Cutting corners on climbs

General Discussion
1

Hi guys

I’m just wondering if when climbing steepish, 8%+ climbs does Zwift replicate the real world. Like when cutting corners for real it’s generally steeper on the inside of a corner than when you take them wide. I know that when I’m outdoors if I cut all the corners I may save a meter± on each corner, but I’m having to push harder up the steeper grade than when I don’t cut them.

Has anyone with steering tested this by climbing the same climb at the same power by cutting and taking them wide? If so which was quicker

Thanks

John

4

I’m pretty sure that using steering on corners just changed the distance that you cover and doesn’t alter the gradient. I’m sure someone else will comment if I’m wrong.

5

Here’s another, does using the apex into the corner maintain speed?

6
2 Likes
7

What’s that old saying? Oh yes, I remember.

The quickest way to get the correct answer to something is to first post the wrong answer online.

1 Like
8

So the answer is yes, the inside line is steeper. So you cut the distance but increase the effort - most markedly on tight bends on ascents. On descents this still holds true and cutting the corners gives you a speed boost.

9

Best way to test this yourself is find one of those portal climbs with 25% or steeper gradients and see how you go.

10

And do it at 50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% to make sure they are consistent.
For science.