Concept2 Forum

I've read the Bikeerg threads here, the one on Slowtwitch plus this review, and have a few questions.
I've been using a standard road bike with a $75 trainer attachment for decades. which still works quite well.
However, I'm considering the Bikeerg and hope to see lots of comments about how you might like it.
Given that road bike pedals, seats and handlebars can be used on the Bikeerg, and that cranks are standard 170mm size:

1) is the riding position adjustable to be the same as for road bikes;
2) what is the distance between cranks, and the height from floor to step-over;
3) how does the pace/speed calibration compare to your outside speed on a road bike;
4) is the pedaling action and smoothness the same as on a road bike, or if not, how does it differ;

5) how is the noise compared to a fluid or magnetic trainer;
6) how is the vibration in the handlebars and/or seat, and how does it compare to a road bike;
7) is standing pedaling the same as an outside road bike or typical trainer - or is this not possible;
8) what other pros and cons have you found since using a Bikeerg, or adjustments that you've made?

johnlvs2run wrote: ↑

December 17th, 2018, 5:12 pm

I've read the Bikeerg threads here, the one on Slowtwitch plus this review, and have a few questions.
I've been using a standard road bike with a $75 trainer attachment for decades. which still works quite well.
However, I'm considering the Bikeerg and hope to see lots of comments about how you might like it.
Given that road bike pedals, seats and handlebars can be used on the Bikeerg, and that cranks are standard 170mm size:

1) is the riding position adjustable to be the same as for road bikes;
2) what is the distance between cranks, and the height from floor to step-over;
3) how does the pace/speed calibration compare to your outside speed on a road bike;
4) is the pedaling action and smoothness the same as on a road bike, or if not, how does it differ;

5) how is the noise compared to a fluid or magnetic trainer;
6) how is the vibration in the handlebars and/or seat, and how does it compare to a road bike;
7) is standing pedaling the same as an outside road bike or typical trainer - or is this not possible;
8) what other pros and cons have you found since using a Bikeerg, or adjustments that you've made?

Can answer some of these:

1) Near enough. There's lots of adjustability. Handlebars can be raised and lowered, and moved towards and away from you. Seat height can moved up and down, as well as seat angle slightly adjusted.

3) It's more to do with watts rather than speed. BikeErg 'speed' (pace /1000m) is just a doubling of rower / skier /500m pace, so that display numbers remain familiar to everyone. Probably works out a bit slower than actual road speed, but that's largely irrelevant.

5) Depends which one. Some magnetic trainers are very quiet. It's a C2 flywheel so not dissimilar to rowing or skiing decibals, but quieter given that it's in constant motion, compared to row or ski where it's noisier as you're pulling the stroke.

6) Minimal. Don't notice it much. I rest my forearms down on the handlebars (wrapped in towels) for long periods of time on longer rides.

7) Haven't noticed any difficulty with standing pedaling. Easier on higher drag generally, though.

I got a bike erg in April and now have 2600 "Zwift miles" on it - which works out to be 130 hrs or so. I'm a middle age male, raced mtb and road in the 80's and 90's and then changed over to another sport for the past 15 yrs. I've spent countless hours in winter and late at night on the old turbo trainers during those decades. Discovered Zwift this spring. My family/work/other sport life doesn't have room to fit in daylight cycling right now...

The Concept2 bike erg is super heavy and solid and should last forever. It's relatively inexpensive. No hiccups thus far. I'd buy it again.

The only other real alternative right now is to buy a smart trainer and use your bike on it. From what I read, and from demo'ing one for 20 seconds only, I think a top quality smart trainer can give a truer road feel, but not enough to justify stressing, sweating on, and wearing out the drivetrain of my 20 yr old road bike.

I view the bike erg as the best bang for the buck right now. In a year or two, there'll be complete Smart bike ergs on the market at competitive prices, and once they engineer a realistic bike rocking motion that works while seated, climbing, and sprinting, that'll be the way to go.
2) Q factor? not sure. It feels pretty standard or a bit more like an mtb. Stepover is like 1 ft off the floor.
5) it's not quiet. It's about like a concept 2 rower.
6) vibration? I don't notice any on the bike erg.
7) standing is not like outside because there's no bike lean. It's totally solid. And, it's better than thinking about the stress on your nice road bike frame while locked into a Smart trainer.

Thanks much to you both for the feedback.

Sorry to state the obvious John, but the best move is to try one out. Check the BIkeerg locator here -- https://www.concept2.com/bikeerg/finder -- and I'm sure you'll find a local gym where you can get a temporary pass to give the bikeerg a good try out.

Estragon, there are none available in this area.

CaseyClarke wrote: ↑

December 19th, 2018, 4:27 pm

I rest my forearms down on the handlebars (wrapped in towels) for long periods of time on longer rides.

Where do you put your hands, on the top tube? Why not use an aero bar with some pads?

johnlvs2run wrote: ↑

September 22nd, 2019, 10:38 pm

CaseyClarke wrote: ↑

December 19th, 2018, 4:27 pm

I rest my forearms down on the handlebars (wrapped in towels) for long periods of time on longer rides.

Where do you put your hands, on the top tube? Why not use an aero bar with some pads?

Hands are free to fiddle with the monitor. Forearms just resting on the bars, wrapped in towels. I had thought about the aero bars idea but hadn’t gotten around to getting any yet.

Do you have a BikeErg yet?

CaseyClarke wrote: ↑

September 23rd, 2019, 3:25 pm

Hands are free to fiddle with the monitor. Forearms just resting on the bars, wrapped in towels. I had thought about the aero bars idea but hadn’t gotten around to getting any yet. Do you have a BikeErg yet?

Thanks. Yes, I got a BE in August, and just now ordered an aero bar.

I know it's probably too late, but why would you purchase aero bars for a stationary bike?

chipman wrote: ↑

September 29th, 2019, 2:17 pm

I know it's probably too late, but why would you purchase aero bars for a stationary bike?

Possibly to learn how to ride in that position (although that would need the Bikeerg geometry to match your Triathlon bike), or, perhaps, there's a hurricane force wind blowing in the gym.

I doubt he rides outdoors. If he did and wanted to replicate that aero tuck, i'm sure he would have purchased a smart trainer and used his road bike instead of the BikeErg.

Head down into the full blast of the cooling fan
Personally use a towel on the handle bars, rest my forearms on the towel if I feel I want a position change.
The tribar position will inhibit me watching tv while I cycle