The greatest possible realism is the declared aim of RGT Cycling, which was founded in 2018 as "Road Grand Tours" by software developer Alex Serban. In contrast to Zwift's colourful world of games the software relies exclusively on real routes and very realistic driving dynamics. Offering the use of the basic functions free of charge since the start of the coronavirus crisis in 2020 was a smart move.
2022 Wahoo takes over RGT
With the acquisition of RGT by Wahoo in April 2022, the name will change to Wahoo RGT. This will complement Wahoo's SYSTM training platform with virtual training and race simulations from the RGT software, and Wahoo wants to make the Competition from industry leader Zwift make. The new subscription service from Wahoo is called Wahoo X, under which the two platforms SYSTM and RGT run in parallel. The two softwares are available for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. There is a two-week trial access. Premium access for Wahoo X costs 14.99 US dollars per month plus country-specific taxes, which equates to around 15.50 euros. If you take out the Wahoo X subscription for a year, you will pay 134 euros for the annual subscription.
Relaunch in November 2021: What RGT offers
For almost two years, the smartphone app was required in addition to the desktop version to navigate through the menu when using RGT Cycling. With the latest update in November 2021, the creators have finally put an end to this unnecessary split between two devices. On top of that, there were new routes, plenty more equipment to choose from - including a Canyon Aeroad - and a wealth of jersey sets, which probably shows that RGT Cycling has not yet given up the competition with Zwift. There's also material from Adidas, Lazer and DT Swiss.
These new features offer more customisation options and significantly more variety, which is also helped by the increasing number of events. As with Zwift, the event calendar is now clearly integrated directly after opening the programme. The races themselves have a growing number of participants, although they are still a long way from the level of a Zwift race.
Premium vs. free access
The big plus in the Zwift comparison: RGT Cycling is still available in a free version. Although the functions are limited here (limited routes, limited workouts, no option to create your own events, no access to Magic Roads), the subscription structure also allows indoor newcomers or occasional indoor riders the option to get a taste of the game - even as part of group rides. This also makes RGT Cycling attractive for clubs, as one club member with premium access would basically be enough to organise the digital team rides; the rest could take part with free access.
Ten routes plus upload tool
The route selection has now grown to ten courses, including well-known routes such as the picturesque route to Cap Formentor on Mallorca, the climb to the Stelvio, the unmistakable Mont Ventoux or the loop over the Paterberg, one of the executioners of the Tour of Flanders.
An overview of all RGT Cycling courses:
- De Ronde aka Paterberg/BEL: Loop around the climb known from the Tour of Flanders with up to 20 per cent gradient
- Pienza/ITA: Gravel route with one climb
- Mont Ventoux/FRA: 25.5 kilometres long, 1,596 vertical metres
- Cap Formentor/ESP: 35 kilometres in length, 1,000 metres in altitude
- Passo dello Stelvio/ITA/AUT: legendary climb, not a single flat kilometre
- Borrego Springs/USA: 7.7 kilometres long, 9 vertical metres
- 8bar Crit/Berlin: short, flat race course at Tempelhof Airport
- Canary Wahrf Crit/London: short, flat race course
- Iron Horse Classic Durango/USA: 28 km, with short, crisp climbs
- Leuven City/BEL: 15km, original course of the 2021 World Cycling Championships for puncheurs
Visually, all the courses are of the highest calibre: the climbs to Mount Ventoux and the Stelvio, the gravel course in Tuscany and the undulating route to Mallorca's Cap Formentor offer an atmospheric experience that was previously unknown to indoor cycling. Only the two criterium courses in London and Berlin quickly become monotonous due to their short distances. There are regular Strava segments on the long courses, and the integrated leaderboard spurs you on to top performances. Apart from the two circuits, the user can choose to start their ride at different points, join active riders or jump directly to the start of a Strava segment - a feature that provides more variety.
With the new "Magic Roads" feature, it is also possible to Own routes to create. This may not be possible in the same level of detail as classic computer games such as Sims, Rollercoaster Tycoon or other strategy games, but at least it provides variety when the ten regular courses threaten to become boring.
Here's how it works: you upload a gpx file (the only requirement: less than 100 kilometres - circuits are automatically recognised if the start and end are close to each other) and can train on the faithful replica just a few hours later. The animation does not provide much atmosphere, as no other surroundings are displayed. Nevertheless, the feature is a good way to prepare for certain events or races in a targeted manner. And: you can create events with a simple click and race with or against other users on the "Magic Roads".
Driving: The most realistic software on the market?
During the first coronavirus lockdown in spring 2020, events from the German U23 Cycling League were also held on the platform at times. An indication that the digital presentation meets high standards. Because the avatar's movements are actually more sophisticated than in any other software: A sprint immediately before sharp bends is useless, as it is calculated that the rider has to brake for the bends - the watt display then lights up red. Depending on the terrain and speed, the avatar automatically changes its grip position and goes into the cradle position. In addition to the current power output, the name display above the avatar also shows how well you are utilising the slipstream of the rider in front. This makes the racing experience much more realistic and tactical than in Zwift, where you can fly through steep bends at over 40 kilometres per hour. The "overlapping" of several avatars known from Zwift also does not exist in this form in RGT. The battles for position in the group become correspondingly more important. A clear plus for all drivers who are used to competing.
Info
- Cost: free basic version, premium version of Wahoo X for USD 14.99/month (plus country-specific taxes)
- Languages: English, German
- Link: https://www.rgtcycling.com/
Test conclusion
- Graphic: 5/5
- Fun factor: 4/5
- Training effect: 3/5
- Realism: 5/5
