Hello everyone!
I’m new here and I’ve come because I’m considering to move from The Sufferfest to Trainerroad and I would like the opinion from people who have made the move as well.
Here is a description of the context:
I’m 25 and have been riding bikes since I was a child, first MTB for leisure only, and I made the switch to road cycling in 2017 and since then it has been my main sport. This year I have managed to ride about 5000km (~3100 miles). I don’t race (yet), but I want to try it next year, and I am very determined to keep getting fitter.
I’ve become serious about training at the beginning of 2019 when I subscribed to SF. I’ve made reasonable gains with their plans, starting from an FTP of 280W to 310W (4.2W/kg) now with an average of about 4-5h per week with a lot of intensity. My strength according to the 4DP is my MAP. All those gains happened during the first year of SF training. However, I have reached a plateau since then. It might be because I can’t get more time on the bike, or maybe because the SF very HIIT oriented and maybe less structured plans don’t give me results anymore.
Anyway, I’ve started to consider switching to TR because the plan building tool is really appealing to bring more structure, and I’ve also read a lot of good reviews. It seems more professional overall and this is what I’m looking for.
The questions to the people who made the switch to Trainerroad from SF are the following:
- Did you notice any new gains while following TR plans?
- Do you miss the 4DP? Do you feel that your VO2max or AC workouts are not as effective as they were with SF? Do you actually feel there is a difference?
- Are the plans more doable, “realistic”? (the SF workouts and plans have the reputation to be particularly exhausting)
- Is it worth the extra money? (129$ vs 189$)
- What made you switch to TR?
- Any other comment?
I hope the text is understandable, English is not my mother tongue.
Thank you very much in advance!