TR Price Increase to $189.95/year ($19.95/month)

TrainerRoad Software
303

I’m month-to-month and probably always will be, because I usually don’t train from May or so till October or November, so the annual savings doesn’t really happen for me. I’m a casual rider, and sometimes race (mountain bikes), and since I was in really good shape this December, I signed up to take my third shot at the Maah Daah Hey 100. That race is coming up in 11 days.

I’ve been using Zwift and TrainerRoad together, because I really value the workouts and plans that TR has, but I need the visuals to keep myself from going crazy (and movies/tv just don’t do it for me). And sometimes the TR workouts are such that I’m just trying to get to the next fencepost or sign or tree :joy::sob:

I was just about to pause my subscription for a few months, because realistically, I can’t afford to keep it going as-is. I’ve already dropped my Zwift sub until the fall/winter, and was going to wait till after the race to drop TR. I’m still planning to do that – again, I can’t REALLY afford it at $15/mo, and I definitely can’t afford it at $20/mo, and I normally only use it 4-5 months, so going annual doesn’t make a ton of sense for me.

When I come back in the fall/winter, I’ll probably just use Zwift – I run a weekly mountain bike group ride, and Zwift gives me an option to do that when the weather doesn’t allow us to ride the trails (I’m in MN, but we all have fatbikes, so we go all winter – but the trails aren’t always rideable). TR doesn’t have that (for good reason). But between the social aspects for my group ride and the lower monthly cost, I don’t think I’ll be able to justify using TrainerRoad next year. Which makes me sad.

Thanks for all you’ve done – I’ve used TR off and on for 4 or 5 years I think, and it’s definitely made me stronger. Thanks for the info in the podcast, and for the forums. Hopefully my financials will turn around and I’ll be able to make the cost justifiable in my budget again.

— edit —

I just want to be really clear: I get a ton of value from TR. I just won’t be able to afford it after the price increase, and also can’t afford to keep my sub to stay grandfathered in.

304

My only concern around this really is that the TR guys have their figures right and are able to continue to develop the platform.

I have no real dog in the fight as I’ve been a continuous member since the beta days on $7 a month and have no intention of leaving any time soon. TR has been great to me is the best platform available to meet my needs and has only improved over the years.

My thoughts really echo those of @mcneese.chad earlier in the thread. It appears the way it was done seems very out of character for the way TR has acted as a company. It has mostly been incredibly open and communicative in the way it has been operated, very different to most of the faceless companies I deal with on a daily basis. That has been part of the appeal of the company and one of the keys reasons I’ve recommended TR to others over the years.

For me, even with the recent price increases (which I don’t have to pay) it would be worth it. I very much get my monies worth. It’s not just me and many of the others commenting here that need to be attracted though. My wife, for example, has been an occasional subscriber over the years just for fitness rather than any great sporting ambition and it’s these people who will likely be put off by the price increases. It will be difficult for us to financially justify my wife using the platform moving forward when there are cheaper platforms that meet those needs.

As long as the figures add up for TR and they have enough subscribers to continue to develop in the direction they want, for me all is good. If however they have misjudged it slightly and potential subscribers go elsewhere and income either decreases or doesn’t continue to rise in line with expectations then realising those ambitions may be more difficult.

3 Likes
305

I’m relatively new to TR - month 2 and really like it. Currently paying on a monthly basis and had thought about changing to the annual subscription for the saving but it looks like the new pricing model will mean I’ll pay more. Currently $15/mth, or I can opt for the annual package for $190 - I don’t think I’ll bother!

306

You can contact support and they will give you the annual price based on a $15/month payment.

1 Like
307

This is a pretty big leap. The calendar and data analysis integration coupled with the training platform itself is why I became an annual subscriber in the first place (and ditched my Training Peaks premium account). I don’t know that you can say “the majority” feels one or another about it, but we could have a poll if someone really wants to dive into that.

308

up to everyone to make that decision

“why don’t they just make it cheaper?” is a pretty bold suggestion though, i’m sure none of the TR team had thought of that

309

It would be very interesting to have a poll on tiered access…but the data would be skewed as people on the TR forums tend to be more dedicated than the average user!

We can only assume Nate and the guys have done a very, very detailed analysis on this and have looked at all possible avenues, so I really, really hope for everyone’s sake it works out. It was a very big call.

The sheer amount of discussion on here alone shows what a significant step this is.

310

That’s not what I said at all.
To just make it cheaper would be silly.

To offer a reduced feature set at a reduced price is a totally different thing.

It is indeed up to everyone to make their own decision. If nothing else changes, my worry is that the casual users TR have enjoyed up until now will vote with their feet and move, which benefits no one on here.

311

To the argument that it’s only the cost of a coffee per week extra - this is missing the point completely.
It’s putting TR at a price way, way above it’s rivals.
For the average user (which you claim is the majority of the figures don’t add up to use a tiered system), other platforms offer much better value.

Really. So the $1.15 / week increase now put’s it “way above” it’s rivals with now offer “much better” value.

From what I can see, if the extra revenue generated from this increase goes straight back into the business (new features, quicker development) then it has to be good value for the user.

IF TR stays basically the same throughout the rest of 2019 then I will become a little cynical and less loyal.

2 Likes
312
  • That number is irrelevant on it’s own (at least with respect to comparing other products/services). It is simply the delta from old TR to new TR pricing.
  • If comparison to other offerings is the goal, you need to look at the precise pricing options and features offered of each. Here is the list that Nate provided above for proper app comparison context:
  • Simple review shows that TR is equal to, or more expensive than the other options (varies by payment period/method).
  • Whether that level is appropriate and offers the features/value that matter to each person is a purely personal choice/preference.
1 Like
313

Sorry, but this isn’t strong argument because it’s been develop them as inextricable core. They could have just as easily developed them in a modular manner. I don’t feel a calendar function is premium feature, but table stakes. Other analytics and support for additional platfroms/activities are. It happens all the time. Strava did this with there Summit packs. Those who want to see the analysis and features pay for Summit, those who don’t use the basic free. The tier model works.

I’m not arguing that they have no value and I am happy to continue to pay my membership as is. Even though I only regularly us it 55-60% of the time, I have an annual subscription that I don’t put on hold or otherwise and I feel that 40% “premium” I pay is worth the value to support the platform or the occasional usage I get in the down-time. But if I had to pay for a bunch of features that have no value add for me, and I suspect there are many in a similar situation although that is conjecture, I would not invest in the annual subscription at the new pricing, because it no longer meets the value proposition for me.

I would like to see, although even if TR had the data they wouldn’t share it, what the breakdown of usage on a feature by feature basis as a justification for bundling a monolithic app vs tiered OR if TR’s target market is the highly motivated and informed enthusiast/competitor that wants all the bells and whistles and they aren’t going after the enthusiast or cycling-active market, then too bad for me and the others like me.

1 Like
314

Absolutely.

TR is now $100 per year dearer than the sufferfest based on GP Lama’s pricing table.
For the average user, this is huge.

Seems like a lot of the serious athletes that want all the extra features are all grandfathered in, so costs for all the new development is being shifted to new signups…which may significantly decrease due to reasons stated above.

I just think the way it’s all being done is terrible, but hey it’s only my opinion. But it’s my opinion as a big TR supported over the years…I’ve been left with a bad taste on this one and I’m obviously not alone.

3 Likes
315

This has nothing to do with development. What it has everything to do with is mission statement of the company and its product goals. They offer the calendar and analytics to make you faster, not because they’re extra things that they thought would be nice.

This is a perfect example, analysis has nothing to do with Strava’s main mission statement. Strava exists to be social media for athletes. Its main goal is just to be a place to post rides and comment on others. It makes tons of sense to break off analysis and charge separately for it because it is completely separate to the standard use of the platform and just there because it was a way to charge people more money.

316

You are correct that it would be skewed not only because folks here are above average users, but also because most, but not all, are grandfathered in at a lower rate. As much as it has been said that will continue, things can change.

317

To all those ‘Grandfathered in’ who think the price increase is trivial, let your subscription lapse for a single day the next time it’s due and sign up again at the new price. It’s a great way of not only putting your money where your mouth is, but also helping to support the company.

Mike

6 Likes
318

I like most people was surprised by the lack of communication prior to the price change but I understand the logic from a business point of view.

In my opinion if this was handled with open communication like it always has people on the forum probably would take it at face value.

1 Like
319

That’s exactly what I said. What is the target market they are aiming for. Cadillacs or Corollas. Both get you places, but in vastly different environments.

There is a big difference between “can’t” and “won’t”. You keep saying that they “can’t” because they are core features. I use the plans the plans period. I am faster than I was before TR so they aren’t “100% necessary” to the core mission of making one faster. They are value-add to those who want to go the extra distance to get that much more faster. What’s the breakdown of faster to race-faster?

There is no technical reason why the app cannot be structured and offered in a tiered structure. TR “won’t” develop and offer it this way. I am providing feedback as to why I believe it would be beneficial to do so.

1 Like
320

No, I didn’t say that. I said that it doesn’t make any good business sense to do it and that they shouldn’t.

321

I think this pretty much says it all. I’ll just stop here In the interest of keeping this from becoming a silly me vs you argument and keeping @mcneese.chad from hammering us both :slight_smile:

1 Like
322

Agree to disagree is a fine conclusion here (and many other places :stuck_out_tongue: )

  • Seriously though, I do appreciate the consideration and thought from you and others.
  • The overall level of respect shown on this forum is something I value greatly, and I feel it makes this one of the better places on the web.
  • I try to help refocus and keep that perspective (when I see it drifting towards undesired directions), with hopes that it doesn’t squash the valuable discussion, and leads to new understanding for myself and others.
6 Likes