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Discover the ERG mode: a structured workout training mode

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Florian
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The ERG mode, also called WATTS mode, is a structured workout training mode. The main function is to define power as a set point for your training. The idea behind this is to keep the power constant during your training.

WARNING: some equipment does not support this ERG training mode. If an error message appears when you select your training, it means that your equipment is not compatible with this training mode. This training mode is also available for the Tunturi Routes users.

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What is the ERG mode?

As said previously, the ERG mode will control the resistance of the equipment (bike or Home-Trainer), in order to maintain a constant power (setpoint). This mode is only available for home trainers and interactive bikes!
If you don't know the differences between classic, smart and interactive equipment, we invite you to read this superb article in our FAQ.
The purpose of the ERG mode is to force the cyclist to produce a power defined by the chosen training, which controls the home trainer.


How does the ERG mode work?

In this example, we assume the cyclist sets power of 300W. From this moment, the equipment will measure in real-time the power delivered (by the cyclist).
After a few minutes of pedaling, the cyclist's power decreases (260W). The home trainer (or the interactive bike) will increase the resistance (using the brakes), in order to increase the power delivered by the cyclist.
On the opposite, if the cyclist delivers a greater power (360W) than the power already set (300W), the brakes of the home trainer (or the interactive bike) will be released, in order to return to the power set (300W).

To help you understand, imagine that the ERG mode works the same way as cruise control on a car. You set your cruise control to 130km/h. A hill appears: the car will make the engine work harder to compensate for the hill, and thus keep the speed of 130 km/h. The same thing on a downhill, the car will brake to counteract gravity, and thus keep the speed of 130 km/h.

 

Why does my power value is not stable?

The human is not "designed" to deliver constant power, especially during a long effort. This is why the power delivered by the cyclist can vary around the set power.

Consequently, the power's variations (delivered by the cyclist) influence the brakes of the Home-Trainer (or the interactive bike), and according to the quality of your material, the correction of these variations is done more or less quickly.

This is why, on some HT or interactive bikes of "lower quality" than high-quality equipment, the stabilization of power may be slightly impacted. (But this will not prevent you from doing your training, and enjoying our application).

 

If you wanna have more information about the ERG mode, you can check this link:          https://www.rgtcycling.com/blog/to-erg-or-not-to-erg/

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