Results 1 to 10 of 36
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20th November 2018 #1
- Join Date
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Shropshire
- Posts
- 86
New to Turbo Training - help needed
Hi All,
I'm after a bit of info on how to connect my new Turbo Trainer to Zwift.
Being new to turbo trainers, I went and bought myself a Tacx Flow Smart from H......s (only £180 with my BC discount so I thought it was quite reasonable). I have downloaded Zwift and set up an account, but what I'd like to know is how to pair my turbo up to my PC? I thought that I would have everything in the box (being a smart trainer) but I'm guessing I need an Ant+ dongle???
Is that correct, and if so any recommendations?
Apologies for asking a question that's probably been asked a hundred times before but the Zwift thread is HUGE and I couldn't find the answer.
Thanks in advance guys/girls
Neilo
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20th November 2018 #2
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20th November 2018 #3
- Join Date
- Jul 2012
- Location
- Shropshire
- Posts
- 86
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20th November 2018 #4
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20th November 2018 #5
- Join Date
- Jul 2004
- Posts
- 3,953
I've got a Turbo saddle, but I doubt it will keep me fit over winter.
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21st November 2018 #6
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Posts
- 2,636
As Ports advised, you will need an ANT+ dongle. Wiggle do one for £20 which isn't too bad. You may be able to pick up one on eBay for less than £10, but it may, or may not work. You could also try looking on Amazon as you may be able to pick up a decent brand one for less than £30.
Depending on your setup, you may also need a USB A-male to A-female extender cable if you computer/laptop isn't close to the trainer. They're only a few quid from places like Amazon.
Have you got yourself a trainer tyre? If not, I recommend investing in one as it'll last longer than a road tyre and can take more pressure.
Also, and most importantly, when you have everything and you're ready to start training, you will need to calibrate the trainer. This needs to be done using the Tacx app and after you have warmed the tyre up for at least 10 minutes. All you need to do is cycle to 30kmh, then stop spinning when advised and the app will tell you if it's too tight or too loose. You can then make the adjustment and repeat the calibration until it's nicely between loose and tight.
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21st November 2018 #7
Nick, out of curiosity, do you use a separate bike for your Tacx or you replace a wheel / tyre in your Ribble?
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21st November 2018 #8
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Posts
- 2,636
Last edited by Nick1020; 21st November 2018 at 1:15 AM.
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21st November 2018 #9
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Posts
- 2,636
Funnily enough, whilst on the subject of turbo trainers, I'm just setting up Road Grand Tours on the laptop. Its been installed on the PC for a while, but I haven't got further than having an initial look at it as yet. I've got a couple of free hours in the morning, and the weather looks to be crap, so I may have my first go on it.
Any routes worth checking out for the first ride?
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21st November 2018 #10
- Join Date
- Jul 2004
- Location
- Flying through your bedroom window at night time
- Posts
- 7,933
Why not just buy a new wheel (cheap one as it aint going on the road). That way its just a quick out and in job. Just ask Mrs Boxie
Hope you enjoy Zwift - it has its downs and its ups - but it helps with the fitness and is a good workout."Life is too short to have anything but delusional notions about yourself."
Gene Simmons - Kiss
God - why am I so great !!!