First Look at Rolla: A True Zwift Competitor?



Here’s everything you need to know about Rolla from Eurobike 2023, how it works, how it compares to Zwift, and whether or not you should give it a whirl. I dive into the worlds, the streaming capabilities, and where the shortcomings are.

#Eurobike #Rolla #Zwift

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This Post Has 28 Comments

  1. clubmate 23/06/2023 Reply

    I don't understand this pursuit of hyper-realistic graphics in indoor cycling platforms. The reason why I prefer Zwift over all other platforms is not only the social aspects, but the fact that they were creative in creating a new world with its own lingo, with things like Watopia, Tron bikes, Cone of Shames, etc.. As long as it's fun because of these elements, then it's also immersive to me. I don't care much about how realistic the hills in the background look compared to the Alps. In fact I like their new controller, as it goes towards that direction of making it more of a videogame and less of a simulation. Next, I wish there was a bit more story telling, in order for it to be more addicting.

  3. AlbaTech 23/06/2023 Reply

    This shows exactly how arrogant and complacent Zwift have been over the last five years or so. I wish these guys every success – and Zwifters will also benefit if there is a viable alternative pushing Zwift to improve their offering.

  4. Rick Cski 23/06/2023 Reply

    I downloaded Rolla yesterday to my PC laptop. When I launch it, I get the start loading screen then nothing. My PC screen goes back to my desktop.

  5. Mike Prytherch 23/06/2023 Reply

    Cloud based GPU is very expensive to run, I have my doubts that this is viable long term, the GPU costs have not really come down, they would need a lot of subscribers to make this work, graphics look very cool and I will certainly give it a go, thanks for the review

  6. Trepidati0n 23/06/2023 Reply

    Zwift has a huge advantage in that they were first…but "runescape" level of graphics that requires a second mortgage cost PC will open the doors for others eventually to surpass them.

  7. Sheldon Wiebe 23/06/2023 Reply

    For me the social aspect only comes when I post my Zwift ride on Strava.

  9. FreshKick 23/06/2023 Reply

    if they are able to provide an open API that integrates with more apps than zwift and for my own programming, they get my money

  11. Teknon My 23/06/2023 Reply

    it uhhhh still doesn't look very good. I spend a lot of time on a bike and playing video games and this is 90% Zwift, 10% modern game. The textures look decently modern, but the environment quality is very lacking, which is to be expected from something that doesn't have a video game level budget. These days, pouring money into environmental art is how you get a game to look great. It's also supposed to run on things other than gaming machines, so the lighting, shadows and other effects look dated. No mocap and expensive animators, so the riders and bikes look stiff as a board. At least Zwift has the tasteful environment art to make it feel like a Nintendo game, this is trying to be something that it categorically isn't.

  12. Oleg Golovliov 23/06/2023 Reply

    I don’t need crowds of cyclists/runners, but there no training plans/races?

  13. Łukasz Chojnacki 23/06/2023 Reply

    Does Rolla offer structured workouts? Can I import structured workout from external provider like TrainingPeaks, Garmin etc.?

  14. BigMeanyVids 23/06/2023 Reply

    Graphics do not a platform make of course. The pop-up in Rolla is pretty distacting. That said, it looks pretty nice and if they can overcome the 'network effect' of Zwift they could succeed. I tried Rouvy and just did not find it very exciting. Zwift just seems to have a nice mix of things that make it engaging so it's gonna be hard for someone to challenge them but good luck to them anyways.

  16. Arthur J 23/06/2023 Reply

    Somebody should just make an indoor trainer mod for Riders Republic or Descent Disciples because honestly, these training platforms will never be as fun as actual games that already exist.

  17. Chris Nolan 23/06/2023 Reply

    I will say this looks a interesting App. I plan on trying it out. I am a treadmill runner so have been enjoying Zwift for running. But this app's run experience looks interesting. But I will say I remember Rouvy did running for a bit but dropped it. But I like trying new aps. So will check it out

  18. Wouter Dullaert 23/06/2023 Reply

    What makes this interesting for me is that it supports AndroidTV. I have a few Nvidia Shield devices hooked up to TVs, they have plenty of graphical power and would be ideal, but none of the platforms currently support running their app on them. I sideloaded Zwift at one point, but it's a massive hassle and breaks way too often. The fact that rolla does support AndroidTV is a big plus for me, way less steps to get riding. If it has some decent structured workouts too, I can see myself being very happy here.

  19. zp70 23/06/2023 Reply

    New developers are putting effort in the cycling world which is pretty crowded with competitors and ignoring that the SKIERG is still missing an online virtual platform…

  20. Ed Wiser 23/06/2023 Reply

    Stuck an just a few worlds. Need real world roads not made up roads

  21. M B 23/06/2023 Reply

    That dude on the virtual bike needs a bikefit

  22. Constant Van Wyk 23/06/2023 Reply

    Can you please do a review of 3rd party app/platform integration? As you rightfully pointed out, the target market is not the social Zwifters. With this strategy I feel that integration with platforms such as Training Peaks is pretty critical.

    Also love your work DCR!

  25. Slow Cyclist 23/06/2023 Reply

    Remember, your group rides are just making you slower.
    Ride solo, IRL or online.

  27. Frank Hugh 23/06/2023 Reply

    If it gains traction it will crush Zwift or force them to upgrade there graphics from the current 1990’s shite they offer

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