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If you are a keen and totally dedicated cyclist then a turbo trainer is an essential training tool when conditions outside are just too bad to get outdoors to ride. However, for many, indoor cycle trainers are a tool of torture and it can be difficult to get motivated to use them due to the boredom of sitting alone in your garage or lounge (or wherever you set yours up).
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This boredom issue has been resolved to some extent with the introduction of interactive turbo trainers and the software that goes along with them. In the past if you had an entry-level trainer you would be limited to watching videos while you cycled along, but as technology advances so do the possibilities. Now some newer solutions do not need a top-end interactive turbo trainer [AKA smart trainer] and you can instead use your standard trainer with some add on sensors.
Bkool Indoor 1.0 for Mac can be downloaded from our software library for free. The current installation package available for download occupies 488.7 MB on disk. The software lies within Games, more precisely Simulation. The actual developer of this free software for Mac is Bkool.
Here we provide an review / overview of best interactive turbo trainer software for 2017. We will dive deeper into a few of the most popular bits of software as well as provide a list of more that you can check out at you leisure.
Best Turbo Trainer Software and Apps
ZWIFT
Zwift is hot at the moment and has received a lot of press over the last year or so. Zwift is considered to be one of the better turbo trainer software apps available because of its combination of being able to support many different turbo trainer types as well as having a great visuals and community riding options.
Basically, Zwift allows you to ride virtual computer generated 3D routes on your laptop, computer or smart device. The harder you pedal the faster you go in the virtual environment. This is not unique to Zwift, as you will see below, however the ability to use many trainer types and therefore ride with more (real life) people is what makes Zwift particularly appealing.
If you have an entry-level trainer with no clever electronics then you will need to get a cadence and speed sensor or a power meter to work with Zwift. Smart trainers such as those offered by Bkool, CycleOps, Elite, Wahoo, Tacx, Kinetic and Racemate can hook up to Zwift out of the box and what makes things really cool is that you can even vary the resistance you feel depending on the gradient of the hill you are climbing. Note that this only happens with compatible electromagnetic (or motor) turbo trainers.
BKOOL INDOOR SIMULATOR
Bkool offer both hardware (i.e. turbo trainers) and software, with the software in particular advancing to a level that makes it something you must consider. Their software works on all major platforms, namely iOS, Android, PC and Mac. Also, their software is also compatible with a number of third party trainers as well as their own Bkool trainers, which is a real bonus.
Like Zwift, the Bkool simulator (as it is known) lets you ride on 3D virtual worlds generated from real life locations, as well as letting you ride on videos of courses and on simple 2D maps if you choose to do so. Bkool let you import your own GPS data meaning you can re-ride your own routes in the simulator software and they will even generate a 3D world from your GPS routes.
Additional features include multiplayer functions, including races & competitions, leagues and voice chat between players so you don’t necessarily need to ride solo. The software allows you to generate training plans so you can focus on your specific end goals such as endurance or hill climbing etc.
TACX TRAINING SOFTWARE
Tacx are very much a turbo trainer company and have a large range of excellent trainers. They also have some great software available on both smart devices and desktop computers.
Tacx’s software works with all of their trainers as well as most third-party trainers that support the open ANT+ and Bluetooth BLE standards, however you will need to purchase a USB dongle to use the ANT+ option. An Android app is available for free but if you wish to use an iOS you will need a Wahoo dongle for use with an iPhone or iPad.
The core functionality of the tablet app is its workout creator, allowing you to develop structured workouts based on grade or wattage. In addition, you are able to download (at a cost) high resolution online cycling course videos, and these videos are synced to GPS data so that if you have a compatible trainer its resistance will be automatically varied depending on the gradient of the route you are riding.
The Tacx desktop app has far more functionality when compared to the tablet app. You can ride through courses created on Google Maps or you can use the virtual 3D environments available from Tacx. These 3D worlds are amazing quality as you can see in the video above.
The Sufferfest
The video above tells it all. High octane video footage that puts you in the front line and really immerses you in the races.
Many consider The Sufferfest the best cycling training videos currently available. They have hooked up with major cycling federations to bring official routes from the best and most famous pro racing events around the world. So you can now ride along and compete on the toughest races just like you see on TV (e.g. the Tour de France).
The videos feature clear instructions as well as high-intensity interval workouts designed by world-class coaches, appealing to beginner and professional cyclists alike. The videos and training programs hook up with power meters, heart rate monitors and even smart trainers to make riding more realistic and rewarding (and useful). Virtual power is also an option if you do not have an expensive power meter.
TRAINERROAD
While TrainerRoad does not have the fancy 3D worlds to ride on or online races it has a number of advantages over comparable power-based workout apps. Firstly it supports a large number of different turbo trainer brands (i.e. it is not locked into a single type of trainer), and secondly, although it focuses on power-based workouts it actually does not require a power meter. TrainerRoad is a real training tool for serious cyclists.
TrainerRoad works fantastically with power meters, so if you have one it is perfect, however if you do not have a power meter the app incorporates a ‘Virtual Power’ feature which allows it to interface with most trainers on the market. Using an ANT+ sensor, the ‘Virtual Power’ feature estimates power then broadcasts the signal using TrainerRoad’s ‘Power Relay Feature’ to easily record your readings on an ANT+ compatible bike computer.
There is a massive library of workouts available through TrainerRoads numerous video partnerships so there are no shortage of courses or interesting topologies that you can ride during those long, cold winter hours. If you own a smart (resistance controlled) trainer then as you ride your resistance will be automatically varied to match the gradients you are climbing.
Kinetic Fit
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Kurt Kinetic are a major turbo trainer brand with some pretty innovative products, such as the Rock and Roll turbo trainer. While their trainers are compatible with other software such as Zwift and TrainerRoad, Kinetic also have their custom Kinetic Fit app specially developed to run with their trainers.
There are different tiers to the app ranging from free to $15 per month that include features such as complete training plans, power and heart rate zones, fully customizable displays, competitions and challenges. There is even the option to bolt on a Sufferfest package to gain access to all the Sufferfest videos.
Kinetic have essentially developed a software suite from scratch so that is it perfect for their Kinetic turbo trainers. There are always benefits to having a hardware and software package so if you own a Kurt Kinetic turbo trainer you should check out the Kinetic Fit app.
Which turbo trainer software is best for you?
Here we focus on just a few of the very best software to use with your turbo trainer. The comprehensive list below lets you browse the many options available to you, but Zwift, Bkool, Tacx, Sufferfest, TrainerRoad, and Kinetic are the ones you should definitely check out first.
If you want a visually beautiful riding experience and want to be part of a community then Zwift, Bkool, and Tacx are the ones for you, but if you are more about the training metrics and workouts then consider TrainerRoad and Kinetic Fit.
The Sufferfest are massively popular and if you check out their ever expanding videos you can see why. Here we featured just one example of a Sufferfest video that immerses you in a real life racing situation, but there are many more for you to choose from.
Quick Links:
Zwift
Bkool
The Sufferfest
TrainerRoad
Tacx Trainer Software
Kinetic Fit
Kinomap
Elite Real Trainer
RaceMate – CompuTrainer
Wahoo Fitness
FulGaz
Golden Cheetah
Hurts ERGO
iMobile Intervals
Maximum Trainer
Perfpro
Peripedal
Race My Ghost
Velo Reality
Bikevo
Offering the opportunity to connect with other like-minded riders, as well as providing a visual stimulus to focus on whilst working out, software like Zwift and the Bkool Simulator are great for alleviating some of the boredom often associated with indoor riding.
Bkool have recently launched an much improved Simulator, whilst Zwift remains a firm favourite amongst many indoor cyclists. We therefore thought it would be a good idea to look at these two platforms in more detail.
What do Zwift and the Bkool Simulator do?
Zwift markets itself as a multiplayer video game, enabling you to link your turbo trainer to your PC, MAC or mobile device and ride alongside others in a virtual environment. With a heavy focus on social, Zwift is perfect for those wanting to connect with new people who have a common interest (i.e. cycling).
On the flipside, the Bkool Simulator prides itself on a more realistic riding experience, with its large variety of route options and changing weather feature. Still offering many of the social features of Zwift, Bkool focus on their designed-by-experts training structures.
How many routes do Zwift and Bkool offer?
The Bkool Simulator is certainly the better turbo trainer companion app when it comes to the choice of routes. Not only are there already 500,000 routes available to choose from, including Central Park in New York City, Bangkok and Copenhagen, but the Simulator also allows you to upload and create your own routes. You can literally ride anywhere in the world and even convert your rides into fully immersive 3D virtual environments. That is pretty cool.
The Bkool Simulator also has other advanced features, such as changing weather conditions, headwinds and even a night mode. Although none of these are a necessity for a good work out, there’s no denying that they add even more dimension to your online cycling experience.
Zwift has less choice when it comes to their virtual environments. They have chosen to focus on 3 worlds: Richmond, London and Watopia, all with an average of around 5 unique routes for users to pick from. However, these routes are very well done.
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What are the fitness benefits?
Both of these PC and mobile applications feature structured training and workouts. With the Bkool Simulator, coaches will help you to achieve your goals with a system of streets and watches, meaning that you can follow your progress in real time.
Zwift encourages you to push yourself with visual cues, along with general community support.
What are the social benefits?
Zwift was created for indoor riders to be social. And there are riders from over 150 countries currently signed up. One fun feature allows you send a fellow rider a thumbs up by clicking the “Ride on” button. Meanwhile, if you receive a “Ride on” from another cyclist, you’re jersey pockets will grow and your total can be counted after completing the route. This ‘gamification’ helps keep you engaged in your ride and thus workout more.
Zwift also allows you to chat to the community with the Voice-to-Text messaging feature, making the group rides and community races even more enjoyable.
The Bkool Simulator also provides the opportunity for you to ride alongside other cyclists. You can even create your own cycling team! There is also a Velodrome Games arena to allow you to stay social and train at the same time.
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Bkool has a similar points system to Zwift, but these are earnt based on the difficulty of the workouts you take on. These points can then be used to pick and customise your cycling outfit. With Voice Chat, Bkool users can instantly chat to fellow riders and you can also write supportive messages on the roads themselves. This is pretty cool!
Learn more about Zwift on their website here
Learn more about Bkool on their website here
Can I upload my Zwift and Bkool data to Strava?
Many cyclists will be very familiar with Strava and it’s good to know that data from your rides on both Zwift and the Bkool Simulator can be synced to Strava. This is important because people like to record all workouts to get a better picture of the rides they’ve done and the data they’ve accumulated.
How much personalisation is there?
Zwift allows you to change how your avatar looks. Change up your jersey or bicycle with various items that unlock each time you level up. Meanwhile, edit skin tone, hair colour and add even add some glasses.
Bkool allows you to configure your avatar too, and the more Bkool points you earn the more like you your character can become. These points to customisation features only add to the addictiveness of these platforms, which translates to more workouts. It’s a good addiction 🙂
What extra equipment do you need to use Zwift and the Bkool Simulator?
The Bkool Simulator works with all sorts of trainers and meters. You can use it in conjunction with a power meter, a smart trainer and even a heart rate monitor. The advanced app uses your pulse to calculate your power output. Bkool have their own great trainers (we cover them in detail here), so if you have a Bkool turbo trainer in makes sense to use the Bkool Simulator.
Zwift have a comprehensive list of supported trainers over on their website, but they say that most turbo trainers and power meters work as long as you have an ANT+ power meter.
What device does Zwift and the Bkool Simulator run on?
Zwift Mobile Link app is currently available on the Google Play Store (Android 4.2 and up), the iOS App Store (iOS 8.0 or later). It can also be downloaded on to PC and MACs (Windows 7 and OSX 10.8 and above).
Similarly, Bkool is compatible with MAC (OSX 10.8) and PC (Windows 7 or later), iOS (7 or later) and Android (4.2 or later).
Do you need an internet connection for Zwift and Bkool?
Both of these applications require a high speed internet connection and neither offer an offline mode.
How much does Zwift and the Bkool Simulator software cost?
Bkool and Zwift work on a subscription basis. Zwift currently charge $10 per month (which roughly works out at about £8.20) and Bkool charges £8 a month, so the cost roughly the same.
Bkool offers customers 20% off if they sign up for a full year, costing £78 instead of the £96. Bkool also do hardware (and very well – read out Bkool turbo trainer guide here), and if you buy a Bkool trainer you get 3 month free Premium Simulator subscription.
Not sure if you’ll like them? Bkool offers 5 sessions for 30 days completely free and you can join for 14 days for free with Zwift!
Learn more about Zwift on their website here
Learn more about Bkool on their website here