Having investigated and tried out CADEsport in 2020 (See CADEsport 2020), I was surprised to receive a message from the company early in August 2022 to say that they were about to launch Version 1 of the full game and that they had stated a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
The company was also showing off their new website – www.CADEsport.com – and the quality of the new graphics.
The main difference between CADEsport and other cycling games, is in CADEsport’s Physical Equalization System, which means that everyone ride together as equals.
Ø Your effort, desire and skill make the difference, not your raw power.
Ø You don’t have to enter your weight or height (as they don’t matter in equalized events.)
Ø A wide variety of devices, including inexpensive trainers, are fully supported.
“CADEsport allows people of all abilities to ride, race, and work out together without separating them into categories, entering their weight, or worrying about trainer or power meter accuracy. CADEsport achieves this through its proprietary Pro Power system, which adjusts everyone’s power to that of a pro cyclist.”
The crowdfunding campaign was to raise $43,000USD by 8th September 2022. However, with outside funding coming onboard, the campaign was closed early having only reached some 27% of the target.
There were a number of pledge levels available, $25, $30, $70, $115, $205, $520 and $790. Each level giving the supporter a few different benefits. In total there were 84 backers, contributing some $11,565. An average of $137 each.
The most popular pledge was $25 followed by the $70 pledge.
The $115 pledge was interesting, as well as specific Backer Kit and a Backer Bike, (the bike looked like it had fallen out of the ‘ugly’ tree), you were able to have your name ‘printed’ on one of the roads, on one of the maps. And have audio and video facilities.
However, with the crowdfunding campaign cancelled, CADEsport have promised to ‘honor (sic) our commitment to you’. In other words, anyone who made a pledge, will still receive the rewards promised.
The new version of the Game v1.0 is scheduled to drop on the 1st October 2022. (Whether or not they are able to stick to that date is anyone’s guess).
A lot of bits of information about the new version are being dribbled out via Facebook.
For instance, it has been confirmed that the subscription price will be $79.99 per year (a 14-day free trial; however, no monthly payment). This compare to $179.88 per year for Zwift.
They also say they are using HDR (High Definition Rendering), which looks amazing. However, a decent set up is going to be required.
Many of my original concerns have been addressed, such as, not uploading your ride to Strava. Having longer routes… the current max length of any route is only 12mls (20k), however, they have added the concept of building your own ‘playlists’, so you have a 5km warm up route, followed by a 10k fast route, maybe a 5k hilly route, and a 5k warm down. These are all supposed to happen seamlessly, but not having trialed anything as yet – we wait and see…!
The other main difference to the previous version is – you don’t have to pay for a new bike or kit. There is going to be a selection available. Nothing branded, all their own models.
However, the team at CADEsport have said that they are working with a number of the major bike manufacturers to implement their bikes availability.
There is definitely, a lot on offer with the new CADEsport.
For Backers, the Game is going to be available towards the end of September, prior to general release on the 1st October.
If they can keep to their promises, it is going to be a very interesting alternative to Zwift.