Start-up Guide for Beginner Cyclists

Whether you want to be more active or you’re an avid biker looking for a new challenge, welcome to the Vingo community! We’re so glad you’re here.

Our fun fitness app is designed for everyone—from the fitness enthusiast to the average Joe. Wherever you are in your fitness journey, we’re here to help you succeed and have fun along the way.

If you’re ready to start cycling with Vingo, the first step is to download the app. (It’s free and available for iOS and Windows). Once you have the app, you can begin biking right away.

To make things easier, we’ve created this quick start-up guide. In it, we’ll review everything you need to know to get going, explain Vingo’s features, and provide some suggestions for beginner-friendly routes to try.

So, if you’re ready, let’s jump right in!

What do I need to start biking with Vingo?

Unlike many other fitness apps, you don’t need much to start with Vingo. Here are the essentials:

Any exercise bike

Vingo is compatible with any indoor exercise bike, so you don’t have to run out and buy anything new. Whatever you already have at home or your local gym will work just fine! 

Vingo app and a Windows device

You can download the Vingo app for free here. It’s available on iOS and Windows, so you can use a Windows or Mac computer (laptop or desktop) or a Windows tablet or iPad to bike with it.

Water

Biking with Vingo is a lot of fun, but you’ll still work hard. So grab some water and make sure it’s easily accessible while you ride.

Bluetooth or ANT+ Dongle (not needed, but nice to have) 

Although Vingo has an optional manual mode (where you manually change your speed on screen), your bike can automatically track your speed and mileage by having Bluetooth or a cadence sensor and an ANT+ dongle. This also allows you to earn full points through Vingo—while the manual mode will only get you 10% of your point potential.

Wi-Fi 

You’ll need Wi-Fi to download and use the Vingo app on your Windows or iOS device.

And that’s it! With just these five list items, you can start biking with Vingo and fully enjoy the virtual experience from your home, gym, or anywhere you have access to an indoor bike.

What’s next?

Once you’re in the app, there are several ways you can customize your virtual biking experience with Vingo:

Take a selfie to create your avatar.

Snap a quick selfie and create an avatar that looks just like you. Or, if you prefer not to use a selfie, you can pick an avatar and modify its physical features to your liking in the Vingo locker.

Choose an outfit and gear.

Customize your avatar with our extensive library of clothing and gear options. There are more than one million ways to style your avatar, so you can select the colors, outfits, and biking gear that motivate you to get moving.

Pick a dog to join your cycling adventures.

If you prefer to have a cycling companion while you explore Vingo routes, you’re in luck! Pick a dog to ride in a basket on your bike or run alongside you. Once you select a fur pal, they will automatically join you on each biking route.

Now, start exploring!

Once your indoor cycling space is ready and you’ve made your customization selections, you can set off on a Vingo biking adventure. If you find the list of route options overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ll help you get started. These are some of our favorites for beginners:

Start with a loop around Viking Village.

This easy route is 0.7 miles and mostly flat, with a 188-foot elevation gain. It’s the perfect way to warm up your legs on the bike while you get used to your indoor setup. It offers a paved and gentle ride past quaint cabin homes and features lovely views of the mountains, which you may decide to bike later.

Next, climb the switchbacks to Viking Village.

When you’re ready for a little more of a challenge, try this 2.1-mile route with a few more hills (844-foot elevation gain). You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the lake and a scenic river pass. The hills along the way are short and wind around a mountaintop, so you can soak up pretty bay views while completing this moderately easy and picturesque cycling adventure.

Slowly build some distance with the Lagoon Overlook Trail.

Gradually increase the intensity of your cycling workouts with this 2.6-mile route, boasting an elevation gain of 967 feet. You’ll head to a new part of Iceland featuring one-of-a-kind views of the famous Blue Lagoon. You’ll also enjoy soaring views of the stunning volcanic landscape as you ride.

Lastly, test your distance and climbing skills with Shoreline Haven.

Test your endurance with this 5.2-mile route featuring an elevation gain of 1,450 feet. Take your time with this new feat and enjoy the beautiful lake views, lavender fields, and mountain passes as you go. You’ll start deep within a Viking Village and work your way around a stone crevasse and along sandy shorelines. The switchbacks are challenging, but the gorgeous scenery is a great distraction!

Other Vingo features to enjoy

Voice chat

Don’t forget to use our voice chat feature to connect with fellow bikers. Make your rides a social affair and try out our new private chat option, which allows you to create a private chat group and invite select Vingo users for a more intimate group riding experience.

Progress updates

With Vingo, you don’t have to painstakingly keep track of your achievements. We’ll help you keep track with on-screen alerts and congratulate you every time you reach a new cycling milestone.

Tired of hypercompetitive fitness apps?

Enjoy Vingo’s judgment-free community!
 Explore new worlds on many different terrains
 Personalize your avatar with cool clothes and gears
 Experience Vingo anywhere on any exercise bike or treadmill

Try Vingo for free!

Photo Sources

Photo by Andres Ayrton from Pexels