Beginner Questions

#1

Hey Guys,
so I just installed my Schwalbe Insider on my Rear Wheel (ive got a MTB so I cant use my stock Wheels). Ive never changed my Bike Wheels before and I never had these road tires on my bike. Now when I am on the Trainer with the Bike it seems to run very rough periodically (as if theres a Bump or something). Ive thought about running the bike outside for a round but im not sure if thats a good idea considering I might hurt the Tires (considering that they are specifically made for trainers?).

In addition to that there is a pretty high wear (ive not even made 100m ingame and there are plenty of small rubber pieces around the rear base) and my Tire flexes alot when I am on the Trainer. Is that normal? How much air should I pump into the tires? Like a normal road tire (~6,5Bar) or less like my mountainbike tires?.

And my third question is how much does the Zwift riding correspond with real life movement? When I ride pretty slowly there seems to be nothing happening in Zwift but Zwift also seems to Top out pretty fast? Do I have to enter my Gearing somewhere?

And is it right that the whole weight just rests on the Trainers wheel and the Front Wheel? The Mount where you connect your rear axle is just for Sensors/Stability but doesnt take up any weight?

Sorry Ive totally missed Specs:

Elite Qubo Digital Smart B+
Cube Nature EXC

I hope that I dont sound too stupid im just a very early beginner trying to get my way into indoor cycling.

Greetings Lukas

#2

Welcome to Zwift.

  1. Check the the Tire is properly seated. Go around it where the tire and the rim meet and check that the tire in completely into the rim. The tire should not have a bump, it should run smooth. You can set your trainer roller very close to the wheel and turn it slowly by hand trying to see when it make contact with the roller, that can help locate the bump.

  2. the Website for the tire show a pressure between 85-145psi. Your tire should not flex, that is why you have some wear.

  3. No you don’t have to input your gearing, but your trainer has to be properly setup and calibrated. Look at this https://support.zwift.com/en_us/pairing-elite-trainers-HJoxNNZer

  4. Yes, The sides of that trainer is more for stability.

These are all valid questions. If you have more questions please ask.

2 Likes
#3

Hello Gerrie,

thank you very much for your quick response!

I think the Tire is properly seated. I just pumped it full of air (I wont be able to measure the Pressure until next weekend when ill have my big pump back) until I felt like its shortly before exploding (probaply far away from that (hopefully)), now when I sit on the Bike the tire maybe flexes 2mm in each side, is that still not enough (im around 85kg weight).

Once I get to the window searching for trainers it gives me 2 Options in the “Power Source” window, “Elite PWR” and “Elite FE-C”. Ive used the “Elite FE-C” option which seemed to work. Do you know what the difference is?

Ive ridden 4.2km now with these options and it all seemed to work, its still a little strange but I think its a great tool.

BTW 90% of the People were overtaking me even though I was driving with around 60W and 40-60RPM, how are they so much faster? I tried going higher Watts and I never caught up with some people (going like 120W and they still ran off). How is that possible ?

#4

60 watts is low as far as a seasoned Zwifter is concerned. Not putting down your effort at all just stating some facts. The average FTP on Zwift is about 230 watts. There are a lot of experienced Zwifters that started out with 60-100 watt averages and now have well over 200 watt averages, it takes time. Another thing is that once you move up in levels and get Drops you can obtain better in-game equipment which can increase your in-game speed.

For me, after a few years on Zwift easy rides are at about 130 watts and that keeps my HR in low Zone 2. When I first started I struggled and have really hard to get where I’m at. Be patient, you will get there.

#5

Yes FE-C is the correct option . FE-C is the ANT+ profile for Controllable trainers.

#6

What Paul said about wattage output is exactly correct. It will take time, but you’ll improve. One more thing I would like to put out there, though, is this: it would be better if you kept your RPMs in the 80-100 range. 40-60 is really low and likely means you are struggling with the gear, which means extra stress on your knees that you probably don’t want or need.

#7

Cadence is very personal and I would recommend against increasing your cadence in a small window. I have read studies that say 80-100 is only effective for elite athletes and for the regular folks is very inefficient. I stick to around 75RPM, it comfortable, efficient, and my HR is under control. Yes, for some 80-100 works well, but it is not a one size fits all.

#8

Hi @lukas_kuhn
Welcome to Zwift forums.

Regarding the occasional rough / bumpy feel: for trainers like yours where the rear wheel is left on, it’s possible that the tire will transfer a waxy dirt coating where it contacts the trainer. This is especially true when a tire is brand new. Check for dirt buildup from time to time.

When your rear axle is properly mounted to the trainer, the trainer’s frame supports the weight of the bike and rider, not the tire roller. The tire roller should only be tightened until tire slip is eliminated.