I generally do not use Apple products because I don't find their user interfaces particularly intuitive, and they generally cost a lot more than what I want to spend for a given need. But I did end up getting an iPod Touch as a work anniversary gift from a former employer. I had really used it only to have access to FaceTime video chatting with folks who had committed to the Apple ecosystem, but not for much else. My Android-based devices have served my mobile device needs fine.
When it came to indoor cycling trainer apps though, iOS-based apps turned out to be a better fit (pun intended) for my needs. As part of my research on trainer apps, I knew that the Kinetic Fit app would do what I want--provide structured training workouts with no mandatory subscriptions/fees. You can pay for more features and training plans, but the freebies suited me just fine.
Kinetic's Fit app runs on both iOS and Android, but the Android version came later and is a bit behind in stability, features and timeliness of fixing issues, so I used the iOS version on the iPod. I would test new versions on Android to see if they worked better, generally without satisfactory results.
Mounting the iPod
One of the very helpful things a trainer app provides is a visual target of the effort level you need to put out at a given moment in a training session. Having the display in a visually comfortable place is key, so a stem or handlebar mount made sense. I found something inexpensive, but fairly sturdy in the Nite Ize HandleBand.
There are a couple of issues with it though.
- the elastic covers parts of the touch screen, often right where you need to access the screen unless you set it up precisely
- it isn't designed with today's larger devices or bulky cases in mind
though the super slim iPod Touch (5th generation) with a Speck CandyShell Grip Case fits fine and the Kinetic Fit app doesn't require much touchscreen interaction once you get going with a training session.
Entertaining?
It has long been controversial in the cycling community whether it is OK to wear headphones while cycling. Awareness of your surroundings, whether for safety or appreciation of the sounds of nature, communication with riding partners, whatever, people have differing views on this out on the road and on the trails.But on the trainer, there is no question--entertainment or distraction is a must. Although I wrote in the first installment about indoor training that my initial foray into riding a trainer was enjoyable, that was relative to not exercising.
Mobile devices aren't ideal for multitasking and the iPod Touch is pretty limited in what it can do. Listening to music or podcasts in the background while running the trainer app in the foreground works OK, though switching away from the trainer app to change audio tracks can be awkward, maybe even causing the trainer app to pause.
Using a separate device for entertainment is just easier, other than taking up more space and adding another device whose battery life you need to keep track of. But it also adds the option of video entertainment. My Android phone meets this need very well.
