Are you looking to integrate your Technogym Bike with TrainerRoad for a more structured indoor cycling experience? Many cyclists are leveraging platforms like TrainerRoad to enhance their training, and connecting them to gym equipment like the Technogym Skillbike can be a great way to stay consistent. This guide outlines a user’s experience in connecting these two platforms, offering insights into the process, potential challenges, and workarounds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Technogym Skillbike with TrainerRoad
Based on user experiences, connecting your Technogym Skillbike to TrainerRoad, particularly on Android devices, is achievable, although it may require a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step process:
-
Mywellness Login: Begin by creating an account with Technogym’s Mywellness platform. Log in to your Mywellness account directly on the Skillbike you intend to use. NFC login may also be an option if your phone is unlocked, simplifying the process.
-
TrainerRoad Device Search: Open the TrainerRoad application on your device. Before connecting any other sensors like your heart rate monitor, navigate to the devices section within the TrainerRoad app. Initiate a device search.
-
Select Your Skillbike: The TrainerRoad app should display available devices. Your Technogym Skillbike will likely appear with a generic name such as “BIKE2334” or a similar identifier. Select the specific Skillbike you wish to pair with.
-
Confirm Connection on Skillbike: Upon selecting the bike in TrainerRoad, the Technogym Skillbike screen should prompt a confirmation message: “Zwift is trying to connect, accept? YES / NO”. Select “YES” to establish the connection.
Once these steps are completed, you should be connected and ready to start your TrainerRoad workout using the Technogym Skillbike.
Potential Connectivity Issues and Workarounds
While the connection process seems straightforward, users have reported encountering some bugs and inconsistencies. It may take a few attempts to get the Skillbike to appear in the TrainerRoad device list. Some users have found that initiating a quick start session on the Skillbike by pedaling, letting it run briefly, and then stopping until the session ends can sometimes help “kick-start” the Bluetooth connection and make the bike discoverable by TrainerRoad.
However, a significant issue arises when the Skillbike is not connected to Wi-Fi, as reported by a user whose gym removed Wi-Fi access and didn’t provide a wired alternative. Without Mywellness login capability, connecting to TrainerRoad becomes impossible. In such cases, a workaround is to use TrainerRoad in a target power mode. You can set your desired power targets within TrainerRoad and manually adjust the Skillbike resistance to match. Pairing your heart rate monitor directly to TrainerRoad remains possible in this scenario.
Limitations and Considerations
Users should be aware of certain limitations when using Technogym Skillbikes with TrainerRoad:
- No Cadence Data: A notable drawback is the lack of cadence data transmission from the Skillbike, even to platforms like Zwift. This means TrainerRoad will not receive cadence readings from the bike.
- ERG Mode Incompatibility: ERG mode, which automatically adjusts resistance to maintain a target power output in TrainerRoad, does not seem to function with Technogym Skillbikes. Users will need to manually adjust resistance to hit their power targets.
- Gear Lag: The Skillbike’s gear shifting mechanism can exhibit a noticeable lag. When shifting to a higher gear, there can be a delay of 10-15 seconds before the resistance increases, which can be problematic during sprint intervals or workouts requiring rapid power changes.
- Steep Gear Jumps: The ‘real gear’ simulation on the Skillbike, while intended to mimic outdoor cycling, can be somewhat clunky for structured training. The resistance jumps between gears can be quite significant, making it challenging to fine-tune cadence and power output to precisely match TrainerRoad targets.
Advantages of Using Technogym Skillbikes
Despite these limitations, Technogym Skillbikes offer some advantages:
- Calibration: Especially in newer Skillbikes, calibration tends to be accurate. This is a potential advantage over older, less maintained equipment, ensuring more reliable power data.
- General User Experience: Many users find the Skillbike a pleasant piece of equipment to use for indoor cycling, offering a more engaging experience compared to basic stationary bikes.
Conclusion
Connecting a Technogym Skillbike to TrainerRoad is feasible and can be beneficial for cyclists wanting to use gym equipment for structured training. While there are limitations, particularly regarding cadence data, ERG mode, and gear response, understanding these issues and utilizing workarounds like target power mode can still enable effective workouts. For gyms equipped with Skillbikes, and users familiar with manual resistance adjustments, integrating them with TrainerRoad remains a viable option to pursue their training goals.
