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Tacx Flux keeps it quiet

Eric Schlange
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Tacx Flux keeps it quiet

Tacx Flux keeps it quiet

fluxBikeRadar recently toured Tacx’s facility in Wassenaar, Holland, posting a writeup which includes many interesting details about Tacx’s production techniques and overall company philosophy.

The article includes a sneak peak at Tacx’s “Flux” trainer which we wrote about 10 days ago even though it has yet to be released to the market.

BikeRadar says the new Flux could be called the “Neo Light” because it offers a similar quiet ride thanks to electromagnetic resistance, but at a lower price. This is a surprising revelation, because we initially assumed the Flux would use a belt drive based on its design and lower price. Apparently Tacx is using less expensive magnetic coils to keep the price down.

Neo vs Flux

Here are my current best guesses as to Flux specs vs the Neo.

  • Same low noise
  • Simulated flywheel vs real flywheel
  • 2200w max brake power vs 1500w
  • Incline simulation: 25% vs 10%
  • Power measurement accuracy: 2% vs 5%
  • Price: ÂŁ1,200 vs £699
  • Road feel only supported on Neo

UPDATE: Tacx has taken the Flux Smart page live on their site. See the details here >

DC Rainmaker has also released a hands-on review here >

Zwiftcast Episode 7

Simon Schofield
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Zwiftcast Episode 7

Zwiftcast Episode 7

The latest episode of Zwiftcast has been released, and it’s a good one! Big news for the Zwiftcast: it will now be featured in-game on select group rides so you can listen to it as you ride.

For this episode we are also trying a new way of listening to the Zwiftcast. Look out on selected Group Rides and Events on Zwift where you may find a button to enable you to listen as you Zwift, in-game, using the platform’s new audio functionality.

Simon, Shane and Nathan get together to discuss the latest Zwift news, plus a series of features on matters of interest to all Zwifters.

Nathan relates how he broke his collar bone racing and how Zwift is helping his rehab.

There’s a feature with Tim Searle, leader of the Australian HDR ride, which is drawing huge numbers and may now be the biggest group ride on Zwift.

Charlie Issendorf, VP of Events for Zwift, tells us how the new Event Module is bedding in and forecasts how it’s going to develop in coming weeks.

Simon, Shane and Nathan discus the new London course, the advent of bad weather on Zwift and speculate about the possible introduction of a velodrome..

Team Sky’s Head of Innovation, Simon Jones, a keen Zwifter, talks about how augmented reality and virtual; reality may have a part to play in pro rider training in the future.

In part two of our interview with Charlie, we discuss the next stage in the development of the platform towards a general fitness arena, with the testing of running in the virtual environments.

This episode of the Zwiftcast wraps up with a discussion on a slew of new trainers which have just been announced.

Runners rejoice! Zwift may soon transform your treadmill experience…

Eric Schlange
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Runners rejoice! Zwift may soon transform your treadmill experience…

Runners rejoice! Zwift may soon transform your treadmill experience…

Zwift creator and lead developer Jon Mayfield has been spotted in-game and on Strava beta-testing running on Zwift. Here’s a virtual half marathon he posted on August 7th >

running running2 running-2

Jon has experimented with running on Zwift since its early days, but it appears that Zwift may be looking to make running an official part of the game soon now that avatars and the game display have been modified for running (see screenshots above).

A treadmill broadcasting power or a foot pod should be enough to let runners on a treadmill easily begin using Zwift, so the barrier to entry for runners will be quite low. And while (like cycling) Zwift won’t replicate the true feel of running outdoors, it will certainly be a vast improvement of the typical treadmill workout. It will also open up opportunities for group runs and races.

#RunOn!

 

Zwift London PRL course map

Eric Schlange
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Zwift London PRL course map

Zwift London PRL course map

Buy a 24×36″ poster of this map!

Below you will find links to the latest version of the London course map, which you are free to print for your personal use.

Download Map as PDF

London

Update Log:

  • v.01, 8/5/16: created and posted the initial map with major features marked.
  • v.02, 8/11/16: added routes and distances between points, fixed roads at B junction, added inclines and declines

New Tacx “Flux” direct drive trainer announced

Eric Schlange
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New Tacx “Flux” direct drive trainer announced

New Tacx “Flux” direct drive trainer announced

fluxUPDATE: here’s some new information on the Flux. 

I’ve been hearing murmurings for a while, but finally some solid information and images about Tacx’s newest trainer have made their way onto the Interwebs. Dubbed the “Flux,” this trainer appears to be targeting Wahoo’s Kickr market share with similar features for $180 less.

It is already listed on some retailer’s websites, but they all contain very sparse information at this time.

A few details:

  • 1000w resistance (which is lower than I would have expected)
  • 10% gradient simulation (I’ve seen this number quoted but haven’t seen it posted on a reliable source)
  • Appears to be belt-driven like the Kickr
  • Support the typical protocols: Ant+ and Bluetooth, outputting speed/cadence/power
  • Price: 800€/$900US
  • Availability: early October

My guess is Tacx will unveil this trainer at Eurobike 2016 August 31st, so we’ll have more details then if not sooner. Hopefully we’ll see some new smart trainer offerings by other manufacturers as well!

Zwift Worlds Team Race 2016 announced

Eric Schlange
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Zwift Worlds Team Race 2016 announced

Zwift Worlds Team Race 2016 announced

Tam Burns and Team ODZ have announced the Zwift Team Worlds Race 2016 which will take place on November 19th at 1200 GMT. This is going to be a unique and huge race, so be sure to join in the fun!

The first Zwift Worlds Event (in October 2015) attracted over 280 riders from 25 countries, making it the largest single race event in Zwift’s history. This year’s event is sure to be much larger.

Unlike most Zwift races, this is a team event–meaning final rankings will be done on a per-team basis. Bringing a team element to Zwift racing makes the experience even more exciting, but it also requires a bit more planning on everyone’s part.

Race Details

  • Route: the race will use Watopia Figure 8 route. Cat A and B teams will complete 3 full laps of the course while Cat C and D will complete 2.
  • Team Size: each team will consist of 6 riders. If you aren’t yet on a team you can sign up and be assigned to a team–learn more here. Registration opens October 1st.
  • Timings: each category will have a separate start time, with all Cat D teams leaving at 1200, Cat C leaving 2 minutes later, Cat B leaving 2 minutes after C, and Cat A leaving 2 minutes after B. The race will use Zwift’s event tools to ensure an easy and fair start.
  • Scoring: The first four riders in each team to finish the race will count towards that team’s points total. Points will also be awarded for sprint section times on every lap. Teams will be ranked within their categories (eg, 1st place in Cat C), as well as cumulatively across all categories to determine the overall winning team. See this page for scoring details.
  • Rules: all riders must have heart rate data, and power-ups are allowed. See full list of rules >

Learn more about this event at the race’s website >

Here’s a video from Chris Pritchard summarizing the 2015 race:

Course schedule for August

Eric Schlange
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Course schedule for August

Course schedule for August

AugustSchedule2Zwift HQ has posted August’s course schedule, which features the new London course during the first part of each week, then Watopia on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The 11th and 25th are Richmond days.

See you out there!

“PRL Half” London Route Details

Eric Schlange
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“PRL Half” London Route Details

“PRL Half” London Route Details

The London course’s “PRL Half” route is meant to mimic the distance (but not the full course) of the real Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46. It takes you on four circuits of the “London Loop“, then turns around at the Surrey roundabout and heads towards the sprint and finish banner on The Mall.

Route details:
Distance: 69 km (42.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: 954m (3,130′)
Strava Forward Segment

“PRL Full” London route details

Eric Schlange
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“PRL Full” London route details

“PRL Full” London route details

The London course’s “PRL Full” route is meant to mimic the distance (but not the full course) of the real Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100. It takes you on eleven circuits of the “London Loop“, then turns around at the Surrey roundabout and heads towards the sprint and finish banner on The Mall.

Although I can’t seem to find numbers for the 2016 course, it appears that Zwift’s version has significantly more elevation gain than the real-life course. (The 2013 course had a gain of 6,167′.)

 

Route details:
Distance: 173 km (107.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: 2,496m (8,189′)
Strava Forward Segment

London “Classique” Route Details

Eric Schlange
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London “Classique” Route Details

London “Classique” Route Details

The London course’s “Classique” route takes you on some of the most famous London streets including Strand, The Mall, Constitution Hill, and Birdcage Walk. You ride by Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.

It is a precise replica of the Prudential RideLondon Classique route, which is described as “beginning on The Mall in St James’s Park, going up Constitution Hill, turning at the top to come down and on to Birdcage Walk, then passing Big Ben and turning left on to Whitehall and right on to the Strand before turning again to come back up the Strand, through Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch and back on to The Mall.”

Start Points and Lead-Ins

When choosing this route to free ride you will begin near the start of the Classique sprint. If you are riding this for an event, you will begin in the London start pens which means a lead-in of approximately 3.9km/2.4 miles before you begin your first Classique lap.

The Strava segments below begin and end at the start/finish banner located on The Mall, not the main start/finish banner where the game starts your ride.

Route details:
Distance: 5.4 km (3.3 miles)
Elevation Gain: 19m (62′)
Strava Forward Segment Strava Reverse Segment Strava Reverse Segment Leadin from Start Banner

Take a video tour:

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