BikeErg & Apps

[warnie]

Hi guys,

reading a number of seperate posts in the forum got me thinking to what Apps have you successfully connected to and by what method i.e. ANT+ or Bluetooth. Might be interesting for some to see what can and can't be connected. I've only tried a couple so not sure of the others out there!

Zwift - Success - Connected with BLE and ANT+ and a combination of iPad, Apple TV or Mac
RGT - Failed with the new set up (RGT Cycling and RGT Screen)

any others?

cheers

Warnie

[warnie]

Tried Rouvy AR (Beta) tonight. Worked really well with the BikeErg, connected without any drama and a fun video. Good workout.

iPad Bluetooth connections and HR Belt.

[Slothful1]

I haven't tried anything other than Zwift running at the same as ErgData (iOS version). ErgData is connected via BLE, and I connect to Zwift on my Windows laptop with ANT+. Also have a Garmin Dual HRM connected to both the PM5 and Zwift, and all has worked smoothly since I started. I don't normally run the Zwift Companion app, but I have managed to open it briefly while riding and it doesn't seem to interfere with the ErgData recording running in background mode.

Dave

[Garyvrck]

I have used both Zwift and The Sufferfest with my BikeErg connected on my Windows laptop with ANT+. Both work great, although I personally prefer The Sufferfest and ended up purchasing their 1 year subscription.

[warnie]

Update on RGT Connection!

I've now managed two rides on RGT via BikeErg. Connected HR to the iphone app and then connected iphone to bike for power. Unfortunately doesn't allow the cadence to connect over but it's something!!

[Cliff Hcox]

How did you connect to RGT app I cannot establish a bluetooth connection from my phone to the PM5 using RGT app ..

It works perfectly via zwift

[carbonbars]

I also can't get the RGT mobile app on an iPhone to connect to a PM5 - updated firmware to latest version on PM5. RGT app 'sees' the PM5 but the connection never completes. As others commented works with Zwift.
Anyone found a workaround?

[warnie]

I'll have another go tomorrow and make a note of how I connected. From memory I made sure I had nothing connecting to the iphone and then chose cadence, I'm sure power didn't connect although when you get it connected to the phone it's actually power that is calculated not cadence!! Will try and report back tomorrow but one of them definitely hangs and doesn't connect.

[LloydyH85]

Thats a shame about RGT as i was quite hoping to try that one looks like a nice alternative to zwift! Might try the workout mentioned and see if i can get it to work! Has any one tried Bkool? I Know its probably geared mostly for its own users but was keen to try it as i know they have a velodrome which is something i always wished zwift had! I have also tried rouvy and it paired up first time without any problems! It coudnt have been easier! I believe trainerroad works too which i am tempeted to try once i get bored of zwift and want some more structured training!

[mixpix3ls]

I use TrainerRoad and Zwift. No issues at all. Only thing is that sometimes, I’m asked to maintain a cadence around 95rpm but I hit the target power in 95rpm on the 1 damper setting, but that’s a minor issue and depends on the person.

[balugaa]

Used with Zwift No problem the full schebang, rides, workouts, races, TTT's ... beautiful

Used with Rouvy - connects ok works BUT Rouvy classify this as a Classic Trainer which means you are excluded from many of their official events/races. Worth bearing in mind, just in case someone is thinking of joining and are interested in racing or their "career" path. Lots of people complain about this.

Have never tried on RGT ..

[PaulKinlin]

Tried zwift, rouvy and rgt all connected without issues.
Saying that I am using a cheap £10 ant dongle from amazon connecting to win10 laptop. Sited a couple of meters away and no drop outs.
For rgt I have the android app pointing to the Windows screen app.
Which one is best is a matter of opinion.
Zwift is more engaging and immersive, more users but the most expensive at 12.99 a month.
Rouvy has Real World videos with graphics overlaid, nice touch is the route profile that shows rider position. Limited users, not as engaging as zwift but okay for a session where you won't get caught in trying to race others way above your level. About 8quid a month is, look for discount codes .
RGT, not as pretty as zwift nor as many riders but you travel at more realistic speeds and it slows your rider down in corners instead of zwifting at 70kph round a 90 degree turn. Has a free option with limited tracks that change regularly. For 6.99 you get all the bells and whistles with the ability to upload your own routes ( exported a few from strava, with elevation profile). Only complaint is your rider seems to lean to the left even on straight roads. Sorted that by changing view to cycle through the different ones available.
Which one would I choose.
RGT, free version during summer months as I'll be biking outdoors. During winter months, probably alternate between rgt and zwift depending on what events are on at the time.

[djetal]

I have used Zwift, BKool, Sufferfest, Fulgaz, and BigRing. Like BKool best, but I liked the ride videos of BigRing best. Many more rides than Zwift, not nearly as many people.

[LloydyH85]

Thats awesome to hear that bkool works as i have been curious to try it, I love that they have a velodrome which i think is a miss oportunity for zwift! I have recently tried RGT which worked first time on android and works well, its ok but the routes are somewhat limited but did like it for a change! I think i will use the free mode for now until there is more content. Have never heard of BigRing so will have a look at that too! Fulgaz also looks pretty good! There is certainly a decent amount of app that work with the bike erg now!