Zwift or Bkool

dpford · Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 16 Location: Lewes

I'm looking at using either Zwift or Bkool for training. What's the general concensus out there?

Thanks in advance

Darren

JaRok2300 · Joined: 01 May 2014 Posts: 378 Location: Worcester, UK

I think the vote will end up being the answer to the question "What do you use?" rather than a consensus on what's the best as only you know what you want from it.

I use Bkool as I'm not bothered by the arcade game type competitive environment on Zwift and prefer the greater variety of routes available on Bkool. I also use Velo Reality for structured sessions similar to Trainer Road.

There has been some cross-over recently and both platforms are not as distinct as they once were with Bkool having FTP based interval workouts for example.

Ps. You can use Bkool for free if you're not concerned about seeing the video of the route you're riding, you still get the trainer control and metrics on screen just no pictures. That's what I use and I haven't missed the videos since my subscription ran out. Velo reality is also free if you only use the structured workouts you build yourself. (Golden Cheetah also does this) Worth a look if cost is a factor, particularly if you want features from multiple platforms.

Jorgan · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:01 am Post subject:

I still need to get a smart trainer, at some point.
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Buzz_ · Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 371

JaRok2300 · Joined: 01 May 2014 Posts: 378 Location: Worcester, UK

What you're referring to is Erg mode where you just pedal in any gear and cadence and the trainer looks after everything else. There is also slope mode where you set the gradient and it's up to you how hard you pedal.
I use those with a mixture of real life routes where you have to use your gears and change the effort level just like you would outside.
I find the combination of the modes gives some variety which makes it slightly less dull than it would otherwise be but I'd still rather be outside whenever possible.
I bought my trainer before I got a power meter, if it had been the other way round I might not have been so fussed about the smart trainer as most features could be replicated with resistance and power.

JaRok2300 · Joined: 01 May 2014 Posts: 378 Location: Worcester, UK

Ps. I also have some progressive resistance rollers which I have done the odd Golden Cheetah interval session on using the power meter.

What with trying to hold a certain power (keeping the line on the graph) and staying upright my brain was fried before my legs. It was a great workout and something I should do more of as I'm sure there were many additional benefits.

hammerer · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 4:48 pm Post subject:

í had a PM with KK road and it was good for Sufferfest but eventually bought a Neo. On Zwift it's an extra dimension and the road feel might be a gimmick but it's a fun gimmick when going over cobbles or the wooden bridges and gravel roads. The Tacx videos are also good with the slope mode, although tacx now have an app in beta also that destroys TTS4 .
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Buzz_ · Joined: 19 May 2007 Posts: 371

I haven't been brave enough to try rollers. With my late night training in the garage I would be worried I could lay undiscovered for hours!

I can see how 'real road feel' could be a fun gimmick. I gave up on Zwift as on a dumb trainer it is just that - dumb. And doing sessions was easier on TrainerRoad. I enjoy Sufferfest for the variety, it's not not just straight 2x20min or 5x5min sessions - mind you on a smart trainer it would be nearly impossible to get a rhythm going on some of the videos.

GrahamO · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:33 pm Post subject:

I would vote for Option 3 which you have neglected to add which is 'go out and cycle on a bike'.
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hammerer · Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:53 pm Post subject:

Jorgan · Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2017 8:04 am Post subject:

As someone who loathes the trainer and all that interval stuff I do, what's the best app to get me enjoying it a bit more? Was looking at smart trainers on ebay, loads of Tacx Vortex and a few Bkool Pro Smart. What are the Bkool trainers like?

Mind you, I do find riding hills outside with a guy who KQ'd in his last two events is quite a beasting. Sometimes the old ways work too.
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JaRok2300 · Joined: 01 May 2014 Posts: 378 Location: Worcester, UK

I've got a Bkool and been pretty happy with it. It's given me no trouble over the last 3/4 years other than Golden Cheetah doesn't seem to want to talk to it any more but I think that's GC as it communicates fine with everything else.

The mounting system is a bit different to most as you don't tension the roller against the wheel like most trainers. The frame is hinged so your body weight holds the tyre against the roller. I never stand up on the trainer but I think this does cause issue if you do as it unloads the rear wheel which could slip and screw up the power figures. I think DC rainmaker found this in his test.

People complain about the Bkool software interface but I've never had an issue with it and it has improved over the years. originally you had to schedule a workout on the web site before going into the app but it can all be done in the app now.

If I was starting again and could scrape the pennies together I would try and get a wheel off trainer now but no reason to change anything I have at this time.