At the time of writing this article, much of Spain is covered in snow due to the presence of a cold air mass that will be with us for at least ten days. It's all very nice, photos all over social media, snowball fights with friends, but... what about our business? How long will this last? Will we not be able to train? I'm craving a bike!

There's no need to worry. Cyclists who live in colder countries are used to dealing with these situations and have two very simple solutions. If you're on a UCI WorldTour team, you're probably reading these lines while training in Mallorca, Levante, or the Canary Islands. But if your budget is a little tighter, you've probably opted to buy a trainer and train at home .

Traditional rollers barely allowed for proper training; they were an emergency solution to at least get your legs moving, but they didn't come close to the real sensations of training outdoors. However, in recent years, rollers have emerged that not only offer more realistic sensations but, thanks to various apps for mobile phones, tablets, and computers , allow you to share your workouts online, simulate climbing a legendary mountain pass, or compete against users from around the world.

These are called " smart rollers " and they combine the management of your training data with very interesting "gamification" options ("gamification" consists of turning an activity into a game to motivate its participants). Now, training on a roller is done in front of a screen where you can see your avatar and that of other users traveling on roads and mountain passes, compete against them, and much more. They are authentic simulators that have revolutionized the way we pedal at home.

Among these apps, which are also true social networks for cycling enthusiasts, two stand out from the rest: Bkool and Zwift . Let's compare them and see what each one offers.

What are Bkool and Zwift?

Bkool is the online platform for the Bkool trainer brand (although it's compatible with most interactive trainers on the market), so if someone asks you about this name, they may be referring to the trainers or the online platform.

Zwift , on the other hand, doesn't manufacture trainers; it's an online platform, a standalone cycling simulator that also works with virtually all trainers (in fact, many manufacturers are already making this clear on their product packaging) and also with some high-end stationary bikes. The only condition is that they have a wireless connection via ANT+ and Bluetooth.

In both cases, you can train on your trainer in a much more fun way than years ago. You can sit in front of your computer, tablet, or TV screen, compete in real time against other enthusiasts, and take advantage of a real social network. However, each has its own unique features, which we'll explain here.

What does Bkool have that makes so many people use it?

Bkool sells rollers that are highly valued by cyclists and is also a social network that has become as popular as Strava or Garmin Connect.

Bkool trainers, thanks to their tilting frame, are compatible with virtually all wheel diameters. If you use them at home, it's recommended to use a slick tire to avoid excessive noise. Currently, the Bkool Smart Go model is on sale for €350, the Bkool Smart Pro 2 for €500, and the Bkool Smart Air for around €1,000. They also include the Bkool Smart Bike stationary bike in their catalog, which also costs around €1,000 and is similar to a spinning bike you can have in your own home.

All of them connect to the Bkool app wirelessly, either via Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ , a wireless technology used in most fitness trackers (those devices that measure our performance). The unique feature of the ANT+ system is that it allows our mobile phone and our wrist device to work simultaneously, collecting data. Additionally, you can use speed, cadence, pulse, or power sensors that use the ANT+ or Bluetooth communication protocol so that the simulator can transmit your sensations to the screen in a much more realistic way. You can download the app to your PC, Mac, or tablet (Android or iOS).

Bkool's online platform is one of the most advanced simulators you can find. You have your own avatar (your "other self," whom you see pedaling on screen). You can customize it by choosing from different body types, clothing, and accessories. You can try it for free for 7 days or become a "Premium" user for €9.99 per month.

On the Bkool platform you have many ways to participate:

- Route following : You can choose from thousands of available routes (including iconic cycling locations) or create your own. You can view your route in real mode (with first-person video footage), in "3D World" mode (a 3D graphics representation where you and other users can be seen), or by following the map. You can run with friends, users from around the world, and even compete in leagues.

- Signing up for classes : You can join 24-hour video classes created by professional instructors with different levels, objectives, instructors, and music. A fun option that will keep you entertained.

- Participating in workouts : These are highly specific workouts designed by professional trainers and divided into goals. You can track your performance, heart rate, and cadence live, syncing them with Strava and Garmin, or importing workouts from external files. This is a more training-oriented option.

- Having fun at the velodrome : you can participate in elimination or pursuit events, games, distance events (kilometer record), time trials (hour record), and classic events, either alone or with other cyclists.

Thanks to its voice chat , you can communicate during sessions with users within a 50-meter radius of the route. And a very important advantage is that you can enjoy the Bkool simulator on other brands of rollers and stationary bikes, as long as they have ANT+ technology.

What's the appeal of Zwift?

It's a brand that has been on the market for less time but has earned the trust of many fans around the world.

Zwift is an online platform, a standalone cycling simulator that works with virtually all smart trainers on the market (and some high-end stationary bikes), connecting to them wirelessly via Bluetooth or ANT+.

Each month offers a calendar of activities with competitions, group outings, and real-time training sessions with professionals. You can also design workouts with the characteristics you want (percentages, kilometers, elevation gain).

It's more focused on training . It's not as comprehensive in terms of routes. In fact, its main limitation is that it only offers three routes: London, Richmond, and the virtual island of Watopia, although they are already working on creating new routes.

Today, virtually all World Tour teams and all professionals have their profile on this platform: Steve Cummings, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Thomas de Gendt, Robert Gesink , or the winner of Paris Roubaix 2016, Matthew Hayman .

Zwift costs €15 per month (although you can also try it free for 7 days). It's compatible with Strava and Training Peaks , which can be easily linked.

Comparing Bkool and Zwift

After analyzing both applications, we can establish a few differences:

What does Bkool win? On routes for road cycling enthusiasts. For those who wish to train in a velodrome. For those looking for variety in route locations.

What does Zwift win at? For cyclists focused on training and improving their performance (and not so much on enjoying certain routes). For those who want a training plan that they can follow weekly.

In which they enjoy competing with people from all over the world.

From these pages, we encourage you to try both, since you have 7 days free, and decide which one best suits your training style.

And if you do decide to go out riding in bad weather, we ask you to take extreme caution and remind you that the Baggicase is waterproof and will keep your phone and personal belongings safe at all times. As do Alejandro Valverde, Chris Froome, Remco Evenepoel, Vincent Luis, Michael Mathews, Wout Van Aert, David de la Cruz, Iván Cortina, Sonny Colbrelli, Bob Jungels, Mark Cavendish, Enric Mas, Lluis Mas, Omar Fraile, Manuele Boaro, Tomasz Maczynski, Matteo Trentin, Carlos Verona, José Joaquín Rojas, Jorge Arcas, Predrero, Esteban Chaves, Nibali, Markel Irizar, Luis Ángel Maté, Alicia González, Eider Merino, Enara López, etc.