Heathpack 

Increasing your FTP is not a goal. Its something you do to be able to accomplish your goals. FTP isn't even a real thing, its an artificial construct that describes a power output that you use to set training zones. There's so much jiggle in this concept, its a very loose thing on many levels. Additionally, FTP testing has lots of jiggle too. Two FTP tests using virtual power (which introduces another layer of jiggle) and you've "accomplished" cycling? Are you posting this stuff to agitate me??!!

Seriously, repeat after me: ITS NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS.

Maybe that sounds weird to hear me say, perhaps you have the impression that I am all about the numbers. Yes, I train by numbers but that is largely a method of communication between my coach and I, since we live 400 miles apart. And yes numbers are useful for pacing. But ITS NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS.

Why did you pick up a bike? What do you want to do on the bike? Figure out those things and then your goals will follow. Chasing numbers will become unsatisfying soon enough, once you figure out they are not really about anything.

UnfilteredDregs

Racing? lmao

UnfilteredDregs

Just got off the rollers...passing out is going to be extra luxurious.

I'm rolling outdoors tomorrow...

UnfilteredDregs

Except for average speed; we love average speed.

jtaylor996

I'm ok with it being about the numbers. I grew up a video gamer... like points are all that really matter in life. FTP is a good way to keep score

I didn't pick up a bike to say I'm the best bike rider ever. There's always someone faster, especially when you have a heart condition.

I got a bike to keep it interesting and get some exercise (which I will fail at if I don't keep it interesting). Also, because I hate running. F*** running. Really.

I know numbers aren't about anything, and that doesn't concern me much. I'm just wondering what number I should be picking as a goal next.

UnfilteredDregs

Just got my new AERO helmet...In this color:



With this visor:



We're going for the Bumblebee effect for kit this year...

jtaylor996

Gravity is a b*tch. I bet gravity has killed more people than anything else.

[Edit: physicist in me is twitching... ok gravity doesn't kill you... electromagnatism kills you... but only because gravity accelerated you in the first place.]

Heathpack 

Even better: average speed based on virtual power in a weight-doped universe.

UnfilteredDregs

I was serious...we have a 4 chamber heart that was a structurally required precursor to being able to stand vertically. When I change torso position, depending on what I'm doing, heart rate changes. You see this effect most when first learning how to ride out of the saddle. Once you become conditioned for it, and you improve your technique, it's quite easy to dampen the effect...

UnfilteredDregs

When that app came out I was like, "How do you simulate cornering?" They were like..."Errr...we don't..." I was like, "not."

It's cool if it gets people to ride more. The last thing I want to deal with is the frustration of interfacing gizmos just to ride indoors. I already have 5 remotes for my entertainment system...and one master to rule them all that I've been too lazy to program. I do IT for a living... I HATE technology.

Doug28450

I got the same hat with the dark visor as shown a month ago.

UnfilteredDregs

It snugs down real nice on the noggin with the knob in the back. Real low profile as well, and I love how easily the visor just connects into place...fits over glasses so I'm very happy with that. Next step is seeing how well the lens functions in terms of acuity. I'm really trying to avoid having to spend a small fortune on prescription sports sunglasses.

Heathpack 

Sort of.

You know I love Strava, I post all my rides there. I socialize on Strava, I get to "know" people & they get to "know" me. I like to see what people are doing on a bike.

But Strava also makes people think cycling is about counting things: how many miles, how much elevation gain, how many rides? To the extent that those things become what it's all about for many people.

I've not participated in Zwift but I can see it doing the same thing, except with watts/kg. People start to buy into virtual power as real, they think the speeds are real, and virtual cycling becomes what its about for many people.

I don't really care that much what other people value per se. But it will change cycling gradually over time, it will change what people value.

More people on bikes is great. But more people on bikes who don't ride well with others or even care about riding well with others is not so great.

Doug28450

The shape fits my grape very nicely. I had a Bell that fit very well. Then I got another of the same model Bell and they changed the shape. I tried the Giro at the Chicago Tri expo last August and it fit, so, it became a matter of waiting for a sale.

I sweat a lot. My Oakleys would be sweated out in a few miles. Hopefully, this will be much better.

3alarmer

...I'm 67 years old, I have 600 bikes, and I have 60 miles of bike trail along the river a half mile from my house. Why is it important for me to ride with others ?

3alarmer

...well, it's important that you socialize more. You're already pretty much of a loner.

3alarmer

...bite me.

datlas 

Getting ready to ride. It's been 11 days since my last ride.

Yes, my name is datlas and I am a bike-aholic.

RollCNY

I think that is spelled with an s. Do you really have 600 bikes, or is that more of a literary affectation?

rpenmanparker 

Sorry, but I think you mean looser, don't you. Everybody else seems to spell it that way. It must be right.

Trsnrtr

You're going to love it. I had a similar outdoor riding hiatus and it was great

Trsnrtr

Grrrrr...

Doug28450

Are you asking or telling?

Trsnrtr

My wife went to the PainDrome for indoor and I'm going to ride my bike to meet the trainerites for coffee afterwards. I'll be able to listen to their trainer war stories of today's session with a secret inner smug smile knowing my ride over and home is real bike riding.

UnfilteredDregs

I like Strava for the social aspect as well. The numbers are a passing fancy for me. I just don't see myself doing Zwift until they really nail it in terms of real world effort. I was laughing my ass off privately when someone I know completed a virtual century in 5:20. Just NFW for this person in real life...technically savvy, and says he has in configured correctly.

People who don't ride well with others...I don't know if one can lay the blame at the feet of these apps, etc.. People are naturally competitive and without a bit of mentorship, being rolled into the etiquette, and what's the way to go about things, is still more of a human to human issue. -This is still more the function of a real world club and I'm trying to become more active in terms of club leadership to promote good group riding practices. It's very Zen and it can be very dangerous.

It's cool they have drafting pseudo-implemented within Zwift...it would be nice if they added a safety awareness factor to it where you're somehow awarded for keeping it together well. Then again, Zwift is not a real simulator.