Time of year (combined with broken arm) means I need to get onto the turbo - last winter i used Sufferfest videos which were OK but it seems like there are lots of virtual options now which allow you to ride against real people, without a massive outlay to get power meters and suchlike.
Trouble is I'm a bit bewildered by what is possible and what I need to do to make it work - and the obvious websites don't make it obvious to me at least.
Guess what i'd like is the ability to have some structure to training and virtually ride against other people through the computer to get some sort of interaction. Don't mind spending some money to get going but don't want to spend a fortune, at least at the outset! I have a Cycle Ops turbo already.
Can anyone offer some advice or point me to a good introduction to virtual training?
Thanks
Trainer road and sufferfest + Zwift
Zwift lets you join group rides, text etc. All have structured training options
You don't need power meters they all have virtual power estimates which are good enough
Zwift has a group ride calendar
Cheers, I Assume I need some way of communicating my speed to the software so I need to buy some hardware - some sort of Bluetooth speed sensor or suchlike?
Firstly you need to check the Trainerroad and/or Zwift sites to check they support your specific model of Trainer. assuming that it isn't a "smart" trainer you will then need an Ant+ speed and cadence sensor and an Ant+ USB stick (there's a really good cheap one on Amazon that I've been using for over a year) I'd also recommend a USB extension lead as it gives a stronger signal if it's within a few inches of the sensors. Trainerroad now runs on android and iPad as well as on a computer but Zwift is not yet on android.
Edit: I bought this - http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/elite-speed-and-cadence-sensor-ant-for-turbo-muin/#pid=24043
Thanks a lot!
No problem. it's a bit confusing to say the least. fwiw I started on Zwift and have been happy with it for the past 12 months but I'm going to give trainerroad a go this winter. Only done a few sessions so far but it seems much more focused and detailed than Zwift. The beauty is, you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Half hour plan:
Turn on BBC television or Radio 4.
Pedal normally for five minutes.
Then, sprint as hard as you can everytime Susan Calman mentions her cats.
Obviously,it takes a while to get strong enough to finish the full 30 minutes....
Think I understand it all now, getting set up and gonna start with zwift.
Found this quite useful
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HoPfe3uragw
Thanks for the help