VR headsets and turbo trainers. The next big thing?
Discussion
Anyone involved with computing can't have helped but see the recent wave of VR headset announcements. From the oculus rift to the PS VR and the ms hololens via the Google cardboard phone thing, VR headsets seem to be the next big thing.
Anyone in to cycling knows how monumentally dull sitting on a turbo trainer for hours can be, and how you will do anything to release the boredom of it, from Netflix or TDF videos, to clever things like Bkool or Sufferfest, up to stabbing yourself in the arm with a fork or watching daytime TV. Well, maybe daytime TV is a bit too far.
So, this got me thinking, will VR headsets be a big thing in cycle training?
Having seen the state of my cycle helmet after just a cycle ride home I am sure some work will have to be done to make them, um, washable and waterproof, and preferably well vented. I don't thing weight is a massive issue. The Rift is about 400g, the hololens far less (although it is not VR but augmented reality), but all in the cycle helmet range (if quite a heavy cycle helmet), and I am sure will come down a little.
So, would you use on? There is no way I would use one for gaming. I don't want to look like a t
t sat in my living room, but in the shed or garage on my bike, when I look enough of a fool wearing Lycra and dripping with sweat? Ye, sure, and I'm sure it will be much better than a game as you are not just using a controller that has no mimic of real life, but constantly reminds you, no you are not driving, or shooting, you are playing a game, where as being on a bike with VR will be much more immersive.
Anyone in to cycling knows how monumentally dull sitting on a turbo trainer for hours can be, and how you will do anything to release the boredom of it, from Netflix or TDF videos, to clever things like Bkool or Sufferfest, up to stabbing yourself in the arm with a fork or watching daytime TV. Well, maybe daytime TV is a bit too far.
So, this got me thinking, will VR headsets be a big thing in cycle training?
Having seen the state of my cycle helmet after just a cycle ride home I am sure some work will have to be done to make them, um, washable and waterproof, and preferably well vented. I don't thing weight is a massive issue. The Rift is about 400g, the hololens far less (although it is not VR but augmented reality), but all in the cycle helmet range (if quite a heavy cycle helmet), and I am sure will come down a little.
So, would you use on? There is no way I would use one for gaming. I don't want to look like a t
t sat in my living room, but in the shed or garage on my bike, when I look enough of a fool wearing Lycra and dripping with sweat? Ye, sure, and I'm sure it will be much better than a game as you are not just using a controller that has no mimic of real life, but constantly reminds you, no you are not driving, or shooting, you are playing a game, where as being on a bike with VR will be much more immersive. 
I had a chat with a friend who is in the VR business and the opportunities for cycling are huge and ideal for someone like me who lost the love for cycling. I still do it but on a purely functional basis.
If I could recapture how I felt about cycling as a kid I would be like a dog with two cocks. Currently its just a soulless grind with the only benefit for me is not being a fat chuff.
If I could recapture how I felt about cycling as a kid I would be like a dog with two cocks. Currently its just a soulless grind with the only benefit for me is not being a fat chuff.
Exactly how I feel lots of the time.
Going to work, fine. I am happy to do that when I can. 15 miles each way, saves me money, and often time, but not possible every day for a number of reasons.
Going out on a sunny Sunday, brilliant.
Middle of winter, when it is icy and wet, or on a day when I just can't be arsed. I would love something that stopped the soul less grind of either riding the same roads again and again or sitting staring at a wall grinding away, just to keep fit and not be overcome by the pies. I'm very tempted by trying a VR trainer like Bkool, but if there was a VR headset option I feel like I would be much more interested (once someone has made it sweat proof)
Going to work, fine. I am happy to do that when I can. 15 miles each way, saves me money, and often time, but not possible every day for a number of reasons.
Going out on a sunny Sunday, brilliant.
Middle of winter, when it is icy and wet, or on a day when I just can't be arsed. I would love something that stopped the soul less grind of either riding the same roads again and again or sitting staring at a wall grinding away, just to keep fit and not be overcome by the pies. I'm very tempted by trying a VR trainer like Bkool, but if there was a VR headset option I feel like I would be much more interested (once someone has made it sweat proof)
SteveSteveson said:
Exactly how I feel lots of the time.
Going to work, fine. I am happy to do that when I can. 15 miles each way, saves me money, and often time, but not possible every day for a number of reasons.
Going out on a sunny Sunday, brilliant.
Middle of winter, when it is icy and wet, or on a day when I just can't be arsed. I would love something that stopped the soul less grind of either riding the same roads again and again or sitting staring at a wall grinding away, just to keep fit and not be overcome by the pies. I'm very tempted by trying a VR trainer like Bkool, but if there was a VR headset option I feel like I would be much more interested (once someone has made it sweat proof)
Have you tried zwift?Going to work, fine. I am happy to do that when I can. 15 miles each way, saves me money, and often time, but not possible every day for a number of reasons.
Going out on a sunny Sunday, brilliant.
Middle of winter, when it is icy and wet, or on a day when I just can't be arsed. I would love something that stopped the soul less grind of either riding the same roads again and again or sitting staring at a wall grinding away, just to keep fit and not be overcome by the pies. I'm very tempted by trying a VR trainer like Bkool, but if there was a VR headset option I feel like I would be much more interested (once someone has made it sweat proof)
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