Team BKool CycleChat

[Darryn007]

I was not debating the merits of opening up the software, merely answering the question posed.

Don't think there was a question actually. Maybe read post #2914 first.
Bkool unit is now available as a trainer selection when you register as a BETA user on their site - it never used to be.

 

[Rob3rt]

Don't think there was a question actually. Maybe read post #2914 first.
Bkool unit is now available as a trainer selection when you register as a BETA user on their site - it never used to be.

The following quote is a question. A question I was responding to.

Will it ever be supported by trainer road then? If the company was ever going bankrupt they would have to open it up or we would all be stuffed

I have read the post you refer to, I have no response other than that as recently as 2 days ago, Zwift stated they were not supporting this device. See here.

 

[Rob3rt]

Just to add to the above, there has been no software update to Zwift since that post on the Zwift support forum (the last update was the 15th January), as such I doubt that support for the BKool has been added within the last 2 days.

 

[Add]

Can someone explain to the dumb builder what 'KOM' is! Because I am sitting here nodding in approval, when in actual fact I haven't got a Scooby Doo what the acronym even represents!

And more importantly where is my Ponferrada effort?!? My legs, at present, are aching for no good bloody reason....save some fun racing with Geoff!

 

[Add]

By save, of course I mean, except!

 

[Pedro2015]

King of the mountain

 

[Rob H]

Well i followed instructions and seems to detect all, i will test it thurs after riding the groupleague and see

 

[gbrown]

Another Question, can the Mountain Goat Stages be done at any time? i see the new one started today.

Each stage is available for a specified period of time, established when the league is setup. The ride can be done at any time within this period and it will count towards the league (if started from the league tab).

Alpe d'Huez
From 27/01/2015 to 31/01/2015

Colle delle Finestre
From 31/01/2015 to 07/02/2015

Colle del Moncenisio
From 07/02/2015 to 14/02/2015

Col de la Bonette
From 14/02/2015 to 21/02/2015

Los Olmos-Alto Filabres
From 20/02/2015 to 26/02/2015

The same is true for the Thursday Night CC League, the only difference being that those stages are intended to be ridden in groups on a Thursday Night and possibly a rerun on Saturday evening.

Geoff

 

[Add]

Right Geoff, I can see I am just going to have to do it again aren't I? Off to Amsterdam on a Stag do for 4 days, Thursday morning, which will involve some dedicated attention to reducing levels of fitness. The only weight I will lose, will be from my wallet, and the only cycling will be if they hire one of those 8 seater bicycle bars!

So hopefully I will get an attempt in tomorrow evening! Mmm, but
I also see I need to get an Alpe d'Huez in, so I could be in a right pickle!

 

[Rob H]

Right Geoff, I can see I am just going to have to do it again aren't I? Off to Amsterdam on a Stag do for 4 days, Thursday morning, which will involve some dedicated attention to reducing levels of fitness. The only weight I will lose, will be from my wallet, and the only cycling will be if they hire one of those 8 seater bicycle bars!

If it's any help there is a bar where a very talented lady rides a specially modified spin bike... In fact you know what nevermind..

 

[Rob H]

I have read the post you refer to, I have no response other than that as recently as 2 days ago, Zwift stated they were not supporting this device. See here.

But that link says :
Unfortunately BKOOL is still a closed system, but we'll be happy to support them once they open up.

At no point does it say that its not, just waiting on the open system, which is confirmed widely from Bkool themselves and in DCR, and then they will be happy to...

I guess the proof is in the tasting, i was sent the invite with Bkool as one of the selection criteria along with an Ant+ PM, Windows and an Ant+ dongle. Whats interesting is the PM requirement too, maybe they with use the data to map the profile for Bkool, i dont know.

*my spelling is shocking today

 

[Darryn007]

So zwift is simply reverse engineering their system to hack the BKool maybe?!
Wouldn't be the first time, I use one of those to import BKool files into polar 'closed system' software.

 

[Rob H]

So zwift is simply reverse engineering their system to hack the BKool maybe?!

Im not 100%, TR are far more open than Bkool with what they do ive found through their App Beta program, but its my understanding, once any company open up the system which they are doing, or maybe have done (just like Elite) any third party can then 'talk' to the unit.

Having only done the setup of zwift last night and not ridden it its already clear that there is a marked difference between what Bkool and Zwift are about which is great. Im new to both systems and already feel im leaning to the bkool software as its VR not simulation. Maybe they have agreed not to encroach on each other, maybe they just arnt interested, either way its great for bkool unit users looking for variation.

Monday - Zwift
Tuesday - Real Ride
Wednesday - TR
Thursday - Bkool
Friday - Bkool
Satuday - Real Ride
Sunday - Divorced

 

[Rob3rt]

But that link says :
Unfortunately BKOOL is still a closed system, but we'll be happy to support them once they open up.

At no point does it say that its not, just waiting on the open system, which is confirmed widely from Bkool themselves and in DCR, and then they will be happy to...

I guess the proof is in the tasting, i was sent the invite with Bkool as one of the selection criteria along with an Ant+ PM, Windows and an Ant+ dongle. Whats interesting is the PM requirement too, maybe they with use the data to map the profile for Bkool, i dont know.

To be honest, I am not quite sure why I am getting the

*my spelling is shocking today

Yes that what it says. In the future maybe it will become open and they will support it, but until then it is not currently supported, whether stated using the words 'not supported' or otherwise. Here is another post on the support forum: link. This post explicitly lists the BKool under unsuppported trainers and devices. This post was issued on the same day the last software update became available.

Regarding Bkool becoming an open system, this has been reported for well over a year without any evidenced action, so whether it is just a matter of time or whether it is an empty promise, only time will tell.

So zwift is simply reverse engineering their system to hack the BKool maybe?!
Wouldn't be the first time, I use one of those to import BKool files into polar 'closed system' software.

Their statement is as good as a declaration that they won't be reverse engineering the closed system.

 

[Darryn007]

Yeah, I def won't be dropping the Bkool that's for sure, the variety of rides they offer is the best out there in my opinion. it is possible to simulate on the BKool but its time consuming to input anything too complicated.
TR integration with sufferfest vids using the BKool unit + software would be great for the variety.