Team BKool CycleChat

[Add]

Thanks for the explanation Andy. 21+ is kind of fast but probably not too fast for Paul and Tommy. I've ridden with Paul on the DD 2 years ago so would have been quite nervous about committing to his pace, but my competitive spirit wouldn't have allowed me to pick an easier speed. I'd have just told myself that I'd tuck in behind him and have an easy life, although hills can tend to get in the way of that. I can manage about 21 mph if I really push it for about an hour if there's no wind, so doing that for considerably longer would be really tough. What are your thoughts on when best to book the tickets? Its cheaper to book immediately but not by a huge amount, but is there a risk of all the places being sold out?

I think I’ll join you Bill. We can work together for the first 200m, then I’ll see you at the end.

 

[CXRAndy]

I think I’ll join you Bill. We can work together for the first 200m, then I’ll see you at the end.

A true pirate!

 

[CXRAndy]

@Bill if we all decide in the next few days what we are doing I will buy a ticket aswell. Then there is always something to work for. 100 miles with 3000ft climbing, still flat but will blow the pack apart with the pace

 

[Whorty]

@Bill if we all decide in the next few days what we are doing I will buy a ticket aswell. Then there is always something to work for. 100 miles with 3000ft climbing, still flat but will blow the pack apart with the pace

fck it, I'm in too. Something to aim for.

 

[BILL S]

I think I’ll join you Bill. We can work together for the first 200m, then I’ll see you at the end.

Excellent! Great to hear Adam. I hope to be able to stay with you for a little more than 200m though and will make a special effort to get fit and hopefully even squeeze into my size L new bike shirt that I love even if it is a wee bit tight right now.

 

[Whorty]

Excellent! Great to hear Adam. I hope to be able to stay with you for a little more than 200m though and will make a special effort to get fit and hopefully even squeeze into my size L new bike shirt that I love even if it is a wee bit tight right now.

Glad it's not just me who has a large shirt that is a smidge tighter than anticipated

 

[BILL S]

@Bill if we all decide in the next few days what we are doing I will buy a ticket aswell. Then there is always something to work for. 100 miles with 3000ft climbing, still flat but will blow the pack apart with the pace

100 flatish fast miles is something I've never tried but cant wait to give it a go. I'll buy my ticket too, as soon as we're all decided.

 

[CXRAndy]

100 flatish fast miles is something I've never tried but cant wait to give it a go. I'll buy my ticket too, as soon as we're all decided.

Nice one !

 

[bridgy]

Thanks for the explanation Andy. 21+ is kind of fast but probably not too fast for Paul and Tommy. I've ridden with Paul on the DD 2 years ago so would have been quite nervous about committing to his pace, but my competitive spirit wouldn't have allowed me to pick an easier speed. I'd have just told myself that I'd tuck in behind him and have an easy life, although hills can tend to get in the way of that. I can manage about 21 mph if I really push it for about an hour if there's no wind, so doing that for considerably longer would be really tough. What are your thoughts on when best to book the tickets? Its cheaper to book immediately but not by a huge amount, but is there a risk of all the places being sold out?

@BILL S that's great news - and @Add and @Whorty too, fantastic!

It's hard to explain quite how big a difference the drafting effect makes to your speed, particularly on those relatively flat roads - plus they're closed of course so no stopping at junctions etc. Doing even a 20 mile flattish ride solo on normal roads at 21mph + would take a good hard effort, but cruising along at over 24mph in a fast group was much easier than you'd expect - honest! The real efforts were pushing to stay with or re-join a group on hills or when the pace suddenly jumped, plus the gradual build up of fatigue over time. Basically, you can't compare the speeds in any way to normal solo rides - it was like being on Bkool with a dose of the old fairy dust!

With regards tickets, this year they had some available right up until a few weeks before the event and I think even some limited options to buy on the day. They just gradually put the price up as the even gets closer so the earlier you can commit the better.

 

[peterob]

If I can't make the DD in a couple of weeks, I may also take the punt and get a ticket for the ToC next year - it'll give me a year to plan around it!

 

[Del C]

Dean, Lee, Bob, Dave-------- Tacx Neo
Jeff, Carl, Me, Boxers-------- Wahoo Kickr DD
Kipster Paul------------------ Wahoo kickr snap
Tommy is between trainers but had a Wattbike

Juhua Quarq PM with bkool
Lars Bkool with power meter pedals plus there are others doing the same

The remaining are bkool still. The main issues are motor/motor drive shafts wearing and jamming the magnets in the wrong place usually low resistance.

Everyone who uses a PM is either on Zwift, BRVR, both. I dont there are many that return to Bkool, maybe wrong.

Zwift is so realistic on a decent setup, saying that Paul(bridgy) continues to use his bkool in Zwift and finds it overall reliable. There is just a little step to get it to work properly

Probably a hard one to really answer, but any strong recommendations from anyone for either the Tacx Neo or the Wahoo Kickr?

I'm seriously thinking of committing to buy one or the other. The extra accuracy sounds nice, as much a being able to put one of my road bikes on without rubbing out the tyre.

But also as @TurboTommy said, I'm a bit suspicious that Bkool racing will really be around for much longer and the urge to give Zwift a try out has become much stronger.

 

[<Tommy>]

Tommy, I'm really thinking I will if at all possible. As you say, very doable in one day and definitely up my street with fast riding on flattish roads, just like the Chain Gang . My only real life experience of grabbing a slipstream was two years ago at the DD with Adam and Bridgy on the faster flatter parts, but being in more of a peloton should be faster still.

Brilliant! You’ll smash it mate honestly. We can get some practice in around Richmond nearer the time.

 

[<Tommy>]

Probably a hard one to really answer, but any strong recommendations from anyone for either the Tacx Neo or the Wahoo Kickr?

I'm seriously thinking of committing to buy one or the other. The extra accuracy sounds nice, as much a being able to put one of my road bikes on without rubbing out the tyre.

But also as @TurboTommy said, I'm a bit suspicious that Bkool racing will really be around for much longer and the urge to give Zwift a try out has become much stronger.

If I was getting a turbo today I’d probably get the neo del. I just think it looks very well engineered and it gets nothing but good feedback.

 

[Del C]

If I was getting a turbo today I’d probably get the neo del. I just think it looks very well engineered and it gets nothing but good feedback.

I read a report a week or two ago and both did well, but the reviewer just gave the Neo the edge.

 

[berty bassett]

really enjoy the neo but can't use it with bkool and be competitive , 30seconds down in the first minute