If you're using VirtualPower, you'll want to make sure you have the correct VirtualPower trainer selected in order to get accurate power readings. Enabling VirtualPower will prompt TrainerRoad to use your speed readings and your trainer's speed-to-power ratio to calculate your power. Learn more about how VirtualPower works.
How to set up VirtualPower (Desktop)
Step 1: Open the TrainerRoad app, and go to the Devices section.
Step 2: Select Turn On in the VirtualPower section at the bottom of the window.
Step 3: Enable VirtualPower, select your trainer manufacturer/model, and select Save.
Note: Make sure your trainer's resistance setting is set to the same level as your VirtualPower selection. If you change the setting, you'll need to change the selection in TrainerRoad.
Note: If you don't see your trainer listed, check out this article: My Non-Smart Trainer Is Not Listed — Can I Still Use TrainerRoad?
How to set up VirtualPower (Mobile)
Step 1: Enter the Devices section of the app, and select Turn On next to VirtualPower.
Step 2: Select your trainer's manufacturer
Step 3: Tap on 'Model' and find your trainer from the list.
Step 4: Select the correct resistance level (if applicable)
Note: Make sure your trainer's resistance setting is set to the same level as your VirtualPower selection. If you change the setting, you'll need to change the selection in TrainerRoad.
What should I do if my trainer isn't listed?
If you don't see your trainer listed, check out this article on what to do if your non-smart trainer isn't listed.
We have power curves for most trainers in production today, and we try very hard to add new ones that appear on the market — however, we may not have power curves for some trainers. If you have a trainer that isn't listed, you're welcome to contact us at support@trainerroad.com or select a similar trainer with a compatible power curve; check out this article for more information on how to do that.
Good Practices
Since VirtualPower uses the speed-to-power ratios of trainers to convert your speed readings to power readings. You can do a couple of things to make sure that your VirtualPower readings are as consistent as possible.
Trainer Pressure
Rolling resistance (with regards to TrainerRoad) is defined as the amount of pressure on your tire from the trainer's roller. This is an important variable to keep consistent between rides as your VirtualPower readings will be more reliable and comparable as a result. Try to keep the same amount of rolling resistance on the tire each time you ride.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure can also affect rolling resistance. Make sure you pump your tires up to the same amount of pressure for each workout.
Trainers Affected by Heat
As some trainers need a warm-up, you might see changes in their resistance levels. We suggest you take this into account and warm up your trainer before you do any big intervals. Since most of our workouts have 10-15 minute warm-ups, this isn't as big of a problem.
Note: some trainers keep changing resistance EVEN after the warm-up period. These trainers won't work as well with VirtualPower as some of our other trainers. Check out our recommended trainers!
VirtualPower Watts vs. Power Meter Watts
The difference between actual watts and VirtualPower watts could range from just a few or up to 30 or so. It all depends on your rolling resistance, tire pressure, and how tight your rear wheel is.
The good thing is that if you keep your variables consistent, your VirtualPower watts can be the same between workouts. This means if you see an increase in watts, you know that you're getting stronger.
You shouldn't feel too bad if your watts are really low, and you shouldn't enter the Tour if your watts are really high. If you're using VirtualPower, just use your numbers to compare to yourself.