I am not an active user, but from what I can tell and hear from other users is that the original videos from The Sufferfest are still available. Most (all?) are part of the workout play they added so you have options for ERG and general integration of the video power targets and such. They have even added to that video collection over time, so it seems very alive and well from all I see.
As far as features and functions compared to TR, SYSTM offers a range of workouts, videos, and training plans & calendar for cycling and multi-sport. No idea how truly comparable SYSTM is, but I’ve seen pro’s/con’s listed for it with respect to TR.
So on the basic “training app” level, I think it is at least parallel in concept. It also offers a range of things that are set for use with the training like strength, yoga and even mental training. I don’t know the level of integration with their plans, but the features are there for use at the very least, as part of the service.
For reference, here are a few reviews on SYSTM with better info than I have to offer directly.
Not sure why you’d think this? They bought it specifically to add as a broad feature to their existing package. It may change over time and perhaps that’s your concern?
But I only see Wahoo as set to build upon the initial base that RGT is at present. It’s not hard to envision their goal to build this to meet and beat Zwift in similar and different ways. They are clearly aware of the issues and growing discontent at Z from many users. I doubt Wahoo would have bought RGT without the goal of making it better vs nuking it.
I’ve used the TrainingPeaks to RGT sync a few times in December when it was raining, works well. Downloaded Systm yesterday and forgot to look and see if the TP-to-RGT sync was also working with Systm. Btw my coach (Isaiah) works for Frank.
@dcrainmaker has mentioned that RGT should try limiting the available routes each day to help force a little more activity on each route as opposed to spread out across all routes
That was employed at Zwift for a looong time and lead to a fair bit of frustration along the way. Critical mass and all that with a delicate balance of people feeling like they are riding with people vs all alone. Some want that “group” aspect more than others though, with many liking the more sparse options when possible. Never a single solution that is right for all.
Yeah. My favorite thing about RGT is that it doesn’t feel like riding in a shopping mall. I CANT STAND riding in NYC on Zwift.
As I’ve said before though, I recognize this puts me in the minority, and it’s not the right way to build a business unless they can somehow give us a “ride solo” radio button.
Did my first magic road ride today. Other than a hiccup with starting on time, which meant there were some bots a few km ahead of me by the time i started, it was pretty cool. I did a 63 mile course simulation and was able to practice the rollers and steep sections, chase down or draft off bots, etc., but still be in a sparse environment without a million other riders on course. Thumbs up from me.
Thinking of powertap. It seemed to me that Wahoo have a very cozy relationship with Zwift but I haven’t been on Zwift for the last four years. Be cool if they somehow merged Sufferfest videos with RGT. Love to see more work on the calendar.
In that case, you are probably talking about CycleOps (now Saris) and their split from the Virtual Training app (now Rouvy). They were closely linked back in the day (old names) but split around the time CycleOps, PowerTap & Saris started their restructuring.
The pending direction for Wahoo is an interesting one. Some people love one entertainment option or the other (vids / virtual) and I wonder if they will blend them like you say, or keep them separate?
Others with direct experience seem to say that SYSTM has some great foundation features, but the depth and usability falls short of some other options. They sure have lots of elements in the bag, so getting them to all connect into a more seamless experience seems at least part of the challenge.
That’s going to be a huge challenge IMO and hopefully they can pull it off. There is no doubt they will piss some users off no matter what. The current RGT cycling fb users group seems to have about 50% in the “this is awful. I don’t need systm” camp and 50% in the “this might be cool/ok” camp.
Key in this is the current status vs change and how it is perceived.
Zwift started with a single world, added more and still restricted access from the start even after those worlds were functionally possible to offer at the same time. They held off from “opening the gates” to control the growth and experience.
RGT is currently wide open world access to paid members. If they switch to a restricted option now, that is a HUGE change IMO and one that I can agree with being rather annoying for them.
I beta tested Zwift there was only one world and bots.
I cant remember at which point but it got ridiculous to the point I’d hack into another world not on the schedule. Usually more than enough like minded people do the same so plenty of people to ride with. It drives me mad when there are so many people on and you can hardly see yourself. Plus all the weird riding through people or weaving around people, make me feel motion sick, plus the drafting etc becomes a joke
Anyway, the crit circuits aren’t big enough for more than 100 - 150 at a time… there is currently more than enough on Canary Wharf as it is now especially at peak times. I don’t think the ride dynamics would work if there were too many more. Is not about accepting change it is about being realistic about what will continue to work, there currently arent different turns to take on routes. It going to need longer routes and turns if it takes off like it could.
If it stays roughly the same with x10 users plus restricted to a few routes will lose the appeal to me.
