Connecting classic and turbo trainers

You can ride ROUVY on a classic or turbo trainer by connecting a speed sensor or a power meter on your bike.

A classic trainer has no electronics of its own, so ROUVY can't connect to the trainer directly. Instead, the app reads your effort from a sensor. A power meter sends your watts straight to ROUVY. A speed sensor sends your wheel speed, and ROUVY turns it into virtual power using the power curve of the trainer you select.

This article explains how riding on a classic trainer works, what you need, and how to connect it.

 

How it works

ROUVY can't control the resistance of a classic trainer, so the climbs and descents on a route won't change how hard you pedal. You set the resistance on the trainer itself and shift gears on your bike, just like outdoors.

Your speed, power, and progress on the route still come from your effort. 

If you have a power meter, connect it: ROUVY uses measured power first, so your ride data is more accurate than virtual power calculated from speed. For the details, see How does ROUVY control resistance and calculate virtual power.

Is your trainer on the list?

Check Supported Trainers for your brand and model. 
If your trainer isn't listed, you can connect and try to ride, but we can't guarantee that your speed and power data will be accurate.

 

What you need

You need a speed sensor or a power meter that connects via Bluetooth or ANT+. A cadence sensor alone isn't enough.

Before you start, disconnect the sensor from other apps and devices, because it can pair with only one app at a time. It also helps to know your wheel size, since ROUVY uses it to calculate your speed. If you're not sure, see Wheel circumference and speed sensors.

A cadence sensor and a heart rate monitor are optional. Connect them if you want to see cadence and heart rate during your ride.

 

How to connect your classic trainer

  • Open the ROUVY app and click the Sensors icon in the top right corner.
The ROUVY app home screen with the Sensors icon in the top right corner.

 

  • Make sure Bluetooth or ANT+ is on and ready to pair: at least one of the icons has to be active (white).
The sensors screen with the Bluetooth and ANT+ icons at the top.

 

  • On the Classic trainer tile, click Add trainer.
The Classic trainer tile with the Add trainer button.

 

  • Choose the brand and type of your trainer.
The list of trainer brands and types to choose from.

 

  • Choose your Wheel size.
The trainer setup screen with the wheel size selection.

 

  • Click Continue.
The trainer setup screen with the Continue button.

 

  • Connect your speed sensor or power meter, then click Continue to close the sensor settings.
The sensor settings with a speed sensor or power meter ready to connect.
  • If you like, connect a cadence sensor under Cadence and a chest strap or Apple Watch under Heart rate.
  • Click Save and close.

That's it: your trainer is connected. Pick a route and enjoy the ride.

The sensors screen with a classic trainer connected and ready to ride.

 

Troubleshooting

ROUVY can't find my sensor

Disconnect the speed sensor or power meter from other apps and devices: it has to be free to pair, and it can connect to only one app at a time. If it still doesn't show up, these articles walk you through the next steps:

My speed or power looks wrong

Check that you've chosen the right trainer brand and type and the right wheel size, since ROUVY calculates your power from both. Calibrate your sensors in the manufacturer's app, too. Keep in mind that virtual power from a speed sensor is an estimate, so it can differ from what a power meter would show. Classic trainers that are known to read high aren't penalized in activity validation.

The resistance doesn't change on climbs

That's expected with a classic trainer: ROUVY can't control its resistance. Shift gears on your bike or change the resistance on the trainer to make the ride harder or easier.

 

For more help, please feel free to contact us. Include the brand and model of your trainer, the sensor you're using, and whether it connects via Bluetooth or ANT+.

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