Team BKool CycleChat

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Haven't even looked at the stats...there was only one number I was interested in...8:48....

 

[gbrown]

That is indeed rather strange. However, Darryn also rode it today and was only slighty slower than me. I'm now wondering if the bkool is somehow tricked into misreading the steep gradients whereas the Kickr is perhaps not. I do know that the bkool does ride the stage far too quickly compared to real lfe. Strava was unhappy with my download and the big red warning siren went off big time saying the stage must have been recorded in a motorised vehicle. Yes, even with Stationary Trainer highlighted.
The only other possible theory (which I doubt) is that if you attacked the ride less aggressively and didn't carry big speed up the hills, or because the Kickr wouldn't go downhill fast enough to then zoom up the other side. I think its the difference between the bkool and the kickr but when some of the others ride it we'll hopefully get a better idea.

I've looked at some of the other rides we have both done, and the Total Work figures are much more similar.

I would say that the extra work is mainly to overcome the additional resistance (2000W compared to 1200W is quite a lot more work) on the steepest bits, and also perhaps a little the lack of gravity assist on the downhill bits.

Interestingly, I could not really tell the difference between to 20% bits, the 30% bits and the 40% bits and didn't feel like I had to work twice as hard at 40% compared to 20%, so I would say those crazy gradients are also beyond the capability of the KICKR.

Just as well as I would have had to get off and walk above 25% ... not sure bkool have a simulation for that!

It seems clear neither the Bkool nor the KICKR can simulate gradients beyond a certain point, and also their specifications (1200W to 2000W) suggests that the KICKR can go 67% further, so on a really steep section I guess it is 67% harder!

Geoff

 

[BILL S]

I've looked at some of the other rides we have both done, and the Total Work figures are much more similar.

I would say that the extra work is mainly to overcome the additional resistance (2000W compared to 1200W is quite a lot more work) on the steepest bits, and also perhaps a little the lack of gravity assist on the downhill bits.

Interestingly, I could not really tell the difference between to 20% bits, the 30% bits and the 40% bits and didn't feel like I had to work twice as hard at 40% compared to 20%, so I would say those crazy gradients are also beyond the capability of the KICKR.

Just as well as I would have had to get off and walk above 25% ... not sure bkool have a simulation for that!

It seems clear neither the Bkool nor the KICKR can simulate gradients beyond a certain point, and also their specifications (1200W to 2000W) suggests that the KICKR can go 67% further, so on a really steep section I guess it is 67% harder!

Geoff

On the bkool it feels like you can use the downhill momentum to carry your way to the top of the next hill, still in a high gear if you pedal hard enough. I think compared to the Kickr this ride perhaps makes the bkool feel like a realtour. The bots were stuck at normal speed so they got left in the dust.
It's unfortunate that it turned out to be unequal but at least that is quite unusual on bkool. The other one like this I know of is Mt Washington Hill Climb, which is even more fun on a bkool.
Its a pity I can't adjust your time in the league now that I've accepted the time and with it being the last stage. Not to worry though as April league starting soon.

 

[gbrown]

Its a pity I can't adjust your time in the league now that I've accepted the time and with it being the last stage. Not to worry though as April league starting soon.

As you say, not to worry, it's good training, which is really the point. I just like to have a moan ...

Geoff

 

[gbrown]

I'm doing cheddar tonight, I'll challenge Geoff to give me a chance of keeping the 14 second or so lead I have in the league, although I will be trying to extend that if at all possible!

After Cheddar I'll be doing something easy and plan on doing Motirolo tomorrow.

Well I thought I'd have a quick go at improving my time but didn't really expect to get close to you, especially after over an hour at 14% average (there's my excuse in place).

I lost a little at the start and a minute on the steep bit but could almost hold you on the rest.

I've challenged my own time just in case I fancy another go tomorrow when I'm not so knackered!
Might just squeak under 11 minutes fully rested and warmed up, but no way could I get under 10 mins, so your league position is safe and well earned!

Good Luck with Mortirolo!

Geoff

 

[gbrown]

Geoff, im keen to ensure I complete all stages in April but my daughter will be having big surgery next week, together with recovery time I might struggle to make the set Thursday night time, is there a way that to ensure I complete all stages

Yes, whether you can make the group ride on Thursday and/or the rerun on Saturday, or not, you can do the stages any time they are active. Just look for them in the League tab of your simulator.

I have made the first stage (this coming week) active well into next week so that anyone on Easter hols gets a chance to post a time. It should be available from 1st April to at least the 11th.

The second stage (next week) is a Velodrome session, run just on Thursday and Saturday, as the Velodrome didn't work as a league session. However, there is a dummy stage to post a short incomplete time for adjustment, and if you do the same distance in the Velodrome I can adjust the dummy stage time to match. You can do the Velodrome any time after the Thursday, but the dummy stage must be saved between 7th and 12th of April, it only needs a minute or so.

The third stage is a Handicap, it would be great if you could make either or both of the group runs, but you can post a normal time any time between the 12th and the 21st.

Good luck with your Daughter's surgery, I hope it all goes well!

Geoff

 

[Rob H]

After a stupid hill challenge, a race and another stupid challenge last night i can finally step out the real world and back into the land of cyber cycling tonight. Completely lost track of leagues etc so think i will just play it by ear unless there are any recommendations?

 

[RickB]

Geoff, im keen to ensure I complete all stages in April but my daughter will be having big surgery next week, together with recovery time I might struggle to make the set Thursday night time, is there a way that to ensure I complete all stages

Trust all goes well with your daughter Monte.

 

[Rob H]

April Chain Gang League

Starts with one of the easier 100 Greatest Cycle Climbs,

I did 19 reps of a real one last night, Terrace Hill, can that count?..

 

[Darryn007]

As you say, not to worry, it's good training, which is really the point. I just like to have a moan ...

Geoff

I think you are right though Geoff, if the kickr doesn't simulate the downhill you would never have the momentum to get up the steep sides! I use my cyclocross bike so only have a 38/46 on the front and was spinning out on the downhill parts in my biggest gear. I was ale to just keep rolling the big gear over the 10-12% uphill parts, where as I would normally be in the small ring for those percentages . BUT, it was really great fun!! Kinda like being on a roller-coaster actually

 

[Randyberlin]

I think you are right though Geoff, if the kickr doesn't simulate the downhill you would never have the momentum to get up the steep sides! I use my cyclocross bike so only have a 38/46 on the front and was spinning out on the downhill parts in my biggest gear. I was ale to just keep rolling the big gear over the 10-12% uphill parts, where as I would normally be in the small ring for those percentages . BUT, it was really great fun!! Kinda like being on a roller-coaster actually

It wasn't too bad but a masher like me never got the momentum going except after the - 23%

 

[kipster]

It wasn't too bad but a masher like me never got the momentum going except after the - 23%

I'm not going to get a chance tonight as I forgot my daughter is home from uni today. I'll challenge Randy and hope it stays until tomorrow.

 

[gbrown]

March Chain Gang Results

15 Members took part, thanks to all!

The official results are broken as a bug gave Rayvon zero seconds for Stage 4 and 5, so I've knocked up a spreadsheet and worked out the correct times, listed at the end.

Congratulations to Bill for a clear win!

Congratulations also to Kipster for second place, and commiserations to Adski, who would have "podium'ed" but for missing the Handicap Stage!

Four stage wins to Bill and the other one went to Adski, with an audacious challenge in the Vuelta stage.

Still no point in looking at the Sprint and Mountain points.

Hopefully April's league will start sometime tonight or tomorrow.

Geoff

http://www.bkool.com/classification/showIndividualLeagueClassification/1177

 

[kipster]

March Chain Gang Results

15 Members took part, thanks to all!

The official results are broken as a bug gave Rayvon zero seconds for Stage 4 and 5, so I've knocked up a spreadsheet and worked out the correct times, listed at the end.

Congratulations to Bill for a clear win!

Congratulations also to Kipster for second place, and commiserations to Adski, who would have "podium'ed" but for missing the Handicap Stage!

Four stage wins to Bill and the other one went to Adski, with an audacious challenge in the Vuelta stage.

Still no point in looking at the Sprint and Mountain points.

Hopefully April's league will start sometime tonight or tomorrow.

Geoff

http://www.bkool.com/classification/showIndividualLeagueClassification/1177

View attachment 84308

Well done Bill on the overall win, and thanks to Adam for missing a stage and allowing me to snag 2nd

Geoff, great work for putting it all together. I must try and win a stage in the April league.

 

[BILL S]

March Chain Gang Results

15 Members took part, thanks to all!

The official results are broken as a bug gave Rayvon zero seconds for Stage 4 and 5, so I've knocked up a spreadsheet and worked out the correct times, listed at the end.

Congratulations to Bill for a clear win!

Congratulations also to Kipster for second place, and commiserations to Adski, who would have "podium'ed" but for missing the Handicap Stage!

Four stage wins to Bill and the other one went to Adski, with an audacious challenge in the Vuelta stage.

Still no point in looking at the Sprint and Mountain points.

Hopefully April's league will start sometime tonight or tomorrow.

Geoff

http://www.bkool.com/classification/showIndividualLeagueClassification/1177

View attachment 84308

Thanks very much Geoff for an excellent league, very professionally run. Thanks for all the extra time you put into it. Fortunately for me the Mountain Goat admin is a much simpler job.
I may have won but the competition is always getting tougher so everyone is getting fitter. Well done to everyone who took part.