Rider Glossary
If you are a new biker, this part is good to read before setting up your equipment. This also helps explain the meanings of commonly used terms and phrases in the Rider app.
Last updated
If you are a new biker, this part is good to read before setting up your equipment. This also helps explain the meanings of commonly used terms and phrases in the Rider app.
Last updated
Base Resistance
“Base Resistance” is a level of resistance that allows you to keep yourself stable on the saddle and riding safely. Most trainers will be comfortable with a base resistance between 10 and 20. If you find it difficult to pedal at this level, then lower the number. If it does not give you enough resistance on the “flat ground”, then increase the resistance.
It’s worth noting that with too much resistance you may overwork your muscles and not be able to maintain proper positioning, which can increase your risk of injury during your ride.
Any hills that you will climb will add extra resistance to the base resistance if Smart Resistance is active.
Bike Brakes
There are several kinds of bike brakes but nowadays you usually find either rim brakes or disc brakes on most bikes.
Rim Brakes:
Rim brakes stop the bike by squeezing two opposing brake pads against the rim of the bike wheel. The brake mechanisms are mounted on the frame somewhere near the upper part of the wheels, often near the top of the fork for the front brake and at the top of the seat stays for the rear brake.
The front rim brake:
Disc brakes
Disc brakes sit at the center of each wheel and stop the bike by squeezing a brake pad against a rotor mounted around the hub.
BLE
Stands for "Bluetooth Low Energy” (also "Bluetooth LE"/”Bluetooth Smart), is a variation of the Bluetooth wireless standard designed for low power consumption. BLE was developed for applications used with wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, smart home appliances, and proximity sensors.
Cadence
“Cadence” is the number of rounds a cyclist takes per minute (RPM). When you ride, the sensor will measure your cadence and show how fast you are pedaling. For example, the below screenshot displays 45 RPM, which means you ride 45 rounds per minute. This number also lets the players know that the cadence sensor is connected and it is working. If no number shows, that means it can not read the sensor. The cadence sensor connection is optional.
Aim to maintain a cadence of 80 to 100 RPMs on “flat ground” (low to moderate resistance) and 60 to 80 RPMs on “hills” (moderate to high resistance). If you find yourself struggling to maintain 60 RPMs, decrease the resistance.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the capacity for two or many devices to work together without having to be altered. One example of compatibility is when a printer works with your computer hardware.
Connect
Connect means connect to sensors: Power, Speed, Heart or Resist(ance), Cadence. If you don’t connect the requested sensors, you still will be able to go into the game but you will not be able to move.
Connect Past Sensors
“Connect Past Sensors” means connect again all sensors you connected in the previous session. You can choose to turn it on or off.
Control Settings
"Control Settings" is used to connect to sensors. It displays what you are currently connected to and any output that it might be providing the game. This menu can be accessed from inside the game as well in case the player is having trouble moving their rider.
Disconnect
“Disconnect” is used when you want to disconnect from the current connected sensors.
Disconnect all
“Disconnect all” means you would like to disconnect all connected sensors.
Display Settings (Graphic Settings)
"Graphics Settings" control the display resolution and the visual quality of the graphics in the game. If the player is having trouble running the game smoothly, then it is suggested to reduce the resolution and quality settings to low, then slowly bring them up until the game runs smoothly and also looks the best on their computer/device.
Here is the screenshot of Display Settings when playing the game on PC/laptop.
Forget All
“Forget All” means all connected sensors in the past will be forgotten.
FTMS
Stand for Fitness Machine Service protocol. This is a standard protocol that many new gym bikes and smart trainers now use to broadcast their sensor data, such as resistance, power, speed and cadence.
Heart Rate
“Heart Rate” is the average maximum number of times your heart should beat per minute during exercise. When you ride, the sensor will measure your heart rate and the number will appear on the screen. For example, the below screenshot displays the heart rate as 74, that means your current heart rate is 74 beats per minute. This number also lets the player know that the heart rate sensor is connected and it is working. If no number shows, that means it can not read the sensor. The heart rate sensor connection is optional.
Power
“Power” is the most accurate way to play Dustland Rider. The Power of your foot into the pedal determines your speed when the current terrain grade and air/wind resistance are considered.
When you ride, the sensor measures your power and your number will appear. For example, the below screenshot displays the player power as 35. This number also lets the player know that the power sensor is connected and it is working. If no number shows, that means it cannot read the sensor. Please note that a Power sensor is required to connect for you to move in the game.
Resistance
“Resistance” is an opposing or slowing force. Resistance makes it more difficult to move in the direction you want to go. For example, when cycling up a hill, gravity resists you from moving up (climbing) easily. Similarly, when pedaling into a strong head wind, the wind slows down your forward momentum.
Smart Resistance
“Smart Resistance” is one of the features of smart trainers. Smart trainers generate electronic resistance to the rider with a flywheel, magnetic force, or motorized resistance, depending on the model.
Note: Dustland Rider allows you to change your Base Resistance at the Control Settings Menu.
Click on CONTROL, then drag the mouse to the Base Resistance level you want.
Test the resistance and revise until you feel comfortable.
You also can turn on or turn off the Smart Resistance here.
Trainer
A trainer is a device that holds your bike in place while you’re using indoor cycling apps. With Dustland Rider, you can ride with both Smart Trainers and Traditional Trainers. Click here to refer to how to set up a Traditional Trainer with a Power and Speed Sensor.
Smart Trainer
A smart trainer is a tool you mount your bike on that offers resistance like a normal trainer. It connects with indoor cycling apps to control resistance and replicate hills, headwinds and drafting effects inside virtual worlds. Smart Trainers include:
Wheel-on Trainer
Wheel-on trainers have the full bike connected to the trainer (including the rear wheel) and tightened against the trainer roller, which provides the resistance.
Direct Drive Trainer
With a direct drive trainer, the rear wheel is removed and the trainer takes its place. The bike attaches directly to the trainer at the rear dropouts and the bike's chain drives a cassette that is connected to the trainer.
You can watch these videos to learn more about these trainers.
Beginner guide to turbo trainers
Sensor
Sensors used in Dustland Rider might include Power Sensor, Speed Sensor, Heart Rate Sensor and Cadence Sensor.
Power Sensor or Speed Sensor: You just need one or the other, Power or Speed. And it must be connected to play. You also can use Power Meter as a preferred option to replace Power Sensor. Power Meter should come with a smart trainer if you have one.
Heart Rate Sensor and Cadence Sensor: optional.
Speed
“Speed” is the ability to move the Rider in one direction. When you ride, the sensor will measure your speed and the number will appear. For example, the below screenshot displays the player speed as 107, or 107 km/h. This number also lets the players know that the speed sensor is connected and it is working. If no number shows, that means it can not read the sensor. Please note that a Speed sensor is required to connect for you to move in the game.
SFX
Stands for "Sound Effect”
Sound Settings
"Sound Settings" control the SFX and music. They can also be put on mute. If there is no sound in the game and these settings are on then players should check their computer settings.
Wahoo Service
Wahoo Service is a debugging option. Where many Trainers transmit data via FTMS, Wahoo has its own protocol for transmitting resistance and power data between the trainer and the game. By default these options are on, because if your trainer supports this protocol then DLR will prioritize this service. Some trainer brands offer both Wahoo and other services. If you are having issues receiving power or resistance data, try to adjust these options to see if it solves your problem.
