Trainer Power Changed, big difference from one day to the next

Bugs and Issues
1

I’ve been very happy with the control software. I’ve been using it for 6-8 months and have been satisfied with the progression in my fitness(feel) and power output. This is paying dividends in my group rides.

I recently (Tuesday the 5th) changed training focus and shifted to developing climbing power. I used my Elemnt Bolt to work out on a “hill climb”, low cadence, high power. Workout progressed as normal (power felt right).

I returned to TD app (Wed the 6th) and the power level at the pedal feels too “hard”, with inordinate Heart rate climb. Tried to force my way through the workout, trying to do Z1-Z2, but HR kept climbing rapidly, couldn’t even hold onto 140 watts (not normal).

I quit the workout and was trashed after 40 minutes. I reset the app, phone, trainer multiple times.

Again this morning, same “hard” resistance level from the trainer and rapid HR spiking trying to stay in Zone 1-2.

Equipment:
Wahoo Kickr Snap
Wahoo TiCKR hrm
Coros Vertix
Samsung S20+

I always let the TD app hook up first before I start recording with my watch. Hasn’t been a problem.

Scratching my head trying to figure out what I’m doing wrong.

2

I had something similar when I used a kickr snap. It turned out to be a very easy fix - I hope you have the same!

The cause was that the top layer of the reflective sticker on the flywheel was starting to peel off and that was creating the havoc

I peeled that top layer off and it went back to normal

This video has a bit of information that might help

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3

I went through the procedure, the sticker appeared to be ok, I replaced it anyway. No change in how the trainer “feels” so hard.

There may be something else wrong, possible sickness setting in, although I feel fine right now.

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4

Have you tried a workout on it via the Wahoo app?

If you do another workout on the Elemnt Bolt, does that still feel normal?

5

Yes, I tried the wahoo app. No difference in feel, somehow I’m amazingly weak now, from 3 days ago.

I’m going on vacation for a few days, will test again next week to see if I’ve “recovered”.

I appreciate your quick response, thanks for your help.

6

I suspect it is something wrong with the Kickr Snap rather than a sudden onset of rider weakness.

Is it still in warranty?

This reddit thread has a few people with similar problems.

https://www.reddit.com/r/wahoofitness/comments/ytgz41/kickr_snap_resistance/

Do you have the same symptoms wrt the spin down test?

“Did all of this. When I first start peddling on the trainer it feels like my brake is rubbing against the tire. When I hit “perform spin down” all of sudden all the resistance disappears and I have to put in the big ring just hit the 22.4mph. Spin down takes between 35 and 45 seconds. Once the spin down is over it once again feels like I’m riding through mud. 75 watts in zwift is painful. Heart rate high and I’m sweating like crazy.”

7

I’m going to try the spindown using the wahoo app and see what happens.

This is a trainer that I purchased used, so no warranty.

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8

did you check tyre pressure?
I remember having a similar experience when pressure was too low.

generally speaking (and a bit off-topic), when I was using a kickr snap the inconsistency used to drive me crazy. too many variables in the equation, I think.

9

Driving me crazy right now.

10

To recap:

The Kickr Snap is my only source of Power measurement, therefore I have to rely on it’s output as truth.

Over the course of 8 months I’ve progressed steadily in power output and strength off the trainer, which has been encouraging. In February of this year I experience some power anomalies (much harder to turn the pedals over) that cleared up after a few days (I can’t remember how). Fast forward to now and pretty much the same thing is happening.

I’ve checked over my bike, nothing rubbing, etc.

I’ve reset everthing multiple times.

I’ve done a factory spindown recalibration/reset.

I’m still unable to even come close to the wattage I used to be able to crank out.

So this is the new normal. I’ll do another ramp test tomorrow and take it’s FTP value into the future.

I did find that the TD app settings for weight can’t be changed and is set randomly, although I’ve been told to ignore this.