I’m trying to compare cost- benefit analysis for spending money on TrainerDay app vs buying Garmin Edge 530/830 (used). My idea is to have something that can control my Kickr Snap for ERG based workouts and can also be used outside rides. The benefit of TD is mostly for training plans (I can get couple of plans free online- eg - whatisonzwift ) vs cycling computer which can be used for routes mapping alongside doing indoor trainer workouts.
Cost varies significantly- TD premium would be ~$40-50 bucks a year!!
Used edge 530/830 would be ~$240.
For breakeven , TD will take like 5yrs (if costing doesn’t change)
What is more value for money deal?? App vs Cycling Computer!!!
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You’re looking for plans? There are plans available from within intervals.icu. Have you looked at the shared library here?
As for HeadUnits vs App, that’s personal preference as I have previously used “cyclemeter” for a few years but eventually bought a head unit. One big thing is the batt life and of course the fragility of a big screen on my handlebar.
I much prefer using an app indoors.
Have you looked at using BreakAway?
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yes, I’ve been using Breakaway for a couple of months now, but as my Z2 workout increases the (in-app medal/currency) charge per ride gets very high resulting in a maximum of 10 free rides/month.
I’ve also checked the shared library and tried FTP builder from there. I don’t think free or availability of plans would be an issue…
So if we have so many free plans available online, what extra does a Premium Indoor training app bring?
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I can’t really comment on the “what extra” as it’s a different thing to different individuals.
For some would say they only need 2 types of rides per week.
4x zone 2 type rides
1x zone4/Z5 ride
And the Z2 ride can be a simple 90m @ 70% FTP (I’m basically this)
Some would want to smash every interval and every ride is a hard ride and they plan their sessions using say, Intervals calendar and build their CTL/ATL Up using the workouts and have easy sync and connectivity to an app (whichever the app might be)
I used to be that too. But now, it’s chill mostly except weekend group rides.
While I can’t afford to be paying 19.90 or 14.90 or X to TR/Zwift/Systm, Apps like BreakAway/TD/GoldenCheetah fills that niche. If you’re looking specifically for free, I think GoldenCheetah is your best bet. That said, I also understand that apps do have to put food on the table.
Having said that, I have friends who are paying for both zwift and TR at the same time! And some don’t even use the plans!
Anyways, A headunit, then a Direct Drive smart Trainer, an outdoor power meter was my upgrade path.
I personally do not like wheels on smart trainers like the SNAP. Tyre slippage is the biggest issue esp when u try to go from 60%-150% for 30s
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Hi,
I am looking but can’t seem to find exactly where the plans are - in Intervals.icu.
Can you please guide me as to where to search?
Many thanks!
The little library/book icon. Then PLAN
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I tried a cycling computer. Twice. Twice the same (Karoo 2).
In the end, it couldn’t match what I could get from my phone. So I got it back. Twice.
TrainerDay is fine if you want to follow a customized plan, and if you want to train indoors.
I’m also using Jepster to train outdoors. In that app, you can load and follow your training (from TD/intervals.icu in ZWO format) and route files (from any route creator, in GPX format). The development is not very active (stalled ?), but it does the job.
@Nik_Om_Cinderella_Ri
Perfect! Thank you for the swift and clear reply.
All the best!
It’s a no brainer answer. You’re not asking but reasuring uour need by throwing your real need which is having a bike computer for outdoor rides besides the extra benefit to contral your trainer. Even you brought free plans you can use after buying your Garmin.
Go for it 
, you won’t blame
