Bkool

  1. G

    Bkool and Strava

    Anyone else having issues with syncing between Bkool and Strava? It worked on Tuesday but yesterday won’t send the activity across at all
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  2. G

    Bkool newbie questions

    Just a couple of trivial question. I’m getting used to it now and have decided I much prefer it to zwift but:What is the significance of the colours of the dots I’m chasing? I’ve seen red and yellow so farWhat are the levels? I’m new so I‘m level 1 but how many are there and how do I move...
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    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  3. W

    BKOOL Simulator on iPad

    HiI run a BKOOL simulator on iPad with a BKOOL Pro 2 trainer.All was working well, but now on three days in the last week the app on the iPad just suddenly closes. I then re-open it and it suggests I am connected on another device, which I’m not. On two other days it’s been fine.Can...
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  4. M

    Bkool ultra graphic setting not working

    I have just changed my laptop and popped a desktop in it's place. My old laptop was running i7 gen3 and a geforce 630m and I was able to run Bkool with ultra setting. Now I am running an i5 4670k and a msi GT10302gb and also have 8gb ram iinstalled. I am only able to get the setting onto high...
  5. T

    BKOOL Trainer Help

    I have a BKOOL Classic which I have had from new. It has developed an issue where it switches off mid session (session stays live but all sensors go red and lose connection. I stop the session try and reset the smart trainer but it will not switch back on. No initial start up buzz or anything...
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    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  6. T

    BKOOL Change KPH to MPH

    Can anyone assist me with changing the speed to MPH on my BKOOL classic please?
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  7. Bkool Connect Sport and Zwift

    Does anyone know if a Bkool Connect Sport will work with Zwift? I already have a power meter and a classic (not smart) trainer, but am looking for something that will adjust the gradient as well. Thanks
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  8. K

    Camino de Santiago on BKOOL

    Hi,I'm looking for a long series of rides to start 2021.BKOOL search seems to be broken.I'm looking for links to the 26-part 'Camino de Santiago' route.Does anyone happen to have them?The title is 'Camino de Santiago X/26' where X is the route sequence number.Or perhaps someone could...
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    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  9. can a bkool trainer run zwift.

    hi there,just got access to a bkool smart pro 2. I've used bkool's training software and don't really helpful or fun. So my question is can a bkool trainer run zwift? or do bkool make it hard to impossible to use their trainer with any other training software?thanks in advance
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    • Replies: 7
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  10. G

    Bkool issue

    How can I test that the resistance on my Bkool Smart Pro is working properly? I have just done a rode of 13 miles (20Km) and it seemed very easy and I had knocked 5 minutes of my previous best time whereas previously I was struggling to knock off seconds.Everything else seems to be working ok...
  11. G

    Bkool question

    Have got back on the Bkool simulator after a three year absence.I can set a route and set up other virtual cyclists on the web page but then can’t see how I ride the session on the Bkool app as it doesn’t seem to show any sessions that I have set. There no options to look at booked sessions...
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    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  12. BKool - 3d route creation

    Is there a limit on how many 3D routes a user can create (trial mode or per day/week/month)?The 3d routes are the feature that I like most in BKool compared to Zwift.Created a few 3D routes during my (current) trial window, but now none of my uploads is giving me the 3D creation option.Any...
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  13. BKOOL Pro Quick Release Skewer - where from?

    My wife has just started to use my Bkool Pro (on BigRingVR) and will use her Giant Hybrid. I swapped over the skewer from my bike for her to have test and playbut I can't find anywhere I can buy a second skewer. Any ideas please.
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    • Replies: 13
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  14. The Bkool website

    Hi,Does anyone know what the 'Absolute', 'Male veteran 2' filter means on the rankings page on the Bkool website? Also, what is the definition of a 'season' in the period filter?Also, generally speaking does anyone know what Bkool's statement of direction with the website is? Are they...
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    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  15. O

    Bkool resistance problems

    Hi all, like a few others I've had problems with my Bkool TT not offering any resistance on rides :sad: I emailed the support line and received a reply the following morning offering advice that worked :okay: basically they suggested that I ensure my sensors were being seen by the system, which...
  16. Anywhere to try bkool or zwift

    Thanks to some useful feedback on another thread I am considering joining the ranks of virtual / turbo / indoor (I dont know the lingo yet!) riders. However, purchasing a turbo trainer is quite an outlay. Is there any gyms or places in London where you can have a trial session on one of these...
  17. B

    Bkool Ghost race issue

    Has anyone else come across this issue when doing a Bkool Simulator ride using only ghosts for company?.... so tonight I selected a bunch of ghosts within a narrowish time range (about 26-32 minutes) for a 12.5km route and had all 25 ghosts fly past me like I wasn't there on the first uphill...
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    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  18. Bkool Power Issues

    I've just picked up a Smart Pro 2 and it's massively over reporting power compared with my PowerTap P1s. The Bkool software worked pretty well taking the power from the pedals then controlling the trainer's resistance but I can't get it to work properly with either Sufferfest or Zwift. ANT+ for...
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    • Replies: 25
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  19. J

    Bkool issues - new user

    HiI wanted to try out Bkool for the first time this evening - but I couldn't even get started.Just for background, I don't have a smart trainer, just a normal one with speed and cadence sensors.The problem is, Bkool will pick up and connect to my speed, cadence and heart rate sensors, but...
    • Thread
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  20. Bkool Smart Go Trainer (White) One Size

    Well I don't understand these things. I've tried and tried (but admittedly not that much) but I just don't get the appeal. So I'm selling my Bkool turbo trainer. I've still got the box and all that stuff.£210 and I'll pay the postage.
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    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: For Sale & Auction
  21. NOW SOLD. Smart Go Trainer inc Thru Axle Adaptor

    As part of my mini clear-out, I bought this from a friend back in Jan to try out and having found indoor cycling isn’t for me, I’m going to let it go.It’s the BKool Smart Go virtual trainer with Bluetooth connectivity built in (it doesn’t have ant+ but any external one can be used). I’ve used...
    • Thread
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: For Sale & Auction
  22. M

    new bkool issue

    Is anyone else having issues with the latest bkool simulator. I can no longer get routes to display in video mode.
    • Thread
    • Replies: 6
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  23. Bkool- Am I looking in the wrong place.

    Hi. Bkool newbie question. Sorry. I'm in the premium free trial period and one of the things that attracked me to it was the idea of using real footage whilst riding. All I can find are the simulated rides. Have I read it wrong or are they there but I just can't find them?
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  24. Bkool trial period question.

    I thought I'd give it a trial to see if I like it because I like the idea of cycling up proper hills etc but all I get when I fire it up is just a background of misty hills with a timeline along the bottom.Am I doing something wrong? I thought I'd get to use it as intended.
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    • Replies: 5
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  25. Bkool Go Trainer - using brakes and killing bearings

    I've searched the forum and can't find anyone else who has posted about this problem.I set up my new Bkool Go and jumped on my bike, just to give it a spin. After a few seconds I got some (virtual) speed up and was having a great old time. Then I was politely reminded by my family that I was...
    • Thread
    • Replies: 11
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  26. BKool Smart Air turbo

    Any early experiences? Strangely no media reviews yet but some online sites showing they are available.
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    • Replies: 70
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  27. Bkool or Zwift ?

    And what's the best starter trainer ?Am considering a BKOOL SMART PRO 2 TURBO TRAINER ?
    • Thread
    • Replies: 9
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  28. Bkool

    Hi allI am looking for bkool members I can friend up with for rides and training anyone out there that wants to add me plz feel free or leave your names below so I can add you.https://www.bkool.com/OhthehillsI need friends lmao
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    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  29. Bkool and ANT+ problems

    Hi,I haven't been using Bkool for a few months but when I started it recently and updated the client is no longer detects my ANT+ dongle. I have the same hardware (same laptop, dongle, trainer) and same operating system which worked before. Also, Garmin Express immediately detects the dongle...
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    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others
  30. Fastest tyre on Bkool pro? 23/35?

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    • Replies: 10
    • Forum: Virtual Training: Bkool, Zwift, CycleOps & others

Offering the opportunity to connect with other like-minded riders, as well as providing a visual stimulus to focus on whilst working out, software like Zwift and the Bkool Simulator are great for alleviating some of the boredom often associated with indoor riding.

Bkool have recently launched an much improved Simulator, whilst Zwift remains a firm favourite amongst many indoor cyclists. We therefore thought it would be a good idea to look at these two platforms in more detail.

What do Zwift and the Bkool Simulator do?

Zwift markets itself as a multiplayer video game, enabling you to link your turbo trainer to your PC, MAC or mobile device and ride alongside others in a virtual environment. With a heavy focus on social, Zwift is perfect for those wanting to connect with new people who have a common interest (i.e. cycling).

The Bkool Smart Pro 2 is the Spanish brand’s most sophisticated turbo. It’s a wheel-on unit that can produce resistance of up to 1,200 watts and simulate gradients of up to 20 per cent.

On the flipside, the Bkool Simulator prides itself on a more realistic riding experience, with its large variety of route options and changing weather feature. Still offering many of the social features of Zwift, Bkool focus on their designed-by-experts training structures.

  • Get ready for #GirodItaliaVitual hosted by BKOOL⬇️ bit.ly/2R0D3kM. Show More Posts from bkoolofficial.
  • BKOOL is compatible with the main training platforms. You can upload your Strava, Training Peaks or Garmin sessions. Collect the best of the interior and exterior and do not lose any data of your work. You can use our professional analysis tool to see your evolution and detect what you want to enhance.

How many routes do Zwift and Bkool offer?


The Bkool Simulator is certainly the better turbo trainer companion app when it comes to the choice of routes. Not only are there already 500,000 routes available to choose from, including Central Park in New York City, Bangkok and Copenhagen, but the Simulator also allows you to upload and create your own routes. You can literally ride anywhere in the world and even convert your rides into fully immersive 3D virtual environments. That is pretty cool.

The Bkool Simulator also has other advanced features, such as changing weather conditions, headwinds and even a night mode. Although none of these are a necessity for a good work out, there’s no denying that they add even more dimension to your online cycling experience.

Zwift has less choice when it comes to their virtual environments. They have chosen to focus on 3 worlds: Richmond, London and Watopia, all with an average of around 5 unique routes for users to pick from. However, these routes are very well done.

What are the fitness benefits?

Both of these PC and mobile applications feature structured training and workouts. With the Bkool Simulator, coaches will help you to achieve your goals with a system of streets and watches, meaning that you can follow your progress in real time.

Zwift encourages you to push yourself with visual cues, along with general community support.

What are the social benefits?


Zwift was created for indoor riders to be social. And there are riders from over 150 countries currently signed up. One fun feature allows you send a fellow rider a thumbs up by clicking the “Ride on” button. Meanwhile, if you receive a “Ride on” from another cyclist, you’re jersey pockets will grow and your total can be counted after completing the route. This ‘gamification’ helps keep you engaged in your ride and thus workout more.

Zwift also allows you to chat to the community with the Voice-to-Text messaging feature, making the group rides and community races even more enjoyable.

The Bkool Simulator also provides the opportunity for you to ride alongside other cyclists. You can even create your own cycling team! There is also a Velodrome Games arena to allow you to stay social and train at the same time.

Bkool has a similar points system to Zwift, but these are earnt based on the difficulty of the workouts you take on. These points can then be used to pick and customise your cycling outfit. With Voice Chat, Bkool users can instantly chat to fellow riders and you can also write supportive messages on the roads themselves. This is pretty cool!

Learn more about Zwift on their website here

Learn more about Bkool on their website here

Can I upload my Zwift and Bkool data to Strava?

Many cyclists will be very familiar with Strava and it’s good to know that data from your rides on both Zwift and the Bkool Simulator can be synced to Strava. This is important because people like to record all workouts to get a better picture of the rides they’ve done and the data they’ve accumulated.

How much personalisation is there?

Zwift allows you to change how your avatar looks. Change up your jersey or bicycle with various items that unlock each time you level up. Meanwhile, edit skin tone, hair colour and add even add some glasses.

Bkool allows you to configure your avatar too, and the more Bkool points you earn the more like you your character can become. These points to customisation features only add to the addictiveness of these platforms, which translates to more workouts. It’s a good addiction 🙂

What extra equipment do you need to use Zwift and the Bkool Simulator?


The Bkool Simulator works with all sorts of trainers and meters. You can use it in conjunction with a power meter, a smart trainer and even a heart rate monitor. The advanced app uses your pulse to calculate your power output. Bkool have their own great trainers (we cover them in detail here), so if you have a Bkool turbo trainer in makes sense to use the Bkool Simulator.

Zwift have a comprehensive list of supported trainers over on their website, but they say that most turbo trainers and power meters work as long as you have an ANT+ power meter.

What device does Zwift and the Bkool Simulator run on?

Bkooler

Bkool simulator

Zwift Mobile Link app is currently available on the Google Play Store (Android 4.2 and up), the iOS App Store (iOS 8.0 or later). It can also be downloaded on to PC and MACs (Windows 7 and OSX 10.8 and above).

Similarly, Bkool is compatible with MAC (OSX 10.8) and PC (Windows 7 or later), iOS (7 or later) and Android (4.2 or later).

Do you need an internet connection for Zwift and Bkool?

Both of these applications require a high speed internet connection and neither offer an offline mode.

How much does Zwift and the Bkool Simulator software cost?

Bkool and Zwift work on a subscription basis. Zwift currently charge $10 per month (which roughly works out at about £8.20) and Bkool charges £8 a month, so the cost roughly the same.

Bkool offers customers 20% off if they sign up for a full year, costing £78 instead of the £96. Bkool also do hardware (and very well – read out Bkool turbo trainer guide here), and if you buy a Bkool trainer you get 3 month free Premium Simulator subscription.

Not sure if you’ll like them? Bkool offers 5 sessions for 30 days completely free and you can join for 14 days for free with Zwift!

Learn more about Zwift on their website here

Bkool Smart Bike

Learn more about Bkool on their website here