handlebars so I can just do away with the companion app.
#236
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I would hope they update the companion app. I've had lots of issues with it lagging 10+ minutes behind what's actually happening (both in terms of being able to use boosts and make turns/stop the ride, and just in the display of time, distance and effort), and sometimes I'll log in to the companion app (after making sure computer and tablet are on same network) and it won't realize that I'm on a ride for it to control for the full time I'm riding. Times like these, I want to find a way to mount my keyboard to my handlebars so I can just do away with the companion app.
#237
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I did read on another forum that they hired a bunch of new UI designers for the development team at Zwift, so the entire UI should be getting a big update at some point which is much needed. There are things that just don't make sense, like being unable to edit your route selection once you've started a ride, being unable to change equipment choices unless you're in a ride, etc.
#238
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Since I've just started back on it after a long time off, I keep finding myself starting up the program on my computer, clicking into my pedals, then having to go dismount and click the log in button and then go back and get on the bike again. It seems like the default should be to log in and only require extra steps if you want to change users. And then I get off after spinning the pedals to get it to recognize the powertap hub, so that I can go over and click ok to start. You'd think that after logging in (should be an automatic thing once you start the program), it should be able to sync with the companion app and do all the other steps from there (of course, not everyone is trying to do their riding in the back of an area of the basement set up with as a sort of home theater - not really theater seats, just a couple of recliners and a couch along a side wall - where the keyboard is around some furniture from the bike). And the work to find a way to change your equipment is annoying. You should be able to do that from the main menu rather than having to start a ride to get to it.
#239
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Since I've just started back on it after a long time off, I keep finding myself starting up the program on my computer, clicking into my pedals, then having to go dismount and click the log in button and then go back and get on the bike again. It seems like the default should be to log in and only require extra steps if you want to change users. And then I get off after spinning the pedals to get it to recognize the powertap hub, so that I can go over and click ok to start. You'd think that after logging in (should be an automatic thing once you start the program), it should be able to sync with the companion app and do all the other steps from there (of course, not everyone is trying to do their riding in the back of an area of the basement set up with as a sort of home theater - not really theater seats, just a couple of recliners and a couch along a side wall - where the keyboard is around some furniture from the bike). And the work to find a way to change your equipment is annoying. You should be able to do that from the main menu rather than having to start a ride to get to it.
#240
Mitochondriac
The whole focus on virtual biking is cool but needs some alternative. Perhaps, there could be game where resource utilization/timing is based on wattage output or FTP % and you have to allocate your watts to power in-game resources. Of course, using the bike to navigate would also be part of the game. Di2/eTap buttons could be reassigned to game functions. Longer term, I wonder if the more complete bike-trainer solutions (e.g., Kickr Bike) will become larger markets and if those types of devices will become better suited to new virtual biking alternatives.
Anyway, there is so much more potential than just Mario Kart, although that would also be awesome.
Anyway, there is so much more potential than just Mario Kart, although that would also be awesome.
#241
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I don't really need Zwift to become a video game just because it uses game technology in it. But I do think the UI is pretty bad. I use a Mac to run it mostly and there are some really annoying things, like being unable to finish a ride and go to another one without fully exiting, or as noted needing to start a ride to get to the menus. It also launches a separate app to start the ride instead of running within the app you have open. I don't know if it is the same on Windows because I've never tried. I've only used it once or twice with iOS and don't remember what it did. And I never know how to do anything once I'm in the app, nothing is really intuitive. I always feel like I'm starting over and have to go to zwiftinsider to find out. Even giving a "Ride On" is difficult and I always try to give one to people I've stuck with for a while but I have to focus on doing it and in the process lose them because I've let up the power.
I guess that will be the flaw in any improvements, you can focus on your pedaling or you can focus on the app.
I guess that will be the flaw in any improvements, you can focus on your pedaling or you can focus on the app.
#242
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Its the same.
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
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#243
Lurker
Its the same.
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
For how rides/races/workouts start in-game, it will be interesting how the coming UI changes affect things. Whenever the UI changes come.
so close to 10 years - 10 posts ... I did not quite make it.
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#244
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Looking online the next best TT bike I can get will be at level 13 the Specialized S-works Shiv. Would that bike be worth buying and tossing some 808's on it? In TT's I frequently lose to people on less watts using other bikes and wheels. My speeds seem slower than my real world TT bike (which is about as fast as you can get within a price range).
I have about a million drops to spend and that bike costs a bundle. Just want to spend wisely!
I have about a million drops to spend and that bike costs a bundle. Just want to spend wisely!
#245
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Its the same.
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
The fact that ending a ride kicks you out of the program is insane. Its completely absurd and I cant even imagine why those who created the program would have designed it this way. What benefit is there to closing the program? Its super annoying since logging in takes almost 5 minutes for the program to load.
The other annoying thing is that I cant go to a race from the main screen. I need to select 'ride', go into whatever world happens to be selected, then select the 'join race' option within the world which then means I wait a few minutes for the race to load. Why not just let me join the race right away?
Every time I use the companion app to pair my fourth sensor, I pair it, then have to wait until Zwift says "no signal", then unpair and re-pair for it to work. Anyone else have this issue?
#246
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Looking online the next best TT bike I can get will be at level 13 the Specialized S-works Shiv. Would that bike be worth buying and tossing some 808's on it? In TT's I frequently lose to people on less watts using other bikes and wheels. My speeds seem slower than my real world TT bike (which is about as fast as you can get within a price range).
I have about a million drops to spend and that bike costs a bundle. Just want to spend wisely!
I have about a million drops to spend and that bike costs a bundle. Just want to spend wisely!
https://zwiftinsider.com/charts-tt/
https://zwiftinsider.com/fastest-tt-bikes/
But, as you can see in the charts, the average speed isn't going to change more than 0.1 or 0.2 km/h, so still likely slower than in real life for you (and, much much faster than real life for me - clearly my TT position sucks).
#247
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The other option that would be viable is the P5 that is available at level 15. It's a bit better on the flat but not on climbs.
https://zwiftinsider.com/charts-tt/
https://zwiftinsider.com/fastest-tt-bikes/
But, as you can see in the charts, the average speed isn't going to change more than 0.1 or 0.2 km/h, so still likely slower than in real life for you (and, much much faster than real life for me - clearly my TT position sucks).
https://zwiftinsider.com/charts-tt/
https://zwiftinsider.com/fastest-tt-bikes/
But, as you can see in the charts, the average speed isn't going to change more than 0.1 or 0.2 km/h, so still likely slower than in real life for you (and, much much faster than real life for me - clearly my TT position sucks).
I've done Tempus segment in Zwift before on the TT bike slower than I've done a similar length segment in real-life...........but the real life segment averages about 40 to 50 feet per mile and included the speed loss of a u-turn around. That's hella slower on Zwift! Haha. As Tempus is pretty much pan flat. I'm using Tempus nowadays to hit level 13 to get those Zipp 808's on there. Then back to climbing for the Tron bike, someday.
#248
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Haha! I dunno. I think the Zwift TT bike plus the entry level 30mm wheels are just that slow with the "Zwift" road bike helmet. In real life the fancy skinsuit, TT helmet, and wheels make a big difference even if position isn't super crazy. I'd imagine that might be it versus the real world.
I've done Tempus segment in Zwift before on the TT bike slower than I've done a similar length segment in real-life...........but the real life segment averages about 40 to 50 feet per mile and included the speed loss of a u-turn around. That's hella slower on Zwift! Haha. As Tempus is pretty much pan flat. I'm using Tempus nowadays to hit level 13 to get those Zipp 808's on there. Then back to climbing for the Tron bike, someday.
I've done Tempus segment in Zwift before on the TT bike slower than I've done a similar length segment in real-life...........but the real life segment averages about 40 to 50 feet per mile and included the speed loss of a u-turn around. That's hella slower on Zwift! Haha. As Tempus is pretty much pan flat. I'm using Tempus nowadays to hit level 13 to get those Zipp 808's on there. Then back to climbing for the Tron bike, someday.
#249
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Yeah, I'm about 3-4 km/h faster on Zwift than real life... something's not optimal for me. Having said that, I haven't exactly put much time into my position. I've done one duathlon and I pretty much just put the aero bars on, did a couple of rides and then raced. I did have an aero helmet as it was 80% off, but I have no idea if it's a good fit for me. Hopefully there's some low-hanging fruit I can get this year both in terms of power in that position and aerodynamics.
TT bike? One of his first indoor workouts he couldn't even hit more than about 225 to 230w!!!! That's crazy! But, the time in the saddle and workouts get it closer.
RIght now I'm at about 20 to 25w lower than my road bike position. Used to be more like 40w to 50w less last year. Doing nothing other than some blocks of TT bike workouts and being sure to ride the darn thing in anger at least once a week or so.
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#250
Vain, But Lacking Talent
I did read on another forum that they hired a bunch of new UI designers for the development team at Zwift, so the entire UI should be getting a big update at some point which is much needed. There are things that just don't make sense, like being unable to edit your route selection once you've started a ride, being unable to change equipment choices unless you're in a ride, etc.
As for me, I bought into zwift last year and burned myself out pretty quick (in addition to other family matters that came up last year). This year I am using it in supplement with outdoor rides just because my days are so full that virtual rides can be done at 9 or 10 p.m. during the week. Being in a pretty flat area in North Texas, it's fun to be able to run courses with real sustained climbs. Of course I leave it on the default 50% gradient reality and still suck, but I still put out more watts than usual while netflix binging.
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