Mountain biking, gravel riding and indoor training are not something that generally speaking goes hand in hand. Most of the indoor cycling apps are focused purely on-road riding and there is not much on the way of virtual dirt to excite off-road riders.
If you're considering giving virtual cycling there are lots of reasons why you should give it a go. They include the big fitness gains that can be made, with being able to just jump on and ride at any time, and with a summer of record rain being forecast, it's maybe the right time to assemble your own 'pain cave'.
If mountain biking and off-road thrills are your thing, then BKOOL could be the best virtual cycling simulator around and is well worth checking out. It's not only one of the most cost-effective virtual cycling platforms but it has loads of the best mountain biking routes to choose from – and right now you can try it for free for 30 days.
What is BKOOL?
BKOOL is more than just a virtual cycling simulator, it's a comprehensive virtual cycling platform, and I found it to offer a more realistic and real-life alternative to Zwift. What I liked was the choice of how you immerse yourself into BKOOL – the graphics element is there, similar to Zwift, but you also have the option of real-life video routes from all over the world. This includes some of the best mountain biking and off-road events like the Sabana Race, Cruce del Istmo, Brasil Ride, and Mitas 4 Islands.
If you're a multi-discipline rider there are instantly recognizable climbs like Alpe d'Huez, Col du Tourmalet and Sa Calobra. Another excellent feature is the addition of stages from events like this year's Giro d'Italia and the Tour of Germany. Those and other events and special routes include an immersive simulation technology that mixes HD video with 3D elements. BKOOL also allows a map-only view which is useful if you're concentrating on a workout and don't want any video distractions.
There are four different training modes available, allowing users to train on real routes, take spin classes, engage in track cycling, and customize workouts like the dreaded FTP test.
Most of my riding outdoors is gravel and mountain biking, and trying out BKOOL for the first time, there was plenty of appeal. Not only is there plenty of dirt and gravel to ride, but BKOOL can also simulate real-life terrain changes and the software adapts the speed and resistance to the terrain to create what feels like a real life-like experience.
Another brilliant part of BKOOL is being able to upload your own video, 3D routes, or GPX files to the platform and ride along at home, and share them with friends and family. The Video Route Editor app will create a virtual version of your favorite rides which is very cool indeed. Riding the World Championships XC course in Scotland?, then strap on your action camera, record the ride, upload it to BKOOL and let everyone see you unleash your inner Tom Pidcock.
BKOOL also offers the chance to ride with some of the biggest names in cycling and there are several special Group Rides with an impressive line-up of BKOOL ambassadors that include legends like Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Mikel Landa, Oscar Freire, and World Time Trial champion, Remco Evenepoel.
BKOOL is also compatible with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Garmin Connect. So once you’ve finished your indoor ride, you can export it to one of those three apps to see all your ride data too.
The last version of BKOOL, launched some days ago, is the only indoor cycling software that allows users to pause and resume activities.
BKOOL features a huge variety of real-world tracks in video and 3D, allowing you to ride any type of track in the world. The ability to pause and resume an activity opens the door to ultra-distance challenges in virtual cycling.
From now on you will be able to define your own itineraries within each BKOOL virtual route, complete the section you want and pause your training to continue collecting kilometres the next day.
It’s also a very affordable indoor cycling simulator. The premium plans cost €11 per month, or €110 annually. You can also choose from a family plan option, which allows three members of the same household to share BKOOL Premium for just €129 per year (that works out at just €43 per user per year). This works well for multi-rider households, particularly if you and your family don’t want to ride the same thing.
If you want to give it a go before committing, you can try BKOOL for free for 30 days.
What do I need to get started?
Indoor training, especially pre-covid was a fairly expensive outlay, but the Covid boom in cycling meant lots of new cyclists were buying the best turbo trainers, and the brands also launched new products to suit all budgets. So you don’t need to spend a fortune on a new kit to get started with indoor training, and having had a hunt around on Facebook Marketplace and eBay there are plenty of smart turbo trainers (one that connects via Bluetooth or ANT+) to choose from at great prices. A smart bike (like a Wattbike is also a great option), but more costly. The big online retailers are always discounting too, especially around big shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
You’ll also need a smartphone (Android), tablet (Android or iPad) or laptop (Mac or Windows) to run BKOOL, and definitely invest in a fan too, as indoor sessions can get pretty hot.
Try it free, for 30 days
New members can sign up for a free 30-day trial with no need to commit straight away, once the 30 days are up and you’ve decided BKOOL is for you, there’s a choice of a monthly (€11 per month) or yearly (€110 annually) premium subscription, or join as a family and get three memberships for just €129 (€43 per person).
If you want to give it a go before committing, you can try BKOOL for free for 30 days.
