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Good question, what cycling computer do you use...Garmin, Polar... Short answer, I don't know anymore... I used to download rides to Rouvy direct from my Joule cycling computer which i received with my Powerbeam when i bought it, but the joule died long ago and I have not uploaded any rides since then from my current bike computer (Polar M460 and polar's online program Polar Flow) Essentially you will have to locate where the particular ride you want to upload FIT. or TCX. files are stored. These files will need to be on the same device that your Rouvy program is installed. Then login to Rouvy and look for the "Activities Import" button and then "upload file" Click the FIT. or TCX. files you want to upload Sorry i cant provide exact directions, my Rouvy is on a laptop and my Polar on my desk top so I cant try it out at the moment... If you find out, please let us know

The nice thing about Rouvy's trial period is that you don't have to furnish them with Credit Card details. Also the $12 membership gives you 3 logins so if you have mates or family members who also ride they can have full access too. There are structured workouts focusing on FTP etc etc. The missing element is a structured program that tells you what to do on a specific day which is what Zwift has. The zwift programs take the guesswork out of it which is nice but we can all figure out a structured program in 10 minutes if we really want to. There are approximately 3000 routes that you can just ride on Rouvy. Most have video. Some are better than others. You'll see ratings and comments. I'd advise doing the Augmented Reality routes in your test phase which will give you a nice feel for how it is. You can download the route videos beforehand so if you have a not wonderful internet connection the video won't buffer which i enjoy. There are also races that you can join. I've never done one but they are available and anyone can schedule a race on any course for you and your mates. Right now I'm only interested in doing the climbs on Rouvy. I've faved more than 100 and I'm slowly working my way through them. That should keep me busy till the end of the year at least. Another cool thing is the routes are of real roads. Want to know if you can make it up Ventoux? Jump on Rouvy and see.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/07/jetblack-volt-smart-trainer-in-depth-review.html https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/09/zwift-hub-499-smart-trainer-hands-on-a-competition-killer.html – App Compatibility: Every app out there basically (Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, RGT, The Sufferfest, Kinomap, etc…) – Protocol Compatibility: ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth Smart Trainer Control, Bluetooth Smart Power (everything you need)

https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/29594 - not sure if everyone will be able to see it, this is under my profile. https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/3400 - chappies to end https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/4012 - Gordons bay https://my.rouvy.com/virtual-routes/detail/1572 - Suikerbos rand(Heidelberg), for the brave.

Did a virtual ride on Rouvy, and it has got me thinking of a possible Tour across Lesotho ending down Sani Pass (when it’s eventually tarred). Some awesome views.

Have you given Sufferfest a go yet? You can use this coupon: KICKSTART60 for a 60 day trial. That way you can suffer properly before having to pay for anything . So here's my take on things (please note that this is my take and I may upset some Die Hard Zwift and Rouvy users) - Both Zwift and Rouvy is great but, and this is where it gets tricky. They both offer the user an option to clock some "junk miles" and basically just faf around in different virtual locations with other people who are also just faffing about. So you end up just basically riding around staring at an Avatar of yourself whilst other guys come flying past because they made themselves weigh 45kg to be the fastest up certain climbs. What makes Sufferfest different is this: 1) The coach is world class - Sir Neal has coached Olympic athletes 2) There's no faffing about, you get on, break yourself and get off. 3) The 4DP fitness test is leaps and bounds ahead of the normal ramp test that Zwift and or Rouvy offers 4) They offer more than just Spinning, there's yoga and strength as well 5) You ride with actual race footage and not as an avatar Those are some of the things I can think of now but Suf is not for everyone hey, it is really hard work. I have had friends who tried it only to return to Zwift later. The key with Suf is that you need to do a 4DP test as soon as possible so that the smart trainer can adjust the resistance for each metric accordingly. Head me up if you need some guidance on how to do the 4DP and or any other Suf stuff that you would like to know

I used the training plans on Zwift. Or on Rouvy I "design" my own plan using the workouts. 3 workouts a week and ride outdoors twice on the weekend. Work your way through the Cape Epic workouts on Rouvy. I designed those. When I say design I basically copied the Zwift versions to Rouvy.

I eventually fond the update button on teh Rouvy AR app as i was annoyed they were not providing the tech support. It was always on the old Rouvy and i wanted to have my HR stuff recorded, although it makes no real difference to any of the Rouvy data they store. Hope you have what you need.

Zwift is better, purely because it’s established, and more importantly it allows switching between ERG and Incline mode, while doing the workout using the Companion app. That’s the winner for me, but am I willing to pay for it? Not really. Whoosh being free is good enough should a friend decide to drop the family share on Rouvy. I then simply disconnect the controllable power to ensure I’m not using ERG. Whoosh also doesn’t allow uploading workout, nor does it integrate with Intervals.icu. However, TrainingPeaks integrates even as a free subscriber, but the free user can only load today and tomorrow. As I’m coaching 8-10 people, and I don’t have the Coaching account I’m not expecting them to recreate the workouts manually. I don’t need entertainment to keep me busy on the IDT, so I don’t really need it. I just use it for the elevation gain.

Zwift for more of a game like environment. Rouvy has come on a bit since last year when it looked like my rider had hip dysplasia and is good for a change every now and then. Don't panic when the view stops at stop streets and your avatar disappears down the road. Keep pedalling and it will catch up. Both are nice. Rouvy is good fun to scope out iconic sections of the world tour

I also remember how much closer to totally worn I used to ride chains and cassette's. I feel like most are replaced with a good 1000km still to go on them nowadays. #rideittillitblows you will laugh at the amount of sniping done to cut running costs that you don't see... I have an old bike on the trainer. Because I only train in ERG mode- the gear doesn't really matter. So when I set it up, I found the cheapest, heaviest, chain and cassette. Then I run it in 1 gear for a few 1000km, then swap to the next gear for the next few 1000km then the next. Stretched chain don't care, between the mrs and I, we are over 7000km with a single chain, cassette, shifter cable, jockey wheels etc. But our fun bikes only come out on weekends and not when weather is inclement(other than races). It means you can enjoy the proper riding because you are fit, but not have the massive running costs of riding a premium expensive drivetrain/tyres a lot. Rouvy also has family membership to cut costs there.

Am I right: Rouvy asks $10/month (cuurent special) for up to 3 family members? We are in my family currently 3 riders, each with their own trainer/PC combo. And for each of us I am paying a separate subscription to Tacx for their Tacx desktop app. It sounds like Rouvy is a LOT cheaper? Or am I mssing some fine print somewhere? That is often the case. I have never ridden/used Rouvy so not sure how it compares/competes with Tacx. Please let's just ignore boring Zwift.

Absolutely. You should try Rouvy if you like varied visuals. I've tried a few others but for me the 2 best ones are Rouvy and Zwift. 2 very different flavours of training. The beauty is you can switch at any time. The one thing I really love about rouvy is the ability to ride a "real" road. And you can get a person to pace you up a climb by picking a virtual partner. As time goes by I'm also finding my enjoyment of Zwift waning quite a lot. I only do the workouts and I also find myself watching youtubes rather than my cartoon guy so the whole social aspect of it doesn't really hold any attraction for me. When the gym opens up again I'll most likely cancel my Zwift subscription. I'm running 3 times a week and then I'll throw in 2 spinning classes a week which I really enjoy which is enough. Weekend riding is for enjoyment only. Make no mistake I think Zwift is great. The training programs are really good IMO. *Edit. Oh ja I've also picked up the old surfboard again. Too many sports not enough time. I need to find a way for someone else to do my job for me.

Anyone looking at doing the Tour de Suisse on rouvy? RACES | ROUVY

I bounce between Zwift, Rouvy and Sufferfest. For training proper I rate Sufferfest the best of those 3. I like Rouvy coz I like to "recce" routes that I'm hoping to ride in the future. I was super into Zwift during lockdown but I just can't anymore. I try to time my changeover for a specific day so I don't pay for both subscriptions.

I have heard its quite the experience the crazy start, I think I will be last in and take it as it comes, for me now, the sheer thrill of completing is enough for me. my strength in swimming was in my youth, held a few school records, but all short distance , in most strokes and individual medley, then into lifesaving Bronze then silver medallion, before a short 2 year stint as a professional white water paddler (the equivalent of a downhill mountain biker I imagine) paddling America, Canada and Chiles Futalafu mainly, then had to get a real job. after 20 years of never doing a lap in a pool, just before covid I donned my 3/4 speedo, ja ja I have not upgraded my confidence to the full paddock hammock yet lol I seem to be able to hold around 2 min per 100m over 400m or so, then my fitness lets me down, I can tell swimming slower won't help, really don't feel like I was pushing it, and its simply time in the pool till I can maintain that over longer distances, I can feel my legs are heavy and sinking too low and my stroke is not as efficient as it could be, and my breathing needs a lot of work. so will be putting some effort in when the time comes, so I can come out strong, and have more left for the bike and run. Goodness me but the plethoras of training apps, and linking all this together is one hell of a learning curve (Zwift, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks , ANT, BT Joh) the easiest set up seems to be TrainingPeaks premium, coupled with MyproCoach premium for now. just to get started. seems like the best bang for the buck. I have a few coupon codes, which will allow me 30-90 days on Rouvy, Zwift and Sufferfest. so will give each a fair chance, ideally just wanted the option to have my workouts either of these online "worlds" while indoors, and then the ability to also complete my workouts outdoors. Getting TrainerRoad and everything set up, is mind bending at the moment. This was my first choice, but outside of being a great training app, and some good programs, there doesn't seem to be any easy solution to hooking everything up smoothly. between devices, or I am simply not seeing the puzzle pieces fit in my mind, tech wise. and right now, I don't have enough experience to say how I like to train, via Zwift or Rouvy or sufferfest, or simply training app and watch some Plex or Netflix on the TV. as soon as this covid is over and clubs open up, I will hopefully have some form of base fitness for a proper coach to work with, and or not embarrass myself in squad training, and various team training events. as I would really like to support local, after months of such a tough time financially and get the much needed help one on one.

I really enjoy Zwift. Yes it is a bit gamey but if you just embrace that it's fun. Collecting the bikes and kit etc. It's all very puerile but so what. Try signing up for a training plan. The FTP builder one is good (IMO) for building base. It starts out feeling a bit too easy but builds up nicely. You put the trainer in ERG mode and just do the work that it tells you to do. I tried Fulgaz yesterday and the power readings were way off and the footage was super juddery. This might be to do with my fibre line which seems to be a bit off at the moment. Plus I'm running it on my super low end laptop which is probably a bit light for Fulgaz. But for me it fits nicely between Rouvy and Zwift. Real footage with a teeni bit of gameification. I'm back on Rouvy for now but I'll probably jump between Rouvy ans Zwift for the foreseeable future.

Hi Guys, I would highly recommend Rouvy as a virtual cycling platform. Its cheaper and in my opinion way better than Zwift. I can also get everyone who uses this code 20% off the Rouvy membership???? The code is ISSRAY20 Hope to see you all on Rouvy soon

I did my first ride on Rouvy yesterday after about 3 months of Zwifting. I don't know why but I find it "easier" to go hard on Rouvy. When I want a structured plan I'll jump back on to Zwift. But for now I'll stick to Rouvy.

Rouvy is starting to test their drafting, for those that might be interested. Tonight at 18:00 - https://my.rouvy.com/onlinerace/live/27198 Tomorrow at 18:00 - https://my.rouvy.com/onlinerace/live/27200

FWIW. I bought the cheapest wheel off trainer I could find just before the entire planet got lobotomized. Elite Zumo. And even tho I can't look at it right now without gagging I still think it's some of the best cycling money I've ever spent. I used it to train for Sani (the one that didn't happen) and I think i was the fittest I've ever been thanks to it. When lockdown happened I continued training as if Sani was going to happen even clocking some 100km rides in my study. Hence the gagging. I can't comment on a wheel on smart trainer but I did have a wheel on dumb trainer with the blue tire and a wheel off trainer is a MUCH more enjoyable experience. The ride feel is so so so much better. The feel of a wheel on trainer is just horrible compared to a wheel off trainer. I pretty much bounce between Zwift and Rouvy. I just time my cancellation so that I don't pay for both subscriptions

Same here. My wife and I both use it, so its basically half price and then there's always discount on yearly membership around halloween/black friday. So I see Rouvy as being less than 50% of the others. We only use ir for intervals or z2 work when the weather doesn't allow and of course my wife can't go riding alone on the road.

Rouvy for me - as three persons in one's household can be linked to the same account on its Family Membership plan.

I like Rouvy more but Zwift interfaces with my analytics software better when it come to pulling and pushing workouts. So it really depends on how you 're going to use the Augmented Reality Platform

While on the topic of indoor trainers: Rouvy or Zwift ?