Form

[jamesg]

I’m only 5-8” and ergdata says my drive length is 1.48 usually

Ergdata does not seem completely reliable. It shows me length 121 to 127, but I know my net length is about 100. Hopefully Watts, force and SPM are not too far off.

[G-dub]

I’ve wondered if how you take the catch (engage the chain) on the erg matters with ergdata. Like some might catch the tension in the chain quicker than others?

[jamesg]

Certainly, I use very low drag (85) to keep the flywheel moving; being heavy and weak, my acceleration at the catch is low and my slack is 20-25 cm. This tallies with V² = 2as, which gives (a = 1g, V=1.5 m/s) s = 22.5 cm.

If you use higher drag and shove harder, so with say a = 2g and V=1m/s, your catch slack would be 1/20 = 5 cm.

Have you measured your stroke length?

[G-dub]

Just did again. At r20 it was 1.42-1.48. At r32 it was mostly 1.42 with one or two 1.38

[Concept3]

the whole thing with stroke length is a bit of a mystery for me and I suspect it is a bit like DF in that it probably doesn't make as much difference as you might think it should.

I agree with you. Thanks for replying.

[Dangerscouse]

the whole thing with stroke length is a bit of a mystery for me and I suspect it is a bit like DF in that it probably doesn't make as much difference as you might think it should.

I agree with you. Thanks for replying.

I agree too. I usually end up at 1.39/42 and 1.45/48 if I'm going slower and really lean back. I have seen videos of Eric Murray and he has a relatively clipped stroke, so probably similar length at a guess, but that's where the similarities end.

If you are generating sufficient power per stroke that is all that matters as the longer your stroke is, the longer it will take you to get back to the catch. Very small time differences, but they could add up depending on technique, strength etc

[jamesg]

At low rating there's plenty of time, so the stroke will be as long as it needs to be, if posture and sequences are correct.

Ergdata sums seem to be somewhat arbitrary, with lengths that are 20-25 cm more than real. With a 2 inch pull I saw 24-27 cm. The force, Watt and ratings seem correct.