{"id":180262,"date":"2020-11-05T15:14:10","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T15:14:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=180262"},"modified":"2021-12-09T14:45:56","modified_gmt":"2021-12-09T14:45:56","slug":"8-best-cycling-apps-that-make-indoor-cycling-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2020\/11\/05\/8-best-cycling-apps-that-make-indoor-cycling-fun\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Best Cycling Apps That Make Indoor Cycling Fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the recent global health crisis and associated restriction measures, cyclists everywhere were forced indoors<\/a>. A spike in the sale of smart trainers was followed by the creation of a parallel surge in the popularity of indoor training apps. Most virtual cycling apps offer a free trial<\/strong> followed by monthly payments or one annual fee. Some gamify the riding experience in virtual worlds, while others propose augmented reality overlayed on real world footage filmed in beautiful HD quality. So, what are the best virtual cycling apps to make riding indoors fun? Let\u2019s look at eight online training platforms that are the talk of the town in the cycling community.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Before we get started, follows is a checklist of the hardware you need to use and enjoy a virtual online training platform in your home.<\/p>\n

One of these Bluetooth smart devices:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Smartphone<\/p>\n

\u2022 Tablet<\/p>\n

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

Followed by one of these tools:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 A smart trainer<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s best for realistic ride quality, including simulated road surfaces, resistance and incline in erg mode.<\/p>\n

\u2022 A complete smart bike \u2013 no fuss to set it up, but not everyone has the space nor the budget<\/p>\n

\u2022 Classic turbo trainer with a speed\/cadence sensor \u2013 more affordable than a smart trainer but with no resistance control and less accurate results as power is virtually calculated.<\/p>\n

\u2022 A power meter<\/a> (optional) – values are approximate without one<\/p>\n

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

Important side note: before you download a free app or fork out cash for a subscription, verify that your devices have the necessary operational system to run the training platform you chose. We published a handy guide on how to set up your indoor pain cave a while ago, check it out.<\/p>\n

Now onto the best indoor cycling apps.<\/p>\n

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

Although the price might deter some cyclists, TrainerRoad is worth every penny<\/a> of that monthly subscription and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. It offers a clean user interface, is based on FTP (functional threshold power) and, most importantly, contains an extensive catalogue of about 2,000 structured workouts, which can also be modified to \u201cdo outside\u201d versions as soon as the weather permits.<\/p>\n

TR offers focused sessions for performance progression, and the workouts are built around the rider’s personal goals. The training 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 structured training 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