Cycling app: rouvy, zwift etc how to choose?

byrnem31

Im going to be new to the world of cycling apps soon. I will picking a cycling app but dont know which one.

Rouvy, zwift etc seem to be the main ones. I can manage outdoors roughly 100klm, example tallaght to baltinglass return. Have a decent enough bike and im getting a direct mount smart turbo. Id be fit enough as i train kickboxing too so want to push myself.

Can anyone recommend an app that's decent that i havent mentioned. Or which is better between rouvy and swift? Are these two the best out there?

byrnem31

Just realised there you have to check the app to see if its compatible with your device. Im getting an an elite zumo which is compatible with rouvy but the the elite tuo is not.

lissard

It all depends on what you want from the app. If it's pootling around a virtual world then Zwift and RGT are your man. If you want something that shows real roads then maybe Rouvy will suit. Personally I prefer apps that have a strong emphasis on training so I like TrainerRoad and Wahoo Systm. Every app gives you a free trial period of a week or so, if I were you I'd spend a bit of time trying them all out before chosing one.

byrnem31

I want to casually ease myself into it with a focus of training myself for hills and getting my fitness up so im ready for summer. Thanks for replies.

Trekker09

I tried Rouvy after being on Zwift for a few years. It was OK but not enough for me to switch over permanently. I think Zwift is hard to beat if you just want to tip your toes into the water of the cycling app.

Macy0161

I'm a bit of a fanboy of TrainerRoad, but it's definitely focused on training (and provide you're own entertainment via spotify or netflix). It now has adaptive training which means it's not just "cookie cutter" plans - the plan adjusts to how you're progressing. It also has outside workouts to with Garmin and Wahoo.

I hadn't used zwift until lockdown 1. I found it flaky on my phone (especially casting) for big events, so I ended up getting AppleTV and a new (bigger) TV (and also needed a new bluetooth HRM). And hardwiring the ethernet to the shed. I'd say the plans are "grand", although I found the interface on finding workouts not great. It is good for going on group spins, racing etc. I got quite into it first lockdown and again last winter, but I haven't really got back into the event aspect this winter at all - The subscription is close to being paused!

To follow on from the zwift point - it also comes down to your hardware too. TrainerRoad (and I assume Wahoo) work fine on a bog standard mobile phone. Zwift, you're potentially getting into investing in other computer/ media hardware to really get the benefit (in my opinion at least). Certainly that was my experience anyway.

byrnem31

I have a brand new work laptop that i can use so i dont need much more for now. I think ill give the swift a go first and see what its like. Cant wait, she works nights and weekends and i have 2 kids with disabilities so getting out on a bike most of the time is a pipe dream. At least now i can cycle at home.

nilhg

OP, you'll probably get a few months worth of free trials for various apps with a new trainer, if you are strategic and use them one after the other you'll have a good idea what you like by the end.

Mefistofelino

OP - Don't forget a BFF (Big forking fan) especially if you are using it inside the house, with the heating on.

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118326472#Comment_118326472

just the one? I still have the three going in my unheated shed with the door wedged open for my morning workouts!

byrnem31

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118326472#Comment_118326472

Ill shed weight quicker with no fan. Ill run it off me 😁

Zwift is the easiest for starting out. Look into their training programmes as it's too easy to just jump in and get carried away killing yourself needlessly. I signed up in October and have just completed the 10 week FTP builder programme and it's been fairly handy. Well structured and got me fit.

If you really want to train for racing, then TrainerRoad as mentioned above is excellent.

byrnem31

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118329275#Comment_118329275

Thanks. I have a free month of zwift and tacx training with the machine so ill check them out first. I really like the look of if rouvy though with the real videos. It adds a better experience to it but ill check zwift first.

Macy0161

Ah I haven't raced the last few years, and still pick TrainerRoad (I think I'm process driven) - but it is aimed at training primarily. If you're going to dip into the social/ even aspect, I'd definitely give zwift a try. But don't come complaining when you're sucked into badge hunting, getting the tron bike etc etc 😀

Big advantage of TrainerRoad is that it's relatively low cost in terms of equipment - I trained quite effectively on hybrid rollers and a bike with a power meter, even if it's a much better experience on a smart turbo.

MangleBadger

I was using TrainerRoad earlier this year during lockdown. Only really getting back on the turbo now. But think it may be a bit too hardcore. 90 minute over/under threshold sessions are just torture. Just off the bike. I can barely walk!

I also do a lot of powerlifting focussed gym work so TR was too much on top of that. Going to give Zwift another go.

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118332567#Comment_118332567

At what volume? Adaptive training should reduce the intensity of the next one if you select "Very Hard" or "All Out".

byrnem31

https://www.rgtcycling.com/

Rgt offers some basic features for free also. The subscription itself is meant to be limited though compared to others.

Londonirish72

I've used a few apps in my time and my experience is that you get tired of them all eventually but for me Zwift has the edge because it is more entertaining.

I have used Trainer Road a lot in the past but their workout sessions are often just variations on a theme which is short or long intervals over an hour. TR always gave me a tough workout so I found it difficult to concentrate on watching the TV when on the turbo so I always struggled with the app and never really looked forward to using it.

I have used FulGaz a few times too but I never really took to it.

So for me Zwift is the relative winner. There's lots to do (races, group ride, solo, training) and I find it very engaging.

ED E

The KISS setup:

1. Head unit (eg Elemnt Bolt) with a rolling route on it
2. Tablet with a bit of TV + daycent headphones

Just casual training, does me fine.

silver campaign

Ive used Zwift and FulGaz. I preferred FulGaz to Zwift. The computer graphics did my head in and I wasn't interested in the 'social' element of virtual cycling on Zwift.

Got a bit tired of FulGaz, and I'm now using Wahoo Systm (formerly sufferfest) for a bit of structured training. I'm a fan of it so far.

MangleBadger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118335756#Comment_118335756

Only low volume, so 2 1 hours sessions and 1 1:30 session. I did them Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday along with gym Monday-Friday this week so possibly just an accumulation of stress. But the pain in my glutes when I got off the bike was next level. Worse than any doms I've gotten from the gym.

I'm using Fulgaz in combination with Xert.

Basically Xert provide adaptive training day by day, and I use the rides on FulGaz to provide something nice to look at rather than the boring bar graphs that Xert uses.

One benefit of Fulgaz I didn't see mentioned was that unlike Rouvy all of the rides are uploaded by users who are riding their bikes Rouvy on the other hand, uses cars and sometimes motorbikes so it can look a bit unnatural compared with Fulgaz.

Also Fulgaz has quite a few routes here in Ireland, including the full length of the Waterford Greenway.

byrnem31

I found it finicky enough to set up the trainer. I struggled getting the bike on the trainer and then back onto my bike wheel. The defy advanced 2 2020 models have an awkward way of getting the rear wheels on and off, it was fixed in 2021 models.

Anyway, i hadnt a clue how to use the tacx training app. I was clicking into workouts but there was no link to start me on the actual cycle. I jumped straight into switft and managed 3klm out of 25klm and had to stop as ive a chest infection.

My bike is flithy too so it didnt help getting dirt all over me in the house in whats meant to be a clean cycle. When i was cycling in swift my gears are clicking so ive misaligned the derailer or that.

So a bit of a disaster but only teething problems.

AndrewJRenko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118325405#Comment_118325405

Do you have rights to install software on your work laptop? That would usually be restricted.

byrnem31

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118374231#Comment_118374231

Ill think ill just cast it to my telly. It wasn't too bad on my phone connected to the bike either though. Have to wait to get better, im still weak from being sick.

byrnem31

Had a go of rouvy there for a 10 miler in Paris that took 30mins. The sweat was pumping out of me. I had the back door closed which made it warm. Plus, you cant coast as you just stop completely if you stop cycling. Out in the real world you coast, catch your breath, stop at lights etc. This is full on. I love it. A great 30mins workout. The bike is spotless clean still after cleaning it this morning. I wasnt smashing the bike into potholes, nearly getting knocked off it by cage drivers etc. Great craic.

positron

This topic came up around this time last year as well. Thread: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058142146/info-opinions-on-turbo-trainer-apps

As I mentioned in that thread, I had tried a bunch of them, but being a cheapskate that I am, I have settled for the free version of the ERGVideo + a training plan that I found elsewhere that I could import into ERG video. Free version doesn't give you any videos - which suited me perfectly, as I don't want to look at road / simulation during the session, I would rather watch Netflix / Youtube etc. ERGVideo nicely overlays the session progress details like speed, load etc (configurable) on one corner of the screen while you can watch whatever on the main screen. Withouth video to process, it takes up minimum CPU / memory footprint, which is great because I am running this + Chrome (netflix/youtube) or VNC etc on a minimum spec HP Microserver that's my network file server. The only upgrade I have on it is a graphics card with HDMI out to power the TV. Works very well overall, I am not considering any other apps this year.

byrnem31

Ive no interest in zwift at all, too fake. Rouvy is good but ive been checking out fulgaz and really like the look of it. Few irish courses on it too. Very simple to find your way around the app. Im a bit confused with rouvy as im not tech savvy. Have not used it properly yet. Has anyone got really into the fulgaz, if so whats it like please?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118383621#Comment_118383621

I'm by no means an expert on FulGaz but I have used it a fair bit both on PC, using their Windows app and More recently on Apple TV. I'm hopeful in the summer or spring of adding the full length of the Westport to Achill Greenway hopefully both directions.

I really like the service I especially appreciate that all the rides are uploaded by fellow cyclists, which means you get a view of the road from a bike's perspective and also they have routes that you can only do on a bicycle like the Waterford Greenway.

byrnem31

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118384076#Comment_118384076

Thanks, can it work on a phone like the other apps?

Yes, their application is available on iOS, android, Windows, Mac and Apple TV.

Although it does look best on a bigger screen if you can have it that way.

sy_flembeck

This is Fulgaz on a 32" screen. Like others I'm no expert either but I enjoy it. That said, I've never tried any others so perhaps take advantage of free trials.

The glare is from the window behind me and the blur is 'bike' movement.

Apologies but I have no idea how to straighten the photo on this site.

byrnem31

Ive had to stick the trainer and bike out in the shed so i can leave it set up. Anyway, there are a few decent apps, ill give fulgaz a go tomorrow. The beginner programme requires 5 to 7 hours of cycling a week. With kickboxing twice a week for two hours per night i would struggle 5 to 7 hours on a trainer too. Ill fugure it out.

byrnem31

Tried to get fulgaz going this morning off the mobile data on my phone. Wifi does not reach to the shed. Anyway, it wouldn't work so i went back to rouvy and done a 10 miler in japan for 30 mins. Im leaning more towards rouvy as i use the trainer.

I don't rate the training plans on Fulgaz, it's a bit complicated but maybe you could consider giving Xert a try and it uses an adaptive training plan that takes into account your fitness.

Secondly Fulgaz works best when you download the video in advance and then run it.

byrnem31

I was looking at a monthly subscription for rouvy through the app on google play. Its coming in at €17 per month yet when you sign in through google its €12 per month. I really lile rouvy but i don't think i can access the full features on a phone, ill need a laptop. Ive left my work laptop in work so i might have to buy one or a tablet to get the most out of the apps.

byrnem31

Im going to get a tablet. I presume i need a tablet with Bluetooth and do i need ant+?

Has anyone any recommendations for a cheap tablet that can run swift, rouvy etc please?

nilhg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118388019#Comment_118388019

Get and apple TV 4K and a cheap TV/Monitor, it's a very easy to use combination and I have no other apple devices. I've run Rouvy and RGT on mine and going to try Fulgaz in the new year.

One other thing I'd suggest, try not to pick a do it all app, keep the entertainment and training aspects separate unless you just want to watch Netflix or similar while you do your intervals, one that uses data from your outdoor rides is a must for me anyway, I use Xert for that myself

DaveyDave

I only use Zwift for the 20-30 minute workouts in ERG mode, nothing else. It's expensive for how little I use it and the alternatives seem to need a PC which I don't use due to extra heat, plus more power consumption. I just learned I can use my new Edge 530 to control my Kickr Core in ERG mode so I used the What's On Zwift website to copy the Emily's Short Mix template onto a workout on Garmin Connect.

All going to plan I can cancel my Zwift subscription and just use my Garmin. No PC, no TV. The Zwift mobile app has 25km free per month which I can use for the FTP ramp test then I can update my Garmin template as needed.

A bit off topic in regards to picking a cycling app but for anyone looking for basic workouts with a trainer, I found getting answers was hit and miss once you start to look away from Zwift and don't want to use a PC.

Macy0161

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118388559#Comment_118388559

I went AppleTV for zwift, and certainly the easiest, but does need wifi/ ethernet reach. Not sure how it'd work tethered.

nilhg

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118390389#Comment_118390389

I can't see how it would be much different than a tablet tethered, but if someone is serious about a winter season training the bit of effort to get decent internet in the cave has to be well worth it, there are so many reasonably priced ways of doing it nowadays.

byrnem31

https://powercity.ie/product/890739

Bought that today for 200 and the wifi reaches to the shed no problem which is weird cause my 600 quid phone cant pick up the signal. Ill see how i get on with it. Ive seen a few people on the rouvy Facebook page have issues with apple compatability but i dont have the money for anything like that in anyway. In the last month Ive spent 150 on a bike fit, 600 on a turbo trainer and then another 200 on a tablet and i still need a tablet holder. Cycling is an expensive sport if you want to get properly into it.

byrnem31

The tablet is working perfect. Not bad for 200 quid. Rouvy runs super smooth. I tried the tacx training app on a course. It was not realistic at all really. I was going up hills but they were not tough, far too easy. Tried rouvy and its much more natural. Rouvy it is so for now. Zwift do have some good training plans so ill keep my free month subscription in case i get bored of rouvy. Also, i found a lovely tablet holder that cost me nothing.

IMG_20211231_112718.jpg

byrnem31

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2020/03/cycling-indoor-trainer-app-guide.html/amp

Good explanation of the apps there.

byrnem31

Ive cancelled rouvy, it was good until they started adding coins to it. Feels like you're in a game of Mario. Plus its 15 quid.

Have gone back to tacx training app for €10. Its actually fine with really nice videos. I think if the app senses you are struggling, it makes it a bit easier which threw me off when initially using it.

FinnC

I've tried them all from Bkool to Fulgaz and everything in between but Zwift is by far my favourite. Love the group rides and races element of it all etc. Often just log on and follow a Pace Partner for an hour or spend an hour going up Alpe du Zwift.

I use it for running also on my treadmill.

Trekker09

I'm using Zwift continually since Christmas. I'm liking it more than I did previously but the routes available are a bit limited. I'm sure there's a way of exploring all of their courses. I'm going to do a lot of research over the weekend and explore the different options and features available.

Macy0161

TrainerRoad now have AI FTP Detection. I'm personally looking forward to never testing again!

MangleBadger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118615652#Comment_118615652

ZwiftInsider has a good description of each routes available on each world. I've just gotten back into Zwift and pick a route that interests me for the day.

One thing I don't like about Zwift is the elevation map, very hard to see what is coming up. Would love an integration between the KOMs and Strave live segments so you can see how you are going compared to friends

I hate aimlessly riding around on Zwift as I find even an hour is interminable, but if I do one of the decent workouts they have then time flies and you get great bang for your buck. By that token, I'm not sure I'm using many of the features as when you are doing a workout I don't look at anything other than the wattage required. I might look into TrainerRoad as the workouts do look much better. So many of the workouts on Zwift are all over the place and needlessly complicated.

barleyman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118324077#Comment_118324077

Agree with this, i use Defender which is now Wahoo Systm for training and the free RGT (now works off a single device) for longer endurance stuff and the odd race.

RGT getting a lot better, have really started building a community with more and more events that can all be accessed with the free version.

RGTDb

For training i really like Defender , the music and the videos are all choreographed and really do make a difference when suffering. Also, I really detest erg mode, find it hard to get cadence nailed, and do all my training on level mode which Defender also supports