What is ERG Mode Training?

Power workouts engage a feature of Tacx® smart trainers called ERG mode. ERG is short for ergometer. ERG mode is when your trainer automatically selects the resistance to keep you on a specific target power level, regardless of your speed and cadence. This means when your cadence changes, the trainer automatically adjusts to apply more or less resistance to keep your power output constant. For example, if you set a Power workout to 200 watts, your trainer automatically reacts and will deliver more resistance at a low cadence and less resistance at a high cadence to keep your power right around 200 watts.

Power workouts performed in the Tacx Training™ app or Tacx Training™ Desktop app are using ERG mode. When you select a Power workout, you will choose a watt setpoint that will keep you on a specific power value to provide resistance.

Below are some best practices when performing a Power workout:

• Focus on your cadence rather than power. Work to maintain your desired cadence and keep it steady.

• Avoid too many quick changes in cadence. There is a small delay in the resistance set by your trainer when your cadence changes. Many quick cadence changes will be nearly impossible for your smart trainer to keep up with.

• Try to keep your cadence up. Lower cadence increases your force per pedal stroke and will increase the strain on your muscles.

• Be sure your FTP (Functional Threshold Power) value is up-to-date in the training app you are using.

• Wheel-on trainers require you to increase your speed to hold higher wattage output. You will want to use the smaller cogs of your rear cassette to accomplish this.

• When performing an ERG workout (Power workout) using a Tacx app, it is recommended to use one of the middle cogs in the cassette and stay in that gear throughout the workout without shifting. Shifting during an ERG workout will cause the trainer to have to adjust and will result in inconsistent resistance.