Talk to me about Zwift.....
Discussion
Dannbodge said:
I've been doing a lot more racing this year on Zwift.
Did the GCN one last night, came 320th of 970 people and 124th/221 in Cat B.
Heart rate was at 200BPM for the whole 50mins (averaged 3.5w/kg). If that's not a workout, I would hate to know what is.
Wots your max heart rate?Did the GCN one last night, came 320th of 970 people and 124th/221 in Cat B.
Heart rate was at 200BPM for the whole 50mins (averaged 3.5w/kg). If that's not a workout, I would hate to know what is.
Firstly - absolutely hilarous some of the responses on this thread. You don't like the idea of indoor trainers? Why are you wasting your time looking nevermind responding?
Having put it off for a year or so because I didn't want to spend out on a trainer (and having 'wasted' nearly 150gbp on rollers that I HATE using) I've taken advantage of the sale at CRC and ordered a Tacx Neo - really looking forward to it arriving.
I average about 8hrs a week outside - with the benefit of almost year-round good weather (barring the odd typhoon) but it gets dark early and the roads aren't the nicest places to ride at night - even lit up like a christmas tree.
So the intention is that Zwift will supplement my 3-4 outdoor rides per week with mornings and a couple of evenings
The intention will be to use the TT setup bike on zwift and the other bike for road. I'm hoping it'll be useful for getting some quality training in (position on the TT bike for extended periods, FTP etc) as where I live is extremely hilly and has some bloody horrible road surfaces.
Having put it off for a year or so because I didn't want to spend out on a trainer (and having 'wasted' nearly 150gbp on rollers that I HATE using) I've taken advantage of the sale at CRC and ordered a Tacx Neo - really looking forward to it arriving.
I average about 8hrs a week outside - with the benefit of almost year-round good weather (barring the odd typhoon) but it gets dark early and the roads aren't the nicest places to ride at night - even lit up like a christmas tree.
So the intention is that Zwift will supplement my 3-4 outdoor rides per week with mornings and a couple of evenings
The intention will be to use the TT setup bike on zwift and the other bike for road. I'm hoping it'll be useful for getting some quality training in (position on the TT bike for extended periods, FTP etc) as where I live is extremely hilly and has some bloody horrible road surfaces.
Raised a good few bob to invest further towards running and esports
https://venturebeat.com/2018/12/19/zwift-raises-12...
https://venturebeat.com/2018/12/19/zwift-raises-12...
My issue with cycling as an e-sport is - and I'm happy to be corrected - there is absolutley no skill involved in Zwift? It's just a test of fitness?
Riding outside takes a heap of skill to win races - climbing, descending, cornering etc.
Beating someone else on a computer game generally requires the player to be more deft with the controller.
But Zwift? It's just a fitness test?
And not even that - someone not quite as fit but with a better Air Conditioning setup in their basement could beat someone whose room is 5 degrees warmer?
So fine - online avatar fitness test I'd accept, but e-sport? nah.
(tbh I'm also against using the term sport in the context of computer games so at least there is some form of physical exertion at play here)
Riding outside takes a heap of skill to win races - climbing, descending, cornering etc.
Beating someone else on a computer game generally requires the player to be more deft with the controller.
But Zwift? It's just a fitness test?
And not even that - someone not quite as fit but with a better Air Conditioning setup in their basement could beat someone whose room is 5 degrees warmer?
So fine - online avatar fitness test I'd accept, but e-sport? nah.
(tbh I'm also against using the term sport in the context of computer games so at least there is some form of physical exertion at play here)
keith2.2 said:
My issue with cycling as an e-sport is - and I'm happy to be corrected - there is absolutley no skill involved in Zwift? It's just a test of fitness?
Riding outside takes a heap of skill to win races - climbing, descending, cornering etc.
Beating someone else on a computer game generally requires the player to be more deft with the controller.
But Zwift? It's just a fitness test?
And not even that - someone not quite as fit but with a better Air Conditioning setup in their basement could beat someone whose room is 5 degrees warmer?
So fine - online avatar fitness test I'd accept, but e-sport? nah.
(tbh I'm also against using the term sport in the context of computer games so at least there is some form of physical exertion at play here)
RE the air con set up, that's a moot point....you can argue variations like that until the cows come home....everyone could have one if they wanted, and you could be a better climber outside with a different cassette, so let's ignore that point.Riding outside takes a heap of skill to win races - climbing, descending, cornering etc.
Beating someone else on a computer game generally requires the player to be more deft with the controller.
But Zwift? It's just a fitness test?
And not even that - someone not quite as fit but with a better Air Conditioning setup in their basement could beat someone whose room is 5 degrees warmer?
So fine - online avatar fitness test I'd accept, but e-sport? nah.
(tbh I'm also against using the term sport in the context of computer games so at least there is some form of physical exertion at play here)
Yes, your point largely stands, although there's still a skill to be used in zwift races which is knowing WHEN to attack. No, there isn't a skill in descending, using the brakes etc.
Either way, it shouldn't annoy some people, or get people worked up, like it seems to. If you don't like it....just ignore it and move on
After breaking my collar bone last year, I've decided it's not worth the risk riding outside in dodgy weather. I genuinely find more enjoyment riding indoors doing a good session than riding in the cold for 3 hours. If I enjoy it, and thousands of others clearly do as well...just let us be
It could quite easily be classified as a sport. You say it's not a sport because it's just a fitness test? So....what about power lifting competitions etc? Are they not a sport because they're just a test of strength/fitness? Not trying to cause an argument, but there are pros and cons to each, and as long as we enjoy what we do, we should all be happy.
Got membership for Christmas, but didn’t just fancy riding in Zwift for the sake of it.
But am running structured workouts using the Garmin to control the Tacx Neo after load8ng the workouts from training peaks, with Bluetooth HR, Power and Cadence from PM into Zwift via Apple TV. Not interested in the segments etc. But finding it a nice alternative to watching movies, reruns of Paris Roubaix etc. What’s great is I get the structure I want, the distraction of scenery, other riders etc. and I still can listen to music, Cycling podcast etc. whilst riding.
I use the turbo quite a lot as some structured sessions are just easier/safer to do inside and whilst the weather is dodgy it’s a great alternative. I’m not a pro, like most I have a family, job etc and fitting in 8-10hra when I can’t always commute is difficult. Indoor training helps me maintain and improve fitness in a targetted way.
But am running structured workouts using the Garmin to control the Tacx Neo after load8ng the workouts from training peaks, with Bluetooth HR, Power and Cadence from PM into Zwift via Apple TV. Not interested in the segments etc. But finding it a nice alternative to watching movies, reruns of Paris Roubaix etc. What’s great is I get the structure I want, the distraction of scenery, other riders etc. and I still can listen to music, Cycling podcast etc. whilst riding.
I use the turbo quite a lot as some structured sessions are just easier/safer to do inside and whilst the weather is dodgy it’s a great alternative. I’m not a pro, like most I have a family, job etc and fitting in 8-10hra when I can’t always commute is difficult. Indoor training helps me maintain and improve fitness in a targetted way.
Johno said:
Got membership for Christmas, but didn’t just fancy riding in Zwift for the sake of it.
But am running structured workouts using the Garmin to control the Tacx Neo after load8ng the workouts from training peaks, with Bluetooth HR, Power and Cadence from PM into Zwift via Apple TV. Not interested in the segments etc. But finding it a nice alternative to watching movies, reruns of Paris Roubaix etc. What’s great is I get the structure I want, the distraction of scenery, other riders etc. and I still can listen to music, Cycling podcast etc. whilst riding.
I use the turbo quite a lot as some structured sessions are just easier/safer to do inside and whilst the weather is dodgy it’s a great alternative. I’m not a pro, like most I have a family, job etc and fitting in 8-10hra when I can’t always commute is difficult. Indoor training helps me maintain and improve fitness in a targetted way.
Zwift has a reasonably comprehensive library of structured workouts of its own. No real need for the garmin and training peaks in the scenario you describe is there?But am running structured workouts using the Garmin to control the Tacx Neo after load8ng the workouts from training peaks, with Bluetooth HR, Power and Cadence from PM into Zwift via Apple TV. Not interested in the segments etc. But finding it a nice alternative to watching movies, reruns of Paris Roubaix etc. What’s great is I get the structure I want, the distraction of scenery, other riders etc. and I still can listen to music, Cycling podcast etc. whilst riding.
I use the turbo quite a lot as some structured sessions are just easier/safer to do inside and whilst the weather is dodgy it’s a great alternative. I’m not a pro, like most I have a family, job etc and fitting in 8-10hra when I can’t always commute is difficult. Indoor training helps me maintain and improve fitness in a targetted way.
JPJPJP said:
Zwift has a reasonably comprehensive library of structured workouts of its own. No real need for the garmin and training peaks in the scenario you describe is there?
Correct, there isn’t. However, I already use TrainingPeaks with a structured plan with certain specific workouts as part of it, then being given Zwift as a present, it was a way to use Zwift without it just being a replacement for riding outside without structure.As you highlight, you don’t need the workouts from TP with Zwift’s own library (I’ve not reviewed them). I suppose the opposite was true for me, I didn’t need Zwift. But now having it, I use it in a slightly different way than many I imagine and it works for me.
The is plenty of stuff that zwift doesn’t do (yet) that tp does
It is going to be interesting to see where this heads in future. Will more users use more platforms? Or will there be a move towards just one, or a couple?
I know of one rider with active subscriptions to strava premium, training peaks, zwift, trainer road, sufferfest and go rouvy
The subscription costs are a good few bob but, as he says, ‘less than a decent gym membership.’ Which is true I suppose - and he would know as he has one of those as well!
I can’t recall the last time I saw him log more than 7 hours riding in a week...
It is going to be interesting to see where this heads in future. Will more users use more platforms? Or will there be a move towards just one, or a couple?
I know of one rider with active subscriptions to strava premium, training peaks, zwift, trainer road, sufferfest and go rouvy
The subscription costs are a good few bob but, as he says, ‘less than a decent gym membership.’ Which is true I suppose - and he would know as he has one of those as well!
I can’t recall the last time I saw him log more than 7 hours riding in a week...
JPJPJP said:
The is plenty of stuff that zwift doesn’t do (yet) that tp does
It is going to be interesting to see where this heads in future. Will more users use more platforms? Or will there be a move towards just one, or a couple?
I know of one rider with active subscriptions to strava premium, training peaks, zwift, trainer road, sufferfest and go rouvy
The subscription costs are a good few bob but, as he says, ‘less than a decent gym membership.’ Which is true I suppose - and he would know as he has one of those as well!
I can’t recall the last time I saw him log more than 7 hours riding in a week...
If he enjoys it, and gets what he feels is a decent amount for his money, who cares if he doesn't log more than 7 hours a week?It is going to be interesting to see where this heads in future. Will more users use more platforms? Or will there be a move towards just one, or a couple?
I know of one rider with active subscriptions to strava premium, training peaks, zwift, trainer road, sufferfest and go rouvy
The subscription costs are a good few bob but, as he says, ‘less than a decent gym membership.’ Which is true I suppose - and he would know as he has one of those as well!
I can’t recall the last time I saw him log more than 7 hours riding in a week...
I am on TR, TP, zwift and sufferfest....although TR may not get renewed in September, I'm not sure yet. I don't do Strava premium, but I think TP is very useful for me
I think you highlight the issue, every platform offers something different, but not one seems to offer everything.
Training Peaks is great for structure, working with a coach remotely, analysis etc.
Strava, good for logging rides, some social aspects
Zwift, online community indoor Cycling platform
Trainer Road/Sufferfest etc structured training, some with videos
Now also virtual coaching is gathering momentum, simply another algorithm based on TSS etc.
Many riders will use none, one or all of the above. Each one has a different niche, different business model and therefore a single platform for all is an unlikely dream as each requires investment to drive innovation in that specialism which isn’t easily developed with a diverse offering.
I’m moving to Zwift and a coach. With the coach I get Training Peaks as part of the package, it’s cheaper than a gym membership, workouts tailored to me and my available time, feedback loop that listens, other advice etc. Zwift, I’m enjoying as an alternative while on the trainer - it was a present this Christmas so I may change opinion after a few more kms. I get workouts from the coach, so dont now pay for TrainerRoad which i used to have. Having a coach has meant I understand why I’m doing what I’m doing and how it helps me.
Many will say, a coach! An extravagance for a 40 something useless pedal pusher. However, for the price I don’t have to buy workouts off TrainerRoad or pay for training peaks etc. It is fully tailored to me and what I want to achieve, I ride 8hrs on average a week and it’s structured to what I am aiming to achieve. This year is only Flanders, BC Sportive and SDW in a day currently, but I like to know I’ve prepared as best I can and then the days are even more enjoyable. I use coaches professionally for my development and took the decision to do the same for my riding, it, rather ‘she’ is awesome and the results are clear.
Strava, current summit member, but will be dropping the summit part as the analysis is poor, the live tracking just caused issues with my Garmin locking and beacon I never used. So I don’t see the point, it simply doesn’t offer enough.
Training Peaks is great for structure, working with a coach remotely, analysis etc.
Strava, good for logging rides, some social aspects
Zwift, online community indoor Cycling platform
Trainer Road/Sufferfest etc structured training, some with videos
Now also virtual coaching is gathering momentum, simply another algorithm based on TSS etc.
Many riders will use none, one or all of the above. Each one has a different niche, different business model and therefore a single platform for all is an unlikely dream as each requires investment to drive innovation in that specialism which isn’t easily developed with a diverse offering.
I’m moving to Zwift and a coach. With the coach I get Training Peaks as part of the package, it’s cheaper than a gym membership, workouts tailored to me and my available time, feedback loop that listens, other advice etc. Zwift, I’m enjoying as an alternative while on the trainer - it was a present this Christmas so I may change opinion after a few more kms. I get workouts from the coach, so dont now pay for TrainerRoad which i used to have. Having a coach has meant I understand why I’m doing what I’m doing and how it helps me.
Many will say, a coach! An extravagance for a 40 something useless pedal pusher. However, for the price I don’t have to buy workouts off TrainerRoad or pay for training peaks etc. It is fully tailored to me and what I want to achieve, I ride 8hrs on average a week and it’s structured to what I am aiming to achieve. This year is only Flanders, BC Sportive and SDW in a day currently, but I like to know I’ve prepared as best I can and then the days are even more enjoyable. I use coaches professionally for my development and took the decision to do the same for my riding, it, rather ‘she’ is awesome and the results are clear.
Strava, current summit member, but will be dropping the summit part as the analysis is poor, the live tracking just caused issues with my Garmin locking and beacon I never used. So I don’t see the point, it simply doesn’t offer enough.
jesusbuiltmycar said:
Is that the South Downs Way Gravel Sportive? A friend did it last year and said it was by far the hardest ?? miles he as ever ridden. He said there was a high attrition rate!
Not as a sportive, just me and a mate. Pencilled in for July and everyone I’ve spoken to describes it as the toughest day they ever had on a bike. <12hrs and I’ll be happy. Paris Roubaix was tough, but <7hrs, SDW has the tougher climbing at the back end and obviously off road.... hence why I need to get ready ;-)I've got an Everesting coming up which I know is going to be tough. I ended up buying a kickr climb to accompany zwift....which is good for working you as you would as if you were actually climbing....also makes it much more interesting and engaging.
Not sure how long it's going to take me....quite a while! Trouble is....The momentum you get on the descent is all wasted as you need to brake and turn around at the bottom....not fair!
Not sure how long it's going to take me....quite a while! Trouble is....The momentum you get on the descent is all wasted as you need to brake and turn around at the bottom....not fair!
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