How I Test and Score Indoor Cycling Apps: My Testing Process v1.0

On this page, I explain how I test and score indoor cycling apps so you get a better idea of the details. Each category’s results contribute to my overall verdict.

I evaluate them on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is the worst and 5 is the best. It looks as follows:

Ease of Setup 3/5 | Engagement 4/5 | Community 3/5 | Routes 4/5 | Training 3/5 | UX 3/5 | Platforms Availability 2/5 | Price 4/5 | OVERALL 3.3/5

Scores 1–2.5 are RED, 2.6–3.9 are ORANGE, and 4–5 are GREEN.

This scoring is not weighted because everybody has different motivations for using an indoor cycling app. This means that the level of engagement has the same weight as the platform availability or price.

Scoring Criteria for Indoor Cycling Apps Features

Below is the list of the features of indoor cycling apps with an explanation of the scoring.

Ease of Setup

Ease of setup means how straightforward it is to configure the app and pair it with sensors like a smart trainer, an HR monitor, etc.

• 1 – E.g., the app has a difficult pairing process or fails to show available devices.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app has an easy and straightforward setup process.

Engagement

Engagement means how effectively the app keeps users motivated and involved in their indoor cycling routines. It can use multiple techniques. For example, Zwift uses gamification techniques like collecting drops, levels, rewards, etc., that motivate people to ride more. It can also include racing.

Please remember that these techniques may not work for everybody, and I evaluate them from my point of view.

• 1 – E.g., the app doesn’t use engagement techniques and requires you to be self-motivated.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app is highly engaging and keeps users motivated.

Community & Social Interactivity

Here, I evaluate two things. The first is the community that has been built around the app. This is characterized by, for example, Facebook and Discord groups, dedicated websites, etc.

Social interactivity means the possibility to interact with other people directly in the app or whether it is possible to meet other users in the app at all. If you are introverted and prefer being alone (even in the app), this area will probably not be too important for you.

• 1 – E.g., the app doesn’t allow you to meet others and has no community built around it.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app allows you to meet others and has a thriving community.

Routes Library

NOTE: For apps like TrainerRoad that are fundamentally different, this area doesn’t apply.

This feature evaluates the app’s library of routes. Some apps offer thousands of routes, while others offer only a few dozen.

I also evaluate whether filtering routes based on their length, vertical meters, and other metrics is possible for a better user experience.

• 1 – E.g., the app offers only a few routes.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app offers thousands of routes.

Training

For this feature, I evaluate how suitable the app is for training. I base this mainly on the ability to create an individual training plan and the range of structured workouts. Note that I do not rate their effectiveness.

Some apps like TrainerRoad are solely focused on training. If so, I comment on this in the review.

• 1 – E.g., the app doesn’t offer structured workouts or training plans.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app is perfect for training because it can create personalized training plans.

UX

UX (user experience) is the ability to use an application intuitively without looking up additional information and explanations. Some apps have confusing menus, and finding the different settings and functionalities is difficult. On the other hand, some apps are very simple and easy to use.

• 1 – E.g., the app is difficult to navigate and use.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app is user-friendly, intuitive, and straightforward.

Platform Availability

Platform availability evaluates whether the app is accessible on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Apple TV. The availability for each of these platforms scores 1 point.

• 1 – E.g., the app is restricted to a single platform.
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5 – E.g., the app is available on all major platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, AppleTV).

Price

Here, I assess the price for the subscription and, eventually, whether buying a lifetime license is possible.

• 1 – The monthly subscription costs over $25/month.
• 2 – The monthly subscription costs between $20 and $24.99.
• 3 – The monthly subscription costs between $15 and $19.99.
• 4 – The monthly subscription costs between $10 and $14.99.
• 5 – The app is free.

Conclusion

I try to be as objective as possible when testing indoor cycling apps. I aim to communicate my experience to potential users to help them choose an app that will suit their needs.

Recent Updates

• Dec 18, 2023: V1.0 testing process introduced.