Zwift or Bkool?

[Raven Flyer]

I've bought a Tacx Vortex Smart and am looking for some interactive training. I already use TR but am looking for something else to give me some trainer miles whilst the evenings are still cold and dark, without getting bored.

Which of the two is best?

[dogbucket]

Zwift has a 2 week/50km free try out after you sign up, so do that. I have the same setup as you and it works well and was fun, but I dont see it replacing Trainerroad or even warranting a sub at the moment. From what I saw Bkool has less impressive graphics but not personally tried it yet.

[df76]

Have really enjoyed bkool over the last month.. has got me on the bike, and kept me on it for a lot longer. Quite addictive and good value.

Perhaps try both for a month? i think bkool has a 30 day freebie..

[Raven Flyer]

I used Zwift at the weekend and quite liked it but I like the idea of Bkool being real locations (with real video) rather than imaginary ones. The Bkool library seems huge too. My main query is the quality of the image delivery. Is it immersive, or an annoyance as it jumps/stutters?

For days when I want to do intervals etc, then it's still going to be Trainer Road.

I'll try a Bkool free trial tonight.

[df76]

If your internet speed is good enough, you shouldn't have an issue with the videos. The bkool software is a bit average, but worth putting up with imho.

[Raven Flyer]

I tried Bkool and quite liked it. The software is a bit agricultural but for a ride where you are just looking to build some endurance/spend time in the saddle, it's good.

Using both Zwift and Bkool has made me realise that for proper training, nothing comes close to Trainer Road.

I'll keep Bkool for the wet and windy winters days, when I just don't fancy going out in it.

[dogbucket]

Contrary to what I said above, I actually signed up to Zwift and have been doing longer weekend rides on it when I dont have time to get out properly. Renovated my old PC so it now runs it quite nicely with all the pretty graphics.

Nice that it syncs with Strava, so all my mates can see that I have at least done something and the virtual miles can count towards the monthly totals.

Today Zwift amounced a mountain stage extension to the normal course which looks fairly epic.

Saying all that I will still use Trainerroad, and look out for their series of Podcasts which are really good.