A Year With CYCPLUS T3
By Bobs Storage (@bobs_storage) · In partnership with CYCPLUS
Jan 16, 2026
The Setup
Smart trainer debut. After doing Zwift on a budget exercise bike, Bob switched to the CYCPLUS T3 to start training with more structure — with one clear goal in mind: build toward next season’s hill climb events.
One of the first impressions was how beginner-friendly the package feels. The T3 arrived as an all-in-one setup: trainer unit, floor mat, sprocket, ANT+ receiver, USB extension cable, and tools. In many other setups, these are often purchased separately — so having everything in one box makes the first day much easier.
A small detail quickly proved important: the USB extension cable. With some indoor setups, the distance between the PC and the trainer can affect ANT+ reception. That extension cable made the connection stable in real use.
Then came the first benchmark: a ramp test. The result — FTP 210W — became the starting line for the months ahead, with one ambitious target in mind: 4W/kg.
「これで本格的なトレーニングが始められる！」
“Now I can finally start proper training.”
Quiet Mornings
Two months in, the most valuable “feature” wasn’t a number on a spec sheet — it was the freedom to train whenever life allows.
Bob started riding on Zwift almost every day, keeping the intensity mostly easy (Z2) to build consistency. Weekday sessions often began around 6:00 a.m. — and the surprise was how quiet it felt in a real home environment.
The drive noise was so low that chain noise and shifting noise became more noticeable than the trainer itself. That meant early morning rides without worrying about waking up the family — a big win for anyone training in a shared space.
Along the way, the home setup evolved too: a simple side table, a small circulator fan, and a monitor arm for the display — the kind of “pain cave” that grows naturally once training becomes a habit.
“The drive noise is extremely quiet — chain noise and shifting are louder.”
RIDE ON
Four months in, training stopped feeling like a solo routine.
Before using a smart trainer, Bob mostly rode alone. With Zwift, group workouts became part of the weekly rhythm — riding alongside people from all over the world, sharing the same workout and the same effort.
It’s a small thing, but it matters: the little “RIDE ON 👍” encouragement from group members. Even when you don’t know anyone, that sense of being seen can be surprisingly motivating — especially on days when you’d rather skip the session.
“Group member’s ‘RIDE ON’ encourages me.”
Entry Hill
Half a year in, the goal became official: Mt. Fuji Hill Climb.
In Japan, the registration for Fuji Hill is sometimes jokingly called “Entry Hill” — because the website can struggle under heavy traffic, and some riders miss their chance to register. This time, Bob left the computer alone for about ten minutes…and it connected automatically. Problem solved.
With the event on the calendar for June, training became more intentional. And like many riders, Bob began thinking beyond “just riding” — toward structured sessions like SST and goal-specific workouts.
Goal: Mt. Fuji Hill Climb (June)
Focus: Build consistency → add SST / structured workouts
Workouts, Built In
Ten months in, training got even simpler.
Not every session needs a virtual world. Sometimes you just want to ride — quickly, efficiently, and with a clear purpose. That’s where the CYCPLUS app became part of the routine.
Bob created an original workout inside the app and tested it (a VO2max-style session). The key takeaway wasn’t the label of the workout — it was the feeling of control: even with large wattage changes, the trainer followed the targets smoothly, without interruptions.
And for days when launching Zwift feels like one step too many, having a quick, structured session ready to go makes it easier to stay consistent.
“Perfect for when you just want to get in a quick ride.”
Silver Ring
This was the moment the story was building toward.
After more than a year of training with the T3 (starting August 2024), the highlight arrived in June 2025: race day at Mt. Fuji Hill Climb.
What stood out most wasn’t only the ride — it was the preparation. Bob used the trainer for a structured warm-up right at the parking lot, using a pre-built workout to bring body temperature and heart rate up in a controlled way before the start.
The result: a goal achieved — the Silver Ring.
- 「大会ではギリギリですがシルバーが取れて、とっても嬉しかったです☺️」
- “I got Silver — barely, but I was so happy.”
Even after the event, training didn’t stop. Small sessions continued to keep the habit alive — and now, training has restarted with fresh motivation for the 2026 season.
