By Karen Parnell

I first wrote this article in January 2019 for TriRadar magazine and indoor training has boomed since then mainly due to the pandemic and global lock downs. Now it seems like a good time to revisit this topic and update details surrounding these Apps and document the new kids on the block. I will keep with the theme of specs versus personality when reviewing these Apps.

There are an amazing amount to cycling Apps on the market and in beta test stage but which one will keep your winter training blues at bay?

It’s easy to fall in the trap of cost versus benefit and reading specification sheets, technology versus data output concerns so maybe a more fun way is to match your personality to the App?

I spent a year testing Cycling Apps back in 2018 in the run up to completing my annual quest. That year it was to earn the London Classic’s medal also known as the “dinner plate”. The challenge is to complete the London Marathon, RideLondon-Surrey 100 and the two-mile event at Swim Serpentine. I had already completed the London Marathon twice so needed to get entry to both the other events and complete them (getting accepted was a challenge in itself!). For the RideLondon-Surrey 100 I put my hands in the online Apps to see if it could be done. My goal was to only use Apps to get me fit and able to complete the event and see what each one had to offer. For the swim I just thought I would just turn up. What could possibly go wrong?

We will look at each cycling App I tested in turn and add in an “Cyclist Type” or avatar to help you see if its for you. Once you narrow it down to say 2 or 3 Apps you can usually get a free trial and test them out in the comfort of your own home or pain cave. I did also construct a large spreadsheet with all of the technical data and minimum hardware needed to set yourself up (after all I am an engineer!). I can share this with you if you need that level of detail.

By the way you don't need a smart bike or turbo trainer to use these Apps and I discuss the alternatives (some of them are very lost cost) in my Blog here.

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions and 16-week winter training plan for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad

Wahoo X  with The Sufferfest and RGT

Cyclist Type: “Wahooligan” – great sense of humour but training is about suffering and pain! This athlete wants an in-depth FTP test and result, is interested in trying Yoga, Strength & Conditioning sessions, Mental Training and Wahoo have added swimming workouts and running sessions. The new swimming and running sessions have to be written down and taken with you to your training venue, they have not been integrated into the App (yet). The bike workouts still reference the Sufferfest, have the same 4DP feedback and sense of humour.

It’s good to see that even with the buyout by Wahoo the Tour of Sufferlandria will continue so we can still raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation and their programs to help those affected by Parkinson's Disease it is now called "The Wahoolagan Tour".

Wahoo X is now one of the most comprehensive training apps with cycling (live video and virtual), The Suff, RGT vitual cycling, yoga, strength and mobility, and mindfulness training. It also has running and swimming session plans so this is maybe a good steer on what they are planning?

If you would like to ride a race course before the big day you can use the Wahoo RGT Magic Roads feature and upload your route GPX file and ride the course ups and downs. Find out how to use Magic Roads here.

Note: Wahoo discontinued RGT in October 2023.

Website: wahoofitness.com

Platform: Mac, Windows or iOS

Minimum hardware: Classic turbo and a speed sensor (ANT+) for virtual watts,

power meter or Smart turbo trainer

Wireless support: ANT+ and Bluetooth

Price: $14.99 / month or $129 / year

Free trial: 14 days

Disciplines supported: Cycling, Yoga, Strength & Conditioning, Swimming, Running and Mental Training

Want to ride your race route on Wahoo, read about it here.

Zwift

Cyclist Type: “Miss. Sociable” Duathlete – Cyclist and Runner – wants to train in both disciplines with others in groups. This athlete wants the option to train on their own and in groups.

They want an app that enables them to cycle and run in a virtual world. Miss Sociable also wants structured training sessions and even to ability to “go pro” via the Zwift Academy. She also likes

The idea of “branding up” with the clothing and accessories from their online shop.

There were rumours of them adding rowing, but their focus has shifted to training plans.

Now you can be even more sociable with the new Club feature which enable seasoned riders (level 20 and above) to create Clubs and schedule club event, share activities and have Club chat.

Website: zwift.com

Platform: PC, Mac, iOS or Apple TV

Minimum hardware: A standard turbo with Bluetooth speed and cadence sensor but it’s

preferred to have a Smart turbo. For running you will need a foot pod like Stryd or the Zwift RunPod.

Wireless support: Bluetooth ANT+ (need an ANT+ dongle and USB cable)

Price: $14.99 per month

Free Trial: 7 Days

Runners and children under 16 can Zwift for FREE.

Disciplines supported: Cycling and Running (you can row on it, but it can be complicated and is not officially supported but fun to row and see your bike moving in the Zwift virtual world). But if you want to try it then get some advice on the Facebook group I set up to support Rowing on Zwift.

You can get cycling on Zwift without buying an expensive turbo trainer or smart bike, read about how to get on Zwift on a budget.

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions and 16-week base plan for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad

Want to ride your race route on Zwift, read about it here.

Want to ride on Zwift for just £99? Then all you need is a basic turbo indoor bike trainer, an ANT+ USB dongle, USB cable and a Bluetooth/ANT+ Cadence and Speed Sensor. You get the full details in an article I wrote for TRI247.

Rouvy

Cyclist Type: “Traditionalist” – likes to ride on real video tour routes, with over 300+ AR routes from more than 32 countries. Wants to compare indoor and outdoor rides and create their own routes. Wants to know their FTP and test for this. Has a family so can share their app with them on several platforms. Wants to use training peaks for integrated training.

Website: rouvy.com

Platform: Window PC, iPad, iPhone or android phone

Minimum hardware: Smart turbo, power meter or standard turbo with Bluetooth or ANT+ speed sensor

Wireless support: Bluetooth or ANT+

Price: Standard is $12 per month or $144 per year

Free Trial: 14 days

Disciplines supported: Cycling

FTP Test: 40 min basic test. First 10 mins at half predicted FTP, then 20 mins at predicted FTP and then 10 mins cool down at half predicted FTP. Hard test with no motivational tips or music.

Would you like 1 month FREE on Rouvy - contact me to get your unique code.

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad

TrainerRoad

Cyclist Type: “Statto” – This athlete wants a no-nonsense workout with lots of statistics and on-screen data with coaching instruction. They like training plan structure and the option to write their own plans or use those from their coach on the TrainerRoad platform. The training is science based and goal driven which adapts to you using machine learning. They like the Ramp fitness test for FTP. They also want to listen to their own music or watch their own videos or films. They also like the YouTube channel for extra information and training tips.

Website: trainerroad.com

Platform: PC, Mac, iOS and Android

Minimum hardware: Speed sensor and trainer (virtual power), power meter and trainer or smart trainer

Wireless support: Bluetooth and ANT+

Price: $19.99 per month or $189 per year

Disciplines supported: Cycling

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad

TrainerRoad set up courtesy of DC Rainmaker

Global Cycling Network (GCN)

Cyclist Type: “Thrifty” – this triathlete does not have much spare cash and may not be able to afford a smart turbo or the online app subscription. They want a structured training session and the feel of training with others. They have internet access and are comfortable watching YouTube videos.

Website: GCN YouTube Channel

Platform: PC or MAC or anything that you can watch YouTube videos on.

Minimum hardware: Any basic turbo trainer – no need for power or cadence but may be good for a better workout

Wireless support: N/A

Price: Free

Disciplines supported: Cycling

icTrainer

Cyclist Type: “Roller” – this triathlete may be an older old skool rider who loves their rollers. They want a no nonsense way to train - just train, no game.

They offer you a first-class software to control and evaluate your indoor training at a fraction of the usual cost.

They say if you want to train seriously and don’t need gamification. Listen to music or podcasts at the same time, watch YouTube, Netflix or Amazon Prime videos. The icTrainer indoor cycling app can even be used offline and two people can train at the same time with just one account if desired.

Your workouts can be synced with Garmin, TrainingPeaks, Today's Plan, Strava and Tredict. You can do your own workouts by importing GPX, ERG, MRC or ZWO files or select one of their workouts. Their works can be structured, real course with or without video or you can free ride.

There are some IRONMAN routes you can ride with video like Frankfurt, Goseong and Thun. I'm sure more will come.

Website: https://ictrainer.de/gb/

Platform: The app runs on Windows PCs, MacOS computers, iOS tablets/iPads and Android tablets. There is also a companion controller App.

Minimum hardware: Their indoor cycling app has very low hardware requirements and communicates with all current roller trainers via Bluetooth.

Wireless support: Bluetooth

Price: $19.99 per year (30-day free trial)

Disciplines supported: Cycling and Running (Beta)

Big Ring VR

Cyclist Type: “Engineer” – The user interface is not very slick like the others and will appeal to engineers and techies. No nonsense or gaming feel just get on and ride using HD videos. Written by software engineers who like to ride. It’s certified by Strava so you can log your rides and you get a free family plan.

Website: www.bigringvr.com

Platform: BigRingVR can be used on Windows 7 or higher (32 and 64 bits) and Apple Mac OS X Yosemite (10.10) or higher.

Minimum hardware: ANT+ FE-C Smart Trainers, ANT+ Trainers, Power meters and sensors

Wireless support: ANT+

Price: $10 per month or 12 months for $99.60

Free trial: 14 days

Disciplines supported: Cycling

502 rides from 17 countries (more coming)12,347 kilometres, 361,380 meters of elevation gain.

FulGaz (Now part of IRONMAN®)

Cyclist Type: This was the “Apple Fan” but now they have added support for Android and Win10 plus have been purchased by IRONMAN then it has to be the “IRONPERSON”.

Will appeal to those who love their Apple products but now also works on Android and Win10 devices. Athletes who like to ride on “real” routes in the form of HD video with GPS data.

It will appeal to athletes training for an IRONMAN event as you can ride the route before your race. You can also add your own workouts from TrainingPeaks, Today’s Plan and Final Surge.

Website: fulgaz.com

Platform: iOS – iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, Windows 10 and Android

Minimum hardware: Smart trainer, Wattbike ATOM.

Wireless support: Bluetooth and ANT+

Price: €12 Per month or €97.99 Per Year

Free trial: 14 days

Disciplines supported: Cycling

Want to ride your race route on FulGaz, read about it here.

Kinomap

Cyclist Type: “Multi-sporter” who likes to share – Kinomap is perfect for someone who wants to cycle, run and row regularly. Some athletes use rowing to train for the swim if they don’t have access to a pool. Athletes who like to share their routes and training sessions – you can upload your own videos and structured workouts. It now supports structured workouts

Website: https://www.kinomap.com

Platform: iOS or Android App

Minimum hardware: Most Smart bike trainers, Bluetooth 4.0 treadmills and rowers (like Concept 2 with PM5)

Wireless support: Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+

Price: €11.99 per month or €89.99 per year or lifetime for €269.99

Free trial: 14 days

Disciplines supported: Cycling, running and rowing.

Access amazing trails from all over the globe and play videos at your own speed, based on your motions. You have an easy way to save your training history and track your progress and can monitor your strength, speed, distance, time and heart rate. Upload your favourite tracks and trails, challenge friends, family, or users to try the multiplayer option. Create playlists and post videos on social media.

Intelligent Cycling

Cyclist Type: “Gym Bunny” – Intelligent Cycling will appeal to athletes who like to spend a lot of time in the gym or home gym. It was designed for gyms and cycling instructors, but you can use it at home for free! It provides matching Spotify playlists so you can get the full home gym experience. It has over 30,000 workouts you can try.

Website: https://intelligent-cycling.com

Platform: iOS or Android App plus Win10 and MAC

Minimum hardware: It connects to most intelligent indoor bikes like Wattbikes and Stages plus smart turbos.

Wireless support: Bluetooth

Price: Free for home use

Disciplines supported: Cycling

MyWhoosh

Cyclist Type: The Backpacker

MyWhoosh’s free-to-use platform makes races, workouts, and social rides available to everyone, via Android, iOS, and Windows. It was founded in the UAE so it features routes in Arabia, Alula and now Australia. It has something for all level of cyclists like Free Ride, Events, Racing and Workouts. There are Races where you can even earn cash! So if you like to travel on a budget (and maybe earn a little cash on the way) then this App is for you. 

Further, if you’ve got TrainingPeaks, Today’s Plan, or TrainerDay – you can even import your workouts into MyWhoosh and onto the training calendar. 

Website: https://mywhoosh.com/

Platform: iOS or Android App plus Win10 and MAC (coming soon)

Minimum hardware: It connects to most intelligent indoor bikes like Wattbikes and Smart Turbos.

Wireless support: Bluetooth

Price: Free for home use

Disciplines supported: Cycling and Running (new in 2024)

Velocity

Cyclist Type: “The Coach” – this platform is a bit different as it’s aimed at coaches who want to easily coach live sessions online to their athletes.

Every coach or coaching company gets their own private content space where only their athletes will gain access to their exclusive live and on-demand rides. Coaches grant access to clients based on subscription or program access to ensure the best experience for their athlete customer.

8020 Endurance have adopted Velocity as their cycling App to deliver coached sessions both live and recorded to their athletes.

Website: VqVelocity.com

Platform: PC or iOS

Minimum hardware: A standard turbo with Bluetooth speed and cadence sensor but it’s preferred to have a Smart turbo. For running you will need a foot pod like Stryd or the Zwift RunPod.

Wireless support: Bluetooth

Price: Monthly fee set by coaches

Free Trial: 14 Days

Disciplines supported: Cycling, Running, Yoga, Pilates, Strength etc.

Velocity Cycling App for Coaches

New Kids on the Block and the others

There are others on the market such as those from the smart turbo manufacturers such as BKool, Elite (My E-Training) and TACX Garmin but I did not have a chance to test them fully. They are playing catch up to the bigger players like Zwift and Wahoo so from my brief look not as sophisticated as this is a bolt on to their core business of selling the hardware.

In my previous article I mentioned new entrants to the market like VirtuGo and CVRcade. VirtuGo is no more and CVRcade has been rebranded a Cadesport. VirtuGo could not compete with Zwift even though the graphics were excellent they could not get enough revenue from users and in-app advertising. User acquisition cost is high for indoor training apps and you need deep pockets to stay the course.

Cadesports is aimed at gamers who like fitness so you will need a powerful gaming computer to run this. Downloads have been suspended until they launch version 1.0 and you can check release dates on social media.

You could also take a look at CycleGo which supports indoor cycling and running.

Indoor Cycling and Training App Comparison Chart

Conclusion: What Cycling App is Best for Me?

There is a cycling App out there to suit all personality types and pockets. With so many offering a free trial you can find the right one for you. The market is however becoming a little over crowded and it will be interesting to see how it develops. I think the winners will be those that integrate more sports like running, rowing, yoga, strength and conditioning etc. I also believe that there will be a big shake up on offerings with may be buy outs from companies such a TrainingPeaks so that they can offer a fully integrated training package with an App to control your Smart Turbo and programmes written by your coach delivered seamlessly to the athlete. The latest rumour is that Zwift will merge with TrainerRoad so we may get a “Sociable Stato”?

What happened with the London Classics medal? It’s proudly displayed in my pain cave as a reminder you can complete events by training on online Apps if you need to. But if your routes are challenging or includes an open water swim then getting out there on my bike, running in the mountains and swimming in the local lakes and sea is better for my mind, body, spirit and motivation. Doing a combination is probably the best compromise dependant on where you live, your target event and how much time you have to train.

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad with 16-week winter training plan.

Would you like a free training plan? Claim your free plan or e-book.

Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN U Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach, 80/20 Endurance Certified Coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer. 

Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:

TrainingPeaks

FinalSurge

I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com

FAQ: Indoor Cycling Apps

Q: What is indoor cycling?

A: Indoor cycling refers to cycling on a stationary bike indoors, typically using a device known as a "smart trainer" that allows you to connect to virtual cycling apps, track your metrics, and simulate outdoor riding conditions. Some indoor training Apps also include running, rowing, strength, yoga training plus training plans.

Q: What is Zwift?

A: Zwift is a popular virtual cycling platform that allows you to connect to a smart trainer and ride in a virtual world with other cyclists from around the world. You can choose from a variety of routes and workouts, track your progress, and compete against other riders.

Q: How much does it cost to run on Zwift?

A: Running on Zwift is currently free, and you can get started today!

Q: How much does Zwift cost?

A: Zwift costs $14.99 or £12.99 per month.

Q: What is Wahoo Fitness?

A: Wahoo Fitness is a company that produces a range of indoor cycling equipment, including smart trainers, heart rate monitors, and other accessories. They also offer their own virtual cycling platform called Wahoo X or Wahoo SYSTM, which allows you to ride virtual routes and compete against other riders.

Q: What is Wahoo X?

A: Wahoo X is an all-in-one membership that bundles together access to two indoor cycling apps, Wahoo SYSTM and Wahoo RGT, giving you endless ways to ride, train, race, and connect with other athletes. It's the easiest way to get all your favourite training experiences, under one login and for one incredible price.

Q: How much does Wahoo X cost?

A: Wahoo X costs $14.99 or £11 per month.

Q: What is TrainerRoad?

A: TrainerRoad is a training platform designed specifically for indoor cycling. It offers a variety of training plans and workouts, as well as the ability to connect to a smart trainer and track your metrics. TrainerRoad is focused on helping you improve your cycling performance, whether you're training for a race or just looking to get in shape.

Q: How much does TrainerRoad cost?

A: TrainerRoad costs $19.95 or £17 per month.

Q: What is Rouvy?

A: Rouvy is a virtual cycling platform that allows you to ride real-life routes from around the world. You can connect to a smart trainer and simulate outdoor riding conditions, complete with changes in elevation and terrain. Rouvy also offers a variety of training plans and workouts.

Q: How much does Rouvy cost?

A: Rouvy costs $15 or £12.50 per month.

Q: What is FulGaz?

A: FulGaz is another virtual cycling platform that allows you to ride real-life routes from around the world. It offers high-quality video footage of the routes, along with changes in elevation and terrain that are synced to your smart trainer. FulGaz also offers a variety of training plans and workouts.

Q: How much does Fulgaz cost?

A: Fulgaz costs $13 or £9.99 per month.

Q: What is MyWhoosh?

A: MyWhoosh is an indoor cycling app that offers virtual worlds, training plans, one-off workouts, and the ability to race against others.

Q: MyWhoosh free?

A: The World of Arabia is live now in the MyWhoosh app. It's available free on iOS, Android and Windows, whereas a Zwift membership is £12.99 per month. MyWhoosh is supported by advertising, the ads integrated into the world as flags on the sides of the road so is FREE.

Q: How much does MyWhoosh cost?

A: MyWhoosh is FREE.

Q: What is Intelligent Cycling?

A: Intelligent Cycling offers more than 500 workouts ready to use with perfectly synchronized playlists. As an option you can create your own workouts and keep track of time, intensity, and position. The PLAYER will guide in colours and Heart Rate or Power based on your preferences.

Q: How much does Intelligent Cycling cost?

A: Intelligent Cycling is free for home use.

Q; What is CycleGo?

CycleGo is the indoor cycling & running app to get fit and lose weight with bike virtual trainers and treadmill workouts at home. If you have a stationary bike or a treadmill, you are ready to follow our virtual runner and personal trainer cycling.

Q: How much does CycleGo cost?

A: CycloGo is Free to use.

Q: What is CadeSport?

CADEsport has been developed by Cycligent, the company that brought us Zwift-based CVR virtual racing a few years ago. Cycling meets esports with Zwift-based races in London in June (+ video) Cycligent describes CADEsport as “the latest, fairest, and most inclusive virtual cycling experience on the planet.”

Q: How much does Cadesport cost?

A: Cadesport costs $9.99 or £8.50 per month.

Q: What is Kinomap?

A: Kinomap is a complete end-to-end platform for creating, hosting, sharing and using motion videos for user-generated videos. Kinomap allows uploading motion videos shot with a GPS camera or a common camera coupled with GPS track from another device.

Q: What types of workouts does Kinomap support?

A: Kinomap supports cycling, running, rowing and elliptical workouts.

Q: How much does Kinomap cost?

A: Kinomap costs €11.99 per month.

Q: What are the benefits of indoor cycling?

A: Indoor cycling is a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness, build endurance, and increase your leg strength. It's also a low-impact form of exercise that's easy on your joints. Indoor cycling is a convenient option for when the weather is bad, or you don't have access to outdoor cycling routes.

Q: Do I need a smart trainer to do indoor cycling?

A: While a smart trainer is not strictly necessary for indoor cycling, it does enhance the experience by allowing you to connect to virtual cycling platforms and track your metrics. If you're just starting out with indoor cycling, you can use a basic stationary bike or a traditional indoor trainer, but you won't be able to take advantage of the virtual routes and other features that smart trainers offer.

Q: Can I use my regular road bike on a smart trainer?

A: Yes, most smart trainers are compatible with standard road bikes. You'll need to purchase a cassette that's compatible with your trainer, and you may need to purchase an adapter if your bike has a through-axle instead of a quick release skewer.

Q: What kind of clothing should I wear for indoor cycling?

A: You should wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that allows you to move freely. Most people prefer to wear cycling-specific shorts or leggings with a chamois pad to provide cushioning and reduce friction. You'll also want to wear breathable shoes with stiff soles to maximize your power transfer.

Q: How can I stay motivated during indoor cycling workouts?

A: One way to stay motivated during indoor cycling workouts is to set specific goals for yourself, such as completing a certain distance or climbing a certain amount of elevation. You can also use virtual cycling platforms like Zwift or TrainerRoad to compete against other riders or join group rides. Listening to music or podcasts can also help pass the time and keep you motivated.

FREE 31 indoor cycling sessions and 16-week winter training plan for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad

#zwift #trainerroad #wahoo #thesufferfest #triathlon #cycling #chilitri #running #rowing #systm #rouvy #fulgaz #intelligentcycling #roadgrandtours #wahoox #wahoosystm #mywhoosh #cyclego #GCN #bigringvr #ironman #triathlon #kinomap #cadesport #cyclingindoors #traithlontrainingplans #runningtrainingplans #swimmingtrainingplans