VCYCLING
VCYCLING
Virtual Cycling
Virtual cycling is a growing fitness trend which is proving to be the best development in cycling for many years. It has created a new way in
which the sport can be enjoyed by everyone and participation has nearly tripled since 2019. Much of this interest has been driven by technology
which tracks performance and provides instant feedback to motivate the cyclist.
Virtual cycling, along with social media, has increased interest in the sport of cycling. New online platforms enable cyclists to play games, train,
race and socialise with people around the world, all from the comfort of their home. In recent surveys, virtual cycling ranked in the top 6
worldwide fitness trends.
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Report by: Venkata Sai Khrithi Chinni, MY444, 1234
player, along with a monthly subscription to a training app. The indoor workout. This can result in more prolonged or intense
most popular types of trainers are classic turbo trainers, smart cycling. Successful performance is often rewarded with points or
trainers, free-standing rollers or specially designed static indoor special currency that can be used to make purchases such as
bicycles. All devices allow pedalling whilst stationary. The pedals better bike frames. Common video game features such as power-
turn as normal but the energy that would usually be used to push ups to improve performance for a short period are also available.
forwards is transferred into the trainer itself. Turbo trainers are the Cycling app downloads and daily usage has increased
most popular and work with any bike. They vary in their level of dramatically in recent years. The largest growth of downloads and
technology and the top ones are expensive. The minimum daily usage has been seen in India.
requirement is a basic turbo trainer which clamps onto the rear
bicycle wheel. Smart bikes are dedicated to indoor cycling but are Global Cycle App Growth
very expensive. Region Daily Usage Download Growth
Smart turbo trainers use Bluetooth technology to interact with a India 72% 137%
virtual cycling sports app. The top trainers are direct-drive which Middle East and 26% 52%
involves removing the rear wheel of a standard bicycle and North Africa
attaching the bicycle chain directly to the trainer. These offer a Asia Pacific 23% 45%
more realistic feel and are capable of simulating conditions such Rest of the World 22% 40%
as hill climbs, drafting and changes in the road surface. They also Europe 10% 23%
record a wealth of performance data. Some virtual training Americas 7% 19%
platforms utilise wearable technology such as virtual reality (VR)
headsets. These fully immerse the user in the virtual environment.
Virtual Cycling Apps Data is collected from the trainer and processed by the app. The
effort the rider puts in is measured and the resistance is adjusted
Virtual cycling applications have become very popular. They to simulate cycling in the real world. The rider controls an avatar
enable cyclists to connect and ride together through virtual whilst watching the game running on a computer screen. They
worlds. The gaming nature of the app has the ability to motivate must pedal hard to make their avatar move faster to beat the
users and distract them from the boredom and suffering of a hard competition. New routes and training environments are being
developed continuously.
Nothing can beat cycling outside in a social environment surrounded by nature and the elements. It is an invigorating and healthy experience
and has many physical, mental and social benefits. It can have a calming effect and alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety. Virtual cycling
is set to complement outdoor cycling but not replace it. Time on a turbo trainer paired with a gaming experience is an ideal alternative when
time is limited or the weather prevents riding outside.
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Report by: Venkata Sai Khrithi Chinni, MY444, 1234