Choosing your resistance level on a classic (non-smart) trainer

Some classic trainers will have different resistance levels that can be manually set using a lever attached to a wire, or a selector on the trainer itself.  Each of these levels will add a different resistance to the trainer, allowing you to reach higher power targets, but may limit the ability to spin at lower power.  You will need to select a level that:

  •  is supported in the app (check the Virtual Watts settings in the app or the Connect your Trainer (Compatibility Tool)
  • allows you to reach your maximum power targets and your minimum power targets for recovery. 

To determine the range that each level has, select the level on the trainer and put your bike in the easiest gear.  Keeping the cadence steady at ~80RPM, pedal for at least 30 seconds.  Shift gears one at a time until you get to your hardest gear.  Once you're in your hardest gear, an all-out effort will give you the maximum sprinting power that you can obtain in that power curve.  If you find that the trainer does not offer more resistance, then you've exceeded the power limits for that level.  Try a higher level on the trainer (if one is available).  The lowest gear should give you a power reading that is below your recovery target.  The highest gear should exceed your maximum power output. 

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