Built to Build Better Athletes

The Wahoo app is Wahoo's all-in-one training platform that includes both free and subscription features. The free version includes:

• Wahoo device management
• LiveTrack (real-time location sharing)
• Route management tools
• Third-party app integration (Strava, TrainingPeaks, etc.)
• In-app workout recording
• Cycling Athlete Profile

Wahoo SYSTM is the comprehensive training platform included with a paid Wahoo subscription. SYSTM provides structured workouts, training plans, and features 7 different content channels including ProRides, On Location, The Sufferfest videos, and more. When you subscribe to Wahoo, you get full access to SYSTM's complete library of cycling, running, swimming, yoga, strength, and mental training workouts.

The Wahoo app offers a free tier with basic features like device management, route planning, and workout recording.

For full access to Wahoo SYSTM and all premium features in Wahoo app, the subscription costs $14.99 per month or $149 per year. New users get a 14-day free trial.

Wahoo Apps vs Zwift:

• Zwift costs $19.99/month or $199.99/year, making it 25% more expensive than Wahoo SYSTM.
• Zwift focuses on virtual world riding with social features and racing, while Wahoo SYSTM is designed for high quality structured training with real-world video content.
• Wahoo uses Four-Dimensional Power (4DP) testing rather than just FTP, providing more personalized training.
• SYSTM includes yoga, strength training, swimming, and mental training - making it more comprehensive for multisport athletes.

Wahoo SYSTM vs TrainerRoad:

• Both use advanced power profiling beyond just FTP, but SYSTM includes motivational videos during workouts while TrainerRoad is more data-focused.
• SYSTM offers more variety with cross-training options that TrainerRoad doesn't provide.

No, Wahoo app does not have training plans. With a Wahoo subscription, you get access to personalized training plans on Wahoo SYSTM - spanning various disciplines, distances and objectives.

The plans are designed by the Wahoo Sports Science data team and are tailored to your Athlete Profile determined by the 4DP test. Plans integrate cycling workouts with optional yoga, strength training, and mental training sessions for comprehensive preparation.

FTP (Functional Threshold Power) measures the highest power you can sustain for about an hour, giving a single snapshot of your endurance. While useful, it doesn’t capture the full range of a cyclist’s capabilities. 4DP (Four-Dimensional Power) goes further by measuring four key performance metrics—neuromuscular power (5 seconds), anaerobic capacity (1 minute), VO2 max power (5 minutes), and FTP (20 minutes). This multidimensional approach provides a complete power profile, revealing your strengths and weaknesses across different efforts. Unlike FTP alone, 4DP enables more precise training tailored to your unique physiology, making it a smarter, more effective way to train.

We recommend completing a 4DP test optimally every 10-12 weeks. However, because 4DP requires four maximal efforts, we don't recommend performing it more often than every 12-16 weeks, and only following a proper rest/recovery period.

During your training, if you find that your key workouts (not recovery or endurance efforts) are always too easy, you might want to use the Half Monty fitness assessment to get some updated results when you're about 2/3 of the way through your plan. Half Monty is a less demanding ramp test that updates your FTP and MAP values but won't change your complete 4DP profile or rider type.

There are several popular fitness apps that track cycling, but the Wahoo App is a standout choice for cyclists. It allows you to track indoor and outdoor rides using GPS or connected sensors, and it integrates seamlessly with Wahoo devices like the ELEMNT bike computers and TRACKR heart rate monitor and cycling sensors. You can view real-time stats like speed, distance, power, and cadence, and your data is saved for post-ride analysis. The app also supports syncing with platforms like Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Apple Health.

Yes, the Apple Fitness app does track cycling.

However, compared to the Wahoo App, Apple Fitness has more general-purpose features. The Wahoo App, by contrast, is purpose-built for cyclists and offers additional features such as:

• Sensor support for power meters, cadence sensors, and smart trainers
• Structured workout integration
• Custom data screens for real-time performance metrics
• Device control for hardware like ELEMNT bike computers and KICKR smart trainers

While most high-quality bike trainer apps require a subscription, some do offer limited free versions or trial periods. The Wahoo App includes a 14-day free trial, giving new users full access to structured workouts, personalized training plans, and integrated fitness testing without needing to commit up front. This lets you test the platform with your smart trainer before deciding if it fits your training needs.

The best app for bike training depends on your goals, but the Wahoo App stands out for its scientifically backed plans, comprehensive fitness assessments (like the unique 4DP Test), and integration with the Wahoo ecosystem. It’s designed for cyclists of all levels who want structured, progressive workouts that are personalized to their strengths and weaknesses.

For indoor training, the Wahoo App is one of the best apps available thanks to its deep integration with smart trainers, structured workouts tailored to your fitness profile, and the variety of session types — from endurance rides to high-intensity intervals. The app also syncs seamlessly with Wahoo devices and platforms like Zwift, enabling flexible and immersive training.

It’s especially ideal for athletes who want a plan-driven approach with performance tracking over time. Combined with the 14-day free trial, it’s an easy app to test before subscribing.

The 4DP (Four-Dimensional Power) test is a comprehensive fitness assessment used in the Wahoo App to determine your power profile across four key areas: Neuromuscular Power (NM), Anaerobic Capacity (AC), Maximal Aerobic Power (MAP), and Functional Threshold Power (FTP). It provides a personalized foundation for your training zones and workout targets.

You should aim to do a full 4DP test every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your training consistency and goals. This frequency allows you to track progress, adjust your training zones, and ensure your workouts remain appropriately challenging as your fitness improves.

If you're coming back from a break or starting a new training plan, it’s a good idea to take the test at the beginning to set a clear baseline.