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Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

18.01.24 00:35 1.200Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin Haiden (und KI)Practical Check and Complete Guide: Virtual Cycling Training with Augmented Reality for the Perfect Indoor Experience. A comprehensive guide to the authentic Cycling App with active participation of the Bikeboard community.18.01.24 00:35 1.782

Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

18.01.24 00:35 1.782 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin Haiden (und KI)
  • AI generated translation
  • AI-generated translation refers to the process of using artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning models, to automatically translate text or speech from one language to another. These systems, such as neural machine translation models, analyze large datasets of multilingual content to learn patterns and associations between languages. The generated translations are based on statistical probabilities and context learned during training.
Practical Check and Complete Guide: Virtual Cycling Training with Augmented Reality for the Perfect Indoor Experience. A comprehensive guide to the authentic Cycling App with active participation of the Bikeboard community.18.01.24 00:35 1.782

Indoor training is booming - firstly, because the dark and cold season diminishes the joy of outdoor training, and secondly because more and more cyclists own smart trainers, power meters, and connected devices, which open up a wide selection of intense and engaging virtual indoor training platforms.

This includes the ROUVY Indoor Cycling App, which is based on scenic routes from around the world and realistic riding physics, and also visually stands out from the mass of pure 3D-animated graphics in video game style. Because unlike other platforms, Rouvy works with a combination (Augmented Reality) of animated 3D riders and so-called Real-Life footage of actual roads. The latter are filmed with high-resolution cameras on cars, motorcycles, or bicycles, combined with real elevation data, and offer a particularly authentic riding experience.

In the following article, we want to discuss the main focuses, strengths, and weaknesses of Rouvy and give you a brief introduction to tackling training, challenges, workouts, and events. The Bikeboarders Tom Elpunkt, madeira17, and Stiers have also taken up the topic and tested the Rouvy App for a month thoroughly. You can read their individual experiences in the thread or at the end of this article.

Glossary: ROUVY's Augmented Reality

AR TRACKS
AR stands for Augmented Reality. AR TRACKS are tracks with AVATARS. Normally, these tracks are marked as AR. Non-AR tracks are courses with videos but do not have AVATARS. So, if you want an avatar, you have to select a track or a course marked as AR and set the camera distance to NEAR or FAR in the app's settings.

AVATAR
A symbol or figure representing a particular person in a video game, internet forum, etc. On ROUVY, users have the option to edit their AVATARS and change their JERSEYS, GENDER, and SKIN COLOR. Reality also affects our AVATARS. They can lean in curves and turns. Learn more about it here.

HIDE OTHER USERS
This feature allows the user to hide all other riders on the track, except for GHOST RIDERS. The function can be turned on or off in the App SETTINGS.

CHALLENGE
This is a competitive event consisting of three or four tracks that should be completed within a certain period. To participate in a CHALLENGE, you first need to REGISTER. After completing a challenge, you receive bonus COINS and other rewards. Find more information here.

COMPANION APP
The ROUVY Companion App is a user-friendly app that enhances the experience with ROUVY. With it, you can control the ride, switch cameras, and select and start tracks on the main ROUVY app from the saddle using your mobile device with the Companion App. Learn more here about it.

DRAFTING
OVERTAKING occurs when a cyclist rides very closely behind another rider who is moving at the same speed. OVERTAKING helps cyclists reduce the energy needed to pedal. Learn more here about it.

EXPERIENCE
Cyclists collect EXPERIENCE POINTS for every activity on ROUVY: for races, challenges, workouts, group rides, etc. EXPERIENCE POINTS advance you in your ROUVY Career. Find more information in this article.

ACHIEVEMENTS
The process of achieving something through effort, skill, or courage. To mark the achievements of users, they receive badges along the way to show they have accomplished something. Depending on the distance covered, calories burned, and meters climbed, more badges are awarded to cyclists. Learn more here about it.

FTP
FTP stands for Functional Threshold Power and is defined as the highest average power you can maintain for about one hour, measured in watts. Learn more here about FTP.

GHOST RIDER
These are riders that a user can add if he/she does not want to feel alone during the ride. The maximum number of GHOST RIDERS you can add is 10. Learn more here about it.

GROUP RIDES
This is about riding together with several cyclists. The most important thing in GROUP RIDES is OVERTAKING. Cyclists can save energy. Learn more here about it.

NEARBY RIDERS
A list of riders who are near you during the ride. This feature is located on the left side of the screen. It also shows the names of the riders, their POWER, their CAREER LEVEL, and their distance from you.

CAREER
Similar to work or school, there is also a career path in cycling. All riders start at a lower level in their cycling CAREER. And with more rides and training on the ROUVY App, they gain more experience and advance within this career path. Learn more here about it.

LIVE RIDERS
These are real riders using the ROUVY App. When you select a track, you see in the overview how many users (online riders) are on the track at that time. You can also find Live Riders in GROUP RIDES and RACES.

MULTIPLE LAP
This option makes it possible to set a video to a certain number of repetitions, turning the given track into a criterium event. MULTIPLE LAP is available to official EVENT organizers. ROUVY users can also create a MULTIPLE LAP event.

MODES
The ROUVY App offers two options to choose from before you start your ride: either the "JUST RIDE" mode or the "TIME TRIAL" mode. Learn more here about the differences between JUST RIDE and TIME TRIAL.

COINS
Cyclists collect COINS by completing tracks. The amount of COINS you receive for completing the track is indicated on the track tile. COINS can be spent for customizing the AVATAR. Learn more in this article about it.

OMNIMODE
OmniMode is the most immersive Augmented Reality riding experience in the ROUVY App. It includes new features like an enhanced 360° view with REAR and STATIC PANORAMA cameras; better visibility of other riders; a more accurate ELEVATION PROFILE and the behavior of the AVATAR. Available in ROUVY App version 2.15.0 or newer. Learn more here about OmniMode.

PACE UNITS
Pace measures how fast you progress per kilometer or mile (depending on the units used).

PANORAMIC VIEW
In the ROUVY App, there are tracks with PANORAMIC VIEW. A PANORAMIC VIEW is wide and open, allowing for a comprehensive view in all directions. You can find tracks with PANORAMIC VIEW in the TRACK CATALOG under the heading "EXPLORE THE WORLD".

REALITY LEVEL
REALITY LEVEL is a tool that helps you adjust the degree of real load, but only in "JUST RIDE" mode. The default value is 100%, which corresponds to the real load. If you want a lower load, you can set it to less than 100%. Of course, you can also increase it to more than 100%. With 150% REALITY LEVEL, you get one and a half times the load, and with 50%, half the load.

RACE BIKES AND TIME TRIAL BIKES
A RACE BIKE is slower on flat tracks and easier to ride uphill. A TIME TRIAL (TT) BIKE is fast on flat tracks and slower uphill, also the TT bike is heavier. TT records are marked as TT.

RIDENEXT
After you have completed your track in "JUST RIDE" mode, you can automatically switch to another recommended RideNext track. Find more information in this article.

SPLIT
SPLITS are predefined points on a track that give you information about your time in comparison to other riders on that track. Each track has differently positioned splits, and if you think splits are not necessary for you, you can turn them off in the App settings.

TSS The Training Stress Score (TSS) is a way to measure how much stress the body experiences through a ride. The TSS is calculated based on the Normalized Power (NP), the Intensity Factor (IF), and the duration of the ride. TSS allows for structuring training plans and planning ahead; with an estimated number of TSS, future Chronic Training Load (CTL), Actual Training Load (ATL), and Training Stress Balance (TSB) can be calculated. Learn more here about TSS.

UI SCALE
This feature is located in the APP SETTINGS. It allows you to enlarge or reduce the text on the screen. If you want large text on the screen, you should select 150%.

EVENTS
This is a scheduled public or private event that takes place within a certain period. EVENTS on ROUVY are divided into different categories, e.g., GROUP RIDES and RACES. Every user can organize any TYPE of EVENT on ROUVY, and he/she has the option to make it PRIVATE or PUBLIC. Learn more about how to create a RACE or a GROUP RIDE.

VIRTUAL PARTNERS
When you select a track but there are no other live riders nearby, you have the option to select any number of VIRTUAL PARTNERS. You can also select yourself as a VIRTUAL PARTNER and compare your previous rides. Learn more here about how to add or select VIRTUAL PARTNERS.

WORKOUT
In cycling, structured training is one of the most efficient ways to improve one's fitness and achieve short- and long-term training goals. Learn more here about it.

WATCH MODE
WATCH MODE is a special function in the ROUVY App optimized for watching races. First, you need the ROUVY App and a ROUVY account to LOG IN.
Learn more here about Watch Mode.

 'Thumbs up' and constant entertainment getting on your nerves?
Then a relaxed Ride on Rouvy is the better alternative. 

Bikeboarder Tom Elpunkt means
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Rouvy in a nutshell

Rouvy brings the real world into your living room and lets you explore more than 15,000 kilometers in augmented reality mode. Whether Stelvio Pass, Col du Tourmalet, Kona or Australia: You can inhale all the routes as part of a simple training ride, group ride, time trial, race, or during a workout.

THE CLIMBING EXPERIENCE
With the help of elevation data from real routes, resistance changes are simulated on the smart trainer, which, in combination with the real-life footage, provide a particularly realistic climbing sensation.

VARIETY OF ROUTES
Whether you're excitedly battling uphill, prefer flat routes, or simply looking for a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes - Rouvy has something for everyone. The only downside of the real videos is that it is not possible to deviate from the recorded route or to turn around.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) & OMNIMODE
With all AR routes, you can integrate your virtual avatar into the real video environment. This creates a seamless connection between the virtual and physical world and promotes social interaction with other virtual cyclists. Of course, you can also continue to ride in the "first-person perspective".
Recently added is the OmniMode with an improved 360° view range. This feature allows you to look around, look over your shoulder, and stop the camera to watch the peloton pass by. It also improves the fine-tuning of elevation differences, making riding over hills and undulating terrain even more realistic.

GROUP RIDES, TRAINING MODES, AND WORKOUTS
Additionally, Rouvy offers group rides, special events or challenges, customizable avatars, and structured workouts for all performance levels - and you always have the opportunity to compete in a race against the track record or to secure a spot in the leaderboard in the numerous Strava Live Segments. The required pacing is represented by an individual avatar.

 In the context of ROUVY, Augmented Reality refers to the computer-assisted technology of displaying or overlaying digital information and virtual 3D animations in real 2D video environments. 

Extended Reality (also in English augmented reality [ɔːɡˈmɛntɪd ɹiˈælɪti], short AR)
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

First Steps and Technical Requirements

To get started with ROUVY, first create an account. Then download the free Rouvy app for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Apple TV and synchronize it with your trainer and all sensors.

Create Account
To create a new user account, visit the ROUVY website and sign up for a free 14-day trial with full access to all features. At the end of this trial subscription, however, you must decide on one of three paid memberships (Single € 14.99/month, Duo € 19.99/month, or Group € 32.99/month) and enter your credit card/PayPal details. Please note that there are regularly promo codes with discounts available and you can also choose a discounted annual fee.
Note: You can cancel the trial period at any time (!) to avoid future charges.

Install App
After that, download the ROUVY Indoor Cycling App and install it on your preferred devices. It is available for all major platforms, including iPhone, iPad, laptops, Windows, Android, and Apple TV.

Rouvy App

System Requirements Desktop PC: Windows 10 with Creators update, Windows 11
Mac: High Sierra 10.13+
Apple TV: 16+
iPhone, iPad (App Store): iOS 12+
Android (Google Play): 10+
Supported Smart Bikes BH Fitness Exercycle, Stages SB20, Tacx Neo Bike, Technogym Skillbike, TrueKinetix Truebike, Wahoo Kickr Bike, Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift, Wattbike Atom, Wattbike Atom X, Zycle Smart Bike
Supported Smart Trainers Acer, APX, Cycplus, Dare2Ride, D.C. Athletics, Elite, Jetblack, Kinetic, Magene, Minoura, Oreka Training, Saris / CycleOps, Stac, Tacx, Technogym, ThinkRider, Wahoo, Zwift, Zycle
Supported Incline Simulators* Wahoo KICKR Climb, Elite Rizer

* In conjunction with the Smart Trainer, these hill simulators lift and lower the front of the bike, simulating climbs and descents for an even more realistic feeling.

Does the type of trainer make a difference?

How does Rouvy control the resistance and calculate the virtual power?

Rouvy attempts to simulate real outdoor rides as closely as possible under indoor conditions. Based on a predefined model that considers incline, gravity, air resistance (standard bike position, not the TT position), the weight of the bike/rider, and many other factors, the resistance for the smart trainer is calculated.

Of course, everything depends on the type of trainer and the control options available. More affordable smart trainers only offer a limited maximum incline (due to the minimum cadence), and some trainers cannot simulate descents because they naturally have a minimum resistance load during zero inclines. In general, direct drive smart trainers are best suited to bring the outdoor experience indoors.

  • KICKR ROLLRKICKR ROLLR
    KICKR ROLLR
    KICKR ROLLR
  • KICKR MOVEKICKR MOVE
    KICKR MOVE
    KICKR MOVE

We completed about two-thirds of all test rides with the KICKR ROLLR, which offered good performance especially on flat terrain and downhill. The rest we rode with the KICKR MOVE, whose strengths were most evident in steep climbs. We can recommend both smart trainers without reservation.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Connect Trainers and Sensors
In the final step, you need to pair your devices. Training is possible either with a Smarttrainer that connects to Rouvy via Bluetooth or ANT+, or with a classic roller/turbo trainer with a speed and cadence sensor. If available, you can also connect heart rate and power meters.

Let's Go
Once you've overcome these administrative and technical barriers, you can start riding right away. Here you can find thousands of routes with augmented reality (AR) and even more virtual routes from around the world.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Rouvy Companion App

The Companion App is available for Android and iOS and is primarily designed to make your training easier, especially if you're using the Rouvy Cycling App on your TV, monitor, or desktop computer. With the Companion App, you can control your ride in "Just Ride" mode from your phone and make important settings before and after training as well as during it, without having to dismount or twist yourself. Additionally, it keeps your computer and keyboard free from sweaty hands.

In "Just Ride" mode, you can stop, pause, or continue your training from your smartphone. You can change the OmniMode camera angle, create laps to divide your ride into any sections (intervals with average speed, performance data, etc.), or hide the control elements and metrics on your PC, Mac, or Apple TV.

Furthermore, the Companion App prominently displays all current ride data and allows for up to 10 screenshots ("take snapshot") on AR routes. After finishing your training, you can save the images on your computer or upload them with the activity to Strava.

Note: To use the "Just Ride" mode, the Rouvy Companion App must be run simultaneously with the Rouvy Cycling App on your PC, Mac, or Apple TV.

All other functions of the Companion App can be used at any time. Edited profile settings are automatically transferred to the Rouvy Cycling App and displayed on the website. Furthermore, the Companion App has a search function that can filter, display, or save AR routes, workouts, and official events for later.

For each event, you see the distance, elevation gain, and number of registered riders. New is the ability to register for events via smartphone and start the selected activity in the Rouvy Cycling App by pressing the "Now ride" button, without having to get off the saddle.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Routes

In contrast to most other training apps like Zwift & Co., which simulate virtual worlds in a video game style, Rouvy exclusively uses video recordings of real roads and combines them with equally real elevation data. Overall, four different types of routes can be distinguished, which are marked as such in the route directory.

1. Non-video: Training routes without video material, instead with 3D map view and real elevation data
2. Non-AR: Real-Life Videos from the EGO perspective
3. AR: Augmented Reality routes are Real-Life Videos with virtual avatars
4. OmniMode: Enhanced AR routes with additional rear and static panoramic cameras

  • Non-video (This text doesn't contain any video content)Non-video (This text doesn't contain any video content)
    Non-video (This text doesn't contain any video content)
    Non-video (This text doesn't contain any video content)
  • Non-ARNon-AR
    Non-AR
    Non-AR
  • ARAR
    AR
    AR
  • AR with OmniModeAR with OmniMode
    AR with OmniMode
    AR with OmniMode

In the Rouvy route overview, thousands of real routes with elevation data and augmented reality (AR, OmniMode) are waiting to be discovered by you. The easiest way to find your favorites is by using the search or filter function - both on the homepage and in the Companion app as well as in the Rouvy Cycling app.

  • The search function has been greatly improved compared to older versions. It is also possible to filter for real Strava segments.The search function has been greatly improved compared to older versions. It is also possible to filter for real Strava segments.
    The search function has been greatly improved compared to older versions. It is also possible to filter for real Strava segments.
    The search function has been greatly improved compared to older versions. It is also possible to filter for real Strava segments.
  • Category, video quality, currently active riders as well as the relevant course data are displayed.Category, video quality, currently active riders as well as the relevant course data are displayed.
    Category, video quality, currently active riders as well as the relevant course data are displayed.
    Category, video quality, currently active riders as well as the relevant course data are displayed.

 Rouvy allows you to ride routes that you probably will never see in real life. 

means Bikeboarder Tom Elpunkt
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Simply Riding vs. Time Trial

Before you can start pedaling, you have to choose one of two riding modes (Just Ride vs. Time Trial) and make some important settings.

Time Trial
In the most popular mode, you compete against the clock, whether it's a selected route or an event. Once the activity has started, you are not allowed to pause or change your position (by moving the pin on the map view). Also, the reality level is set to 100% and cannot be changed. Like in a race, you have to finish the route - only then will your personal records be saved in your diary activities and in the official leaderboard.

Just Ride
If you prefer a stress-free ride, just want to explore individual sections of the route, or want to complete longer distances in stages, then this mode is just right for you. With "Just Ride", you can move your position in the map view and pause your training session at any time.

An important setting is the Reality Level, whose influence or functionality should not be confused with Zwift's "Trainer difficulty". The Rouvy Reality Level is a tool with which you can adjust the degree of actual strain. The default value is 100%, which corresponds to the real strain. A setting of 50% halves the required power for a certain section of the route (you are twice as strong with your pedaled watts/kg and significantly faster), a value of 200% doubles the required power (you are significantly slower).

Note: If you do not change the position of your avatar pin, do not pause and also always leave the reality level at 100%, your ride will also be counted as a personal record (PR) - but not in the public leaderboard.

  • Virtual PartnersVirtual PartnersVirtual Partners
    Virtual Partners
    Virtual Partners
  • Training with Three GhostsTraining with Three GhostsTraining with Three Ghosts
    Training with Three Ghosts
    Training with Three Ghosts
  • Training SoloTraining SoloTraining Solo
    Training Solo
    Training Solo

For both modes applies:
Optionally, you can select virtual partners, meaning other real users who have already ridden the route once or multiple times. Alternatively, you can also choose yourself and compare your previous rides.

If you don't want to ride alone, you can add up to 10 Ghost Riders. They match your pace and provide you with additional drafting in the "Just Ride" mode. In the time trial mode, they are also nearby, but do not provide any drafting.

If you have already ridden the route before, you can compare your current progress with your personal record during the ride, which corresponds to your virtual partner with the fastest time.

Detailansicht

Download Tip: Once you have decided on a route, you can download it in the appropriate resolution before starting your training. This ensures that your riding experience is not impacted by delays in the video flow, for example, due to large amounts of data (HD, 2K, 4K) or a slow internet connection. Particularly annoying if you are chasing a PR or in a race.

More Performance Tips: Logically, it is advisable to use the latest app version and turn off other resource-intensive programs. Those who can do without OmniMode should disable the 360° display in the settings, switch the video player to "Beta", the image quality to "Auto", and eliminate the Ghost Riders.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Impressions from the Track

The representation of most AR tracks is absolutely impressive and reaches - depending on the set image quality - almost photorealistic level. Since real elevation data is behind the Real-Life Video, the traversed terrain presents itself even more realistically than on most other virtual cycling platforms. However, the speed at which the video runs depends on the virtually ridden speed. Although most videos were recorded in such a way that they appear fluid for the average user, this does not always work optimally at particularly low or high speeds. These discrepancies can be deduced, for example, from the speed of oncoming vehicles or when one's own avatar throws itself into 180° turns at top speed. Overall, however, these phenomena can be tolerated.

  • The additional slipstream from one's own ghosts is displayed.The additional slipstream from one's own ghosts is displayed.
    The additional slipstream from one's own ghosts is displayed.
    The additional slipstream from one's own ghosts is displayed.
  • Unreal: A car coming towards you at the speed of light and the upcoming 90° right turn at 58 km/h.Unreal: A car coming towards you at the speed of light and the upcoming 90° right turn at 58 km/h.
    Unreal: A car coming towards you at the speed of light and the upcoming 90° right turn at 58 km/h.
    Unreal: A car coming towards you at the speed of light and the upcoming 90° right turn at 58 km/h.
  • When passing or overtaking recorded people or cyclists, the optical weaknesses of the real-life recordings are revealed.When passing or overtaking recorded people or cyclists, the optical weaknesses of the real-life recordings are revealed.
    When passing or overtaking recorded people or cyclists, the optical weaknesses of the real-life recordings are revealed.
    When passing or overtaking recorded people or cyclists, the optical weaknesses of the real-life recordings are revealed.

How fast you are traveling, especially uphill, primarily depends on the power-to-weight ratio (watts pedaled per kilogram of the rider/bike). However, the absolute watts pedaled, which have an additional influence on flat terrain, should not be underestimated. For example, a rider with 400 watts at a weight of 100 kg (4 W/kg) on flat terrain is significantly faster than one with 200 watts at a weight of 50 kg (also 4 W/kg).
But the slipstream from the rider in front, the momentum carried into immediate climbs, and the chosen bike also affect speed.

Performance Tip: In the settings, you can choose between various fast road bikes and a time trial bike. It is not always explicitly mentioned, but the choice significantly affects your pace. The time trial bike is faster on flat and slightly hilly routes, while you are better off with the road bike on routes with many elevation gains.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Reality aside, Virtuality notwithstanding

We noticed positively that the simulation of climbing performance (at 100% reality level) felt extremely realistic, but negatively, that the speeds achieved on flat terrain were unrealistically high.

What also bothered us somewhat was the lack of any background noises. Personally, we would have no problem cycling without "elevator music" and using our own playlist for hard intervals. However, it would at least be desirable to include artificially generated wind or rolling noises. Rouvy states that it does not provide sound because it wants to replicate outdoor cycling as realistically as possible. It is logical that the recorded video sound does not help here, but in our opinion, "no sound at all" is not yet the ultimate wisdom.

 With the right route and playlist combination, real holiday feelings arise. 

means Bikeboarder Stiers
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Advertisement and Graphic Elements

On the screen display, you see all relevant data of your current performance (top left: watts pedaled, target zone, W/kg, cadence, and speed), the ride time (top center), the currently collected Experience Points (top right), a meaningful elevation profile (left), a list of all riders nearby (left: real riders, virtual riders, your avatar, your ghosts including their performance values) as well as a distance/elevation diagram at the bottom (distance covered, distance remaining, graphical representation of the incline, icons for all real and virtual riders).

Additionally, you can switch to the map view at any time, change the camera and other app settings, and - depending on the mode - pause the training.

Apart from the Non-AR routes, i.e., the pure real-life videos, which can only be sped up or slowed down based on the performance driven and reflect the inclines the worst, Rouvy particularly focuses on the AR routes with avatars and other virtual overlays. Before and during the training, you can set the camera distance to medium, close, or far, thus changing the visual perspective according to preference. Alternatively, you can also ride all AR routes in first-person perspective. If there are other real or virtual riders on the route, they are visible depending on the camera setting, as long as they are in your vicinity.

  • AR-View closeAR-View close
    AR-View close
    AR-View close
  • AR-View farAR-View far
    AR-View far
    AR-View far
  • AR with OmniModeAR with OmniMode
    AR with OmniMode
    AR with OmniMode
  • Ego perspectiveEgo perspective
    Ego perspective
    Ego perspective
  • Map viewMap view
    Map view
    Map view

Additionally, the OmniMode has recently been added on selected routes, which, with an improved 360° perspective, rear and static panoramic cameras, allows for better visibility of other riders, a more accurate elevation profile, and more realistic behavior of your avatar. This mode is available in the Rouvy-Cycling App version 2.15.0 or newer.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

After completing your ride, you will receive a summary of your TSS (Training Stress Score), newly acquired career points, your average performance data, as well as the KJ expended and much more. Additionally, you are free to save your activities and records on Strava and rate the route for future route recommendations and other riders.

 It simply doesn't get any closer to reality in the virtual world. Sometimes you get the feeling that 'this mountain belongs on the bucket list'. 

Bikeboarder Madeira17 means
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Events: Group Rides & Races

Apart from the normal training rides or time trials that you can do at any time, there is also the possibility to participate in planned group rides with friends or other athletes from around the world. For these rides, you can either sign up to 6 days in advance, start on time after the optional warm-up, or jump directly into the action if the event hasn't been running for too long. Any type of trainer and set reality level is allowed.

You will also be able to fully enjoy riding in the group, no matter how fit you are or how you're feeling on the day. Just pedal as hard as you can, and Rouvy's magnet function takes care of the rest. Because as soon as you deliver less power than the group leader, the "magnet" activates and helps you stay in the group. Of course, you can also adjust the reality level, as these non-competitive events are just for fun. All athletes are welcome, there are no official result lists and the times are not stored as PR or in the public rankings. Naturally, you do not lose your personal actual performance values (incl. FTP, improvements in performance areas, etc.) and TSS points.
Conversely, the magnet works the other way too. If you want to challenge the group leader or the group, the magnet keeps pulling you back to the group, so you can exert yourself additionally but still stay with the group.

Experiences of my first group ride

Late in the evening, I decided to join a group ride and found a privately advertised event in Australia. The group leader (and so far the only participant) had already been on the move for four minutes. After my delayed entry, the magnet immediately pulled me forward to the leader. The same thing happened with every attempt I made to break away: I could pedal as much as I wanted, but always felt somewhat slowed down, and the colleague, despite significantly less watts/kg, always managed to catch up again. Just before the finish line, I was able to burn him off though...

Conclusion of the group ride: Rouvy's magnet works - and my higher FTP performance values were saved despite the rubber band effect.

There are regular official Rouvy group rides as well as individually created rides by users. Via the my.rouvy.com homepage (Explore > Create group ride), you can create a group ride at any time.

Detailansicht

On the other hand, the Rouvy Races are all about everything and more, which is why you can only participate with a smart trainer and a reality level of 100%. Also, your ghost riders and virtual partners won't give you any additional drafting, and the Rouvy magnet shows no function. So, you are solely reliant on yourself, your watts/kg, your equipment, and your ability to endure.

My Experience with Rouvy Races

In principle, a Rouvy race works similarly to a group ride in time trial mode: You can compete with other athletes from around the world in the official Rouvy races, participate in user events, or create your own private races for you and your friends.

Logically, you should be at the start well before the official beginning and you must not pause or change your position (by moving the pin on the map view) during the competition. Only once you have finished the race, will your personal records be saved in your diary activities and in the official leaderboard. However, you will also collect TSS and career points if you drop out early. Note: Only real participants provide a slipstream, not Ghost Riders.

Integrated Strava Segments from Real Life
In collaboration with Strava, relevant Strava Live segments are displayed on the course. As soon as you pass the starting point, the clock starts and the Strava KOM avatar rushes up from behind, whose speed you can use as a guide.
According to Rouvy, its respective performance matches the stored data of the actual KOM - which is why probably only very few amateur cyclists can keep up. But as the saying goes - hope dies last.

  • Just a few meters before the start of the Strava segment.Just a few meters before the start of the Strava segment.
    Just a few meters before the start of the Strava segment.
    Just a few meters before the start of the Strava segment.
  • At the end, you will receive a summary of your performance.At the end, you will receive a summary of your performance.
    At the end, you will receive a summary of your performance.
    At the end, you will receive a summary of your performance.

Life Hacks for important Rouvy races: Keep the app up to date, download the video of the route before the race, close all other apps or restart the device and Rouvy completely. Prepare yourself 15 minutes before the start of the race (Warm-Up, drinks, towel, tech check, etc.) and make sure that all devices are sufficiently charged or connected to the power supply.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Workouts and Training Plans

According to Rouvy, you have access to a collection of about 300 official workouts in the app. Some of these were created by professional providers like Hunter Allen, TrainingPeaks, or CycleOps, but there are also many from private Rouvy users. Of course, you are also free to compile your own interval-based workouts.

The individual workouts are categorized in the "Workout Dashboard" (Getting started, FTP, 30 Min, 30-60 Min, 60+ Min, VO2 Max, Climbing, Sprinting, Cadence, Threshold, Recovery, Anaerobic, Strength, Race, Sweet Spot, Time Trial, Bike Fitness Coach, Workouts of the Week, Endurance, and TrainingPeaks) and have also been compiled into complete training plans.

For each training session, you will find a brief explanation, the exact duration, your set FTP, the pre-programmed intervals, and a route suggestion. However, it is always possible to choose a different route from the AR route directory. Just make sure that this route is long enough so that you are not riding in a loop. Once the trainer and sensors are paired, you can get started.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

During the workout, you can use your smart trainer in ERG mode. Thus, the resistance is completely controlled regardless of the gear you're in. You don't need to shift gears and can fully concentrate on your performance. Moreover, you can ride with a bike or a gear system that is only partially compatible with the trainer's cassette, as you will always find a middle gear that works smoothly.

On the left side of the screen, an arrow will show you how well you are adhering to the prescribed power. At the top left, you see your earned coins, in the middle your average and maximum values for cadence, power, and heart rate (provided these sensors are connected), as well as more information about the current and the next segment.

Detailansicht

With the player on the right side of the screen, you can adjust the resistance, skip broken or complete intervals, and pause the workout.
On the bottom left, you see your current heart rate, power, and cadence. In the middle, all workout intervals are displayed, overlaid with your current power, and on the bottom right, the time that has passed since you started the workout, as well as the remaining time in the workout.

After completing the training, you will receive a summary and can save or discard the training as usual. Additionally, you can track how well you maintained the performance compared to the prescribed intervals.

If you have done an FTP test or were able to exceed your previous performance, you will also immediately receive your new FTP value.

 Netflix and ERG-Mode have gotten competition. With Rouvy, I'm focusing entirely on my training session again, and it's still not boring. 

Bikeboarder madeira17 means
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Challenges, Career, and Gamification

Rouvy Challenges are intended to serve as additional motivation to achieve better performances while having fun. Each challenge sets different goals and rules that you must meet in order to receive the so-called Career Coins or unique equipment items for your avatar.

Ride and complete all tasks in race or time trial mode before the predetermined time expires. Alternatively, you can also compete in the Just Ride mode, but your reality level must be set to 100%. Furthermore, parameters such as weight and size must be correctly set and correspond to human values, otherwise, you will be disqualified.

If you have successfully completed a challenge, you will see your ranking, the amount of coins received, and your reward in the details. You can also check all your earned badges for completed challenges in the app.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Career: Experience Points and Coins

Also, a reasonable amount of "Gamification", which many see as the future of indoor cycling, is supported by Rouvy in the form of 80 career levels. Start as a beginner and work your way up to the prestigious Club of Legends. Every activity counts towards your progress, whether it's a simple training ride, group ride, race, workout, or challenge. With every meter you ride, you collect experience points that help you climb the career ladder. Keep an eye on the experience counter on the right side of the screen while you train.

In addition to virtual badges for special achievements, you also receive optional discounts that can help you improve in real life - for example, for purchases in the Rouvy Online Shop or with partners like TrainingPeaks, MyProCoach, and many more.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

At the same time, you earn coins, which you can spend on customizing your avatar or for new gear. However, you only receive the coins if you complete an activity fully.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review
  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App ReviewRouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

The calculation of career points and coins is based on a specially developed algorithm in which effort and time in the saddle are precisely calibrated and are meant to help you achieve your fitness goals in a playful way. But your outdoor rides count as well, as Rouvy also takes into account outdoor activities for your career if you use Strava, Garmin, or Wahoo.

  • Rouvy Indoor Cycling App Review

Conclusion

ROUVY Cycling App
Version: 2024 3.1.5.115
Review Duration: 1 Month
+ Thousands of routes
+ High-resolution videos
+ AR- & Omnimode
+ Realistic simulation (especially uphill)
+ High running smoothness
+ Active development
+ High compatibility
o Few community features
o Very fast & stable internet connection needed
- 3D animations partly buggy
- No soundscapes
- No clear distinction between website and app
- Unrealistically high speed on flat terrain
Editor's Verdict: A unique training app thanks to the seamless fusion of real landscapes with virtual avatars.


Rouvy is an excellent platform for ambitious indoor training with impressive visual representations, realistic simulations, and attractive real-world routes. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive selection of workouts, training plans, group rides, races, and challenges tailored to every performance level and particularly enables beginners to get started easily. However, the focus is not as much on making you a faster cyclist through intense intervals (HIIT) as it is with some other apps.

We can recommend Rouvy to anyone who wants to not only train effectively indoors but also have a good time doing it – whether it's exploring new places or revitalizing old memories of already visited areas.

Those who are primarily looking for social interaction and like to be on the move with a large number of fellow riders will probably be better off on other platforms. The number of participants on the thousands of photorealistic routes is limited and the events are not exactly overcrowded.

The premium subscription of the Rouvy Cycling App costs 14.99 Euros per month for a user, or 149 Euros per year, which is about 12.50 Euros per month. Although Rouvy is among the more expensive training apps, we think it is definitely worth the price. To avoid buying a pig in a poke, the creators also offer a 14-day free trial that can be booked on the Rouvy homepage, in the App Store, or on Google Play.

The Rouvy Cycling App worked almost flawlessly in our test, was intuitive to use, and did not have any major errors either on the MacBook or on the iPod or iPhone. It was a shame that not all administrative settings could be made through the app, but only through the Rouvy homepage. In contrast to the modern app, the website feels like a relic from the past, struggles with redundancies, and is somewhat cluttered.

 Rouvy fun is faster. 

Bikeboarder Stiers thinks