{"id":3447,"date":"2021-10-12T09:27:10","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T09:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/?p=3447"},"modified":"2021-10-12T09:27:10","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T09:27:10","slug":"8-best-cycling-apps-helping-to-make-indoor-cycling-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/2021\/10\/12\/8-best-cycling-apps-helping-to-make-indoor-cycling-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Cycling Apps Helping to Make Indoor Cycling Fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are sure you\u2019ve already noticed the latest surge in the popularity of indoor training apps as each world country takes another set of COVID-19 lockdown and restriction measures. Even with autumn ground frosts drawing in, no active cyclist wants to remain idle. The apps come in price ranges from free to one-off payments to monthly fees, and some can even gamify your riding experience, which can get even a more occasional rider to get hooked on. Let\u2019s look at eight that are the talk of the town nowadays.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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First, let\u2019s do a little checklist of all the hardware you need to enjoy these kinds of virtual training apps in full.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need one of these three devices:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Smartphone
\n\u2022 Tablet
\n\u2022 Computer\/laptop<\/p>\n

Then, one of these three tools:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 A smart trainer \u2013 it\u2019s best for a realistic ride quality including simulating road resistance and incline
\n\u2022 Power meter \u2013 great for accurate workout data
\n\u2022 Classic trainer with speed\/cadence sensor \u2013 more affordable than a smart trainer but with not as realistic results as power is virtually calculated, also no resistance control<\/p>\n

\"Rouvy\"<\/a>
Got all the devices? \u00a9 Profimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Important side note: before you download a free app or fork some cash for a subscription, be sure to check if all your devices have an operational system compatible with the training platform you chose. We also published a handy guide on how to set up your indoor training space a while ago, be sure to check it out. Now onto the apps themselves.<\/p>\n

1. TrainerRoad<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although the price might deter a few potential riders, TrainerRoad is worth every penny<\/a> of that monthly subscription. It offers a clean user interface, it\u2019s based on FTP (functional threshold training) and, most importantly, contains a huge workout catalogue of about 2,000, which can also be modified to \u201cDo outside\u201d versions as soon as riding out is feasible.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s best for focused training and performance progression and the training plans are built around the rider\u2019s goals. The plans are composed and tweaked by Trainer Road\u2019s Head Coach Chad Timmerman who has over 25 years of experience. Another great thing about TrainerRoad is that it offers a customized experience according to your preferred cycling discipline \u2013 be it time trial, cyclocross, climbing, road racing, triathlon or general fitness riding.<\/p>\n

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Make sure to calibrate that trainer or power meter! pic.twitter.com\/WqYQleaJCD<\/a><\/p>\n

— TrainerRoad (@TrainerRoad) November 2, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n