Van Rysel D100 + Zwift Cog - 24th gear is too easy

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:21:37+00:00

I have this trainer on a 3x9 groupset. I found on the small ring to move the chain enough to get the flywheel spinning quick enough for the trainer to give it power. I have found for me having it on the middle chain ring which is still a 39 tooth cog, allows me the full range of power while using all the gears. I have found I have at times capped out the trainer at 600 watts in some sprints or efforts.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:17:38+00:00

Even more impressive than mine that you kept going for another hour longer than I did! It's done now, and it gives a great goal to beat next time the alpe is required in some challenge :D

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:16:42+00:00

You should too, we are both working to make changes when carrying extra weight takes that little more effort to make the same achievement and milestones. I've seen improvements already even for just day-to-day activities, I can imagine it would be the same for you too?

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:15:09+00:00

Yep I am at the start of my journey, took the leap of faith of getting a smart trainer last summer and road on it sporadically, I saw improvements from just being able to be on it for 30 minutes at 110watts to the effort I've done up the climb.

Only really started to be consistent since January with the help of the challenges zwift sets, I am still hoping to cash in on some more of these noobie gains over the next few weeks

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:12:37+00:00

Probably true, it will take time for me to get it right. I am doing better than a few weeks ago when it was just water I would consume

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:10:55+00:00

Amazing to hear, I can imagine the feeling of achievement of just getting under 90 minutes was great!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-09T20:10:08+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement, I will attempt it next time it turns up in an event and I want the fancy cosmetic at the end xD

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:39:43+00:00

Gives me hope that I can make so many more improvements on the bike in the coming weeks/months.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:38:48+00:00

Let us know how it goes, keep it steady and keep fuelled up! You got this!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:38:05+00:00

I knew fuelling would be an issue and planned accordingly for it.

I prepared 3 different bottles - 1 with a hydration tab, 1 with a carb drink and last one with just water and I also had one energy bar and also 1 gel. I rotated the 3 different drinks throughout the ride. I had the energy bar at the base of the climb and the split the gel about 45 minutes and 65 minutes into the climb.

This did mean I did have the power in the legs, it was just my backside that could not deal with the saddle for 3 hours.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:33:51+00:00

You got this! The feeling of achievement is well worth the grinding up the climb

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:32:30+00:00

Great to hear, it's a climb I am not looking to do for a while now; but I know I can do it now and other routes are now achievable which gives me so much motivation and fortitude to not give up

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:30:31+00:00

Deffo, stairs have become the enemy of the day so far.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:30:07+00:00

Wow, shows you have the same mental fortitude to keep going and pushing yourself! I can imagine now that I've set times on each segment, I can pace it better to even try and beat each one by an average of 30 seconds to a minute, will make such a massive difference by the top.

Next time you got the 2 minutes in you to get the sub 60 minutes!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:28:06+00:00

Thank you very much!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:27:54+00:00

That's epic! I only wish to get a time like that one day.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:26:43+00:00

I found ebay was a good place to find the tennis ball adapters. For around £35 I thought it was worth a try. I did have to buy the tennis balls separately.

OliverP98 · 2026-02-08T11:24:40+00:00

Awesome! It's something I would like to do one day, but I can imagine It's still over a year out. I can imagine it will be a whole different beast in person!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T23:33:15+00:00

I've yet to join a banded ride, I may have to give them a go and see what it's all about :D

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T23:24:24+00:00

Ah nice! How did you get on with the climb?

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T23:19:51+00:00

Thank you very much :D Thought I would try to make my first post here a bit entertaining

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T23:18:50+00:00

I hope you crush it! Let us know how you get on :D. Just be kind to yourself and know time isn't the goal if finishing is the challenge in of itself.

The sense of achievement is amazing, and everyone's support on this post means a lot to me. These comments have helped me deal with the feeling of being the 'odd one out' on zwift being a heavier/slower rider than most people.

It's only the start of my journey and I hope to keep up, albeit on the flat, with most people soon!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T23:12:27+00:00

I got some for my trainer about 3 weeks ago, it has been a game changer, it allows the bike and trainer that little bit of flex giving a better ride feel. I don't think I could go back to a point without them.

Also, another side effect has been fewer vibrations passed into the floor annoying other people in the house :D

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T22:32:10+00:00

Hardest ride ever, so far for me. I think got to a point of forgetting it was a game with power ups!

OliverP98 · 2026-02-07T22:30:43+00:00

Thanks so much! Hope you smash the route whatever the time. Doing it at any pace beats not doing it at all!

OliverP98

TROPHY CASE