ERG Test Troubleshooting

Overview

A quick, 10-minute Wahoo app workout known as an ERG Test provides useful information to see how a trainer is broadcasting data. The main purpose of this test is to see how a trainer is functioning within the Wahoo ecosystem when paired to the Wahoo app.

This test involves:

Accessing the Wahoo app on iOS or Android
Connecting a trainer or KICKR BIKE to the Wahoo app
Performing a quick, pre-made ERG (target power) workout with 1-minute intervals for 10 minutes.

In the results, you can look for a smooth power profile that shows gradual increases and decreases in power as changes are made throughout the workout. As power, cadence and speed changes, you can analyze the data to see if the trainer is adjusting resistance correctly.

When should I perform an ERG test?

You can perform an ERG test at any time, but Wahoo technicians use test results to analyze power, resistance, and cadence reporting.
Any time you suspect a trainer’s resistance is off, you can use the ERG test to see how the trainer is broadcasting data and compare it to your subjective experience. See this article for more troubleshooting.
The ERG test is a great way to see how your trainer performs when paired 1:1 with the Wahoo app. Interference can cause dropouts, and if your trainer is paired to something in the background, it will result in a complete halt in data transmission.

Performing an ERG test

The ERG test works off percentages of your FTP (Functional Threshold Power). The Wahoo app automatically assigns an FTP if you have not changed the values manually or completed an FTP test.

Since this test is for diagnostic purposes, it is important that you complete the workout as instructed, even if you're not seeing any data at all!

Before you begin, please double check the LEDs on your trainer to ensure nothing else is connected. A good way to clear connections is to first close out every app on your phone and/or computer, tablet or laptop.

KICKR and CORE 1 units - Blue/upper LED should be pulsing.
CORE 2 - Upper LED should be off, lower LED should be green or white
KICKR BIKE - HCU connection light is off.

After confirming, you're ready to begin:

Open the Wahoo app on your phone or tablet.
Ensure your trainer is awake and connected to the Wahoo app.

Shift into a middle gear on your bicycle if applicable.
In the Wahoo app, select the Explore icon on the bottom menu.
Next, select the Cycling option.
Search for “ERG” to locate the test, labeled ERG Test (not a workout)

Select Start Workout, then Start Now
Ensure your trainer is selected for all relevant data fields (Power, Cadence, Speed).

Complete the test and Save the workout on the Wahoo app.

What does a successful ERG test look like?

Once you're finished, you can analyze the data in the Wahoo app under “History.” A successful test will appear similar to this example:

The above test indicates no breaks or dips in connection with a modified test topping out at 250 watts. A successful ERG test will have the trainer broadcasting power and cadence values accurately without interruption. Wattage and cadence will feel realistic to your effort.

If the test was accurate but you’re still having issues with your trainer, it may be connected to something in the background or require calibration. See this page for further troubleshooting.

What does a failed ERG test look like?

While there's no such thing as a "failed" ERG mode test, when a trainer fails to broadcast data or the resistance doesn't seem to match the power being reported, it can be indicative of a larger issue.

No data transferred

If no data is transferred during the ERG test, the trainer may be connected to something in the background. If all troubleshooting steps have been completed, contact the Wahoo customer support team for further service.

Data doesn't match experience

If the data being reported (power/cadence) does not match your subjective experience (too hard, too easy, no resistance at all, etc.), there's a chance your trainer may need to be calibrated back to factory specifications.

Most Wahoo smart trainers rely on automatic calibration, which occurs after each completed workout. On rare occasions this does not occur and a factory spindown can be completed to revert the trainer back to its settings when leaving the manufacturer.

If you experience any problems with the test, or notice any power/cadence irregularities, please contact our support team with your Wahoo app login email along with the time and date of the test and a photo of your trainer’s serial number.

Comparing ERG tests

Completing the quick, 10-minute Wahoo app ERG test workout alongside a third-party power meter can provide comparative data. In doing so, you can analyze how your trainer performs within the Wahoo ecosystem compared to a third-party power meter.

A third-party power meter, such as a Speedplay Power Pedals, along with a cycling computer are required for an ERG comparison test.

Performing a comparison test involves:

Accessing the Wahoo app on iOS or Android
Connecting a trainer to the Wahoo app
Connecting your third-party power meter to a separate recording source (such as a cycling computer)
Performing a quick ERG (target power) workout at 1-minute intervals for 10 minutes while recording on both devices.

In the results, you can see see how a trainer's power data compares to your third-party power meter.

When should I perform an ERG comparison test?

You can perform an ERG comparison test at any time, but Wahoo technicians use test results to analyze power, resistance and cadence reporting and compare it to a third-party power meter.
Anytime you suspect a trainer’s resistance is off, you can use the ERG comparison test to see how the trainer is broadcasting data and compare it to your subjective experience as well as your third-party power meter. See this article for more troubleshooting if your trainer feels off.
The ERG test is a great way to see how your trainer performs when paired 1:1 with the Wahoo App. Interference can cause dropouts, and if your trainer is paired to something in the background, cause a complete halt in data transmission.

Performing an ERG comparison test

The ERG test works off percentages of your FTP (Functional Threshold Power). The Wahoo app automatically assigns an FTP if you have not changed the values manually or completed an FTP test.

Before you begin, please doublecheck the LEDs on your trainer to ensure nothing else is connected. A good way to clear connections is to first close out every app on your phone and/or compter, tablet or laptop.

KICKR and CORE 1 units - Blue/upper LED should be pulsing.
CORE 2 - Upper LED should be off, lower LED should be green or white
KICKR BIKE - HCU connection light is off.

After confirming, you’re ready to begin:

Open the Wahoo app on your phone or tablet.
Ensure your trainer is awake and connected to the Wahoo app.

Shift into a middle gear on your bicycle if applicable.
Power on your separate device.
Pair your third-party power meter to your separate device.
In the Wahoo App, select the Explore icon on the bottom menu.
Select the Cycling option.
Search for “ERG” to locate the test, labeled ERG Test (not a workout).

Select Start Workout, then Start Now.

Press “Start” on your second device at the same time for the most accurate comparison.
Ensure your trainer is selected for all relevant data fields (Power, Cadence, Speed).
Complete the test and Save the workout on the Wahoo app.
End the workout on your cycling computer and save.

To compare the data, you will need to download your workout file (typically .FIT) from the second device and use a .FIT file viewing tool. You can also see the average power value for both workouts to see how much they differ.

Power Differences

It’s important to note that there will almost always be a different power reading between a Wahoo trainer and a third-party power source.

The KICKR BIKE, KICKR BIKE SHIFT, KICKR V6, and KICKR MOVE claim a +/- 1% power accuracy.
The KICKR CORE is +/- 2% claimed accuracy.
The KICKR SNAP is +/- 3%, without additional factors being taken into account such as tire contact, tire pressure, and tire type.

Third party power meters also have a level of variance. This can range anywhere from +/- 1% to +/-3%. When comparing multiple power meters, it’s important to know variance of both power meters, because these variances can “stack,” or potentially add to one another.

If the test was accurate but you’re still having issues with your trainer, it may be connected to something in the background or need to be recalibrated. See KICKR Troubleshooting for further troubleshooting.