Concept2 Forum

Modern tools (like Zwift, TrainerRoad and many others) are not too picky when it comes to connectivity, as long as the 'head unit' transmits via ANT+ (PWR, SPD, CAD, S&C, FE-C) or Bluetooth (BLE).

Any idea/news if the BikeErg will be compatible with those tools?

I've used the prototype bikes here at C2 with Zwift for some months. Very cool program and the connection between PM5 and Zwift works reliably. Was using a heartrate belt and ErgData at the same time. Can't speak about the other systems but the PM5 puts out both ble and Ant+. C2JonW

c2jonw wrote:I've used the prototype bikes here at C2 with Zwift for some months.

Sounds good.

Very cool program and the connection between PM5 and Zwift works reliably.

Yeah, Zwift is very cool. I like it very much. Makes time fly by. Which leads me to my 'next question'…

In the past it was possible to change firmware on a PM5 (e.g. SkiErg --> RowErg, RowErg --> SkiErg) with the via Concept Utility.
I'd like to install the BikeErg firmware on my both Ergs so I finally could use Zwift (for fun) and TrainerRoad (for structured workouts) with them.

The Concept Utility (7.06.15) hasn't been updated for while, so it does not show up with the possibility of changing firmware to BikeErg.

Where do I find the BikeErg firmware for download?

dr3do

BikeErg firmware will not work with the Rower or SkiErg. Try contacting Zwift about interfacing with our PM5 on the erg/skierg. C2JonW

c2jonw wrote:dr3do

BikeErg firmware will not work with the Rower or SkiErg. Try contacting Zwift about interfacing with our PM5 on the erg/skierg. C2JonW

So it is a different PM5?

From Scott at C2:
"The BikeErg has a more intelligent sensor at the flywheel and the sensor (generator) is not interchangeable with the Indoor Rowers and SkiErg. The PM5 for the BikeErg has been upgraded to accept the input from the more intelligent sensor on the BikeErg. Newer PM5’s with the green logo (hardware version 620 or above) can be interchanged with the Indoor Rower – SkiErg – BikeErg using the Concept2 Utility. However, older PM5’s without the green logo (hardware version less than 620) cannot accept BikeErg firmware nor can they be used on a BikeErg".

So it's fundamentally the same monitor, but the BikeErg firmware requires a different input. C2JonW

Thanks for this detailed information. Very helpful. I'll look if I can upgrade to the PM5 with the green logo.

dr3do- To be clear, the BikeErg firmware WILL NOT WORK on a Rower or SkiErg regardless of which PM5 you have. The BikeErg firmware needs inputs that are specific to the BikeErg. C2JonW

If you're looking to connect a rower to Zwift, I just posted a call for beta testers here.

BikeErg works with Sufferfest - picks up cadence and power from the BikeErg and heartrate directly from the chest sensor. The iPhone app does not pick up cadence but the laptop works great (i.e. you have to use the laptop)

According to the Zwift web site if you want to use their app on your iOS you need this to connect your iOS to the PM5 ANT+ output.

iOS ANT+ Bridge

Zwift includes partial support for ANT+ on iOS, the exception being that you cannot get controlled resistance from a smart trainer. If you're planning on using ANT+ on iOS, you have a few different options to bridge the signal:
•The Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor
•The NPE CABLE

Refer to these manufacturers' individual instructions on how to bridge ANT+ sensors using their devices.

Reminder! Resistance control for smart trainers isn't supported over ANT+ on iOS.

The NPE CABLE looks easy enough to establish connection I just wanted to see if anyone has tried it and what they think about it. The Viiiva Heart Rate Monitor advertises as a very accurate monitor and sends other ANT+ data to your iOS devices sounds good but you wear it and can't share it with other people (well you could, but I won't). Also is it safe to wear something that receives AND transmits that close to your heart?

Can someone tell me, when zwift asks what wheel size is used on the bike trainer. What do you enter for the Bike Erg?

Skjchaney wrote:Can someone tell me, when zwift asks what wheel size is used on the bike trainer. What do you enter for the Bike Erg?

Just use 23*700C.

c2jonw wrote:I've used the prototype bikes here at C2 with Zwift for some months. Very cool program and the connection between PM5 and Zwift works reliably. Was using a heartrate belt and ErgData at the same time. Can't speak about the other systems but the PM5 puts out both ble and Ant+. C2JonW

Can you walk me through the BikeErg setup using Zwift and a laptop? My BikeErg doesn't recognize my (not Mac) laptop via Bluetooth. It's been said on a FB Zwift page that Mac's will work fine but pc's don't. Do I need to use an ANT instead on the laptop and if so, is there a specific ANT? Thanks for any feedback.

The trial and error was successful this time using the ANT + dongle and the Concept 2, PM 5 monitor ANT + FE-C wireless connection. Hurray!