Wahoo Roam + Kickr Simulated Ride - Inconsistent Resistance

1

Just done an indoor simulated route on my 2020 Kickr controlled by my Roam v1. It was a long (ish - 7.7 miles) climb averaging 6.2% and for the most part it was good as preparation of doing the climb for real next week.

However, when the gradient was steep (~9%+), I noticed some inconsistency in the resistance (in Level mode obviously). In particular, the resistance when seated felt pretty jerky, as in for every downward pedal stroke it felt like it locked up for a fraction of a second then released. This made me put in more power/torque every stroke than I would in real life, with a very on/off feel to the resistance. Strangely, when standing at these gradients, it was much smoother. I noticed that the there was actually a power difference for the same cadence standing Vs seated, e.g. I’d be at say 200W standing at 70rpm, returning to the seat would see power go to 220-230W at the same cadence and (simulated) speed.

Has anyone experienced this before? Either when simulating a route or just using level mode for higher gradients? I’m guessing this is just how it feels in these circumstances and that my Kickr is performing normally (no other issues) but curious if anyone else has felt the same.

Cheers.

2

Were you in your lowest gear?

I find a similar bit of herky-jerky-ness in my lowest gear on the steep gradients, too, until I get used to the gradient and smooth out my pedal stroke. Never in another other gear. Just my lowest gear (39-30 on my bike).

3

It was in the lower gears, so 34 front, ~27-34 rear (I can’t do 9%+ in the big ring yet :smile:). Below 8-9% it seemed much smoother but definitely jerky above 9%, made for some horrible crunchy gear changes too (even at 80+ rpm) :grimacing:

I suppose it might just be a characteristic of the Kickr and its design, it’s never going to replicate real riding 100%. I’ll take it into account for next time, think it’s more fatiguing on the leg muscles because of it but not a huge issue.