ROUVY App simulates outdoor rides as much as possible in terms of indoor conditions. We are working with a pre-defined model, which takes into account slope, gravity, air resistance (standard cycling position, not the TT position), the weight of the bike/cyclist, and many other factors. On the base of this model, we set the resistance on Smart Trainers and the user gains the feeling of the Outdoor ride.
Of course, everything depends on the type of trainer and possibilities to control the trainer, etc. Cheaper Smart Trainers have limited max slope (above that conditioned by exact minimal cadence). Some of the trainers cannot simulate descents because they have a minimum load of resistance during the zero slopes by their nature. In general, direct-drive trainers are the best to “Bring the Outdoors Inside.“
Connectable devices to the ROUVY App
Trainers, their division, and description of the differences between individual types are described for you in this article Supported Trainers.
Power Meter
An important factor is that ROUVY primarily searches for the POWER METER and it doesn’t care about the trainer. All of the accurate data is obtained from the POWER METER, and it doesn't matter how resistance is controlled.
Speed Sensors
If the user has no access to either a POWER METER or a Supported Smart Trainer, there is still an option to use some of the Supported Classic and Turbo Trainers with a Speed Sensor. When you choose the type of trainer, ROUVY Apps start to search for available Speed Sensors.
Once the sensor is connected and the trainer is chosen, it is possible to calculate virtual power output. ROUVY Apps calculate virtual power output based on the actual speed and power curves of choice of the trainer.
Note: If you're using a power meter together with any Turbo Trainer (including speed/cadence sensors), we highly recommend connecting via power meter in Apps. The measured power output is more accurate, so the final simulation of the outdoor ride will be more realistic. You can find all information about compatible trainers here.
Hot tips
Power is simply the amount of work or energy you expend in a given time frame and is measured as a watt. Normally, work or energy is represented as a joule, while time is represented in seconds. So 1 watt is equal to 1 joule of energy per second, while 100 watts is equal to 100 joules per second. As a point of reference, 1 horsepower is equal to 746 watts or 746 joules of energy per second. In contrast, a professional cyclist can hold just over 400 watts for 30 minutes.
For more help, please feel free to contact us.