Testing 1,2,3,4…
We test every smart trainer that we service, it’s all part of the package. After we’ve replaced bearings, fitted a new belt or whatever it may have been as part of the service, we replace all the covers, give it a clean and put it through its paces. We want to be sure that the trainer is quiet and performing exactly as we expect it to before returning it to you.
Test Protocol
After updating the firmware and calibrating the unit (where applicable), we put our trusty test mule onto the trainer, calibrate the crank based power meter and go through a 3 step power corelation test.
With the trainer in ERG mode, we start out at 100 W and hold that for a minute, then 200 W for a minute and finally 300 W for a minute. Once the effort is finished, we look at the average power from each step as measured by our dual sided crank based power meter and compare it to the ERG mode power.
We ensure that the figures are within an acceptable range and once happy, the trainer is packaged up and shipped back to you.
Bluetooth stability test
Some trainers come in with a specific complaint of losing bluetooth connection after a period of time. We can offer a stability test for these trainers where we run the trainer continuously for an hour powered by a motor driven drivetrain – we haven’t the time to pedal them for that long ourselves! Due to the extra time involced, we charge extra for this test.
Zwift test
If you’ve been struggling with specific issues on everyone’s favourite computer game, we will happily test your trainer on this platform before returning it to you.
We may well test it on the Hilly Loop to check that the trainer is giving a “realistic” feedback. i.e. the resistance goes up as the gradient rises and the speed drops accordingly.
If you’re having Zwift specific issues, please do a lap of the Hilly Loop and share the ride with us so we have data to work with from the start.
Smart Trainer Service Centre is a trading name of Bomber Bikeworks Ltd.