iab

Yeah. Maybe not the right forum, but you certainly can use an on-topic bike to Zwift. And I hang out here so I'm asking here. Speculation and wild-ass guessing is allowed everywhere..

I'm having a little lunch and taking a break from building a stone wall. Channel surfing has landed me on Hawaii's triathlon. Spoiler alert, I already know Mollema won Lombardia.

Anyhow, Zwift is running ads and the dude is on a tri-bike. During the Tour, Zwift used Thomas instead of the random tri-guy for their ads. Got me to wondering, which position is most efficient for e-racing - road/tri/bent? Something else? Also, seems to me modern bike tech doesn't have much of an advantage for e racing. Is that correct?

Discuss.

non-fixie 

No clue WRT Zwift (you'd have to ask mrs non-fixie ) but thanks for the heads-up on Bauke's win. Excellent! He really needed that.

Spaghetti Legs 

Zwift is all about power output, so if you’re interested in competing against others, then whatever gets you the most power. There is also the game aspect of it, so the more you ride, you get perks like aero carbon wheels, things like that, that will let you go faster. I tend to ride Zwift on a (virtual) steel bike with the box section wheels and a Molteni-esque Jersey because, hey, that’s how I roll. My actual bike that I ride is my old TT bike because it otherwise doesn’t get much use.

Ex Pres 

e-bike for e-racing

ljsense

I'd think that C&V bikes would put a rider in as good a position as any, and maybe the best. The hope with TT bikes is that the rider can maintain the power they normally generate in a typical position while riding in a more aero shape. I don't know much about recumbents, but it seems like riders typically lose a little power in that position, but it could be because they're mostly not trained in it, and they lose the ability to stand.

Anyway, I would think a Eddy Merckx type fitting road bike would open up most riders to optimize their power, which is what counts for e racing.

TriBiker19 

I'm sure there have been studies on this. If you remove the variable of wind resistance, does aero position really matter? Is it the best position? I'd think that the best option would be the one that makes you comfortable and allows you to continue at your desired speed/pace.

I've got a couple of gals in my tri group who Zwift in the off season. Personally, I don't need to compete that badly. But I'm old and slow and cool with just finishing.

iab

That's exactly what I'm asking. Zwift is a purely power to weight ratio race. Aero, bike weight just don't matter. You could stand, be prone, supine and everything in between. I don't know which would be best.

And another thing, will a powermeter work with my steel cottered Magistroni crank?

repechage

The Smokey Yanuk approach-

CeramicSpeed bearings, no contact seals.
CeramicSpeed as much as you can afford
might as well remove as many parasitic watts as possible.

with regard to position- what is currently used as the most efficient- keeping in mind that wind resistance is not a concern.

note that Andy Hampsten raised his bars to win in the Giro.

DrIsotope

Whatever is the absolutely most comfortable, as you have no other concerns. My time on Zwift was spent entirely due to a broken hand, so I couldn't even rest one hand on the bars. I built a table that sat over the bars, so I could rest my elbows and forearms on it. I still never managed more than around 3.5 hours at a stretch, but it was a whole lot nicer than gripping the bars on the dumb trainer for even an hour. Nothing "real world" translates to Zwift. It's a video game with cardio. Work on your spin, make constant power, and enjoy the power-ups.

Last ride 76 

Never done it.
2 thoughts-

1) recumbent type pushing against a backrest but rotated to a road bike position, so dancing on the pedals is possible. Remember the s banned saddles of the nineties
Eric

mrv 

before reading through this post I thought SWIFT - ZWIFIT - whatever - was dumb. (will, the whole virtual biking thing in general, just ZIFTER...)
and after reading through the thoughtful posts about maximizing power out put for virtual biking, I am convinced I'm right. or don't care. either.

if you really want more power, use a BOT!!
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bri...-for-cheating/
200km at 2kW or something.....

"According to The Guardian, Jeffers manipulated his profile by using a bot to ride at a weight of 45kg, doing 2000W for over 200km. The rides helped him unlock the Zwift Concept Z1 bike that offered performance advantages on his rides."

just dumb. go outside and ride a bike.
Tschuss!

iab

I'm sure my son to hack any ANT+ system.

But the question is only a thought problem. Ride outdoors, knock yerself out. What I don't understand is why would waste the time on a dumb or irreverent topic.

crank_addict

Know little of this or Zwift to fairly contribute.

Last Autumn I did demo the virtual CycleOps set up at a shop. More entertaining than expected and with riders online, made me laugh. The fellows in the shop were already bragging and messing with others as they told me had rigged a session with an e bike.

Of note: Apparently a virtual MTB has been released that requires steering around obstacles or your down.

mstateglfr 

Many people dont enjoy riding during the winter months.
Temps below 40 may not be fun.
Piercing wind may not be fun
Snow and surprise ice may not be fun.

Indoor trainers and spin classes are hardly new. Adding a video game to make indoor trainers less unbearable has been wildly successful.

Indoor trainers and swift isnt for everyone, but neither is bundling up like the StayPuft marshmallow man to go for ride.

shoota 

I used to Zwift. One thing I'll tell you.. real world race position does not feel comfortable in a trainer on Zwift. I required a more upright position. Take that for what's it's worth.

mrv 

yea... I understand. I'll ride rollers when the snow is flying (or ice is........ icing? ) - granted, not as hard as the people on the eracing stuff. I'm just working on balance and getting a 30 minute spin in.
Anyway, I think it's the PELOTON commercials that get on my nerves. I can't quite pin it down why it annoys me. Maybe the lack of self-motivation (which I lack myself, for things like, cleaning my work bench off.....) . I'll stop bugging people so the thread can get back on topic. cheers!

RobbieTunes

.... or Kicker or the others.

But I’m having no problem being competitive in a studio class based on power at the rear wheel.

I’m the only one on C&V.

I have noticed wattage differences that appear to relate to crankset sizes. A guy out-powered me on a 3-hour ride, but I beat him by 1.5 miles, using a compact crankset. He was on a 53/39.

I have no idea what the numbers mean, but my butt hurts.

If you are racing indoors, it may depend on the time element, as many humans will suffer in the short term for perceived benefits. Head down in the drops will work, but you better have that saddle right or a leather scrotum.

Your road fit may not transfer over well, putting it mildly. My studio keeps a gallon bottle of chamois butter in each restroom.

As there is no wind drag indoors, the only benefits of the aero position, as in Triathlons, would be easing the arm load and isolating the legs to deliver power. If that is measured at the rear wheel, eliminating rocking helps a bit.

Somewhat, there is also a variable depending on how the “system” delivers resistance to simulate hills. On some, getting out of the saddle is unrealistic.

It would be fascinating if it wasn’t such a pain in the arse. Pretty sure it’s doing me some good. I definitely appreciate outdoor riding more.

bikemig 

Yeah I just set up a saris smart trainer with Rouvy and I'm using my '92 Trek 950 with a trekking bar. It's comfy and what the heck do I care about being aero on a trainer,

Viich

[QUOTE=iab;21161608

And another thing, will a powermeter work with my steel cottered Magistroni crank?[/QUOTE]

​​​​Yup. Assuming that you can squeeze in a powertap wheel.

Eric F 

Interesting how times change, isn't it?

dmanthree

Why not just use pedal-based power meters and totally remove the variable of drivetrain resistance? After that, it's all about comfort, especially seat comfort. For whatever reason riding a trainer exacts a greater toll on your seat than road riding, so you may need to find a new seat specifically for trainer riding.

dmanthree

just dumb. go outside and ride a bike.
Tschuss![/QUOTE]

Sure, and when there's ice on the roads....have at it. And when you're stuck inside because of restrictions in place due to pandemic, then what? Honestly, I think you're completely missing the point. Zwift is not meant to replace road riding, which is still my preferred method of riding. But when you can't get on the road, or just want something different, like the workout modes, for example, Zwift is a really nice alternative. And for some people, like city-dwellers, it's a lot better than nothing.