TrainerRoad

66yr old UK based rider been road cycling 5 yrs, age related racing last 3 yrs. Committed to high volume base, build and specialty training plan 12m ago with best racing results ever this season. Felt strange to not be out on the road for weeks on end but good to be able to achieve effective training when weather not conducive. Main attraction of TR compared to other apps has been the well structured training plans for various disciplines based on repeat FTP tests. Found high intensity VO2 workouts hard to handle towards end of plan last time, possibly due to over optimistic FTP. Must admit to being tempted by Sufferfest app with 4 dimensional FTP for this reason. Recent introduction of calendar and automatic import of road workouts with corresponding TSS a good feature as is the online blog. Other training apps undoubtedly more ‘immersive’ although text instructions and drills from trainer Chad with a good music app help somewhat. Those 2hr workouts take some managing sometimes.

I started using TrainerRoad after I saw how it benefited a friend’s cycling. Since subscribing nearly 2 years ago I cannot speak highly enough of their programmes. It’s deliberately not as visually stimulating as some others but the workout texts carry you through the tough times and help you gain perspective on how to refine your performance on the bike. There are drills and plans for all styles of cyclists, and with the new calendar function, the platform is more manipulatable than ever before. TrainerRoad helps me become a better rider all-round and since using it, I’ve achieved way more than I ever thought I was capable of including a 3 day charity ride of 467km and my first half-iron distance triathlon. If you ride and you think there’s a chance you could be better, this is definitely the app for you.

I’m really happy to recommend trainer road (and frequently do) and for me it remains the best bike training software with the flexibility to take your training as far as you want. You can really achieve a lot by remaining consistent and following the programs or, as some of my mates do, cherry picking workouts to prep for races/events. There’s loads of training programs to cover most disciplines - providing you’ve got a compatible trainer - -mtb, xc multiple distances -cx -road, rr,crits,TT, sportive/century events -Tri This goes hand in hand with what volume best suits your time preferences which is all able to be modified to whatever extent. I’ve been using the app for over a year and it’s been consistently good with regular improvements which demonstrates the solid programming work being done behind the scenes. The new calendar is great and gives you an easy way to track your TSS and therefore progress without overtraining. Zwift is out there and I like it and use it too but for training without distractions/traffic I really think Trainer road is the best option. The website is great too as is the support which I’ve used too and they were prompt and on the button despite being out of their time zone.

Been following this podcast for over two years and it remains the benchmark. Interesting, engaging and factual content on training, equipment and events. The breadth of what is covered dwarfs anything else that I’ve listened to; health, family, work, nutrition, sleep, weight training, running, psychology, aerodynamics - the lot. In addition the podcast has excellent production values and the presenters are clear and articulate in communicating their content. Even if you only have a passing interest in cycling faster and only have time to listen one training podcast, then this is the one you need.

So instead of spin classes and a training programme designed by a personal trainer to improve my mountain biking and endurance road riding, I decided to buy a smart trainer and use an app. After a few reads and recommendations from other experienced turbo users, I reckoned this would suit my interest i.e. Well focused, we'll planned training with emphasis on the form and ironing out bad habits. Good bits: Easy to set up Sensible training programmes (not all high intensity and max power intervals). Easy to follow on Erg and non Erg trainers Bad bits: No audible warning when text (training tips) come up on screen, so sometimes you miss bits unless you like cycling head down watching your phone. Doesn't adapt to what you're actually doing I.e. No comments if you're over our under power/cadence. Doesn't seem to adapt to your improvement, so you'll have to redo your FTP to keep it up to date.