Virgin Wattbike calibration

[Ozzie NL]

Fact that calibration of these machines is way off have been discussed here multiple times. Have spoken to management of the gyms I go to (Eagle Canyon and Bell Air) a couple of times. Fact is they hardly understand the machine let alone it can be "off"

 

Hence I was wondering whether there is something we can do ourselves in that regard and found the following in the online WB manual:

"Setting the Zero State of the Monitor

Whilst the Wattbike is factory calibrated there is a function to Set zero from the Wattbike Performance Computer. This can be used to ensure that the Wattbike has been returned to zero prior to testing.

Select Setup from the Main menu, then Memory and simultaneously press all four buttons.

Rotate the pedals backwards for a few revolutions to unload the Wattbike. The cranks should be unladened and in a horizontal position

Press ENTER – the monitor will automatically Set Zero"

 

Tried it this morning but did not seem to be getting it right. Has anyone else tried this or anything else to improve accuracy of the machines?

[coppi]

Ossie NL, I see that you are located in Randburg : spare yourself the frustration and join a proper watt bike studio, like Northcliff Cycles.............where the 15 bikes, gear and atmosphere of like minded cyclist will be much better

[Pulse]

I have done a re-calibration to Zero before.  I cannot remember the procedure I followed, but I'm petty sure it was what you did.

 

I will check up on this.

 

Was the manual for the correct WB and Display unit?

[Ozzie NL]

I have done a re-calibration to Zero before.  I cannot remember the procedure I followed, but I'm petty sure it was what you did.

 

I will check up on this.

 

Was the manual for the correct WB and Display unit?

Good point. I did not check the model bike and head unit. That might have been the issue

[Pulse]

Good point. I did not check the model bike and head unit. That might have been the issue

 

I'm pretty sure al the VAs use the "Pro" bike, but I know there are different head units in the clubs.

[mecheng89]

Will have to go to my VA and check this out. From the bikes I ride on I don't believe the calibration is out. 

[NordicElf]

I'm pretty sure al the VAs use the "Pro" bike, but I know there are different head units in the clubs.

 

Depends on the gym. some have a mix of trainer and pro models. 

[NordicElf]

Will have to go to my VA and check this out. From the bikes I ride on I don't believe the calibration is out. 

 

 

I don't believe so either but then I was starting to think maybe I just didn't realise.

 

How would one check this? How do you know it's out?

[mecheng89]

I don't believe so either but then I was starting to think maybe I just didn't realise.

 

How would one check this? How do you know it's out?

I guess what it comes down to is RPE. If you're fortunate enough to have a PM on your bicycle too, then you can compare the efforts. If there is a noticeable discrepancy, then either of the two PMs are out. But on your bicycle you 'should' zero it every time before you go out. 

[Ozzie NL]

I don't believe so either but then I was starting to think maybe I just didn't realise.

 

How would one check this? How do you know it's out?

Reason I say they are out is that I get very different readings on different bikes at the same perceived effort level, i.e. out by more that 20W. Furthermore I get a materially different performance vs. my powertab unit on the roadie

[NordicElf]

Reason I say they are out is that I get very different readings on different bikes at the same perceived effort level, i.e. out by more that 20W. Furthermore I get a materially different performance vs. my powertab unit on the roadie

 

 

I think I've been putting any variances down to feeling good or not so good on the day. Hmmmm. Hehe ignorance is bliss. 

[Pulse]

To be honest I haven't seen huge discrepancies between bikes.  I usually track my avg HR vs avg Workload during my 10min warm up.  I know its not the best approach, but it is fairly consistent on the same bike and between bikes.

 

I have seen a fair amount of discrepancy between the WB watt readings and the measures on the road bike.

 

I also think the distance/speed measures of the WB is a bit optimistic

[mecheng89]

Totally legit. I suffer from that too. One day sitting at 400W for a minute is manageable, but another day it seems light years away. Sometimes the time of day affects me, ie. 5am sessions are more difficult than 5pm sessions. 

[mecheng89]

To be honest I haven't seen huge discrepancies between bikes.  I usually track my avg HR vs avg Workload during my 10min warm up.  I know its not the best approach, but it is fairly consistent on the same bike and between bikes.

 

I have seen a fair amount of discrepancy between the WB watt readings and the measures on the road bike.

 

I also think the distance/speed measures of the WB is a bit optimistic

Probably because out on the road the effects of rolling resistance, wind, temperature, riding in a bunch can affect all of that. On a WB all of those external factors are erased. 

 

For example - the other day I was doing a solo stretch in a rather nasty head wind, squeezing out 32km/h at a wattage of 200-220W. At that wattage I can easily hit 36km/h on the WB. In a bunch at that power it could be up to 30% less. 

[Pulse]

Probably because out on the road the effects of rolling resistance, wind, temperature, riding in a bunch can affect all of that. On a WB all of those external factors are erased. 

 

For example - the other day I was doing a solo stretch in a rather nasty head wind, squeezing out 32km/h at a wattage of 200-220W. At that wattage I can easily hit 36km/h on the WB. In a bunch at that power it could be up to 30% less. 

I completely agree, but I think its out a bit more than just the effect of "real world conditions".

[milky4130]

Guys it really is this easy. Now even better the new Manager is a keen cyclist & Wattbike enthusiast too. So no more broken Wattbike's ever.