Trainer Difficulty resetting in workout mode

Bugs and Support
1

It is a bug that the Trainer Difficulty (TD) seems to be resetting (to the default) when using workout mode? If not, why does it do this, and can it be changed?

Two weeks ago I I tried out the workout mode (with ERG turned OFF), and the resistance on my Kickr was significantly higher than normal. In normal riding I keep TD set at 0 as it’s more conducive to riding and training on a handcycle limiting the gear changes with very narrow power bands.

As a result of using workout mode like this, I had to ride 3 gears lower than normal - even on level terrain such as Tempus Fugit. I assume that it’s resetting the TD to 50% but it doesn’t seem as though it should affect performance on level terrain.

This is problematic as it completely changes the usage of my gears when I don’t want it to. What I want workout mode for is to display the workout data for the workout, and to create the “breaks/ segments/ laps” (whatever they’re called) in the FIT file so that it’s easier for my coach to look at the data. I don’t want workout" mode to change how Zwift or the Kickr works or interacts.

The ride(s) I completed after this one I reverted back to normal usage and everything performed as expected - my normal use of gears and resistance.

So, my question is: Why is workout mode altering how TD functions when ERG is off and can that be changed?

Cheers

2

This is interesting. I started using Workout Mode from a training plan last month and it felt miserable. So, I did the same workout on my own in zwift a few days later and it felt way better. Smoother, less resistance, and I was able to ride at a higher cadence for the same power. I will have to look at trainer difficulty to see what is happening.

3

Trainer difficulty does not impact Workout mode.

1 Like
4

If you are doing a workout not in ERG mode it’ll put you in incline mode. You can change the incline setting up/down in the companion app

5

ah, I will give that a look.

Ed K

6

Does not, or should not? Because, from what I’ve seen, it most certainly does. Hence reporting it as a bug.

7

Well, this is an interesting point. If true, it’s problematic in that not everyone uses the companion app while riding. So, if it’s impacting how the game works and creating a change in performance and expectation without a way for all users to change it at all times, regardless of what device you’re using, it’s either a bug or an exceptionally poor design.

8

@ken I think you misunderstand Chris’s response. Incline mode in workouts is just manual ERG, so you can use the companion app or the onscreen menu or the ± buttons to change the trainer resistance.

the bug that reset the TD value has been fixed a few updates ago.