You may not have heard of the indoor training cycling app icTrainer, which markets itself as the most affordable cycling app at just $49.99 per year, but it’s worth a look.
icTrainer, developed in Germany, has been around for a few years, so they’ve had time to refine the user experience and functionality. They are quick to point out that the platform has no gamification/computer worlds, as the software is aimed more at ambitious athletes or sportspeople. The slogan ‘Just Train – No Game’ sums it up. The philosophy is based on the idea that users consume other forms of entertainment, and don’t require their indoor cycling app to provide amusement.
But what it lacks in entertainment value, it makes up for in other areas.
It provides a wide range of live data, such as power, heart rate, cadence, left/right distribution, core body temperature, muscle oxygen saturation, Di2 gears, and more, which suits most indoor riders’ requirements.
Hundreds of videos of real routes are included, or you can upload your own GPX files and use Street View mode. Routes include iconic popular routes from around the world, including the Nürburgring in Germany, the Stelvio Pass in Italy and Richmond Park laps in London. In total, there are over 100 real-world routes and more than 150 structured workouts.
You can build your own workout within the platform or use the included workouts, training plans, or heart rate-based training.
For newbies, icTrainer offers a handful of training plans that progress gradually in intensity and duration. There are also options for standalone power tests to determine zones.
If you like to train in a group, there is an integrated video chat solution built in, as well, so you can interact with your mates while riding in your own home.
Free music to match the cadence of a workout is also incorporated, with hundreds of tracks available. And if you prefer to watch content while you’re working out, an integrated web browser allows you to watch Netflix or YouTube on the same tablet during a workout.
There are many interfaces to software platforms and hardware providers included, and it works on all systems, including PC, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire OS. Virtual shifting is possible via Zwift Click or other third-party providers.
If there are two of you in one location, you can train simultaneously with one PC/tablet. icTrainr can also be used offline in locations where the Internet is not available, like a basement or garage.
Due to its many functions, the company recommends that you use it on a computer or tablet rather than a smartphone, but there is a remote control app for smartphones.
The icTrainer platform also works for rowing, kayaking, swim ergometers and treadmills.
It can be a little tricky to set up because there is a large amount of data/options, but it’s straightforward to learn with lots of YouTube tutorials and fast customer service.
To learn more and sign up, visit ictrainer.de/en/
