Wahoo has announced that it’s closing the RGT virtual riding app that it acquired last year and will provide subscribers with a 12-month Zwift membership by way of compensation.
US-based Wahoo Fitness, best known for its Elemnt GPS bike computers and Kickr indoor trainers and smart bikes, has until now been offering its Wahoo X software in two parts: Systm – formerly The Sufferfest – which is for structured training, and the RGT virtual cycling app. Now, though, Wahoo has decided to call time on RGT.
“To deliver the very best experience for you, our valued customers, we have made the strategic decision to focus on our long-established strength in structured training content through Systm,” says Wahoo. “We will be closing RGT effective October 31, 2023.”
“This shift in focus means our talented team’s efforts, attention, and innovation will now be dedicated exclusively to our structured training content,” says Wahoo. “Our vision for Wahoo X going forward is clear: to deliver the absolute best training software to help you become stronger, fitter, and faster, both on and off the bike.
“There will be continued improvements to functionality and content to give you even better value, plus more immersive, integrated, structured workouts designed by world-class coaches using cutting-edge sports science to use indoors or outdoors – including cycling, yoga, strength and mobility, running, swimming, and mental training.
Wahoo acquired RGT in April 2022, claiming the combination of Systm and RGT would give its subscribers “unparalleled choice in how they train”.
For the time being, RGT provides virtual routes on real-life roads and parcours made famous by professional races, such as the Tour of Flanders. The platform also has the Magic Roads feature that allows users to upload their own GPX file from any route in the world and have RGT build an accurate virtual version. That’s all coming to an end soon, though.
Wahoo told subscribers, “We deeply appreciate your membership and loyalty, and we understand this news may be inconvenient. To make this transition smoother for you, we’ve arranged an exclusive one-time offer: 12 months of complimentary Zwift membership.”
Zwift needs very little introduction – it’s a virtual cycling (and running) world that’s entirely separate from Wahoo X. It uses multiplayer online gaming technology to create 3D worlds and is, of course, extremely popular.
“With Zwift, you can continue to ride, race, and connect with fellow Wahooligans in the virtual world,” says Wahoo. “This combination offers you the best of both worlds: structured training excellence with Wahoo Systm and access to the world’s largest virtual riding community through the Zwift app —an unbeatable combination.”
If you’re a Wahoo X subscriber, you’ll be sent a complimentary Zwift membership code that you must redeem by October 31, 2023. You’ll have access to RGT as usual until the same date.
Wahoo laid off 50 staff at about the same time it acquired RCT last year and we reported back in April that the company had had its credit rating lowered by Moody’s Investors after a missed debt service payment.
Wahoo Fitness told us at the time that this resulted from a pre-arranged “special agreement to delay our scheduled interest and principal payment with our lenders for our long-term note and revolving credit facility”.
Since then, Wahoo has eliminated all of its debt following what it described as “significant” equity support from current and new investors.
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