ERG Easy Ramp is a feature on Wahoo KICKR smart trainers and smart bikes. It is designed to solve one of the most frustrating parts of structured indoor training in Target Power (ergometer or ERG) mode: the trainer locking up during high demand intervals as your cadence slows, AKA the "ERG mode lock-up".
The "lock-up"
When working out in Target Power (ERG) mode, a smart trainer regulates resistance to enforce a target power output from you. This regulation happens regardless of your cadence!
Because Power = Force * Cadence, at a fixed target power, the force demanded by the trainer per pedal stroke will increase if your cadence decreases.
Problems could occur if:
You slowed your cadence or stop for a rest.
You slowed your cadence because you cannot match the target wattage.
Because the trainer would increase resistance to keep you at the target wattage as your cadence slowed, during a high demand interval, this may have quickly exceeded your ability to continue. If your cadence slowed too much, the trainer’s electromagnetic brake would apply 100% of its force, and not allow you to turn the pedals at all.
ERG Easy Ramp
To prevent this, Wahoo smart trainers and smart bikes allow you to ramp up to target power much faster with ERG Easy Ramp. ERG Easy Ramp detects your cadence dropping off and alters how resistance is applied when you resume pedaling.
Instead of applying full resistance at low or zero RPMs, below a certain cadence threshold, the smart trainer or bike will graduall drop resistance to break the Death Spiral and prevent a lock up. Once your cadence returns above that threshold, the smart trainer smoothly ramps up resistance over the course of 10-15 seconds until the set target wattage is reached.
Thanks to ERG Easy Ramp, Wahoo KICKR smart trainers and smart bikes allow customers to easily resume high wattage intervals without having to battle overwhelming resistance or a complete stop.
With any Wahoo KICKR smart trainer or smart bike, workout continuity will remain uninterrupted. There is no need to pause, restart or interrupt an Target Power (ERG) mode workout. It’s just that easy!