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Here are my great in depth reviews. I am quite fat and quite unfit. I plan to use the trainer over the winter to keep my legs spinning and hopefully maintain fitness and lose some weight. This is unlikely to result in a structured training plan but we will see. At the moment I am seeing what is about that has a free trial I can use.
Me : Over 50, over 250lb
Bike : Old 1x9 hardtail MTB
Trainer : Kickr Snap
Zwift - Lots of people use it but appears to have 10 year old graphics and not a great user interface. Didn't seem that much different to a dumb trainer but I guess riding with others would change that. Seemed dull if riding alone like I prefer.
RGT - Better graphics than Zwift but still poor computer animation. Apparently I was riding real courses but it wasn't obvious. Given the graphics and info shown wasn't that much different to Zwift I couldn't really see the benefits other than there are 4 free tracks.
Rouvy - Real video with a computer picture of a bike in the middle. I much preferred the info graphics with the profile and progress for the entire ride across the bottom of the screen and more localised info in the top corner. Only one of the three that persuaded me to try a 16 mile route rather than just the shortest.
I will probably try a few more apps as the free trials run out. Let me know if you want more detail, more detailed reviews or a particular app reviewed.
Appropriate Trainerroad plan and a series of trashy action movies on another screen is my fave.
With Zwift is all about the racing/community element. That's what makes it so popular.
Though far from cutting edge the gfx at 4k are pretty good in my opinion on a pc. I don't think they are certain of its scaling ability so tend to keep the gfx toned down so those with less powerful systems can still use it. Gfx on android/ Apple TV are significantly worse from what I've seen. What system you using op? I've ridden alone on Zwift a fair amount initially and enjoyed it BUT the group rides and taxes are where it shines. Even alone I can't say it's anything like riding a dumb trainer though?
During races, which are where you want to be to push yourself (without the formal work out plans, which I hate with a passion) the graphics are moot anyway.
That said, us which ever format works for you as that's all that's important.👍
WCA - I have a one month free TrainerRoad code if you want to try that?
TrainerRoad is all about structured plan - the graphics look like this:
Like johnnystorm, I like to use it along with some easy-to-watch TV on another screen - usually have TR on my phone and netflix on a laptop. I find this far more entertaining than the bike ride simulator apps.
Not sure if that's what you want to try, but if you do then post here and one of us can refer you for a free month. I'm pretty sure that's the only way to get a free trial.
I really want to see you do an in-depth review of CVRcade
I will use a bit more of my months free Rouvy and then try TR so codes would be welcome then. I will post here nearer the time. I am only using the trainer when it is raining outside as a real bike in my preference. I don't watch much TV so not sure if TR will appeal but we will see.
CVRcade will probably run in parallel with TR
I cant watch anything while using training Apps unless im just spinning around in Zwift, If i loose concentration or don't pay attention my power output goes all over the place. I do listen to music to help pass the time.
I'm maybe just rubbish at it though.
daviek
Full MemberI cant watch anything while using training Apps unless im just spinning around in Zwift, If i loose concentration or don’t pay attention my power output goes all over the place. I do listen to music to help pass the time.
I’m maybe just rubbish at it though
You need a smart trainer in to our life. Doesn’t matter what you do with cadence, your output will be the same.
My current go to is Xert. Similar idea to Trainerroad but much more tailored and, most importantly, FTP tests not (ever) required!
For the training plans I prefer Sufferfest, they're a bit cheesy but the music is generally quite good and the "plots" are quite involving, particularly if you know the races they're based on.
You can generally get a free trial so work a look.