Sorry for such a simple question, but I am having trouble understanding exactly what is needed.
I have a surface pro 2 and just purchased a Tacx Vortex Smart trainer. Is that all that is needed for trainer road? Do I need a cadence sensor? Do I need a Garmin 520 or something else so I can track my work outs on Garmin connect and Strava? I have Garmin Fenix 3 but don’t understand how that tracks indoor yet (only had it a week).
I have an iphone 6s but was hoping to use my Surface Pro so I could hoot it up to TV.
I’m unsure about your specific Surface Pro and Tacx trainer setup. However, I believe that you would connect to that Trainer via an ANT+ stick. Both TrainerRoad and and Zwift will record your workout and then can sync the completed workout to Strava & TrainingPeaks, but I don’t know about Garmin Connect. You can also record data at the same time with your Fenix and use that instead.
Sorry for such a simple question, but I am having trouble understanding exactly what is needed.
I have a surface pro 2 and just purchased a Tacx Vortex Smart trainer. Is that all that is needed for trainer road? Do I need a cadence sensor? Do I need a Garmin 520 or something else so I can track my work outs on Garmin connect and Strava? I have Garmin Fenix 3 but don’t understand how that tracks indoor yet (only had it a week).
I have an iphone 6s but was hoping to use my Surface Pro so I could hoot it up to TV.
Any advice is apprectiated. Thanks
edited to clarify
In general you’ll need an ant+ dongle unless your surface pro or iphone support Ant+. I’m not familiar with your specific devices so i can’t offer advice past that.
Garmin edge 520 isn’t necessary, though it is a phenominal headunit once you start riding outside. If you do triathalons then might be better to look at a multi-sport device if you’re tight on money.
I haven’t used TrainerRoad in a while so I’m not sure what they do. Zwift uploads to Strava automatically. If you’re really needing to get activities onto Garmin Connect then you could use https://tapiriik.com/ to sync activities from Strava to Garmin Connect or many other platforms. Note it is a manual process of clicking the sync button unless you pay a small annual fee to automate it.
Personally, I already have a edge 520 so I still use it while riding indoor. It uploads via BT from my phone to Garmin Connect. From Garmin Connect it uploads to Strava and TrainingPeaks. That way it is consistent regardless of if I am indoors or outdoors.
You’ll need some way for the trainer to talk to your Surface. I’m assuming Bluetooth Smart. If not you’ll need an Ant+ dongle (your Fenix should have come with one).
Personally I’d use a HR monitor as well (if you have one). I’m a believer in tracking everything I can and sort out the details later.
As far as cadence, looks like you may want a separate sensor.
I have a TVS and use it with a Win laptop. Yes, you need an ANT+ USB receiver. I agree that an ANT+ HR strap would be beneficial. The TVS generates the following data streams…power…virtual cadence (inferred, but pretty accurate as long as you pedal with two legs - it’s wonky doing one-legged drills)…speed…and, of course FE-C control. So, a Surface running ‘real’ WIn (not the RT ‘fake’ version of Win) with an ANT+ USB adapter is what you need with the TVS. Adding an ANT+ HR strap is useful.
Sorry for such a simple question, but I am having trouble understanding exactly what is needed.
I have a surface pro 2 and just purchased a Tacx Vortex Smart trainer. Is that all that is needed for trainer road? Do I need a cadence sensor? Do I need a Garmin 520 or something else so I can track my work outs on Garmin connect and Strava? I have Garmin Fenix 3 but don’t understand how that tracks indoor yet (only had it a week).
I have an iphone 6s but was hoping to use my Surface Pro so I could hoot it up to TV.
Any advice is apprectiated. Thanks
edited to clarify
The Tacx Vortex Smart is an electronic trainer that can be controlled by TrainerRoad via the ANT+ FE-C profile. The FE-C profile is an industry-wide standard that allows third party software companies to seamlessly connect to it as long as you have ANT+ connectivity. While connected over the ANT+ FE-C profile, TrainerRoad will electronically control the resistance of your trainer to make sure you’re hitting your power targets. That means you’ll need to pick up an ANT+ USB stick for your Surface Pro. Here are two links, one to a more affordable option and one to a more concealable option: Suunto mini ANT+ or Decooler ANT+ stick
You can also learn more about ANT+ connectivity here: ANT+
Once you pick up the ANT+ stick, you’ll have everything you need use TrainerRoad. If you’d like to be able to view your cadence readings, you’re welcome to pick up the additional sensor but it isn’t needed to perform power-based workouts on TR.
In order to track your workouts on Strava, all you’ll need is your phone.
You can actually get away from the ant+ dongle now by using your computer’s bluetooth and the new Zwift mobile app as the “transmitter” of the BT signal:
Install Zwift Mobile link on your 6s and you should be able to have Vortex connect to it through Bluetooth. Else get a USB ANT+ stick and have Surface be the head unit that controls Zwift or Trainerroad. You do not need anything - fenix, cadence sensor, etc. Zwift and TR can be configured to upload your workouts to Strava.
You have the EXACT same setup as me, but you’re missing one thing… and ANT+ USB dongle
My setup and recommendations…
Taxc Vortex Smart Trainer (which you have)
Taxc phone app. (Use this app to make sure that you have the correct tension set on your trainer)
Le Windows PC
ANT+ USB dongle for le PC (the dongle is used to talk to the trainer across FE-C, which is the the radio band frequency used to control the resistance of your trainer)
Download and Install the USB dongle driver from Trainer road
Update/install the adobe air
Download and install TrainerRoad
Add you smart trainer, and calibrate.
Start using TR!
ERG mode will control the resistance of your trainer, so you will never have to switch gears.
What you dont need…
Cadence sensor (this is built in to TR)
What you may need…
If you PC is not close to you (consider buying a music stand), or a wireless keyboard. I’d go with wireless keyboard just so you dont get sweat on your Lappy. Pressing certain buttons, can switch from ERG to Resistance mode. Resistance mode is the traditional ‘slope’ mode where you change the incline in %. In this mode, you will have to change gears manually.
I only use resistance mode when doing my FTP test. But TR switches this round for you automatically during the test. You can either set the % befoe hand in device settings, or you can do it on he fly. I’ve tried changing the % during the ride, and it crashes the app. So when you do the FTP test, set your resistance before hand to 30-40%, and just start your FTP test in ERG mode.
What you could get…
A heart rate strap. TR with the ANT+ dongle can pick up your HR if you’re in to that.
I’ll write another post some other time and my issues/bugs with TR and how to rectify them if you have a Vortx Smart trainer.
Personally I’be found the cadence from the vortex to be less accurate than my Garmin GS10 cadence sensor and I trust the magnet going past a sensor more than the vortex calculating it. This isn’t essential but I’d argue for the relative price accurate cadence is a useful measurement especially if you do cadence focused drills/workouts.
You may also find you want a USB extension lead for your ANT stick as they can suffer with interference but don’t buy until you try even though they are cheap.
I’d second taxc utility app for calibration.
As for whether you need a garmin, no but I do as a backup. If Zwift loses the signal or the wifi/internet goes down I can revert to my 520 to set the power level I want to work at and don’t lose any numbers when uploading to Strava
On a slightly different set up, what would be the cleanest way to connect to a large flat screen tv? Do I need to have a PC run TrainerRoad that connects to the screen? Or is there a way to connect to a smart TV directly? I’m done with my computrainer after 11 years. Time to update.
On a slightly different set up, what would be the cleanest way to connect to a large flat screen tv? Do I need to have a PC run TrainerRoad that connects to the screen? Or is there a way to connect to a smart TV directly? I’m done with my computrainer after 11 years. Time to update.
I use either my Surface Pro 2 or a laptop and hookup using the Microsoft Display adapter when watching movies, videos, sometimes for work. I will also use it for trainerroad or Zwift.
