Concept2 Forum

When changing the damper setting, does the feel of the pedaling change similar to that of a gym bike when you up the resistance? You know how on a gym bike, when you push the up arrows to increase the resistance, pedaling becomes harder and you have to push harder with your legs. Is it similar with the damper setting on the bikeerg? Can I set the damper at a higher number and during steady state and get that heavy feel while pedaling slower or do I have to be spinning as fast as I can in order to feel heavier resistance in order to generate a good heart rate and sweat?

Yes, there will be more resistance. Although for real training keeping your cadence up is more important than just slogging along in a harder "gear".

Shmitty wrote: ↑

August 14th, 2020, 1:29 pm

Can I set the damper at a higher number and during steady state and get that heavy feel while pedaling slower

Yes, most definitely. The change can be quite dramatic.

Shmitty wrote: ↑

August 14th, 2020, 1:29 pm

... Can I set the damper at a higher number and during steady state and get that heavy feel while pedaling slower or do I have to be spinning as fast as I can in order to feel heavier resistance in order to generate a good heart rate and sweat?

Likely with the higher "resistance" you will be able to pedal at least at 60 rpm (maybe 50-55 if removing the metal mesh, so more air will flow through the flywheel) I mean: can't have a so high "resistance" that will make you barely able to complete a stroke

It is much more like going into a higher gear than climbing a steep hill. Do not worry it is a "devil machine" will never blame it is too easy

read Concept2 explanation "Many people confuse damper setting with intensity level or resistance..."
https://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/ ... etting-101

You asked how it feels compared to a gym bike. To me, the sensation is very different. The gym spin bikes use friction pads that feel akin to someone pressing their gloved palm into your tire (if you were riding a real bike). It is a static feeling resistance.

The resistance on the BikeErg feels more dynamic as it increases as you pedal faster due to the fan. It doesn’t feel like something is dragging on your wheel. And raising the damper feels more akin to moving up your gearing. And it’s this sensation why I greatly prefer the BikeErg to most stationary bikes. It also means you can get a good workout at any damper setting, though your cadence will be different of course.

other than using a Wahoo Kickr, or equivalent smart trainer, the bike erg gives you, by far the best bang for your buck. I hate riding indoors, but my BikeErg is very close to riding a real bike.