The Spanish company discontinued its in-house production of indoor trainers in the summer to focus exclusively on software development. The result has been visible since mid-November: a tidier menu with a filter function makes it easier to search for routes, the route editor for uploading your own routes has been simplified and the digital wardrobe with all the current WorldTour kits has been given a facelift.
What Bkool offers: events, races, tracks
You also need to familiarise yourself with the streamlined Bkool start menu first, as some feature names have been transferred from Spanish or English and are initially confusing for German users. To be able to ride "highlights" against other users, for example stages of the Tour of Spain, you first have to add the event to your Bkool account on the website. This is cumbersome and time-consuming. Participation in virtual events is therefore more difficult to plan than, for example, via the event calendar of Zwift.
In contrast to Zwift, there is no level progression that unlocks certain jerseys and accessories; instead, users can invest their accumulated experience points in the desired equipment as they wish. The range of equipment is still relatively limited. When it comes to jerseys, all fans of professional cycling will be delighted, as all the jersey sets from the WorldTour are available to choose from.
Upload your own routes to Bkool
Bkool users can upload GPX data, and a correspondingly large number of routes around the world are available. Using a new filter, you can now see whether Bkool has prepared the routes as 3D animations, as 2D film material or as a map. Compared to other software, the 3D graphics are less varied and rich in detail. After just a few journeys, you will have had your fill of houses, stones and meadows. It is good that the route upload allows you to prepare for events on specific routes.
On the virtual track bike
There is also a track cycling mode with various competitions such as elimination races, two-man team races or sprints. This is fun - provided you can find another Bkool user to take part. Unfortunately, there are no computer-generated opponents (yet).
Avatar at Bkool
The movement of the avatar is somewhat more rickety than in Zwift or RGT, with the entire body wobbling from right to left. Depending on the data basis of the route, you can switch between 3D animation, filmed 2D landscape and localisation on the map. The film material was recorded at handlebar height - an unusually low perspective. There are no sprint and mountain classifications or other bonuses, but there is a noticeable and sensibly prepared slipstream effect.
Info
- Cost: 30-day free trial, then 9.99 euros per month
- Languages: English, German
- Link: BKool
Conclusion
- Graphic: 3/5 stars
- Fun factor: 3/5 stars
- Training effect: 2/5 stars
