Erg Mode & Static Trainers: How do you handle saddle breaks?

Training
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Hello Community! First of all, a huge shoutout to the devs and the community for the amazing work on this platform.

I’m looking for some advice on managing comfort during indoor ERG workouts. I’m currently using a Wahoo Kickr Core2 and MyWhoosh as my primary app.
So basically we all know about the static nature of indoor trainers and how this impacts workouts past a timeline.
I am curious on how to everyone deals with it when doing workouts in erg mode. More specifically for a complete static trainer (Wahoo Kickr Core2), for the love of god :rofl: I cannot get out of the saddle when blindly following the workout and working in erg mode.
I was thinking of adding freeride intervals in between my normal workouts which allow me to change to a harder gear and slightly move or stretch. On the other hand I am curious how other riders handle this. Should I just pause for a stretch? Any experience how this works in MyWhoosh? (never tried it) I am mostly annoyed in seeing a big dip in my workout (on the other hand this sounds a bit hilarious as outdoors you will never project a static chart).
Outdoors it’s never an issue and I am pretty spot on with my fit (no other issues other than the saddle sores). In my case this kicks in around the hour mark, getting of the saddle for a few seconds restores things for further riding.
I am using MyWhoosh as my indoor training app.

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I added a piece of high density foam (20mm thick PE packaging foam) under the trainer to give it a little movement freedom and also a thick book under the front wheel to get just that little bit of extra comfort. But I’m not experiencing difficulties to get out of the saddle for a couple of seconds. It can be spotted in the activity plot by a slight cadence interruption, but nothing more then that.

2 Likes
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Thanks for the response! I had an indoor front wheel gel block, but I removed it as I was essentially training for climbs (due to the added inclination), saddle sores were not that different.
I think my problem is that I am too focused into keeping the cadence and power ballpark rather than giving my body a small break :smiley:

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Use the rest between work intervals as your opportunity to get out of the saddle etc. Sticking to the rest power / cadence target is less critical than sticking to the work targets.

Depending on how far you want to go, a rocker plate certainly helps me stay more comfortable for longer. I have the omnirocker and, whilst it isn’t a cheap thing, I would not be without it now.

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it i my undetstanding that the block is added so as NOT to have the bike be on a “decline” since depending on the trainer the front wheel and the rear may not be at the same level.

My old Wheels ON trainer has the block which I use, but the wheels OFF trainer has the block

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I was considering a rocker plate once, but couldn’t justify the cost. Tried a piece of the high density PE foam and it did wonders. The little side2side liberty is a huge difference compared to a complete stiff setup. And it also reduces vibration transfer to the floor, which my wife could appreciate :wink: . Zero cost, happy wife and more comfort.
The book under the front wheel is more to relax the upper body. If you sit as deep as outside but without the wind resistance, there’s more weight on the hands.

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i used some of those kids’ swim arm floats.

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MyWhoosh has the option to disable erg mode while in a workout. Then you can change gears, stand up to “stretch the legs).

Use the triple line button to open a toolbar.

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Toggle erg on/off.

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Edit: don’t select free ride, as your workout will be disabled.

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For erg mode workouts I just ride on the small chainring, and every 5 minutes I shift to the big chainring and get out of the saddle for 30 seconds. I’m averaging 90-100rpm seated and 70-80 rpm standing. Seems to work fine for endurance up to threshold intervals.

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Thanks Gerald, I think this is the best solution, I was considering of adding something like:

- 1m freeride

between steps, but disabling the erg is way better and more flexible as you decide when to do so.

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I have a routine of 50 standing pedal cycles every 10mts on longer rides, I use a standard Kickr Core and this works well, for a few hours. I used to use a concrete block to raise the front wheel to simulate climbing effect, and I’ve been looking at an interesting option with tennis balls to provide some side to side movement, a poor mans’ rocker plate! Mywoosh needs a companion app bias control to allow easy adjustment of intensity bias, it’s a bit of a drag using the mouse. I like to bump the bias a bit for the stands, 50count takes about 30s for me..