When you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT use ERG mode | Workout Wednesday

[fredericopereira]

After the first week and a lotta frustration on my Wahoo Kickr I finally found out that ERG mode works perfectly for me, personally. It does not have to do with any power input difficulty per say... it's just that in the beginning it is really hard to maintain both the cadence and the power required - this means that when you are pedalling it is almost impossible to hit the desired wattage and cadence (specially at the same time). ERG mode just makes it much easier as it "makes you work" more or less according to your cadence. Basically it gives you less resistance at a higher cadence and more resistance at a lower cadence - which is satisfying because you can now start hitting those stars :)

[boostenmkiv]

I use ERG mode for every single planned workout, never tried it without. Other than my trainer dropping connection from time to time, get every gold star doing this.

[robotomassi]

This is so good to hear. Trying to use ERG mode for Workouts that included 20/40 splits and I just couldn't do it, but know I can obviously push over my threshold on demand - even if I suffer doing so! I will take your advice to use it during the 'smoother' workouts that have less sharp peaks. Thanks!

[Patrik]

I'm new to all this with a direct drive trainer and it was a bit confusing at first but I figured it out and as mentioned in the video, use erg on workouts where the power goal does not change frequently. Really nice when you do not have to shift all the time just pedal 😊

[AshishBorakhadikar]

Finally a video which explains it in detail and not just says use it...its good for you.
Thanks for such perfect explanation !!!!

[dewidavies]

Great video you are only one explain this clearly thanks. 😊

[plantsthewin]

LOL...thank you. I just got my set up and Ive quit a few times. The spiral of death...been there three times. Great info...

[marupengod]

I ride erg mode in the zwift workouts, maintain a steady cadence, don’t shift, imagine the increase and decrease in resistance as going up or down a hill, as long as you maintain a steady cadence you’ll be fine. If it does feel like your heart is about to pop out of your chest lower the resistance level on the fly and keep going, you’ll do great i know it

[raymonds]

This video had me in stitches, in a good way! I had the spiral of death doing an FTP test, result was a low score.

[mlegrand]

Great video Eric! I rarely use ERG mode but I've been using it more recently for a few workouts and things. Thanks for the suggestion on when to use and avoid. Love me some spiral of death 😂

[hollyc]

super helpful! hit the circle of death this morning and thought my kickr was defective. glad to know it's as simple as clicking off Erg Mode! would be helpful to know how you manipulate the incline during your longer / varied intensity workouts (ie. putting on resistance manually, when to back it off and how much you are using gear shifts during this time). Incline arrows can be difficult to click when you are in the middle of a tough session

[kaufmanjeffreys]

I learned the hard way when I bought my Kickr smart bike. Once I turned it off. It helped and my rides were better SIM... it was definitely a change from my Kinetic smart trainer. I am looking forward to learning more about my bike and improving my fitness level. Thanks for a great video

[souhirchouikha]

thx Eric- ill surely put that ERG mode off and ride on - thank you so so much

[ScottCraighead]

That's a really amazingly clear explanation, really clears things up. But how the hell are people thinking the smart trainer is adding wattage in ERG mode?

[kimwarner]

Thank you, I have been struggling. I cycle with a 95 cadence and tried taking a ftp test 3 times. My last ftp was 95. I was actually shocked. My power for a four hour ride using assiomo pedals is 130. I know I weak, but not that week. I'll try again with no erg mode

[GreenPistachio]

ERG for planned workouts. Sim mode for racing or freeriding.

[ricecrash]

Awesome mate ! Thank you. Just tried to do 15 min intervals at my FTP but felt like 150% of my FTP 😂😂 I think I experienced the spiral of death.

[zipworks]

I think you are underselling ERG mode - all you need to do is focus on keeping you're preferred cadence and the resistance will adjust to meet the workout intervals. So much more work to achieve the same effect without ERG mode, I use it for 99% of my workouts. Where I find it works less well is really short intervals like 10-20 secs, then it just doesn't keep up and those intervals end up being less hard than intended.

[a.s.]

I did ftp ramp test with erg and it went to spiral of death😂 so frustrating

[warrencarswell]

I have a wahoo kickr. Using zwift and the companion app. I can not find the erg/sim mode anywhere. There is no “game” button to select on the companion app. How do I find it?