New Coaching App

anthony_walsh

Hi Guys,

Just looking for some feedback on an Cycling App.

We're in the process of developing a Cycling Training App and looking for some feedback on if it's the right fit for you guys.

What are the main features people would like to see in a automated cycling coaching app?

I'd appreciate the feedback as we're working hard with the developers to design a product specifically for your needs.

EmcD123

Something that isn't geared towards doing more and more miles like strava.all achievements on strava are about doing countless miles and nothing else with a few exceptions.
Also something that is geared to age and training level. Very hard to find training things don't have too much workload for a young not yet fully developed body in cycling compared to other sports

carltonleon

Sportive training.
I know when I was doing my first sportive a few years ago, I really didn't know how much training to do, when to do it, was i over or undertraining etc. Also different programs for different sportives (ie) flat like Heritage Tour or mountainous like W200. I think something like that would be hugely beneficial for people starting out and not in a club.
Best of luck with it Anto

12 sprocket

EmcD123 wrote: »

Something that isn't geared towards doing more and more miles like strava.all achievements on strava are about doing countless miles and nothing else with a few exceptions.
Also something that is geared to age and training level. Very hard to find training things don't have too much workload for a young not yet fully developed body in cycling compared to other sports

Cycling Ireland have a booklet Youth Cycling Training Guide that has the information you require.

EmcD123

12 sprocket wrote: »

Cycling Ireland have a booklet Youth Cycling Training Guide that has the information you require.

Ya I found that but if I was to make a coaching app I would have different programs for different age groups and I've just noticed there's an awful lot of training programs on the internet for kind of 30 and up and then more for when you get even older. Just to have everything together in one place as well is good.I could just be a horrible Googler though

My main complaint with the cycling apps is my first point. I like going out doing short cycles and doing them as fast as I can so I never clock up too many miles so I never get many good strava challenges completed

Idleater

Okay here's a few thoughts from a programmer point of view. I'm going to assume that the user has Googled a plan or has a coach.
Each training session has a before (set out intervals in terms of time cadence heart rate power, steps, pauses, rests) during (click start, timer count down, ant btle integration immediate feedback) and after (layering the app data over garmin strava golden cheetah)

Then there's history and progress.

Take a look at some health apps like fitbit or withings.

fago

enter: age, hours per week to train, weight, ftp, grade, current number of pts, maybe a few other power profile details.

maybe enter a link to your trainerroad or goldencheetah a/c

something about the goals i.e. target races etc.

Then you open the app to start a session. It asks:
- how long do want the session to be
- what do you want to target
- how are you feeling on some relative scale

And it spits out
- link to a session like the one you asked
- looks at past data and says nope you need to work on X
- looks at past data and says no you're wrecked, do am hour easy
- looks at goals and says you need to ramp down for race

A nice big rules based engine. I think an app with a web service is really something more useful than a pure cycling phone app, which is of limited value

longshanks

fago wrote: »

enter: age, hours per week to train, weight, ftp, grade, current number of pts, maybe a few other power profile details.

maybe enter a link to your trainerroad or goldencheetah a/c

something about the goals i.e. target races etc.

Then you open the app to start a session. It asks:
- how long do want the session to be
- what do you want to target
- how are you feeling on some relative scale

And it spits out
- link to a session like the one you asked
- looks at past data and says nope you need to work on X
- looks at past data and says no you're wrecked, do am hour easy
- looks at goals and says you need to ramp down for race

A nice big rules based engine. I think an app with a web service is really something more useful than a pure cycling phone app, which is of limited value

I like what he said. I also like cake. Links to coffee shops on whatever route I'm on would be nice.

DaithiMC

Its a more and more crowded space so the chances to differentiate are getting less and less. I think something that allows you firstly to select an event at sometime in the future and then throws up a recommended training plan. For example, say you select the W200, there are training plans out there that work from sixteen weeks right up to the event so the app takes the week to week plan and tracks/notifies you of progress. On the training spins it should track the usual, distance, average speed, HR, whatever.. etc. but at least the key training metrics. It would be great if, in the case a session is missed, the training plan is adjusted for the remaining time.

In the context of training indoors I used an app that allowed me to put in my own interval timings and number of reps, etc. So I could create an interval programme, e.g., Russian Steps or something like this for myself. The problem I had with this is that the app used audible triggers and if I was also listening to music (a requirement on the trainer), I'd miss them, if the app could use visual cues, e.g., make the screen go red for the duration of the high intensity part of the interval, I think this would be more helpful.

Highway_To_Hell

12 sprocket wrote: »

Cycling Ireland have a booklet Youth Cycling Training Guide that has the information you require.

checked the CI website and cant find the guide or how to order it, can some one point me in the right direction.

Thanks, HTH

endacl

Why does everything need an app these days? Maybe I'm just an old fogey. I just like going out on me bike...

EmcD123

endacl wrote: »

Why does everything need an app these days? Maybe I'm just an old fogey. I just like going out on me bike...

I'm really young and I think technology can ruin some things.I use strava but I put it runninng on the phone and put the phone in the saddlebag and it stays there till I home. And that's the way I like it