Indoor cycling platforms have revolutionized how cyclists train and compete, offering virtual worlds and social interaction. However, a common frustration for many is the difficulty in keeping up with stronger riders, leading to the dreaded experience of being “dropped” from the group. A new platform, Smash Your Fitness, aims to address this issue by prioritizing cycling skill over sheer power, creating a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.
The Problem with Traditional Virtual Cycling Platforms
Established platforms like Zwift, Rouvy, and others often simulate real-world cycling dynamics where stronger riders with higher power outputs naturally pull ahead, leaving less powerful riders struggling to keep pace. These platforms typically use data from power meters and torque sensors to determine a rider’s speed and position in the virtual environment. While this approach is realistic, it can be discouraging for beginners or those with lower fitness levels, who may find themselves constantly lagging behind and getting dropped from group rides or races. This can diminish the fun and social aspects of virtual cycling, making it less appealing to a wider range of users.
The “Getting Dropped” Dilemma
The phenomenon of getting dropped isn’t exclusive to the virtual world. In real-life group rides, less experienced or fit cyclists often struggle to maintain the pace set by stronger riders. The feeling of being left behind can be disheartening, affecting motivation and enjoyment. Traditional indoor cycling platforms, while offering a convenient alternative, often replicate this experience, which defeats the purpose of engaging in a more inclusive environment.
Smash Your Fitness: A New Approach
Smash Your Fitness offers a unique solution by shifting the focus from power output to cadence, or pedaling speed. The system uses a leg-mounted accelerometer called the Smashometer to measure cadence and transmits this data to the user’s computer or tablet via Bluetooth. In essence, riders moving their legs at the same rate will travel at the same speed in the virtual world, regardless of their individual power output.
How it Works
The system is designed so that everyone in a group ride or race moves at the same virtual speed as long as they maintain a similar pedaling cadence. This allows stronger riders to use higher gears for a harder workout, while weaker riders can use lower gears without getting left behind. This innovative approach ensures that riders of all fitness levels can stay together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. The system can also work with smart trainers that have a built-in Bluetooth cadence meter, eliminating the need for the Smashometer in those cases.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The core concept behind Smash Your Fitness is inclusivity. By removing the emphasis on raw power, it levels the playing field and welcomes cyclists of all skill and fitness levels. This makes virtual cycling more accessible to beginners, casual riders, and those who may not be able to generate as much power as elite athletes. The platform prioritizes skill and technique, creating a more social and engaging experience where everyone can participate fully.
Features and Functionality
Smash Your Fitness provides various features that enhance the virtual cycling experience:
- Virtual Routes: The platform offers a variety of virtual riding routes from places such as Paris, Ireland, and Utah, with more being added. These routes also cater to gravel riders, and not just traditional road cyclists.
- Group Rides: The platform is designed to promote group rides where riders of different abilities can stay together.
- Solo Workouts: In addition to group rides and races, the platform also offers solo workouts and training sessions.
- Cadence-Based Speed: All riders in a group move at the same speed as long as their cadence is similar.
- Adaptability: The system is adaptable to different types of equipment, working with both dedicated exercise bikes and regular bikes on trainers.
User Experience
Smash Your Fitness aims to replicate the social and motivational aspects of real-world group rides, offering a virtual environment where riders can connect and engage without the fear of being dropped. The focus on skill over power can lead to a more enjoyable and less intimidating experience, especially for new users.
The Broader Landscape of Virtual Cycling Platforms
While Smash Your Fitness brings a unique approach, several other virtual cycling platforms are available, each with its own strengths and features. These platforms are constantly evolving to provide more immersive and engaging experiences.
Zwift
Zwift is one of the most popular indoor cycling platforms, known for its gamified approach. It offers virtual worlds, structured workouts, group rides, and races. Zwift has a strong sense of community participation, which motivates riders of all fitness levels. The platform also includes social features like chat, clubs, and the ability to ride with friends. However, its focus on power output can make it less accessible to weaker riders.
MyWhoosh
MyWhoosh is a free-to-use indoor cycling app focused on e-sports racing and includes features like group activities and structured workouts. It is the official platform of the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships. MyWhoosh is known for its algorithm that matches competitors by ability and has a focus on e-sports racing with cash prizes for winners.
TrainingPeaks Virtual
TrainingPeaks Virtual (formerly indieVelo) focuses on realistic racing physics and community-friendly features and is designed to serve the needs of athletes, coaches, and event organizers. It offers a seamless experience with the TrainingPeaks ecosystem, allowing cyclists to sync their workouts and stay on track year-round.
Rouvy
Rouvy stands out by offering real-world recordings of famous climbs and routes, augmented with virtual avatars and ride data. It provides access to a large library of video routes from around the world, allowing users to explore new locations from home. It is especially appealing to cyclists who want to experience the feel of riding iconic routes.
Other Notable Platforms
Other platforms like TrainerRoad focus on structured training plans, using personalized workouts based on power data, and Wahoo SYSTM, which offers AI-driven training programs. Bkool provides a realistic cycling simulator with various content options including workouts, spinning classes, and routes. Each of these platforms offers a different focus, catering to different user preferences and training goals.
The Importance of Inclusivity in Virtual Cycling
The emergence of platforms like Smash Your Fitness highlights a growing awareness of the need for inclusivity in virtual cycling. While the competitive aspect is appealing to many, the focus on raw power can alienate a significant portion of potential users. By prioritizing skill, technique, and community, these platforms can make virtual cycling a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Accessibility for All
Accessibility is a key aspect of inclusive design. This includes not only physical abilities but also sensory considerations. While platforms like Zwift have made progress in diversity by including hand cycles, there is a need for further accessibility features. Some cyclists with visual impairments rely on screen readers and audio cues, and the lack of comprehensive support for these technologies can create a barrier to participation.
The Future of Virtual Cycling
The future of virtual cycling looks promising, with ongoing advancements in technology and design. Platforms are striving to create more immersive, engaging, and inclusive experiences.
Key Trends
- Improved Graphics: Expect continued improvements in graphics and realism, making virtual environments more lifelike.
- Enhanced Social Features: Social features will continue to be a key focus, with more ways to connect, interact, and compete with other riders.
- Personalized Training: AI-driven training programs will become more sophisticated, providing personalized workout plans tailored to individual fitness levels and goals.
- Accessibility Features: There will be a greater emphasis on accessibility, making platforms usable for a broader range of individuals with various abilities.
Conclusion
The rise of virtual cycling platforms has transformed how people approach indoor fitness, creating an engaging and interactive way to train and compete. Smash Your Fitness is a noteworthy platform that is challenging the status quo by prioritizing skill over power and creating a more inclusive and welcoming virtual cycling experience. By addressing the common problem of riders being dropped from groups, the platform opens up virtual cycling to a wider audience and promises to foster community and enjoyment for all. As the virtual cycling landscape continues to evolve, the move towards greater inclusivity and accessibility will continue to shape the industry, making it a fun and engaging experience for all.
