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IB14: TrainerRoad Puts Full Platform on iOS, Developing Group Training Features

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TrainerRoad has added an iOS app that lets you run their entire platform of training software directly from your phone.

TrainerRoad is a subscription based training system that lets you use prebuilt workouts or build your own, then have the effort wirelessly sent to your Wahoo Kickr or Computrainer. Those two offer the best integration, which lets the software automatically control your trainer to keep the power output on track with the workout. More features after the break…

It’ll also sync with other sensors, and for the phone it’ll natively pick up data from Bluetooth parts like Wahoo’s HR and cadence sensors or Stages power meters. If you’ve got an ANT+ dongle, it’ll work with other sensors, too.

The iOS app offers virtually all of the features as the desktop based version. That includes the ability to watch Sufferfest videos and have it sync effort with the video. Or you could just watch Archer and still have workout cues pop up to keep you on track.

With the development of the mobile/tablet version, the desktop version will soon migrate to the iOS based platform, which will let them add new features like live workouts and multi-rider.

Live workouts will be streamed to the website, letting a coach remotely see your workout in real time. Or, teams can log in and see what everyone else is doing while having a virtual group workout.

Multi rider will evolve from that, but the details aren’t finalized.

The iOS app is still in beta, so it’s not in the App Store yet. There’s no set date yet, it depends on how the beta testing goes and that just started. Stay tuned.

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edge
edge
10 years ago

I’m a current subscriber and have both an I phone and a Galaxy S5. Bluetooth sensor data is spotty (missing data points). I would like to see an Android version so I don’t have to go and buy a dongle or switch back to Bluetooth sensors.

ez
ez
10 years ago

One of the nice perks of Trainerroad is that it has its own audio cues, so I can listen to better music when doing Sufferfest videos.

Terry
Terry
10 years ago

How about Windows phones?

nick
nick
10 years ago

this is what I have been waiting for

YES! no more laptop to train… just take my phone/ipod touch!

Peter
Peter
10 years ago

BT is not good choice for this. Even Strava App has issues with it. Android users need better ANT+ support from big players.

John
John
10 years ago

LOL! Windows phone! Good luck with that!

keville
keville
10 years ago

Never had a problem with Bluetooth indoors on my KICKR trainer.

BT sensors can be a little spotty on long rides with your phone in your jersey pocket, and the apps themselves aren’t great at reconnecting, but indoors — no problem.

(This is me training solo; no clue how much interference comes in a gym setting…)

Gregg
Gregg
10 years ago

I’m more curious about how he mounted his phone to what looks like Sram’s Garmin compatible mount? I have that mount and I have always wanted to do that. Is it a specific case?

Raoul fortirt
Raoul fortirt
10 years ago

Hi Gregg check out the topeak stem mount ride case

http://www.topeak.com/products/PanoBike-and-RideCase/ridecase_mount_rx

Jonathan
10 years ago

Hey Guys, Jonathan from TrainerRoad here.

I apologize for the delayed response, but I’ll try to clarify a few things and respond to some of the questions/comments.

While we plan on having video workouts included in the first public iOS launch, the sandboxed nature of iOS apps won’t allow us to visually overlay the TR app over video from a different app like Netflix. Having said that, if you are using a Kickr then TR will still modulate the resistance when the app is minimized while you are using the Netflix app, for example.

Some features, like the Workout Creator, will not be included in the first iOS launch.

——

Edge: Thanks for using TR! In our testing with Bluetooth sensors we haven’t noticed an increased level of dropouts or spottiness. What kind of devices are you using? We will look into it to see if we can resolve the issues.

Regarding Android, I agree that it would be way easier if we didn’t have to worry about the ANT+/Bluetooth device compatibility issues. Writing for a new platform like this is a huge undertaking for us and it simply came down to what our users have. According to our site traffic, less than 5% are using Android, so that’s the main reason why we went iOS first.

That doesn’t mean we won’t go Android in the future. When the resources are available and the demand is there then we will be more than happy to build for Android as well 🙂

Terry: See my above response to Edge regarding Android. The same thing applies to Windows Phone. Hopefully the demand grows, because I love the WP design language 🙂

Peter: See the first part of my response to Edge. Let me know what issues you are having with BT sensors and TR and we will see if we can get to the bottom of it.

Gregg: That is a proprietary mount that we fab’d. It mounts right up to the quarter-turn mount that most riders already have on their stem/bars. We are contemplating going into production on this and shipping just the male portion of the mount and the necessary items to attach it to whatever case the user has. Let me know if you’d be interested in a solution of that type.

Jonathan Lee
9 years ago

@Peter & edge,

TrainerRoad is coming to Android! Check it out: https://www.trainerroad.com/landing/android-2

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