I love being on the bike - outdoors, but I need to have a more structured workout plan to get any faster. So last Christmas I bought a Saris H3 trainer and promptly went skiing for 3 months and only played with it a few times using the free Rouvy trial subscription. When I got back the weather was awesome and the H3 has sat in the corner ever since. The Rouvy experience didn’t thrill me too much so my plan is to use the machine just for interval workouts. I don’t need to be entertained, I just want a program that will take me through the paces and record my suffering.
I get a bit confused as why I need so many software programs to get full utilization of the hardware and it’s a mystery to me which way all these bits and bytes are flowing. I don’t resent the subscription fee to Training Peaks but I’d rather not buy into a whole new round of monthly subscriptions just to run a simple workout. You can build a bike workout in Training Peaks but why can’t Training Peaks control the H3? I might be missing something…
What would be helpful to me is a specific way to create a structured workout (or purchase one), run the program from a mobile app or the laptop to control the H3, record it all on Training Peaks. Free would be nice but I’m OK with a one time purchase.
So my basic set up is:
Power meter on the bike - Stages 2 sides.
Garmin 735XT watch for swimming.
Garmin 520 for the bike.
Garmin Connect (obviously)
Training Peaks account that has been collecting my Garmin info, I like keeping track of my power files, swim times and race ready fitness.
Saris H3 - I’ve installed the Saris mobile app and used the calibration function and manual ERG mode. I need a bit more than that.
Laptop with Bluetooth to connect to the H3, figured that out with the free Rouvy App.
HDMI cable to enlarge my suffering to the appropriate screen format if necessary.
When my coach makes structured workouts in TP, they are seen in my Zwift account. When I complete the workout in Zwift, the data goes straight to TP. (Strava too).
(I make workouts in Zwift too, and the data but not the workout goes to TP).
I don’t use a watch or bike computer when I use zwift. I just really need my iPAD to run Zwift and my Kickr.
As you’ve found, the options are endless and most require a recurring subscription.
If you are ok using your laptop then PerfPro Studio is one-time purchase and will do everything you want. If you are struggle with software the initial setup may be a little overwhelming as there are so many options. Once setup PerfPro is really simple.
For a subscription option TrainerRoad is probably the program for your needs.
As you’ve found, the options are endless and most require a recurring subscription.
If you are ok using your laptop then PerfPro Studio is one-time purchase and will do everything you want. If you are struggle with software the initial setup may be a little overwhelming as there are so many options. Once setup PerfPro is really simple.
For a subscription option TrainerRoad is probably the program for your needs.
Agree on TrainerRoad. Signup for a year subscription and never look back (unless you want to glance at the crushed souls behind you).
Even better, you can create workouts in trainingpeaks and use the garmin to control the trainer I believe. Trainingpeaks has a much better workout creator interface IMO
It’s better if you have the subscription. The free one limits you, because you can only save 5 workouts and can only schedule them one day in advance. Makes planning rather difficult.
I’m back to report that yes, you can create a workout in Training Peaks (I already had the subscription) it automatically synched with my Garmin account and was available to view on the Garmin 520 under "Training / Workouts. Just connect the H3 as another sensor and run the workout. Nothing fancy but it’s doing exactly what I asked for!
My first indoor workout was pretty basic, a warm-up, a 4x3 min step up to 95% FTP and back down again. I was surprised as to how much perceived effort it took to do that. The average watts were very low, I’m guessing the continuous nature of ERG mode is a lot different than my normal on the road routes. A lot to learn I guess.