Wahoo RGT (formerly RGT Cycling) Review: Virtual Cycling on Steroids? (2023)

Wahoo Fitness acquired RGT Cycling and rebranded it to Wahoo RGT on the 26th of April, 2022.

It is still one of the best “free” indoor cycling apps out there, and it seems Wahoo has the ambition to make it “the best.”

This acquisition means they will pour a lot of money into the development and marketing, so let’s see how it turns out.

In this Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) review, you learn more about its advantages & disadvantages and much more.

I like RGT for its realistic graphics and physics and a unique feature called Magic Roads.

It is also one of the closest alternatives to Zwift, so if you don’t like Zwift, Wahoo RGT should catch your attention.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) Summary

What is Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling)?
Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) is an indoor cycling app that transforms real-world roads into a virtual form.

Its graphic is realistic and closer to the real world than any other app. You can take advantage of its structured workouts, organize group rides, ride solo, or race.

Who is it for?
Wahoo RGT is for all people who want to try indoor cycling for free because it offers free membership.

It is also perfect for riders who appreciate real-world-inspired graphics and more realistic in-app physics.

Who is it not for?
Wahoo RGT is not for people who want real-world footage to explore places from all over the world.

You also need to be self-motivated because it lacks a sophisticated motivation system.

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My Experience with RGT Cycling

Below, I share my experience with initial setup, using the app, routes, etc.

Initial Setup

Until recently, you had to download two apps to get started with Wahoo RGT. A mobile app worked as a remote control, and a desktop app as a screen.

Thanks to the Project Échappée update, you can now use only the desktop app without the need to control it via your smartphone. (But you can still use it to control the desktop app if you want.)

RGT also introduced a web app where you can find and create events, manage your subscription, settings, etc.

The initial setup is straightforward and flawless. To connect both apps, you just pair them using a code. But as I explained earlier, you don’t need the mobile app anymore.

Remember that, unlike other indoor cycling apps, you can’t use Wahoo RGT with just a cadence and speed sensor.

Instead, you need a power meter or a smart trainer. RGT has no algorithm to calculate your power based on your cadence, speed, and trainer resistance.

I’ve used Wahoo RGT with Elite Direto 2 smart trainer (power, cadence, speed) and Wahoo TICKR HR monitor. The pairing was smooth, and I didn’t experience any issues.

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TIP: Do you want to increase the comfort of your indoor training? Get a cycling rocker plate. Don’t also forget to buy a fan for indoor cycling, or check out these bike trainer accessories for more tips to make your indoor training more effective.

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In-App Experience

One of the biggest advantages of Wahoo RGT is that you can join their free plan. Yes, it remained after the acquisition.

Wahoo also introduced Wahoo X. It’s a subscription that allows you to log into Wahoo SYSTM and Wahoo RGT, but of course, you have to pay the subscription fee.

The functionalities of the free RGT plan are limited, though. For example, you won’t be able to organize group rides or races and get access to Magic Roads and enhanced training.

Wahoo RGT has more realistic and sophisticated physics than some similar apps.

For example, your avatar slows down before hairpins, so it doesn’t look as ridiculous as in Zwift.

Drafting is another area where RGT stands out. It is shown on-screen, including your watt savings, and works more realistically than in Zwift.

Unlike in Zwift, where avatars are a mess, RGT avatars don’t ride through each other. This means you have to pedal more to overtake them.

If you like virtual racing, you will have to keep an eye on your positioning and ride more strategically. For example, ride in the front before you hit a climb, etc.

Controlling the app using your smartphone also brings a few advantages (you can chat with friends, browse the internet, or read while training), but also one disadvantage.

When you have sweaty hands, it can be tricky to use touchscreens. So, make sure you have a towel prepared.

I got used to controlling the app via the phone quickly. However, I am glad that RGT rolled out the desktop app. It’s faster to do some things (like adjusting settings, etc.) on a desktop.

Before you start riding, you can choose a bike, kit, glasses, and helmet when setting up your avatar. They won’t influence your avatar’s speed as in Zwift, though.

Honestly, I am not a fan of the Wahoo RGT graphics. But, don’t take me wrong. It looks amazing and much more realistic than Zwift.

But I don’t see the point of building real-world-inspired routes from scratch when apps like ROUVY or FulGaz offer high-quality footage.

This also brings me to the next topic…

Engagement

Wahoo RGT doesn’t include almost any motivation system.

There are no challenges, levels, virtual currency, etc. This is what should change after the acquisition.

Wahoo will want to implement more gamification features. Just like I suggested in my original review:

If RGT Cycling wants to attract more users, they should work on a motivational system to keep riders engaged. I am also afraid that it doesn’t include enough hooks to motivate people to use RGT Cycling more often.

On the other hand, you can organize group rides and events if you subscribe to their premium plan.

The app also includes an in-built public chat but no ride-ons or power-ups like Zwift.

Although a social element is enough for some riders, for me, it is not enough. I expect a little bit more. Fingers crossed, Wahoo will do the job well.

Routes

Wahoo RGT route library is pretty limited. It is one of this app’s biggest disadvantages because it gets repetitive after a while.

Creating a virtual world from scratch is not easy, even if you can inspire yourself in the real world. I expect Wahoo will add more routes and locations in the future.

The good news is that you can send the RGT team a .gpx export of your ride. They will take its profile and put it into a prebuilt world.

This feature is called Magic Roads and is only available in the premium plan.

To compare free and premium plans, visit the Wahoo RGT pricing page.

Creating the Magic Road takes a few days. Here is how it looks:

Pretty cool, huh?

Training

Professional coaches designed RGT’s workouts, contributing to the rich library.

You can access structured training plans via TrainingPeaks.

First, you need to have a TrainingPeaks account. From there, you join the training plan and upload it to RGT. Check out this page for more info.

Remember that you need to subscribe to the premium plan for uploading workouts from TrainingPeaks.

One downside of Wahoo RGT is that it doesn’t include a workout builder. However, thanks to the integration with TrainingPeaks, it is not such a big deal because you can create the workouts there.

And, if you leverage the Wahoo X subscription, you can use Wahoo SYSTM with more refined workout plans.

User Friendliness

I have mixed feelings about Wahoo RGT.

On the one hand, it offers some cool features like adjusting the graphic user interface, so you can hide the names of other users, your ride data, segments, etc.

On the other, RGT developers ignore easy in-app readability by using a tiny font. In some tabs, swiping (from R to L and from L to R) works; in some, it doesn’t. Sometimes, it is unclear how to return to the previous tab/screen, etc.

On the other hand, it doesn’t feel as intuitive as apps like Wahoo SYSTM or TrainerRoad. RGT developers have a lot of things to improve.

Again, I expect these issues to be solved because Wahoo is pretty good in terms of user experience and ease of use of its products and apps.

Platforms Availability

Wahoo RGT is available on all major platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Apple TV.

Since the Project Échappée update, the desktop app doesn’t act only as a screen anymore.

You can use it to control the app itself (the previous version was controlled via smartphone apps only).

The mobile app kept the ability to control the desktop app, though. This is one of the features that sets Wahoo RGT apart from other indoor cycling apps.

I’ve been using Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling) on macOS and iOS, and it worked fine. There was only a very short latency between these two apps.

For example, when I clicked on a button on a mobile app, the effect in the desktop app was not immediate.

I tested the apps again after the Project Échappée update. Controlling the desktop app directly was much quicker and more responsive.

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Wahoo RGT Cycling Alternatives

There are plenty of indoor cycling apps out there, but only a few are worth it. The following ones are my favorite.

• TrainerRoad – is a fully performance-oriented cycling app with a comprehensive workout library and structured training plans. It only shows you your ride data, no virtual world or video footage.
• Zwift – utilizes a virtual world built from scratch. It doesn’t have as comprehensive a route library as ROUVY. It is much closer to being a game, but its graphics are less realistic than Wahoo RGT. Learn more in my Wahoo RGT vs. Zwift comparison.
• ROUVY – uses real-world footage augmented with avatars and other objects. It has a huge route library and allows you to explore beautiful places from the comfort of your home.
• Wahoo SYSTM – includes traditional cycling training, yoga for cyclists, strength and mental training to make you a better, faster, and more resilient cyclist. It also offers workouts for runners and swimmers (triathletes).
• FulGaz – uses real-world footage of routes worldwide. It has a comprehensive route library. It doesn’t feature augmented reality as ROUVY. This means there are no avatars or artificial objects.

I created a rating system for evaluating the following features. It helps to keep the comparison between training apps consistent.

• Price – how expensive is the app relative to other indoor cycling apps?
• Ease of setup – is the app easy to set up with a smart trainer? Can it be used without it?
• Engagement – does the app keep you engaged and motivated?
• Routes – does the app offer a wide route library?
• Training – does the app include prebuilt workout plans? Do they help you get faster?
• User-friendliness and intuitiveness (UX) – is the app easy to navigate, easy to use, clear, and intuitive?
• Platform availability – is the app available for multiple platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Apple TV, etc.?

The following table shows my ratings of specific areas on a scale of 1–5 (5 is the best).

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Wahoo RGT Cycling FAQ

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My Verdict

Do I recommend Wahoo RGT (RGT Cycling)?
Yes. People who want to try indoor cycling for free can join Wahoo RGT’s free membership.

In addition, the realistic graphics and physics of this app are unique and appealing.

There are things and features to improve in Wahoo RGT. For example, the mobile app UX, motivation system, or route library. I am sure Wahoo will work on that.

Do I recommend it to everybody?
No. Wahoo RGT is unsuitable for people looking for a sophisticated motivation system.

Due to the limited road library, you may also get bored after a while.

You will also need a power source (power meter, smart trainer), so the initial setup may get expensive if you don’t have it yet.