BikeErg with Zwift, HR, Garmin Watch, iphone

[ppollard83]

So I've been considering using my BikeErg on Zwift (or any other such platform). And would like some pointers or shared experience for other users.

Currently I have the BikeErg PM5 paired with my iphone ErgData app, Garmin Forerunner 945 watch and Polar HR10 heart rate belt (and strava after workout has finished).

So would this all work with Zwift (or other) running on an ipad pro or macbook pro ? If not, what wouldn't work ? Do I just suck it and see ? My one worry would be Zwift not allowing the ErgData app to access the PM5 so I guess I'd need to manually upload the riders to the C2 website ?

Thanks for any help/advice/experience
PP

[cdykstra01]

Hello - I've been riding on Zwift with my BikeErg for over a year now. I love the combination! I have a different watch than you (Polar GritX), but I use the Polar H10 chest strap to track my heartrate within Zwift, and I use my iphone to run the Zwift companion app while I ride to interact with other riders and make route changes while "in game". Rather than a tablet, I have an inexpensive ( <$80.00) projector connected to my desktop computer, and large screen I bought on the cheap at a big box store. To upload my PM5 data I use a cable between the PM5 and my computer along with the Concept2 utility software. It is a little "clunky", but not so much that it stops me from riding pretty much every day. I believe there's a workaround to log data wirelessly from the PM5 to the C2 logbook, I just haven't found it necessary to do so.

Hope that helps. If you do decide to BikeErg in the world of Zwift, I encourage you to jump in on social rides with a group called "The HERD" - very Zwift savvy folks, excellent ride leaders, and tons of fun!

[Lufttrampler]

Had also been playing around with zwift. But never managed to get Zwift via ipad and ErgData app via android to record from PM5 with HR10 at the same time. I ended up transferring the saved workout data from the USB stick on the PM5 to the C2 portal.

[ppollard83]

So thanks for all the advice. I have got this working :

I've had to extend my wifi to reach the (detached) garage.
Once on the bike erg, I use an ipad pro for Zwift itself, and an iphone for the companion app. One iss I have at present is that with failing eyesight, much of the data onscreen is unreadable.
Once ipad and iphone at sync'ed (need to be on the same wifi SSID), and paired with the PM5 + polar HR10 heart rate chect strap, I then connect the HR to the PM5 using ANT+. Finally I connect my garmin FR945 watch to the PM5 using the "Bike Indoor" app.

All seems to work. As pointed out, to get the session logged to the C2 website and my training log, I have to use a USB stick.

Otherwise, seems to be OK, not had any dropouts.

Thanks to all that helped with advice, it was good advice.

[Citroen]

. One iss I have at present is that with failing eyesight, much of the data onscreen is unreadable.

Once you've programmed your workout, press button E (fifth grey button counting from the top). That switches the PM5 into "LARGE PRINT" mode.

[ppollard83]

. One iss I have at present is that with failing eyesight, much of the data onscreen is unreadable.

Once you've programmed your workout, press button E (fifth grey button counting from the top). That switches the PM5 into "LARGE PRINT" mode.

Sorry, it is the Zwift detail I have problems with. For example during a ride/race Zwift provides w/kg of each rider. I cannot read that.

[Citroen]

Sorry, it is the Zwift detail I have problems with. For example during a ride/race Zwift provides w/kg of each rider. I cannot read that.

Then you've posted on the wrong forum.

[ppollard83]

Sorry, it is the Zwift detail I have problems with. For example during a ride/race Zwift provides w/kg of each rider. I cannot read that.

Then you've posted on the wrong forum.

Like I said, I've problems reading without glasses