New Zwift user here! Soo, I’ve been using Suunto as my sports-related database for years. Since starting with Zwift, I use the workaround described in this forum to get my Zwift-data there (autom. Zwift>Garmin Connect sync and then using SyncMyTracks to Suunto).
However it’s starting to show that the Suunto platform handles virtual cycling data poorly (e.g. no cadence or power data and no correct sport category )
Thinking about switching over to Garmin Connect I saw today, that the TSS-value is indeed shown in Zwift at the end of the workout, but is not populated in the data field in Garmin Connect.
Is there anything that can be done about that?
Bonus question: What are your thoughts on having real world GPS data in virtual racing? While I think it’s kinda cool, it also ruins the data integrity a tiny bit could this be turned off and still keep distance & elevation information?
Thank you much for your input & have a wonderful day
Garmin Connect can only calculate and display Training Stress Score (TSS) (and any other) if the data comes directly from a Garmin device that supports this metric. TSS calculation requires specific metrics and algorithms that Garmin devices are designed to capture.
TrainingPeaks (TP) requires a paid subscription for premium features, similar to Strava. In contrast, Garmin provides Garmin Connect for free as an added value to encourage users to buy their devices We pay one way or the other, so Connect will never calculate anything that isn’t coming from a Garmin device.
Connect just shows limited data from services like Zwift, my smart Form goggles, and others, but it purposefully limits anything not generated by Garmin devices. I’m fine with that—I’ve been using Garmin since 1999, when GPS-based training was still a novelty, and I’ve never ever had to pay for software --those $20 bucks subscriptions here and there accumulate over the years.
I’m curious, like what things? The only data I see missing that Garmin could display is TSS/IF and rides counting towards challenges. Anything else (respiration, hydration, pedalling dynamics, stamina, etc) are things that Connect can’t generate as Zwift doesn’t record the required info to make those calculations.
I could write an entire White Paper to cover all the details… haha! But for example, Training Status and Training Load are crucial metrics for me. While cycling is a key sport, I’m highly active in multisport, so tracking the load across all sports is key. To get accurate data, I’m forced to double-track with Garmin devices and other tools. For instance, I use a set of smart goggles for swimming, which provide more accurate data than my Garmin 955 watch while swimming. However, if I don’t track my swimming on a Garmin device, the Training Load becomes skewed. The same issue occurs with the device I use for paddling/kayak training. Zwift transfer limited data to Connect, but if you record via a Garmin unit, there is a lot of great data transfer to connect. Garmin running dynamic data are excellent. Thankfully, my Favero power peters works well Garmin Connect -but not as good as a native Garmin power meter, but again, it’s free so I deal with that for people that stick with Garmin watches, head units, and such I think Connect is fine.
All you need is Golden Cheetah. You can use it to control your load, track all the metrics and create your own charts. It costs nothing. All you have to do is learn how to use it.
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could this be turned off and still keep distance & elevation information?
We pay one way or the other, so Connect will never calculate anything that isn’t coming from a Garmin device.
for people that stick with Garmin watches, head units, and such I think Connect is fine.