"This is the way.

I've been a recreational Zwift user for the last year. I get bored riding/exploring the island but I found the group rides and workouts to be engaging enough. I just didn't have the time to keep up with the multiple workouts a week when they hit an hour or more.

I switched to TrainerRoad a month ago and cancelled my Zwift after 2 weeks. I don't even do the structured schedule, but I find their one-off AI workout to be the perfect level of effort. You can set the time you have available and the system will generate a workout for you and a forecasted FTP once you get a trend going.

Also enjoy being able to zone in on the TV or a movie. Despite Zwift marketing itself as the social platform it's not very interactive if you don't have that social network already."

It's a pretty good set up. I think it's the easiest way to cycling fitness. I still like both TR and Zwift, but I think Trainer Road is pretty expensive if you aren't using all of its resources, like plan builder, AI responses to those plans, etc. I have actually dropped TR for now, and do the following.
1. Created an Intervals.icu account, which is similar to Training Peaks, but it's free.
2. Use Claude to generate a workout plan based on my race schedule, volume, etc. It will spit out .zwo files for you that you can import directly in to Zwift. You just put the workouts on the calendar and they will be auto uploaded to Zwift on the day you are supposed to do them.
3. Just run Zwfit in ERG mode, similar to Training peaks. This way, I get both the training and the ride/race stuff with Zwift

SteveA said:

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1. Created an Intervals.icu account, which is similar to Training Peaks, but it's free.
2. Use Claude to generate a workout plan based on my race schedule, volume, etc. It will spit out .zwo files for you that you can import directly in to Zwift. You just put the workouts on the calendar and they will be auto uploaded to Zwift on the day you are supposed to do them.
3. Just run Zwfit in ERG mode, similar to Training peaks. This way, I get both the training and the ride/race stuff with Zwift

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So, can save you a step.

Intervals.icu directly syncs workouts to Zwift. Their workout builder is plain text based, e.g., - 30m at 75%. Once you place it on your day, it will show up on Zwift when you log-in. You can feed Claude the syntax structure and it will give you a copy/past for Intervals.

Or better better, you can connect Claude to Intervals.icu's API: https://github.com/mvilanova/intervals-mcp-server.

SteveA said:

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"...Also enjoy being able to zone in on the TV or a movie. Despite Zwift marketing itself as the social platform it's not very interactive if you don't have that social network already...."

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Having logged numerous hours training for IM on a dumb trainer pre-Zwift with only a power meter to stay accountable, I'll never wish those days back.

Looking for a cheap used road bike for use on a basic indoor trainer. Have a gravel/hybrid bike for outdoor use.

FIDO95 said:

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Zwift or Rouvy?

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Welp, revisiting this:

https://zwiftinsider.com/zwift-acquires-rouvy/

I'm down to try out some Rouvy routes now.

They say they'll be independent, but I wonder how long that sticks.

Wow. It will be interesting to see how those two products evolve moving forward. Weather has been great since that original post I had made so I'm sticking with outdoor riding for now. I suspect I'll have to make a decision on this by Winter '26 to either do indoor riding or get fat again!?

It is sad to see the end of the "mom and pop" type store in yet another industry. The guy makes a lot of solid points though about the difficult economics of running an independent bike shop. I suspect we will see more direct to consumer sales like Canyon and people just fixing their own bikes. Interesting to hear him admit the bikes at Wal Mart are actually good enough quality for the average users... although they are often "put together wrong". "The problem is for the time and cost to make them right, people are having to spend as much as they wanted to spend on the bike. They think I'm ripping them off and I'm the *******". I've been using Youtube videos to tune up and tinker on my own bike for years now... Can't remember the last time I took it in for maintenance.

He made the comment about the old days of having to take a bike class to learn these things. It brought back a buried memory of me doing exactly that in high school. I recall taking a class at the original Bike World at Blanco and West Ave in SA so I could work on my Bianchi! Man those were days.

ETA: I found my next road bike! I will finally be joining the disc brake club.

https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/road-bike-11380

There was a lot of boom during COVID for the industry. The reckoning is unfortunately here.

I see two main things unfolding right now. Look at the Epic 9 release. WTF, $15.2k to get into an S-Works for a bike that went backwards to almost exactly a World Cup geo/frame from 5 years ago. It's the ever so, so, so slight pivot from Epic 8 trail'ness to pure XC and some weight loss. But it's imperceptible to 99.99% of people. They've run out of marginal gains to squeeze. So prepare to bend over, 32" is the next thing. They'll try and force you out of your stall of wheels, tires and frames all built around 29". Industry is grasping at straws to innovate.

China, not Walmart is coming. We've got a world tour team, Astana, on a Chinese sponsor bike this year. The X-Lab AD9 they are racing is available to me locally in the US via dealer (with local support and warranty) for $8k on Dura-Ace. $13.8 for an SL8 on Dura-Ace. Even D2C Canyon Aeroad Dura-Ace can't compete at $10.5.

And XDS/X-Lab aren't new to the game. They OEM all of Trek's high-end carbon frames. The quality is there.

Sea Otter had a ton of China this year. They're getting into the US Youtube game, i.e. Panda Podium is sponsoring Phil Gaimon this year. Hard to argue the value. I race LightBicycle custom wheels on my XC bike and have nothing but positive things on them for 1/2 the price of Roval/Reserve/Zipp/ENVE.

RangerRick9211 said:

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There was a lot of boom during COVID for the industry. The reckoning is unfortunately here.

I see two main things unfolding right now. Look at the Epic 9 release. WTF, $15.2k to get into an S-Works for a bike that went backwards to almost exactly a World Cup geo/frame from 5 years ago. It's the ever so, so, so slight pivot from Epic 8 trail'ness to pure XC and some weight loss. But it's imperceptible to 99.99% of people. They've run out of marginal gains to squeeze.

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I'm one of those 99.99%. I still ride on a 2016 Ridley Fenix Carbon frame. Over the years, I've upgrade the wheel set and parts of the drivetrain and added Favero Assioma power meter. I toyed with the idea "upgrading" to a Canyon with full ultegra complement, disc brakes, etc. However, I feel like I'd spend all that money and not really get any additional benefit. I have seen lots of recent vides on the X-lab bikes and they do seem to be good deals. However, it is hard to know if a Youtuber is being paid for their "influence". Additionally, I can really relate with this guy:



I'm just trying to stay in shape and ride a 2-3 100k rides every Summer. If I'm not racing, it really doesn't make sense to spend a ton of money keeping up with "the Joneses". My current bike can do what I need it to do. I do think you are right, a lot of the current manufactures that have been squeezing cyclists are about to be squeezed.

I bought a 500 specialized rim brake bike a few years ago. I have changed the tires on it and cleaned the chain a few times. It's worked great for my every weekend outdoor ride. Right now I'm just trying to train to ride a century, just cause. I do want to get a bike computer just so I can see my distance and time without having to stop and grab my phone.

I do have a question - the other day I was out by myself and I was bombing down a hill and once I settled into a good pace, I looked to my left and there was an older guy right on my wheel. Sorta freaked me out. He kinda rode there for about a half mile until I turned off.

Is that normal? I feel like if I'm following someone and I'm going to pass I do it quickly, I don't ride in close proximity.

I haven't ridden with other people or in a group.

It kind of sounds like he was just drafting off you which would be pretty normal. There are more expert people on here that might have a better take.

I used to think it was just people LARPing (as the kids day) as tour de France riders but then I got my power meter. I recall going 18-19mph at around 180-190 watts (I'm pretty amateur). I caught up with a group ahead of me and started drafting off the back rider to catch my breath and legs. I looked down and noticed I was maintaining the same pace while only exerting around 145 watts. Hence, I was exerting 75% of the effort while keeping the same pace. That is going to be a critical thing.to consider when you ride your centuries. Especially during periods where you will be going into the wind. You will feel a lot better during that final hour of riding if you been able to periodically reduce your effort and save some energy on the couple hours before.

FIDO95 said:

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RangerRick9211 said:

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There was a lot of boom during COVID for the industry. The reckoning is unfortunately here.

I see two main things unfolding right now. Look at the Epic 9 release. WTF, $15.2k to get into an S-Works for a bike that went backwards to almost exactly a World Cup geo/frame from 5 years ago. It's the ever so, so, so slight pivot from Epic 8 trail'ness to pure XC and some weight loss. But it's imperceptible to 99.99% of people. They've run out of marginal gains to squeeze.

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I'm one of those 99.99%. I still ride on a 2016 Ridley Fenix Carbon frame. Over the years, I've upgrade the wheel set and parts of the drivetrain and added Favero Assioma power meter. I toyed with the idea "upgrading" to a Canyon with full ultegra complement, disc brakes, etc. However, I feel like I'd spend all that money and not really get any additional benefit. I have seen lots of recent vides on the X-lab bikes and they do seem to be good deals. However, it is hard to know if a Youtuber is being paid for their "influence". Additionally, I can really relate with this guy:



I'm just trying to stay in shape and ride a 2-3 100k rides every Summer. If I'm not racing, it really doesn't make sense to spend a ton of money keeping up with "the Joneses". My current bike can do what I need it to do. I do think you are right, a lot of the current manufactures that have been squeezing cyclists are about to be squeezed.

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buy the canyon

*Canyon Speedmax CF8 w/ SRAM AXS owner

"Damn you Ragoo!" -in my best Will Ferrell voice

If anything you walk past it and grin. Or give it a turn and listen to the free hub spin and grin. Either way you are happier.

I'm heading to Bentonville for a week at the end of the month and will be taking my hard tail. I'm an XC guy and don't care a whole lot about jumps or crazy features. I'm staying at my buddy's place in Bella Vista, but he will not be there to guide me. There's a trail from his yard to the Back 40, so I'll likely spend all/most my time on that trail system. However, open to other suggestions. I'll be there with the family, so if I'm driving to another trail system, I can't be gone all day. I have ridden the back 40 once, but it was probably 8 years ago so it'll feel new to me.

happy to take some suggestions and go do some research.

FIDO95 said:

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It kind of sounds like he was just drafting off you which would be pretty normal. There are more expert people on here that might have a better take.

I used to think it was just people LARPing (as the kids day) as tour de France riders but then I got my power meter. I recall going 18-19mph at around 180-190 watts (I'm pretty amateur). I caught up with a group ahead of me and started drafting off the back rider to catch my breath and legs. I looked down and noticed I was maintaining the same pace while only exerting around 145 watts. Hence, I was exerting 75% of the effort while keeping the same pace. That is going to be a critical thing.to consider when you ride your centuries. Especially during periods where you will be going into the wind. You will feel a lot better during that final hour of riding if you been able to periodically reduce your effort and save some energy on the couple hours before.

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Randos sucking wheels is totally fine if you announce yourself. Doing it unannounced is no no bueno. A) do your own work / offer a wheel before you take mine. B) some people aren't ok with being followed that close. C) race setting we're all on the same route, same turns, etc. Random rides can turn or stop anywhere at any time and there's more risk of crossing wheels.

Again, pedal up next to someone, say hi, ask where they're going and offer to work together. If you're just sneaking up to sit on my wheel and I catch you, you'll get a nope from me and I'll just stop pedaling. Not how it works.

Quote:

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So, can save you a step.

Intervals.icu directly syncs workouts to Zwift. Their workout builder is plain text based, e.g., - 30m at 75%. Once you place it on your day, it will show up on Zwift when you log-in. You can feed Claude the syntax structure and it will give you a copy/past for Intervals.

Or better better, you can connect Claude to Intervals.icu's API: https://github.com/mvilanova/intervals-mcp-server.

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NICE!

Quote:

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I'm heading to Bentonville for a week at the end of the month and will be taking my hard tail. I'm an XC guy and don't care a whole lot about jumps or crazy features. I'm staying at my buddy's place in Bella Vista, but he will not be there to guide me. There's a trail from his yard to the Back 40, so I'll likely spend all/most my time on that trail system. However, open to other suggestions. I'll be there with the family, so if I'm driving to another trail system, I can't be gone all day. I have ridden the back 40 once, but it was probably 8 years ago so it'll feel new to me.

happy to take some suggestions and go do some research.

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Back 40 is an XC trail. Check out ledges, tunnel vision, blowing springs. Coler is really cool, and even Slaughter pen is fun on xc and it's right outside of downtown. Most are pretty close to your location.

Depending on when you are up there, there are a couple of big races happening. May 16 is Rule of Three, which will include some of back 40. May 22-24 is the Epic Stage Race which is xc/endurance all over the area. I will be up on the 22 for that.

SteveA said:

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Quote:

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I'm heading to Bentonville for a week at the end of the month and will be taking my hard tail. I'm an XC guy and don't care a whole lot about jumps or crazy features. I'm staying at my buddy's place in Bella Vista, but he will not be there to guide me. There's a trail from his yard to the Back 40, so I'll likely spend all/most my time on that trail system. However, open to other suggestions. I'll be there with the family, so if I'm driving to another trail system, I can't be gone all day. I have ridden the back 40 once, but it was probably 8 years ago so it'll feel new to me.

happy to take some suggestions and go do some research.

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Back 40 is an XC trail. Check out ledges, tunnel vision, blowing springs. Coler is really cool, and even Slaughter pen is fun on xc and it's right outside of downtown. Most are pretty close to your location.

Depending on when you are up there, there are a couple of big races happening. May 16 is Rule of Three, which will include some of back 40. May 22-24 is the Epic Stage Race which is xc/endurance all over the area. I will be up on the 22 for that.

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yeah, i'm aware of what Back 40 entails. i've done a race on it that started in blowing Springs. Appreciate the other recommendations.

We are going up memorial day week, arriving on memorial day. Timing it, hoping things will be less busy/crowded after the holiday weekend.

Dude born in Laredo, TX in the Giro leaders jersey, lol.

Timestamped link to the finish crash:

Quote:

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Edit: OMG TexAgs, stop embedding it. I give up. 4:11 for the action.

Slaughterpen and Coler are both amazing. I did some riding at Hobbs St Park that was pretty cool too, but that felt more like regular single track vs. Coler / Slaughterpen uniqueness.

His Texas accent definitely comes through.

RangerRick9211 said:

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FIDO95 said:

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It kind of sounds like he was just drafting off you which would be pretty normal. There are more expert people on here that might have a better take.

I used to think it was just people LARPing (as the kids day) as tour de France riders but then I got my power meter. I recall going 18-19mph at around 180-190 watts (I'm pretty amateur). I caught up with a group ahead of me and started drafting off the back rider to catch my breath and legs. I looked down and noticed I was maintaining the same pace while only exerting around 145 watts. Hence, I was exerting 75% of the effort while keeping the same pace. That is going to be a critical thing.to consider when you ride your centuries. Especially during periods where you will be going into the wind. You will feel a lot better during that final hour of riding if you been able to periodically reduce your effort and save some energy on the couple hours before.

---

Randos sucking wheels is totally fine if you announce yourself. Doing it unannounced is no no bueno. A) do your own work / offer a wheel before you take mine. B) some people aren't ok with being followed that close. C) race setting we're all on the same route, same turns, etc. Random rides can turn or stop anywhere at any time and there's more risk of crossing wheels.

Again, pedal up next to someone, say hi, ask where they're going and offer to work together. If you're just sneaking up to sit on my wheel and I catch you, you'll get a nope from me and I'll just stop pedaling. Not how it works.

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That's fair. This guy didn't announce himself and didn't really pull me or team up. I don't really know how to ride as a group. I have no problem doing more work to benefit someone else. At the end of the day, I'm working out, but it felt weird in a casual setting someone else benefiting off of my effort without returning the favor or saying thanks?

Thanks for making me feel like I'm not crazy for thinking that.