Discussion
So who is using (or plans to use) Zwift? I first used it last winter and after the initial novelty wore off I wasn't sure I'd use it that much. However I've since discovered the numerous races that take place and this has really transformed my mid-week workouts. I don't have a specific training plan, nor any goals for next year, but the competitive element is really additive.
If you've not tried it, and have perhaps used TrainerRoad or Sufferfest in the past, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go. I think Strava Premium are offering 2 months free trial at the moment.
Got a new FTP tonight having moved up to race in the 'A' group (of the ZTR race...there are many other races at different times and on different days).
If you've not tried it, and have perhaps used TrainerRoad or Sufferfest in the past, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go. I think Strava Premium are offering 2 months free trial at the moment.
Got a new FTP tonight having moved up to race in the 'A' group (of the ZTR race...there are many other races at different times and on different days).
I use it a lot particularly when the weather is crap. I don't get the racing element as its so open to cheating and there are no real ways to stop it. I've also tried the training programs and these are better but there are still some issues when using the training programs in ERG mode. If you have an interval that requires say 130% FTP for 90 secs and just after you start you hit a steep descent then the trainer can lock up as it applies resistance so you produce the correct output in the gear you are in and also it applies resistance to mirror what 130% FTP would feel like down a 8% descent.
Last year I mixed trainerroad and Zwift together using TR for the structured programs and Zwift for casual rides. This year I'll just use Zwift.
P
Last year I mixed trainerroad and Zwift together using TR for the structured programs and Zwift for casual rides. This year I'll just use Zwift.
P
As a very part time softy cyclist I've found Zwift really good.
Not done much cycling at all this year as I've been working away during the week, and not found times at the weekend. Now working back at home I have the evenings available, and had been doing lots of swimming to try and get fit, but then saw the offer Halfords had on the Tacx Flow and went for it.
Tried various bits of software when I got the turbo, and felt Zwift was the best balance, and I could get working with my limited IT. Its running on a crappy laptop but does the job.
I mix up just doing what I want, ERG sessions, and races (bear in mind I'm in the lowest category !) as time allows. It's motivated me really well, now putting out over 100 miles a week in the garage.
As a pure cycling simulation I can see why many keen cyclists won't appreciate it. But for a fat bloke trying to lose some weight its a good tool. I can now pedal away in the garage, not have to worry about wind, rain, cold, mental car drivers, can watch tv on my phone and get some calories burnt.
Hopefully when the weather turns nice again, I'll be a lot fitter than I am now and can go out and enjoy the countryside. My aim is to do my first century next year, my longest so far being 75. I'd like to do a triathlon aswell, but need to lose some weight first. Hopefully Zwifting will help get rid of some fat.
Not done much cycling at all this year as I've been working away during the week, and not found times at the weekend. Now working back at home I have the evenings available, and had been doing lots of swimming to try and get fit, but then saw the offer Halfords had on the Tacx Flow and went for it.
Tried various bits of software when I got the turbo, and felt Zwift was the best balance, and I could get working with my limited IT. Its running on a crappy laptop but does the job.
I mix up just doing what I want, ERG sessions, and races (bear in mind I'm in the lowest category !) as time allows. It's motivated me really well, now putting out over 100 miles a week in the garage.
As a pure cycling simulation I can see why many keen cyclists won't appreciate it. But for a fat bloke trying to lose some weight its a good tool. I can now pedal away in the garage, not have to worry about wind, rain, cold, mental car drivers, can watch tv on my phone and get some calories burnt.
Hopefully when the weather turns nice again, I'll be a lot fitter than I am now and can go out and enjoy the countryside. My aim is to do my first century next year, my longest so far being 75. I'd like to do a triathlon aswell, but need to lose some weight first. Hopefully Zwifting will help get rid of some fat.
paulmon said:
I don't get the racing element as its so open to cheating and there are no real ways to stop it.
That's understandable, although it applies in real life races too I guess. Anecdotally I think the majority of racers are genuine - most people use smart trainers which are generally quite accurate and some use power meters, only a minority use estimated, or what they call 'Z', power. Of course you could cheat by putting a fake low weight, to give you an advantage on the hills, almost most races are pretty flat so there wouldn't be a huge advantage.I think most people, including myself, use these races to have a really tough workout rather than stressing over whether they've been cheated to a win. I've increased my FTP up to 270W (4.2 W/kg) in the last few weeks, solely through racing twice a week (and with a longer steady weekend ride). Looking forward to more racing and going into next Spring with a really good fitness base to build on.
torqueofthedevil said:
How much has it cost you to get everything for it though?
The most basic set-up only requires a normal turbo and a speed sensor on the rear wheel (and a PC/laptop). It's definitely a better experience with a smart trainer, and these can range from a couple of hundred up to a grand.I've just started using Zwift during the midweek.
I'm using a basic fluid trainer (which a mate lent me), with cadence and speed sensors (and ANT+ sensor in the USB port). So far it's quite good, the races keep it interesting (and yes there is lots of cheating it seems). I'm still getting cycle fit, so my FTP is far from anything decent.
I'm sure with a decent smart trainer it would be far better.
I'm using a basic fluid trainer (which a mate lent me), with cadence and speed sensors (and ANT+ sensor in the USB port). So far it's quite good, the races keep it interesting (and yes there is lots of cheating it seems). I'm still getting cycle fit, so my FTP is far from anything decent.
I'm sure with a decent smart trainer it would be far better.
Edited by Rich_AR on Thursday 17th November 05:33
Yep.... Tacx trainer is pretty substantial though so standing up isn't too much of a problem for a while...
One stupid issue I find with Zwift, that is when you are using ERG mode.
ERG mode allows the software to control the resistance on the trainer, so that whatever Cadance/gear you are in you are outputting a certain Power. Great for interval training. Racks the resistance up every now and then without you having to touch anything. However if you reduce your cadence, it obviously starts adding resistance to keep same power output. As you get really slow, the Trainer obviously runs out of resistance it can apply at those slow revs, and the software pops out of ERG mode.
So you've got to keep continually spinning through the session... no rests at all. Might be ok for pro's but for a fat lad not good.
One stupid issue I find with Zwift, that is when you are using ERG mode.
ERG mode allows the software to control the resistance on the trainer, so that whatever Cadance/gear you are in you are outputting a certain Power. Great for interval training. Racks the resistance up every now and then without you having to touch anything. However if you reduce your cadence, it obviously starts adding resistance to keep same power output. As you get really slow, the Trainer obviously runs out of resistance it can apply at those slow revs, and the software pops out of ERG mode.
So you've got to keep continually spinning through the session... no rests at all. Might be ok for pro's but for a fat lad not good.
Ceeejay said:
Yep.... Tacx trainer is pretty substantial though so standing up isn't too much of a problem for a while...
One stupid issue I find with Zwift, that is when you are using ERG mode.
ERG mode allows the software to control the resistance on the trainer, so that whatever Cadance/gear you are in you are outputting a certain Power. Great for interval training. Racks the resistance up every now and then without you having to touch anything. However if you reduce your cadence, it obviously starts adding resistance to keep same power output. As you get really slow, the Trainer obviously runs out of resistance it can apply at those slow revs, and the software pops out of ERG mode.
So you've got to keep continually spinning through the session... no rests at all. Might be ok for pro's but for a fat lad not good.
I've stopped using ERG mode with Zwift now for this reason. Works fine in TR.One stupid issue I find with Zwift, that is when you are using ERG mode.
ERG mode allows the software to control the resistance on the trainer, so that whatever Cadance/gear you are in you are outputting a certain Power. Great for interval training. Racks the resistance up every now and then without you having to touch anything. However if you reduce your cadence, it obviously starts adding resistance to keep same power output. As you get really slow, the Trainer obviously runs out of resistance it can apply at those slow revs, and the software pops out of ERG mode.
So you've got to keep continually spinning through the session... no rests at all. Might be ok for pro's but for a fat lad not good.
torqueofthedevil said:
Does anyone find it uncomfortable sitting on the saddle for long periods with no variation in position like you will naturally get on the road?
Yeah it's not the best. Helps to make sure the bike is level though, some of the front wheel blocks still don't make the bike completely level and it presses on your undercarriage a bit more!z4RRSchris said:
I have started zwifting!
impressions:
1. not as boring as a turbo
2. racing is f
king hard - i dont know how many cheats
who else zwifts?
Yep, joined at Xmas. Expect there was a surge then. Had a road bike 2 years now and wanted to avoid the winter performance dip. Initial thoughts:impressions:
1. not as boring as a turbo
2. racing is f
king hard - i dont know how many cheats who else zwifts?
- took a while to get to get to grips with but that's as much down to me being new to a turbo and needing to tweak it a bit.
- really does help keep me motivated. E.g. Climbed that tower mountain last week. Had I done the same profile on the trainer bit without a View of the peak being 'just a bit further' I think I'd have given up.
- not done a race yet but looking forward to that
One thing I was going to ask on here. Sometimes when going up a small incline I notice my speed drops right off. My cadence / gear is such that I'd expect to be doing 12-14 mph but Zwift says 5 mph. Where am I going wrong? I use a Kickr.
I thought there was a more established Zwift thread but turns out there isn't. Pretty sure quite a lot of people here use it!
We have a Whatsapp thread going among a few mates and try to ride together every so often. It's really good when you have three or four of you riding together, feels like a genuine group ride.
We have a Whatsapp thread going among a few mates and try to ride together every so often. It's really good when you have three or four of you riding together, feels like a genuine group ride.
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