Introduction
Riding gravel in the UK during winter can be tough — mud, rain, short days, and icy trails make outdoor training inconsistent and sometimes unsafe. For those of us in our 50s, recovery takes longer, and indoor alternatives become more valuable. Indoor cycling apps can help you stay strong, motivated, and connected, even when the weather says otherwise.
In this Zwift vs Rouvy vs MyWhoosh comparison, we’ll break down the apps specifically for UK gravel cyclists over 50: cost in GBP, ease of use, community, route realism, and how each supports off‑road style training. The aim? To help you choose the app that suits your riding style, body, and budget in 2025.
Why UK Gravel Cyclists in Their 50s Need Indoor Training Apps
Weather, Daylight & Safety
- UK winters bring long nights and slick trails. Indoor apps keep you training safely when conditions outdoors are unpredictable.
Recovery & Load Management
- As we age, joints and muscles take longer to recover. Structured indoor workouts let you control intensity and avoid over‑doing it.
Motivation & Social Connection
- Indoor training apps offer group rides, events, and social features. Perfect for riders who find motivation in shared experiences, even from the living room.
Tech & Comfort Considerations
- Simpler interfaces and reliable connectivity matter. Apps that “just work” are more enjoyable when patience with glitches is thinner.
At a Glance: Zwift, Rouvy & MyWhoosh (UK Pricing 2025)
| Feature | Zwift | Rouvy | MyWhoosh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | £17.99 | £17.99 | Free |
| Annual Cost | ~£179.99 (12 months for price of 10) | ~£159.99 (Single plan) | Free |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 7 days (limited free plan after) | Always free |
| Route Style | Virtual “gaming” worlds (Watopia, London, etc.) | Real video footage + AR overlays | Virtual worlds, growing library |
| Community | Largest — big UK groups & races | Smaller but committed | Growing, still smaller |
| Gravel Support | Some off‑road events | Limited gravel video footage | Limited but improving |
| Best For | Social & competitive riders | Scenic realism seekers | Budget‑conscious or casual riders |
Zwift Review
Strengths
- Biggest community: Strong UK presence, many over‑50s groups, constant rides and races.
- Variety of training: From structured FTP plans to recovery spins.
- Events & motivation: Daily rides and challenges keep things engaging.
Weaknesses for Over‑50 Gravel Riders
- Costly: £17.99/month is steep if you only ride indoors occasionally.
- Tech‑heavy: Requires newer devices for smooth graphics.
- Gravel‑light: Mostly road‑oriented, with only a handful of off‑road routes.
Suitability
Zwift is ideal if you want community, variety, and structure. If you’re motivated by competition or social rides, it’s worth the subscription.
Download
Zwift available to download here
To get the most realistic indoor riding experience, pairing your chosen app with a high-quality turbo trainer can make a huge difference — check out our guide to the best turbo trainers for gravel bikers in the UK to see which models deliver top performance.
Rouvy Review
Strengths
- Realism: Ride real roads through video footage enhanced with AR.
- Immersive training: Ideal for those who enjoy scenic, steady rides.
- Structured workouts: Strong base‑building and endurance options.
Weaknesses for Over‑50 Gravel Riders
- Pricey too: £17.99/month, same as Zwift.
- Less social: Community and events are smaller than Zwift’s.
- Hardware demands: Smooth video playback requires capable devices.
Suitability
Rouvy is best for riders who value visual immersion and realistic road feel. If you ride for the scenery as much as the fitness, this is your pick.
Download
MyWhoosh Review
Strengths
- Completely free: No subscription — perfect for seasonal indoor riders.
- Constantly improving: Features like virtual shifting, workout creator, and speed‑sensor mode.
- Accessible: Runs on a wide range of devices and supports budget trainers.
Weaknesses for Over‑50 Gravel Riders
- Less polished: Still catching up to Zwift and Rouvy in terms of stability.
- Smaller community: Fewer UK riders, events, and group rides.
- Visuals: Routes are improving but not as scenic as Rouvy’s.
Suitability
MyWhoosh is perfect if you’re budget‑conscious, new to indoor training, or ride indoors only in winter.
Download
Download MyWhoosh here
Which App Suits Which UK Rider in Their 50s?
| Rider Type | Best Bet | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend Warrior | MyWhoosh or Rouvy (annual) | Free or discounted cost, solid for casual use. |
| Dedicated Trainer | Zwift | Structured plans, huge events, year‑round use. |
| Scenic Explorer | Rouvy | Realism, beautiful routes, less “gamey.” |
| Budget Rider | MyWhoosh | Free, flexible, lower risk. |
Many gravel riders enhance their turbo trainer workouts by pairing them with a virtual cycling app, which can make indoor sessions more immersive — see our detailed comparison of virtual cycling apps like Zwift, Rouvy, and MyWhoosh to find the one that suits your style.
FAQs
Do I need a smart trainer?
Not always. MyWhoosh supports classic trainers with speed sensors. But Zwift and Rouvy shine with smart trainers for realistic gradients.
Which app is best for joint‑friendly, low‑impact workouts?
All three work, but Rouvy’s steady scenic routes are excellent for low‑intensity sessions.
Is Zwift worth it if I only ride twice a week?
If you enjoy group rides and need motivation, yes. Otherwise, free MyWhoosh or occasional Rouvy may suit better.
Can I pause subscriptions?
Zwift and Rouvy both allow pauses or seasonal use. Handy if you only want them in winter.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
- Start with MyWhoosh: Free, improving rapidly, and great for testing whether you’ll stick to indoor training.
- Upgrade to Zwift if you thrive on social rides, races, and structured training.
- Pick Rouvy if you ride for scenic enjoyment and want immersive, real‑world video routes.
For most UK gravel cyclists in their 50s: MyWhoosh for value, Zwift for community, Rouvy for realism.
Related Reading for UK Gravel Riders
Looking to make the most of your indoor training season? These guides will help you build the perfect setup and stay motivated through winter:
- Best Turbo Trainers for Gravel Bikers in the UK – Compare smart trainers that work seamlessly with Zwift, Rouvy and MyWhoosh.
- Winter Gravel Cycling Gear Guide for UK Riders 50+ – Essential advice on clothing for the off-season.
- Best Cycle Computers for Gravel Riders Over 50 (UK 2025) – For when you head back outdoors, here’s how to pick the clearest, most intuitive GPS units.
- Where Can I Ride My Gravel Bike in the UK? – Explore new routes and terrain once spring returns.
- Gravel Cycling for Beginners Over 50 – A UK Guide – Training, recovery and nutrition strategies for mature riders building endurance.
- Best Gravel Bikes Under £2000 – Ideal if you’re new to the discipline or planning a second indoor/outdoor setup.
Check them out to keep your cycling strong, safe, and enjoyable all season long.
Choosing the right app is just the start. Subscribe to Gravel Endurance and we’ll keep you updated with beginner-friendly guides, training strategies, and seasonal tips — perfect for new gravel cyclists looking to ride smarter, not harder.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this one, you’ll love my latest gravel cycling posts—check them out below.
- Strength, Stability and Staying Upright: The Fitness Most Gravel Riders Ignore
- Building Gravel Fitness Without Breaking Yourself: How to Train Smarter at 50+
- New Year, New Legs: A Realistic Fitness Reset for Gravel Riders Over 50
- Best Map Apps & Tools for Planning UK Gravel Cycling & Bikepacking Trips (Beginners Guide)
- Best Cycling Shoes for Gravel Riders Over 50: Comfort, Fit & Top Picks for UK Trails
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