From the scientific area to practical application: this is a short step in the science of cycling. Among the new tools to support scientific research applied to cycling, we can certainly include our JARVIS bike trainer, more than an easy bike trainer. Our idea of “roller”, in fact, has always been to create a real scientific laboratory that would allow us to range from personalized workout to research. In this regard, the use of JARVIS bike trainer in recent years by various Italian university research groups is not new. The latest work in chronological order is the one that published a few days ago in the latest issue of The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR), by a research group that involved the University of Brescia, EURAC Research center (Bolzano), Marathon Sport & Medical Center (Brescia) and San Raffaele Telematic University (Rome).

Starting from the prerequisite that performance in long-lasting cycling races can be evaluated with several laboratory-derived and field-derived parameters, the study “Functional Threshold Power Field Test Exceeds Laboratory Performance in Junior Road Cyclists” compared the results of the functional threshold power (FTP) performed in a laboratory setting (indoor) with those outdoor, taking as a reference a group of young road cyclists with an average age of 17 years.

The use of JARVIS bike trainer in the evaluation of the physiological parameters of the study at issue

A junior road cycling team performed an indoor incremental test on MagneticDays JARVIS bike trainers for the determination of P_4mM and the maximal aerobic power (MAP) (metabolic, VO2peak and mechanical, MAP), 4 indoor constant-power trials to estimate CP (critical power) and W′ (curvature constant), and an outdoor 20-minute TT performed in an outdoor uphill road (with an average gradient of 6.7%) to calculate FTP. All tests were conducted at least 24 hours apart and concluded within 15 days.

Despite its widespread use in professional and amateur cyclists, there is incomplete agreement on the relationships between FTP and traditional exercise intensity boundaries. This study was one of the few assessing FTP in field conditions, as well as the very first to involve junior road cyclists and a substantial uphill grade.

 

The results of the study explained by the MD Coach Luca Bianchini

The MD Coach Luca Bianchini explains the results of this scientific work: “This study shows that the power measured in the laboratory and outdoor are different. In percentage terms we are talking about a difference of around 14% in power. As reported in the paper, the environmental factors have the greatest impact on the comparison of indoor and outdoor tests. The reason why we prefer to do the tests indoor is because there are fewer disturbing factors during the execution. In outdoor – continues Coach Bianchini – each day is different from the next, not so much for the route, but for the environmental conditions (e.g. temperature and humidity) beacuse in indoor these conditions are more stable. The reason why we test in the laboratory is because there are only the individual variables to modify the result of the test, thus excluding many other variables that influence the result”.

The MagneticDays Coaches always consider these variables and with the use of JARVIS bike trainer we are able to limit them even more. We are talking about an instrument that guarantees us the same measurement over time. Furthermore, always using the same protocol, the data comparison has a very high accuracy and reliability. We don’t expect that every cyclist have a room/laboratory dedicated to JARVIS bike trainer (although that would be nice), but with these precautions we can monitor the athlete’s condition by excluding the most influential variables. Obviously, we must also have at our disposal the outdoor parameters, in order to fully understand the characteristics of the athlete through the analysis of outdoor workouts. For example, asking the athlete to ride on his favorite climb as hard as he can. In this way, thanks to the scientific literature supporting the experience, we are able to compare the athlete’s performance conditions.

In my personal opinion, the continuous interaction between experience and science, coach and athlete, company and market, allows to JARVIS bike trainer to evolve in a potentially infinite way, as well as the training methodology to be increasingly personalized and, above all, a continuous improvement of our athletes”.

Created to meet the demands of the many biomechanics asking for a dedicated product, the biomechanics CALIPER for cycling is the latest jewel from MagneticDays. Once again, as for the JARVIS smart trainer, the mechanics workshops of Foiano della Chiana gave life to a new instrument that quickly and accurately measures all the parameters of the bicycle frame: saddle height (H1), saddle setback (L1), handlebar height (H2), handlebar reach (stem adjustment) (L2), seat tube lenght (A1) and rider compartment (cockpit) (A2).

The biomechanics caliper for cycling is part of the new Biomechanics line by MagneticDays, and is available in total black on the MD online shop. Biomechanics who use the MD caliper can count on the dedicated MD Caliper App available for iOS / Android and web calculation tools that allow you to quickly and easily obtain the main biomechanical parameters, and generate a measurement report. To complete the package of the Biomechanics line you will find the branded mat and the roll-bar.

The first goal of MagneticDays is to constantly develop a high quality methodology of training for a great outdoor cycling experience. So, we are happy to introduce FORZA PURA, the new concept of pedal cranks for a new cycling experience.

Forza Pura pedal cranks can be used in a totally “independent way” from the bottom bracket. What does it mean? Independent means one leg cannot help the other in making the pedals go around and in order to pedal the bike one cannot simply relax on the back stroke but must actively raise the pedal using your hip flexor and hamstring muscles, generally undertrained muscles in most athletes. Forza Pura are very easy to use, in indoor and outdoor, and are be able to improve significantly all the phases of the pedal cycle, preventing many of the injuries that occur from a wrong way to pedal with more benefits in terms of effort reduction. Forza Pura is a mix of technology and innovation at the service of a large list of sports activities: cycling, triathlon, mtbiking, cyclo-cross, running, swimming, walking and cycle tourism.

Forza Pura pedal cranks represents a real evolution in terms of pedal efficiency and technique, because all the muscle groups are involved in the pedal cycle and specifically trained. With Forza Pura we’ve redesigned the concept and features of the classic pedal cranks with the goal to give you a new and reliable cycling outdoor experience.

FORZA PURA pedal cranks: technical and innovative features, and precision mechanics

Technical and innovative features, and precision mechanics are the core of FORZA PURA pedal cranks, that are obtained from a slab of aluminum 70/75 t6 (500x500x35mm), normally used for aerospace, military, and automotive applications. 70/75 t6 is the strongest aluminum, with the strength of many steels, while retaining aluminum’s lightweight qualities and corrosion resistance. Both sides are worked with the high precision CNC (computer numerical control) turning process in a first time, and with anoziding process in a second time (essential to ensure the high quality to the product). The last stage is represented by the “handmade assembly” of all the mechanical components of Forza Pura. The strong points of FORZA PURA pedal cranks are:

1) 100% compatibility with any frame and bottom brackets

2) three lenghts: 170 mm, 172,5 mm or 175 mm;

3) the innovative lock/unlock Fast&Easy system that allows to release each crank from the bottom bracket by a little lever, switching from lock to unlock modality quickly and in complete safety.

 

Use of FORZA PURA pedal cranks in the sports activities

Forza Pura pedal cranks can be used in every sport or rehab need puts different demands on the person and every person is different in goals, needs, and genetic make-up. Regarding the benefits Forza Pura might offer you an improvement of running/cycling /speed/power and increase of VO2max, and a reduction of risk of injury in the athlete. Many sports activities, beyond the obvious cycling, running, triathlon can benefit from Forza Pura pedal cranks. It simply requires using the product to train the weaknesses of the athlete for the demands of the sport that the product can address: for example, winter sports, strenght, throwing, speed, swimming and gym. Even some non-athletic needs can be enhanced: for example, the reducing fall risk in the elderly, enhancing the weight loss potential of exercise, and maximizing the abilities of those with cerebral palsy. How long does it take to see benefit? It depends upon your current level and weaknesses. Technique improvement does not come easily and everyone is different. However, most new users are reporting they are starting to see running improvement starting in about 2 weeks. Cycling improvement usually takes a little longer but most are starting to see improvement in about 4-6 weeks. Take a look to the SPECIAL PROMO that we have thought for you!

In this historic moment, with the world pandemic and all the associated limitations, many people are dedicating more time to indoor cycling. Sports help you fill your days, strengthen your body and your mind, optimize your time and keep yourself in good health. However, some people are beginning to show signs of impatience with the restrictions, and this impatience also turns into a hyperkinesia (an increase in muscular activity that can result in excessive normal or abnormal movements) in terms of training. It is known that sport is addictive and doing without it for a long period of time causes side effects comparable to the ones due to abstinence from substances such as tobacco. The healthy remedy, therefore, is to continue to practice sports, without “overreaching”. Overreaching is what scientists define as an “accumulation of stimuli, whether from training or not, which results in a short-term decrease in performance, with or without signs or related symptoms (physiological or psychological) of a poor adaptation, and where the recovery of performance can take several days or weeks.”

 

MagneticDays Coach Luca Bianchini offers us an interesting food for thought: “If in a normal day physical activity covers a part of the time, in this particular period in history the percentage of that time increases. The risks produced by an increase in physical activity at home are sometimes unpleasant. The intensity of indoor cycling is certainly greater than the outdoor one and this implies longer recovery times. Excessive sweating leads to a state of chronic dehydration that must necessarily be compensated for. The return to homeostasis is sometimes longer than normal. The first discomforts that are being observed due to the increase in physical activity are latent – continues Coach Bianchini – but they do not go unnoticed to a careful eye. If we used to train 3 or 4 times a week, now we train 7 days a week. Our body is not used to keeping up this rhythm and responds with fatigue. The first organ to give us a signal of this state is the heart. Heart rate struggles to drop adequately during the recovery phase, and stays high even during rest. In maximal efforts, then, it struggles to reach the usual peaks. This is where the use of a valuable tool comes into play: a heart rate monitor. The more advanced ones also provide cardiac variability, data that allows you to evaluate actual recovery. If paying attention to these tools is sometimes underestimated, the lack of serotonin can be stronger stimulant than common sense. If proper attention is not provided to recovery, many people will suffer from chronic overexertion at the end of this period. And this state is the prelude to overtraining, which is a real pathology.“

How to avoid overreaching

Expanding on what Coach Luca Bianchini just talked about, how can you avoid overreaching? And what are the recommended practices? “First of all – continues Coach Bianchini – the variety of training loads: at each high-intensity workout it is necessary to alternate two recovery workouts, in which the heart rate or the reference watts remain under the indications of zone 2 or below 70% of the heart rate threshold. Furthermore, drinking more water than usual, not all at once, but increasing the consumption by at least half a liter (even a liter) throughout the day, is recommended. The body needs water, not only during the indoor cycling session, but also immediately after, and it is even better to add a soluble preparation of salts (magnesium and potassium) and essential amino acids. It is also advisable to take the same supplements right before bedtime, to prevent the onset of nocturnal cramps. It might seem obvious and outdated, but I feel the need to reiterate a concept that I really care about: it is precisely during rest that improvements occur, not during training. Recovery is just as important as training, if not more. Following the instructions of a coach is essential to ensure the correct management of training during the week. If we want to reach the competitive season in the best shape possible, we need to use our head, not only our legs.”

MagneticDays gives you the chance to live and cycle All the top climbs of the world, the most epic cycling routes narrated by Riccardo Barlaam of Il Sole 24 ORE Italian journal and published by Ediciclo Editore. Choose your favorite climb (free order), upload the route (.tcx or .gpx files) on your account, and live the emotion to cycle on top! More infos on shop!

It has to be said: MagneticDays is more than a smart trainer!

After having developed the first Indoor Training System based on scientific approach (which is improved and increasingly accurate with the rapid progress of technology), we are happy to introduce the new release (2.1.1) of MD WiFi App (available for iOS and Android) that allows to satisfy the playful aspect of Indoor Cycling also, improving a unique offer from a technical and qualitative point of view (HTT Methodology) and mixing our high quality workouts with fun.

This release offers to all of users/athletes the real possibility to “replicate the effort” (Watt) required in a specific part of any cycle route. The necessary Data needed for work costantly into the “Phisical formula” (that calculates the effort) are: Rider and Bicycle Weight, Cogset, Cassette and Wheel Circumference. These values must be insert in the section named Settings – My Account of MD WiFi App, before to start the workout.

Virtual Gear by MagneticDays

Here’s a focus on 2 important values of the Virtual Gear.

Rider and Bicycle Weight ? This value is different from that used for HTT and it’s not important for the purposes of HTT Methodology, but all the users/athletes can be change this value as they like, pedalling in different physical conditions compared to the current one and imagining how the sensations and efforts would be different in terms of Weight.

Personalization of Cogset and Cassette ? All the users/athletes will can choose their favorite virtual gear ratio selecting the buttons +/- for chainring (to the left) and cog (to the right), the real innovation of the release. It will also possible to control the virtual gear throught the dual optical remote control.

This amazing innovation (the first in the world of Indoor Cycling) allows to the JARVIS System to have at disposal the right Data in order to supply the exact physiological response (in terms of Watt) to the technical gesture conducted by the user/athlete in real time. Furthermore, it is also possible to set the value of Slope (%) of the route/workout (RED for climb and GREEN for downhill).

Zwift Compatibility

Zwift is a massively multiplayer online cycling and running game and training program that enables users to interact, train and compete in a virtual world. With the new release 2.1.1 of MD WiFi App, MagneticDays becomes the first Indoor Training System able to mix a high quality workout with fun. JARVIS System already communicate directly with Zwift, and from today the connection is in a new way if Track Resistance mode is on. The best condition is that to use Zwift with your PC (JARVIS have the ANT+ aerial for PC as standard equipment) and the MD WiFi App installed on your tablet or smartphone.

And last but not least, the possibility to “ride” on JARVIS System the most famous cycle route in the world (or your personal cycle route) as .tcx or .gpx file imported on own personal profile of our Website www.magneticdays.com. These cycle routes will be available to the MD users/athletes in the near future and published on our Website (section named Self Managed Workouts and Routes) where are already available a few cycle routes (free download). The Virtual Gear Handbook MD WiFi App 2.1.1 is available as .pdf file here.

In the last article about the MagneticDays Training Philosophy we have talked about how to increase Bike Power (the great innovation about our Indoor Training System) working with the two fundamental components of “Power data”: RPM (Revolution Per Minute) and Force (Newton Per Meters), and how it is absolutely necessary to determine the specific physiological values for each athlete before to write a custom built training.

The HTT Methodology represent the most scientific built training programs that are currently possible and it starts with the incremental exercise test. Everything is based on a first briefing session with a MD Coach, where the user/client defines own goals. Second step is the start of evaluation of athletic training form in order to understand the real physiological parameters of the user/athlete. Third step is represented by the first 6 built training programs (duration: 60 minutes for each) that are different from each other. The last part of these programs includes additional parameters that allow to create next workouts.

Generally, the last part of workout No 6 is represented by a test that allows to understand the efficacy of the previous workouts and their effects on physiological values of the athlete, giving informations (and new data) to MD Coach in order to write new built (and calibrated) training programs.

Incremental Test is the first approach with MagneticDays

Our incremental test protocol (made in collaboration with a few Italian Universities) starts from a value in the amount of 50% of own reference value. MD System improves the Power of 1 Watt per 6 seconds with RPM free. This test ends when the user/athlete has reached maximum effort and therefore cannot proceed further with the test.

The first evaluation by MagneticDays is to observe the natural cadence for each user/athlete. What does it mean? The first important thing for us is to know the natural cycling cadence, in order to optimize the pedalling technique and efficiency for each user/athlete. For this reason, this protocol represent the right compromise between accuracy and execution times. Another right protocol (even more accurate than this) is represented by 1 Watt per 8 seconds, but the execution times are too long.

The incremental test protocol gives exact data on:

• Watt produced by user/athlete at Threshold
• Physiological features on the basis of the natural balance between RPM and Newton
• Average RPM produced by user/athlete from a value in the amount of 50% of own reference value up to the Threshold and over
• Average RPM at over the Threshold

As already mentioned above, the last part of workout No 6 is represented by this test that allows to understand the efficacy of the previous workouts and their effects on physiological values of the athlete, giving informations (and new data) to MD Coach in order to write new built (and calibrated) training programs. But this test is totally different if compared to the last part of workout No 12 (sustainable power) if the user/client chooses to continue with the HTT Methodology.

Having at disposal more data about the user/athlete, the MD Coach will set a typology of workout named “Time Trial Distance” (more fun than classic Time Trial) with a duration of 30 minutes.

Incremental test is more accurate with MagneticDays

With our Indoor Training System we can always refer to the same state (measuring all the parameters that we need to know) having always the same benchmark, a work condition that is impossible to reproduce outdoor where everything is constantly changing (read more here). One of the advantages of our System is to have at disposal a “high precision virtual gear” (buttons control for PC or */- signs for App WiFi) that allows to make changes in terms of 0,5 Newton to find the best effort during the test (0,5 Newton at 80 RPM are equal to 4 watt). So this virtual gear is 10 time more accuracy than a classic gear, where the change of one of the gear’s teeth is equal to a variation of 40 Watt with a consequent low quality in terms of determination of the exact “physiological cycling cadence” of the user/athlete. From the average between Newton and RPM, the MD Coach can observe the right data to set the next test named “Time Trial Newton”.. but we will talk about this in the next article! 😉

Physics and evolution of cycling simulator were the key concepts of the introduction of MagneticDays Training Philosophy. With this third article, you can start to understand the great innovation about our indoor training system. Considering that we have at disposal the Jarvis indoor training system (an instrument with high accuracy and precision), we can always refer to the same state having always the same benchmark, a work condition that is impossible to reproduce outdoor where everything is constantly changing.

How to increase Bike Power – introduction

Having the right data at our disposal (always the same and measurable), the new challenge by MagneticDays was to separate the “Power data” in its two fundamental components: RPM (Revolution Per Minute) and Force (Newton Per Meters). What is the Power? In physics, power is the rate of doing work, the amount of energy transferred per unit time. In the International System of Units, the unit of power is the joule per second (J/s), known as the Watt (W). When an object’s velocity is held constant at one meter per second against a constant opposing force of one newton, the rate at which work is done is 1 watt.

The force applied to the pedal in our Indoor Cycling System (originated from the magnetic brake) includes all the forces that we can perceive outdoor like wind, friction, dynamic resistance and all those factors that can change continuosly “forcing” body to adapt itself over and over again in order to find the optimal balance. Considering that Jarvis is not an ordinary smart trainer but a scientific and cycling lab where is possible to work entirely on the body of each athlete, we can control the physiological respones to training going to control the factors affecting Power.

How to increase Bike Power

In the first article about our Training Philosophy, we had explained how using either the MagneticDays or any other Indoor Training System that use a resistance produced by permanent magnets (taking advantage from the Lorentz force) or dynamic resistance (produced by brakes), we are always in a phiysical condition of “flat terrain in the absence of wind.” Considering this “Physical state”, the scientific literature suggests how the best cycling cadence to optimize the pedalling technique and efficiency is at approximately 90 RPM. For example: Mario, Eric and Luke are three guys and athletes who have apparently the same perfomance::

Mario: 250 Watt (threshold heart rate) originated from 30 Newton and 80 RPM

Eric: 250 Watt (threshold heart rate) originated from 23 Netwon and 96 RPM

Luke: 250 Watt (threshold heart rate) originated from 27 Newton and 88 RPM

This situation represent three levels of Power exactly the same but determinated by three completely different feautures. Supposing that the values of thresold heart rate and RPM (for each athlete in training) are 250 Watt and 88 RPM, the specific training for Mario, Eric and Luke is Agility, Strenght and Neutral respectively.

Through our analysis we can confirm that we can help “Mario” to improve his cadence naturally cycling at 85 RPM (starting from a value of 80 RPM) and improving his threshold heart rate from 250 to 265 Watt (if force is equal, 1 RPM is equal to 3 Watt). Among other things, Mario represents (as physiological features) more than 80% of not professional cyclists.

With this example we want to explain two important things:

1. Before to write a custom built training, is absolutely necessary to determine the specific physiological values for each athlete;
2. Having at disposal a scientific instrument as MagneticDays, is possible to work finely on specific parameters as Watt, Newton and RPM, influencing the physical characteristics of the athletes.

Let’s go back to talking about the MagneticDays training philosophy in this second article on blog. A few days ago we introduced the first topic about what was the physical environment in which we could to be able to work with our indoor training system born as MD425 (as a first step) and subsequently evolved in Jarvis. Considering that using either the MagneticDays or any other Indoor Training System that use a resistance produced by permanent magnets (taking advantage from the Lorentz force) or dynamic resistance (produced by brakes), we are always in a phiysical condition of “flat terrain in the absence of wind” (this situation represent our work area), we have had the intuition to transform this training system into a true “cycling lab” with which improve the physical and mental wellness and cycling performance for each user. There was an evolution of the concept of cycling simulator as it was known until a few years ago, considering that this concept did not improved the quality of training from the physical point of view.

Having said this, even if our work area is always that of “flat terrain in the absence of wind”, is also true that we have at disposal the Jarvis indoor training system (an instrument with high accuracy and precision), then we can always refer to the same state (measuring all the parameters that we need to know) having always the same benchmark, a work condition that is impossible to reproduce outdoor where everything is constantly changing.

Our indoor training phylosophy was born from this new concept, in order to change the classic vision of smart trainer into a training system with an high levels of performance. From cycling simulator to cycling lab where is possible to work entirely on the body of each athlete, having at our disposal all his reference parameters that are clear and measurable by a scientific approach. All of this clearly represents a new range of action and test in the cycling world, where a scientific approach (applied to a reliable system) represents a new start point in the indoor training field.

How is born the MagneticDays training philosophy? It all started five years ago when we wanted to understand in more depth what was the physical environment in which we could to be able to work with our indoor training system, also thanks to the help of the considerations made in collaboration with a physicist of the University of Pisa (Tuscany). One of the first things we have determined (by physical formula) is that using either the MagneticDays or any other Indoor Training System that use a resistance produced by permanent magnets (taking advantage from the Lorentz force) or dynamic resistance (produced by brakes), we are always in a phiysical condition of “flat terrain in the absence of wind.”

Whats does it mean? The physiological responses of those who pedal on these systems are equal to a flat terrain condition in the absence of wind. So, when it comes to climb or downhill simulation (or anything else), it’s not true.

On the road, in a flat terrain condition in the absence of wind (like MagneticDays) and independently from the others measurable values, the key factor that determines the dynamic resistance is given by v² (dynamic resistance is proportional to velocity squared). What then arose in practice is that with the use of our magnetic braking system we are able to reproduce the condition of air resistance.

Instead, when you cycle uphill the gravity affects for v, therefore the total value of dynamic resistance (in the physical formula) must include the condition v² + v, a physical enviroment that is not repeatable in an indoor training situation with these typology of these smart trainers (that consider only v²).

Why this introduction? Because we want to tell you about the evolution of a product that has found its complete growth during these first five years, through reproducible results that were tested by all those who (pro athletes and amateurs of triathlon, cycling, mountain biking and handbike) have chosen MagneticDays for their physical and mental wellness! 😉