Review TrainerRoad
WORKOUTS AND COUNTING
HERE’S WHAT RIDERS SAY.
The best investment that you can make in yourself and your training
There are quite a few training tools and 3rd party apps on the market and I have tried the majority of them. However, I have landed and will continue to use TR as my primary cycling training app. TrainerRoad's primary purpose both as a company and as an app is to make you faster and it is succeeding! Using their structured and specific workouts, I have turned my triathlon bike leg from a limiter to a strength. My FTP is now close to 5 watts/kg with a sub-hour Olympic distance tri-split. I know TR is going to help me well surpass the 5.0 watt/kg barrier and my lofty race split goals. I have relied on their vast database of workouts for both my own training plans as well as the athletes whom I coach. If I cannot find exactly what I am looking for, then I can easily create one through TrainingPeaks or through TR's workout builder. I have not used their training programs but looking over them, they look like quality programs that can be easily customized to your needs and current ability from beginner to Cat 1/2. While I have rarely had any issues with setup or use, when I do, their support team is always there to help and have gotten back to my requests promptly and respectfully. Like the athletes who use their software, they are constantly improving, and I am looking forward to seeing the future updates they are going to launch.
Chris H. / Canada
Coach Chads In-Workout Instructions Take Workouts to Next Level
I find coach Chad's in-Workout instructions very helpful. It is like having a personal coach standing over your shoulder working with you on a one on one basis. I found Trainer Road more beneficial than the Hundred Dollar a month coach I was working with. There is so much more to coaching than just prescribing workouts. Coach Chad has worked with so may people he knows how and when to motivate you through a challenging session. Trainer Road/Coach Chad have improved my peddling efficiency and muscular endurance through a variety peddling drills on technique, improved my muscular endurance by guiding me through the process of finding a more efficient pedaling cadence to take load off my muscles and glycogen stores and ride more aerobically and more efficiently utilize my energy stores. TR/Coach Chad have also worked me through the process of being able to hold a more aerodynamic riding position for longer periods of time. Almost every workout focuses on so much more than just the prescribed workout intensities and duration. A variety of Items are covered in various workouts such as; Nutrition, bike fit, flexibility, proper recovery.... that are very helpful. The Support Staff has always been quick to respond to my training questions and take genuine interest that customers receive the best user experience possible. Trainer Road's Weekly Podcast with Coach Jonathan Lee, Coach Chad, TR CEO Nate Pearson and often with guests such as very knowledgeable and successful cyclists, coaches, authors, cycling teams... is an incredible scource of information each week. These folks share so much and answer so many people's questions each week - sharing just about anything cycling or trathalon related - a must listen for any serious cyclist or triathlete. Despite being in my 60's and using structured interval training for several years Trainer Road helped me shave 2 minutes off my 10k Time Trial Time! Thank You Trainer Road/Coach Chad and the entire Trainer Road Team.
Deb M. / United States
TR helped me complete a Century with 10k+ feet of climbing
I first started indoor training in 2014 and after the first year got bored since I didn't have anything to follow along to. In 2015 and for a few years after I started using TR primarily during the off-season to keep up my base training for the following outdoor road season. TR worked great for this as my fitness level definitely improved and was reinforced by the numerous comments I received that my riding strength had improved. This year I decided to fully commit to following the full training program in preparation of my first century with 10k+ feet of climbing. Following the program though the base, build and specialty phase worked flawlessly and gave me the confidence to tackle this accomplishment knowing I had put in the work. Without TR I couldn't have completed the necessary preparation to this event!
Andrew B. / United States
Don't waste your time
When I started cycling competitively I spent hours upon hours trying to hit heart-rate zone targets. Constantly at a super high cadence I was essentially hosting my own spin classes. While my cardio was great, my legs didn't know what it was like to put out high, sustained wattage. I could ride forever, but didn't have much power to back up the endurance. Switching to trainer road truly changed by training and cycling performance. The tactical feedback of power ensure that I'm immediately in the zone I need to be, and putting down the performance I need to be to get better on the bike. Now the endure is coupled with an ability to sprint, climb, and surge as needed. I recommend trainer road to anyone who rides a bike without a basket on it.
Nico D. / Canada
Perfect for time-crunched with family priorities
I liked the "Ask a Cycling Coach" podcast so much that I signed up for 2 months of TrainerRoad. This is significant because my region is well-known for consistent weather year-round that's suitable for outdoor riding. After training on my own for 2-3 years, I became very confused about programming workouts, and really desired for my limited training availability to be invested in a worthwhile manor. It was so nice to simply follow a plan and not have to worry about what workout would be beneficial. What's more, training time for an 8-5 employee with family priorities is scarce, and every minute of availability has to count! I did the full mid-volume general power build and went from a ramp test of 273 to 301! With that, I have been on the podium at weeknight crits and set a Power PR at a recent 40km Time Trial. Going forward, I will turn to TrainerRoad whenever I seek to get serious about training and set personal records.
Matthew N. / United States