Is haptic feedback possible for cobbles and offroad?

I see that there is haptic feedback on the Zwift controllers but my question is more related to the trainer. Is it physically possible to use the resistance controller for a rapid on-off-on-off to simulate the bumping that you get on cobbles, boards and rough roads? I’m not sure the magnetic resistance (which I assume it is, as opposed to friction resistance) can be cycled that quickly. If it is possible, I imagine it would only be a matter of some appropriate code inserted to rapidly cycle the resistance in those parts of a ride that displays cobbles, wooden boards (bridges), and coarse gravel.

CAVEAT: I know nothing of the mechanics of this and even less of the software but my thoughts are that one limitation would be that the rapid cycling of any mechanical resistance adjustment might cause undue wear on those parts resulting in premature failure.

Still it’d be neat.

Hi @Scott_Selkirk

What you’re describing is a feature called Road Feel on some Tacx trainers. Zwift supports it, but it is feature offered by the trainer manufacturer

Well, dang! Here I am “stuck” with a Wahoo Kickr V5. I guess when I wear out this trainer I’ll look into Tacx. (Yeah, right.) Maybe I can convince Wahoo to do a firmware upgrade to include this feature, but I doubt it. They are understandably more interested in selling new units rather than making older models more functional.

I’d like to try a Tacx trainer just to see what it is like, but not enough to buy one. I like my Wahoo.

Thanks for the info about Tacx and the knowledge that other people have had the same idea.

Would be interesting to know how many Tacx Neo users turn off that feature, because everyone I know with that trainer tried it and eventually turned it off. Or immediately turned it off. You have a great trainer, and if you want a more interesting ride feel you might consider using a rocker board if you haven’t got one.

Immediately turned it off an all Tacx NEO trainers I’ve had. The most terrible feature of all.

It looks like I’ve discovered the solution to a problem that didn’t exist… (sigh), the story of my life.

I have Road Feel set at 50% That offers enough interesting feedback without it being overwhelming.

I’m not sure how other brands would implement it. I thought it was only possible as a side-effect of the Neo flywheel/magnets design.