Getting Started
Operating System
BigRingVR 8 runs on Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) and macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher. The Mac build is universal — it runs natively on Apple Silicon (M-series) Macs as well as Intel Macs. On Windows that includes Snapdragon and other ARM laptops, which run BigRingVR through Windows' built-in compatibility layer. One difference on those machines: ANT+ is not available, so connect your trainer and sensors over Bluetooth.
Running older hardware — a 32-bit or Windows 7 PC, or a Mac older than macOS 13? You can still ride with the older version (BigRingVR 7) below.
Recommended Specs
- Apple Silicon (M1 or newer), or a recent Intel Core / AMD Ryzen CPU with integrated or dedicated GPU (Nvidia, AMD)
- ~10 Mbps internet for 4K (or download rides in advance)
- 4K UHD or 1080p content
Minimum Specs
- Any 64-bit CPU with integrated graphics from roughly the last 8 years (video is hardware-accelerated)
- 3 Mbps internet connection
- 720p / 1080p content
Trainers
Smart Trainers
If your smart trainer supports ANT+ FE-C or Bluetooth FTMS, it works with BigRingVR — that covers virtually every smart trainer sold in the last decade, from brands such as Wahoo, Tacx, Elite, Saris, JetBlack, Zwift, Wattbike, BKool and more. Tacx NEO trainers are also supported over Bluetooth using Tacx's FE-C protocol.
Older “classic” trainers can be used as a power source over ANT+ — either with an ANT+ power meter, or via virtual power on a supported trainer.
Sensors
Heart-rate straps, power meters, and speed & cadence sensors all work over ANT+ or Bluetooth, on both Windows and Mac — ANT+ needs a USB dongle on either platform, with no driver to install on Mac. You can mix protocols freely — for example an ANT+ heart-rate strap with a Bluetooth power meter and trainer. If your heart-rate strap provides beat-to-beat (RR) data — all ANT+ monitors and most Bluetooth straps do — BigRingVR also records your heart-rate variability (HRV) into the saved FIT file, ready for TrainingPeaks, Intervals.icu and similar.
Account
BigRingVR uses Google accounts for authentication. You will need to create a BigRingVR account which will be linked to your Google account.
Sign in with Google
If you don't have a Google account, it is easy to create one here.
Create a BigRingVR Account
Create your BigRingVR account — it only takes a few minutes.
Download
Everything looks good? You are ready for download and setup.
Older Version (BigRingVR 7)
BigRingVR 7 supports older hardware that version 8 no longer does:
- Windows 7 or higher (32-bit and 64-bit)
- macOS High Sierra (10.13) or higher
- ANT+ only — an ANT+ USB stick is required (Bluetooth is not supported in version 7)