Author Archives: docbrs

Using an ANT+ dongle for turbo training

The Tacx Flow, and other smart turbo trainers transmit and receive on Bluetooth as well as ANT+. So for a handheld or laptop with Bluetooth you should be OK with a smart turbo (although there does seem to be a Tacx limitation on the number of ANT+ channels available such that if using a Garmin GPS ANDContinue reading “Using an ANT+ dongle for turbo training”

The Brachistochrone problem

Brachistochrone I was struck by this GiF recently, at: http://imgur.com/5t32VJU   This little video shows three possible paths – the straight line (the shortest), a path that descends quickly and then becomes flat as it gets to the destination, and one in between, looking more elliptical* in shape. Ever wondered what downhill profile of roadContinue reading “The Brachistochrone problem”

The tacx concept of “Virtual speed”

I have another interesting quirk to discuss with you relating to my Tacx Flow turbo, or indeed any other Tacx turbo that has a relatively low maximum slope simulation capability (i.e. other than the Neo, i-Genius or Bushido) such as the Flow at 6% max or the Vortex at 7% max. This is from theContinue reading “The tacx concept of “Virtual speed””

Zwift’s “difficulty setting”

Here’s a very interesting article with, for me, some initially counter-intuitive outcomes – until I thought about it more. For context, I’m using the Smart Tacx Flow as an alternative to my non-Smart i-Genius trainer (a contradiction in terms…).. The Flow goes up to 6% incline and 750W. No motor for downhill, but it DOESContinue reading “Zwift’s “difficulty setting””

Some Tacx, Zwift and turbo training learnings

Having used the Tacx non-smart i-Genius turbo trainer for a while, I have also been using my Tacx smart Flow trainer a lot recently. The Tacx Flow is great value, the lowest price Tacx trainer that is fully smart, i.e. ANT FE-C and Bluetooth bidirectional. Thus the trainer software (Tacx films or 3rd party likeContinue reading “Some Tacx, Zwift and turbo training learnings”

A visit to the Westerham Cyclery

Having seen this excellent blog post on Facebook about the Westerham Cyclery, and linked to it from there – https://summit2ride.com/2016/10/05/the-cafe-ride-westerham-cyclery/ I thought I should add my own pictures and very positive comments, having been hosted into hosted by their very friendly staff! I went there to meet up with a cycling Glasgow Green Cycle ClubContinue reading “A visit to the Westerham Cyclery”

North over the Crow and south over the Tak

A very good 50 mile ride yesterday with Douglas Beattie. We took the Drymen road to Carbeth, down the Cuilt Brae, and over to Lennoxtown to go over the Crow Road to Fintry. Then the horrible surface of the Carron Valley Road to Carron Bridge, up the Tak (through a flood at the bottom) andContinue reading “North over the Crow and south over the Tak”