Keep pedaling and the trainer will slightly release tension. When existing an interval, donвЂ™t expect the trainer to just let go of resistance. You will notice how there is a lot more variation in power: Here is the same ride but without using ERG mode. Notice how the power line is very smooth: However, overall the power line should be smooth and your average for the interval should match or come very close to your target power. It will slightly go up and down your target power. However, if your trainer is broadcasting your real power, you will notice a slight variation in power numbers. So if your target power is 200 watts, you will see 200 watts on the screen. Some trainers will broadcast your target power rather than your actual power. If you want a higher cadence, simply increase your cadence and the trainer will adjust. The trainer will make the necessary adjustments to keep you at your target watts. If you want a lower rpm at a selected power, simply lower your rpm. Just sit tight, and keep pedaling and you will see your power reach that target line. Make sure your cadence is smooth and at your goal rpm. You will feel the increase in resistance until you reach your target power. When entering an interval, you want to be ready to increase your power. Riding in ERG mode can be a little challenging since the trainer will make every effort to keep you at your target power. I try to change the selection from ride to ride to minimize ware and tare on my drivetrain and no cross chaining. When in ERG mode, I typically like to select a gear that I like.

IвЂ™ve covered that in my ERG Mode Showdown article. Some trainers are better and faster in making these adjustments than others. Typically, it takesВ few seconds or even milliseconds for the trainer to sense changes and make tiny adjustments to keep you at your target watts. Your smart trainer will make adjustments as you change your cadence to keep you at your target power. You might start the interval at 100rpm, then aВ few minutes later, you might settle around 85 rpm. Naturally, as you ride longer intervals, your cadence will vary. But in ERG mode, your trainer will make tiny adjustments until you are back to 200 watts. If you decrease your cadence to 80 rpm,В without adjusting resistance, your watts will drop. The trainer will adjust theВ resistance to keep you at 200 watts. You set your gear and start pedaling at 100 rpm. When in ERG mode, your trainer will try to keep you at a specified power wattage goal regardless of your speed or cadence RPM.

Smart trainers will make small adjustments to reach the target power that you set either manually with your bike computer or with a structured workout.

When riding in ERG mode, you are basically telling your trainer and cycling app to take control adjusting the resistance for you while you concentrate on your workout. A smart bike trainer and a compatible cycling app or bike computer are required to use ERG mode. ERG mode, short for Ergometer, is when your smart trainer automatically set the resistance for you.

Computrainer workouts