Indoor Cycling Tips : The Best Alternative to Zwift

[@timdixo]

I agree 100%. Route options are far too limited on Zwift, a real lack of long climb options. The gamification gets old quite quickly. I like ROUVY particularly with the new ghost rider add ons. I should give FulGaz a roll at some stage.

[@paulflory3532]

Used Rouvy, Kinomap, tried Zwift (too much like a video game, and too competitive for this retired racer), and eventually settled on FulGaz, which I have been using for several years (mostly in the winters when it's too cold, icy, or sandy to ride outside). Great videos: as you do I love going all over the world doing sunny rides when it's horrible outside. And redoing routes I've done in person (including revisiting the spot where I crashed in Mallorca). It works reasonably well. I try to keep things simple by using a 12.9" iPad on a stand between the hoods. Sometimes there are glitches, customer "support" is often dreamy, and there are some clunky aspects they aren't eager to improve. One necessary limitation is that you see only the angle of view of the camera lens, less immersive than a real ride where you can look to the sides. So you miss a lot of the scenery: go past an English manor house and see only the parking lot. OTOH, YOU don''t have to slow for turns and intersections like the camera bike did, so you can flash right through them, enjoying watching the pedestrians "running" due to the video being speeded up to match your "speed". By the way, for reasons I don't understand it doesn't determine your "speed" simply from the rpm of the cassette, instead it uses some algorithm incorporating power, your weight, cassette rpm, gradient, phase of the moon to derive the "speed" it displays. So far it's the best I've found for my purposes. Off to France now, ta.

[@tassfilm]

I got rid of Zwift a long time ago and having been using Fulgaz for the last 3 years. Love the 4K videos and the rides from around the world.

[@paulblackwood1273]

Great video Chris. I only use FulGaz as I enjoy the things you mentioned. Immersion, escape and variation. I can’t get the long climbs or stunning scenery in Sydney without flying 24 hrs to Europe and spending weeks on holidays. My FulGaz experience lets me travel to world ride Alps, Safari parks in South Africa, Gravel trails or even snow trails. I even followed a 12 week training plan to help me prepare for a Granfondo.

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Hey Paul, thanks for the comment. That’s the mindset that I am in. When I use the platform, it’s less about training and more about just trying to enjoy that experience. I know a few people are asking about training and structured training, but I don’t use it for that.

[@pmb0001]

As you say 'personal preference'. I for one share the same thought. I tried Zwift and yes it has good training materials, but it felt too 'Game Arcade' for me. I am using the 'trial' period of FulGaz and love the immersion and adventurism that you also alluded to. If someone wants to adventure element, there are plenty of 'cycling' POV videos on YT that provide a similar experience, but without the interaction that FG offers.

[@markwonson9185]

Thanks for the promo code Chris. As a long term Zwift user (since 2016) I was getting bored of the same routes and their lack of innovation. Giving FulGaz a try to see if I can reignite the 'fire'. So far so good, just a pity their Windows App is a bit unstable/buggy.......hopefully this improves over time.

[@tsumb1]

I'm a fan of FulGaz, especially with a Kickr Climb. As you touched on, it's a great way of accessing longer climbs (amongst everything else).

[@TheImprobableIronman]

Absolutely spot on with this. I love Fulgaz for all the reasons you've highlighted here. Great review.

[@anthonyrizzuto309]

I totally understand & agree I’ve been FulGaz for a few year’s now and love the new updates.

[@anthonyrizzuto309]

Hi Chris, KZbin sent me a message to telegram messages back, did you get my message?

[@logojones96]

Perfect timing, have a new trainer arriving this week and Wisconsin winter is fast approaching 😂. Great suggestion Chris!

[@stufulgaz5647]

Thanks Logan! Give 30DAYMILLER for a 30 day free trial.

[@logojones96]

@@stufulgaz5647 Will do, Cheers!

[@Greg.Sutton]

I used Fulgaz to good effect in spring 2022 to "learn" the climbs in the Pyrenees i was going to ride IRL in the summer. Worked a treat to understand how to pace Hautacam for example. I did have issues getting my HRM to connect to it - gave up in the end. Seeing your video reminded me of this as i have another trip in 2023 to the BSM area of the Alps but sadly it looks like it does not have the climbs / directions i will be doing this time.

[@paulflory3532]

Have had good luck so far with Garmin HRM Pro. Pricey but I noticed TdF pros wearing them (during shots with their jerseys off or unzipped). Garmin HRM Dual worked but did not last for me. Both of these HRM's transmit over both Ant+ and Bluetooth, your system may require one or the other.

[@larsjakobsen6733]

Still remember my first visit to Mallorca. We came in a bus from the airport - and there is was - I know that Round the next corner there would be a gardencenter with large pillars on the fence. And yes - my Tacx training video gave me lokal insight. 😅

[@troycollett8540]

Zwift is more for interval workouts and group rides FulGaz is really good for endurance rides

[@ibe966]

I like FulGaz. The "problem" I have with it (as with all video replay alternatives) is when I find a route that I like to ride many times, I'll be passing the same people in the same location at the same time every ride, and the same goes for passing cars. However, out of all the video replay alternatives, FulGaz has the best quality content hands down. I've seen others have a bunch of junk ride videos that are obviously taken by a crappy dashcam in a car. That doesn't happen with FulGaz.

[@GS-pk9rd]

Rouvy is good - real video plus group rides / races etc

[@martylynch2784]

I got a trainer a few months ago and have been using all the free trails plus some promo codes. My Whoosh was unusable. Don't like Wahoo X or Rouvy. Sitting on the fence between Zwift and Fulgaz. Zwift uploads to Garmin Connect which is a massive plus, but I like Fulgaz, especially for easy days. Zwift and the other avatar based platforms everything turns into a race. I rode on a Fulgaz avatar route and the avatar was massive compared with other cyclists in the video and really didn't need the out of body view of me riding. Thanks for the promo code, another 30 days should get me to summer.

[@abcD-wf9yr]

For me its defintely the tacx training app, cool data Breakdown, beautiful roads, effective training Plans for various goals and disciplines

[@daveanolik8837]

I’ll give it a try. I don’t race, or like formal training (loved both when I was younger), but love climbing and I do an Everest or two every year. Live in a rainy place, really bored with repeating all the Zwift “epic” climbs (not saying they ain’t hard). Randomly looked at the routes, and saw there’s even one from where I grew up in Iowa (High Trestle Bridge) which struck me as really cool considering that it’s an AU-based company. At any rate, appreciate finding out about this app.

[@s.jatighetchi9021]

Thx a tons for sharing the promo code Chris. I’ve been using Zwift in winter months since 2016. Wanted to try something new this year and just subscribed to Full Gaz the other day. Looking forward to the first trainer ride on Full Gaz 🙏👍

[@benanderson9551]

Put a lot of time in on Zwift but recently got a power meter and wanted to train outside more. I’m now in Wahoo who now offer training plans for inside and out

[@ricobass0253]

I agree completely with as much immersion as you can afford; a 50inch TV or bigger. I started using Fulgaz during lockdown in the UK when the hospitals and ambulances were totally overrun. Another essential, I think, is a rocker plate for your trainer, a good fan and the Wahoo Kickr Bike tilt feature. I really dislike the rock solid feel attachment to the floor of gym trainer bikes.

[@indusrtial]

Crazy, I've been doing this style of training without knowing. KZbinr and cyclist rockstar Safa Brian has similar videos with high quality and group rides. I once got so into it that I forgot I was on my rollers and fell off I got so excited.

[@Hroethbert]

Done that, tried to lean the bike on some fast downhill switchbacks about 90 minutes into a ride.

[@stamenosfamily5]

Thank you so much from Greece. This video made everything clear to indoor cycling for me and took my decission to go for FULGAZ. Million thanks for the code also.

[@donwinston]

I've never heard of Fulgaz. I'm going to give it a try this winter. Variety is a good thing.

[@ArcticSteam]

I understand what you mean, although you write "then". But, no. Where's the training plans, group rides with pro athletes and so on and so on? It's probably a nice addition to the biking experience, but not a Zwift substitution.

[@paulblackwood1273]

Chris didn’t mention it but FulGaz has training plans and allows you to upload your own plans and then you can match then to a video you want to watch. It works best on video that have grades that align with your plan. Long steady climbs can be used for temp work or over and unders etc. FULGAZ is a simulation platform with some other features. It’s not trying to be trainer road or Zwift. It’s not for everyone it’s an option.

[@hankschrader2353]

Realistic world >>>>>>>>>> group rides with pros. But to each their own.

[@damodamo7219]

Cash for comments. Luv it

[@aidanmasterson50]

Fully agree but Rouvy is my weapon of choice.

[@jarrahfitzgerald2752]

Thanks for your insights Chris. Do you have any tips/advice for someone who, like yourself, prefers actually riding a bike outside but is looking towards an indoor trainer due to time constraints - is it worth trying, are structured workouts easier to do indoors etc to maximise results Vs time? There's a lot of hype about indoor trainers but hard to know what the reality is.

[@yakfish36]

Chris you need a 6ft pop up curved screen they are really cheap and a short throw projector you can get one for $150 bucks now hook it to your pc mount it over your shoulder and it will be as close as you can get to vr you will love it my mate set up his flight sim and it's crazy cost him under 400 bucks

[@AChristmasCollection]

Great Vid! .. have been a great fan of Fulgaz since the purchase of my Tacx Flux Smart in January and then discovering the Fulgaz App .... Cripes Fulgaz has become a total addiction 5 rides a week every week for at least an hour or more! Where else can you spend over an hour on a Monday morning cycling across the deserts of Ethiopia with the Ethiopian Cycle Team and on a Tuesday morning spend a few hours cycling through the snows of the Swiss Alps!

[@triffid68]

I much prefer Rouvy to Fulgaz because I feel much more immersed in the environment. Won't go back to Fulgaz unless it improves considerably

[@czeckson74]

The "K-Pop" fully got me :-)

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Haha

[@jeffreysaffir1375]

After two winters of Trainer Road it was time for a change. Great app just boring as all get out. Prior I tried Zwift and it also wasn't for me. Too much of an arcade game feel and I also wasn't into the whole social aspect of it. I just want to ride and finish. After looking between Fulgaz and Rouvy I decided I will go with Fulgaz and your video just confirmed my choice although I am a bit concerned about those that have mentioned issues with the app dropping out or freezing during the riding. I am in upstate NY and hope to finish the outdoor riding season at the end of December and be on the trainer January - March before going back out doors for the season in April. I do have a couple of questions. I like structure so I was planning on doing the 12 week climbing program which would be perfect for the 3 months on the trainer. Climbing is my nemesis and I would like to improve that aspect of my riding. Does this sound like a good idea or would just doing various routes with climbs be better? Also, I have always used erg mode on Trainer Road. Is it recommended to go back to changing gears like I am riding outdoors? Thanks for the great video and code!

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Thanks for the comment Jeffery

[@peterduffield1401]

I used Fulgaz for quite a while and really liked it but then started to get constant drop outs which got worse until eventually the app wouldn't connect to my trainer at all. Many emails to Fulgaz and my trainer builders followed, Fulgaz maintained it was a Bluetooth connection issue and I followed their advice and turned off every bluetooth device in the house that could interfere with no luck. Worse thing was I'd just renewed for 6 months which Fulgaz wouldn't refund so now I'm back and happy with Rouvy. No more Fulgaz for me.

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

That sucks Peter. I had some issues back in early 2021 when I started using it, but it has been flawless since. I noticed they seemed to change their streaming protocol this year. I wonder if that’s to blame

[@peterduffield1401]

@@ChrisMillerCycling I took a look back at the emails from Fulgaz when this was happening, it was spring of 2021. The last email from Fulgaz, which I had forgotten about , was to tell me that they had become aware of a recent firmware update from Kurt Kinetic that wasn't communicating with Fulgaz . So while likely not a problem with the app itself, Fulgaz do say that their app is more prone to dropouts than most. "FulGaz can suffer from interference a lot more than other apps because of the detail and frequency of the ride data." ---From Fulgaz help section. I have a new direct drive trainer now so maybe I'll give them another try one day when I get mad at Rouvy for something. 😁.

[@collectivesartori]

Both are great, and I like Fulgaz. However it can’t hold a candle to zwift in terms of group ride immersion. Both worthwhile.

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Totally agree. They both have their place, I just find FG gives me what I want when I’m indoors and I don’t have a need for zwift (at this moment). Cheers for the comment mate.

[@stufulgaz5647]

Thanks for the feedback! We just launched "drop in" rides with avatars, so you can have a better group ride experience, we are looking to add more regualr group rides on the add also. 😊

[@bicycledad7660]

Have you tried Rouvy ?

[@B-Rad-K]

Chris, thanks for the code to extend the free trial but unfortunately FulGaz doesn't seem to work for me right now. Gave FulGaz a try last night and had a lot of connectivity issues. I like to use my Assioma Duos as the power source, maintains consistency between indoor/outdoor readings, but couldn't seem to do that and have the software control my Elite Suito; plus the program was not playing nice with my ANT+ leaving my heartrate monitor useless. I do like the on screen bike computer and that it shows my L/R power split. I have no connectivity issues with Zwift, Rouvy, RGT or BKool on my older i7 running Windows 10.

[@blakegillmer]

Chris I think the new pup is messing With you. Not only do u have a dog but you recorded yourself saying you liked the trainer. Good video mate I keep thinking to give this a crack should try it next winter or maybe just like tomorrow it’s meant to rain again.

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Haha! Mate, you are dead right. I have completely lost the plot. But like I said, you’ll probably see me out on the MTB, instead of indoors.

[@blakegillmer]

@@ChrisMillerCycling yeah no you’re a braver man than I am riding out in that weather.

[@DaveRider719]

Yeah I ordered the Zwift Hub right now and will try it. I am also gamer so my decision and preference is clear :-) I like the gamification idea. Motivating as hell

[@dannyhaya]

Haha lol, i'm not the only Gamer/Biker!

[@davidgeorge9233]

Chris, a friend of mine uses Fulgaz, one thing that’s weird is that he always gets two uploads to Strava, one of these has the ACTUAL segments from the climb he’s done, for example when I was out in Majorca climbing Sa Calobra he also logged a time despite being sat in the UK on Fulgaz…any ideas why this could be?

[@bobbieashman6376]

Doesn’t work with updating/syncing to Garmin connect which why I ditched it!

[@stufulgaz5647]

We've been chatting with Garmin around this and are making some progress here :)

[@Fred_Nice]

Now I can be a meta-Jessie, three hours on a trainer doing CP laps......

[@NildoScoop]

Left Bkool and welcomed Fulgaz. This is a much better platform.

[@zedgee4514]

I thought Zwift was going to be like this but it's boring, I will try this thanks for the vid.

[@OldDavo1950]

Also was a fairly long term Rouvy user, but found that the resistance level was quite odd depending on who uploaded the Video. You could have the same route done by different people and the ride would be different resistance wise. Rouvy was ok but is work in progress still. Got bored with Zwift thru lack of routes, but thats improving. Wahoo RGT is a go to at present with its free option, but only when its wet outside or I am looking at recovery pedal. Will look at the FulGaz platform and see what its like.

[@stufulgaz5647]

Thanks for giving us a go David! RE: inconsistency with data - at FulGaz we ride everything with a real person before pop it live on the app, so it's cross checked to be accurate. Data realism and closeness to outside speed is super important to us!

[@edwiser]

I use Rouvy more than Zwift. It get boring ride on Zwift and it’s just boring after a few years. Rouvy has AR riders and the group rides are great. You even see pro riders using it. Just rode with Jonas. 😀👍

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Interesting. I used that years ago but didn’t like it, might give it another go.

[@matthewblue7839]

You have to download the ride, it doesn’t stream ?

[@wout123100]

you can do both

[@schumzy]

#AD there fixed it for you Chris

[@n22pdf]

Never heard of Fulgaz.. look awesome.. may give it a go. I normally use Trainerroad but this looks cool as a supplement to structured training :)

[@stufulgaz5647]

Thanks for giving us a shot Peta! If you like, use the code 30DAYMILLER for an extended trial.

[@greg4318]

Hi Chris, I am with you! I had Zwift for a period of time and my view is the training programs are crap (designed by a chimp), the graphics and program look like something that I would run on a 1990's 486DX - substandard, frankly bloody awful. I will say, I had no luck with Fulgaz, it just didn't work properly and the support was terrible but in line with your overall direction, I found Rouvy really good in terms of simulation - excellent courses and accurate load simulation.

[@gregmorrison7320]

When I saw your speech bubble saying "Choose reality" I thought this was going to be about real riding but no, I'll pass on both, a real bike ride has no walls 😝

[@gja2000]

That for this video. Never heard of Fulgaz.

[@nationsnumber1chump]

I'm too competitive. have to show others how fast I am on Zwift. If I've got time and nobody in the house to bother me, I'd give Fulgaz a go, but I'll be putting on the music still.

[@aidanbuttigieg8795]

Thanks for this Chris Miller! ❤❤

[@stuartmclean3843]

Fulgaz is auwsome

[@DomH1994]

Sold my trainer after a year of using it with zwift. The best decision I ever made, riding the trainer f#$king sucks. I couldn't stand how unnatural it was to not have moments of free wheeling, every ride pretty much ended up being zone 4 because anything less was boring as bat shit.

[@scottw4538]

Promo code is no longer valid

[@jubeman]

"than"

[@mareckymarek7131]

Fulgaz has one downside for me. There are no avatars, 90% of the routes are missing.

[@DayZeroFWD]

Rouvy

[@paulwilliams4990]

I need both but can only afford one so it’s Zwift.

[@stufulgaz5647]

If you have a mate that rides inside, you can take out an annual membership and split the cost as with an annual sub you get two accounts. Happy trials mate!

[@RB-xv4si]

*than

[@davidhealy123]

Blackpink!

[@elmarbischop9544]

I have been convinced, canceling my zwift membership and joining the dark side.

[@occyman]

Nope…FulGaz in my opinion is shite … it’s like 1990 Sufferfest but worse

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Haha!!! Sounds like 1990’s sufferfest would be right down my ally. At that might be a really interesting video, go back and try some really old trainer platforms and see how they stack up today.

[@occyman]

@@ChrisMillerCycling yep it's what we used to use in the VHS day.. They are all on Wahoo System now or if you don't want to muck around with that..I think GCN have done some similar sport of videos but a little like a spin class with PE.

[@binitbob]

won't use Zwift it is just a game. despite being a bit of fun it wasn't for me. I've been on Rouvy and now RGT. rouvy was best so far so will sign up to Fullgaz to see what it is like, but I prefer video rides to avatar ones so fingers crossed. Really enjoy your content btw especially the weekly chats. engaging and interesting to hear your views. 👍

[@gordonwd]

In 100% agreement on your two points about how FulGaz is the platform to use!

[@plantfuelled8912]

I'm not a mega fan of either platform. I've been screaming out for a far more realistic version of Zwift. All the fun racing, but far more photoreal. and less cartoonish, but then Rouvy, Fulgaz etc are just boring, good for checking out cool places like Sa Calobra before an upcoming trip to Mallorca or something Frustrating wanting something that isn't made.

[@bitminerbob6731]

I love Zwift only for the racing but FulGaz is super cool especially if you need to recon a course that you're going to race. I hooked it up through the home cinema screen which is 3.5m wide. That was very very immersive haha. :)

[@glendahunt8013]

Thank you THANK YOU!!!!! This is exactly what I've been looking for!

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

Now i know why you ran out of gel . how did i not see this? This looks interesting!

[@CFCMahomet]

I haven’t tried Fulgaz, but I don’t like cycling on a video game. I personally prefer real rides, which is why I love the cyclingtv KZbin videos. The addition of having terrain adjustments to the trainer would be amazing.

[@wout123100]

these are real rides. ther eis also kinomap, rouvy, bkool with real made vids.

[@michaelorsini9695]

I'm a recently retired teacher...just getting into this hobby. I thought I bought an HD projector and 100 inch screen for watching sports...but I think Fulgaz will be fanatastic on this setup. But I'm getting a smart bike instead of a smart trainer for now. I'll just increase and decrease the resistance when riding. I can see what you mean about this being much more immersive than Zwift...just "riding outside" in beautiful natural environments has to be good for mental health as well.Cheers from Canada!

[@bonesx165]

Got into Fulgaz during the Melbourne level 275 lockdowns I.e. 5km radius from home! I went with the annual sub, and you can also add a “family” member for free!! I gave that to a mate until my wife decided she needed a smart trainer as well and I swapped it to her. So basically 2 memberships for the price of 1. Also, they’re a Melbourne company, so supported local. Great range of rides to just explore. That being said, I also kept my Sufferfest (now wahoo system) sun because of the structured workouts, and I can’t give up downward spiral!😜

[@troycollett8540]

When I ride indoors the only extra thing I run is Spotify to listen to podcasts

[@pagey007]

Great review ,, Going to try it ,, 'subbed' .. Great channel ...

[@troycollett8540]

FulGaz also has nationals and tour down under

[@sabaffira]

I alternate my subscriptions between both of them to stay interested

[@Auntybob]

I use to chat from Nate from Trainer Road back when i trained, and i sent in ideas around actually being able to load proper data into the training, so watts and resistance for climbs, even potentially having lead out scenario's of "500 watts for 5 seconds, then 700 for 4 seconds, then drop off to let the next in the train out" etc so you could train lead outs. There's a lot to say to be able to train specific segments or courses indoors or specific situations

[@mrwezbo]

The pro rides on Wahoo systm are pretty good for this.

[@dannyhaya]

How long are the long rides?

[@Spin_stagrams]

I raced Virtual Race Across the West (1000 miles in under 100 hours) and Revolve 24 12hr race both on FullGaz. Unfortunately I really didn’t get on with the interface or the format. I cancelled my membership after each event. I’m 100% team Zwift.

[@marcus_velo_9970]

buuuut aren't you sick of riding alone ie covid? zwift has community, groups for motivation, chat discussion, where fulgaz .... crickets. If fulgaz sudo realism was incorporated into the zwift platform you would have a supreme winner.

[@Stojan993]

Tried it today and it is terrible... App is so buggy and resistance is all over the place. It even failed to record my ride, it froze on "end ride" screen... Cool concept, I was really hyped to try out famous climbs but yeah...

[@DynamiteDB]

I’ve tried both. Zwift topped Ful gaz for me. Racing on Zwift is the best.

[@dantelivingston345]

#ad

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Lol! I spend weeks being accused of being too negative… then I post a video about someone I like and I’m a “sell out” 🙄

[@dantelivingston345]

@@ChrisMillerCycling welcome to youtube :), I'm kidding of course, and I love your channel. keep doing what you're doing

[@Requiredfields2]

Than and then: two different words.

[@jameswillett118]

I love Zwift

[@reflectionsdetail]

Can I take my prescribed workouts that my coach put on Trainingpeaks and use them in Fulgaz?

[@oliviabarnett3034]

Yes! Speaking as a FulGaz employee 😃 the app is compatible with TrainingPeaks.

[@gregnichols2140]

@@oliviabarnett3034 Thanks! I'll be downloading it soon to my Apple TV. On another note, looks like you need some more USA routes (Utah). I would love to help, how do I help you?

[@keithbliss6680]

So, please explain, how is this different that Rouvy?

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

No idea. Never used that other one

[@noeldelatorre1747]

[@maximepoirier8095]

NOTHING AND NO ONE WILL EVER BEAT ZWIFT, THE COMMUNITY IS WHAT MAKES IT AWESOME AND NO ONE WILL EVER HAVE MORE PLAYERS THAN ZWIFT. SORRY LAD

[@cyc00000]

Sell out, oh no it's pissing down with rain while the sky is blue outside haha. ace video man. Does FG have racing? zwift racing isnt to bad if you need a tool to supplement racing. Most of us work, it's sometimes handy to be able to schedule a race for 6:45am or 7pm on a wednesday.

[@neilmckenna236]

I just bought my first indoor trainer (RELUCTANTLY... I HATE INDOOR!!!!!). Was thinking of zwift, or Tacx and never even heard of fulgaz!!