Zwift Ride In-Depth Review: The Future of Smart Bikes?
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
- Is the Zwift Ride the future of the indoor smart bike? And if so, is it good for consumers? I dive into everything you need to know about the Zwift Ride, after a bunch of usage.
After years of rumors, pivots, and do-overs, Zwift has finally announced their much-discussed indoor bike. At least, depending on how precisely you define an indoor bike. But no matter which definition you use, this is going to significantly shape the direction of the indoor cycling industry, just as Zwift did when they launched the Zwift Hub nearly two years ago.
The new Zwift Ride combines a new Zwift indoor “frame" with the Wahoo KICKR CORE + Zwift COG trainer, to make a one-stop shop option for getting on Zwift. Within the Zwift Ride product, you can literally see years of Zwift history and direction changes unfolding like layers of rock. It’s actually kinda fascinating.
But more fascinating than the history lesson though, which I’ll save for another day, is riding the thing. And I’ve been doing so for more than a month now, putting it though its paces to see how it handles across a wide variety of riding. Not just me, but my wife as well - helping to validate whether or not Zwift’s one-size-fits-all design can properly accommodate both a tall rider (me), and a vertically challenged rider (her).
#ZwiftRide #Zwift 
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It's decent looking. Being tied to Zwift is a problem. They should open up the play connection, they'd sell more ultimately. No crank arm length adjustment is a show stopper immediately for me.
Zwift are on pretty rocky ground right now, and you've got to ask yourself is this going to be a white elephant in 5 year's time.
Adapting gears to work with another platform sounds like a very minor software challenge, probably something a couple of programmers could do in a week. The problem atm is 99% will be perfectly happy just using it on zwift, so there’s no real drive to make work on anything else. If another platform did become popular I’d imagine someone would hack in a solution within a week or two.
I thought zwift encrypt the Bluetooth data from zwift play so third party apps can't use them. @@AndrewisTri-tn1uo
100% agree. I don’t trust where they’re going with subscription pricing so I would never commit to this hardware. When winter rolls around I’m going to try different platforms.
@@jameseastwood402 "pretty rocky ground"? - incredibly dumb comment, unless you have seen the company's financials, maybe?
Another weakness is that it doesn't support the Climb. They should have made the front stub removable so that a fork could be swapped in.
expect some newer versions in 6 months time..
Yes, this is a limitation. Climb-compliant front would also make it compatible with rocker solutions like my Gymrail Momentum X1. I've been toying with the idea of making a separate minimalistic frame (virtual shift...) for trainer use for next winter, this Zwift Ride would be a simple solution but these limitations make it a no go.
The very bottom is actually removable, but it's likely too low for any CLIMB compatibility.
@@Dcrainmaker Maybe some DIY drilling :D jk
my guess is they have some separate unit in development to change out the front bottom that will function just like the climb.
You just know , somebody , somewhere is now already 3D printing badges and phone charger ports for the top . Keep an eye on eBay this week
One can hope!!!
I was sold until you talked about Crank length.
Yeah, me too. I use 172.5mm so this would screw things up for me. The other issue is the lack of climb support.
Adding to other comments, mine would be: no Gates Carbon belt? Then you'd have super durable, no maintenance, and quieter set up. All things you want in an indoor trainer.
They said the reason was they found the ride feel/realism better with a chain, at least for V1. I suspect another element there is that going belt would mean having to rethink a bit lore of the cog compatibility with existing trainer owners.
@@Dcrainmaker fair enough. Since I am one of the sad people running a Stages SB20, I am less familiar with using the newer trainer cogs like this new Zwift set-up uses. But I'll be sure to keep my eye on how all this progresses, because at some point I, like make many Stages users, is going to be SOL, unless Stages makes a comeback in some form. Thanks for the great review and content, Ray. Shout out from the DMV.
@@GMoneyLove Well said, I'm waiting for my SB 20 to conk out and have my eyes set on this. No way am I getting burned a second time spending $3k+ on a smart bike.
@@decoherence926 I'm sure you and I, along with many others, could create a very long and angry thread about Stages right now. In some ways I'm sader about not having access to new crank arm power meters, but that is a whole different story.
SB20 owners looking for options for when their trainer dies unite!
I like this idea as it gives users a opportunity to put together a package that can be built onto over time. You e.g. start with just the trainer and your own bike, and realise that it is nice to have the bike for outdoors use and a trainer for those rainy days, without having to swap your bike around, so you get the Zwift Ride and now have a complete indoor trainer for the cost of whatever the Zwift Ride will end up costing on its own.
Love the concept of not using my carbon frame on the trainer, BUT don't like being locked in to the 170mm cranks. And it would be nice if they included a TT handlebar set up as well. I know one can go aftermarket but one that works with the original box of stuff would be great.
I can't get over the fixed crank length.
Great Video. As always. I'd opt for Plan B.
Cheap frame off VeloBuild, Di2 Groupset maybe 105. Handlebars of my choice and bang it on my current trainer. Viola! I can use it on Zwift, IndieVelo or MyWhoosh. I think I can do that for cheaper than $2200 AUD.
This is what I’ve done. Not sure why you’d need a Di2 group set, but I have an old Trek 2.5 frame, Ultegra group set with brakes removed, and that is paired to a kickr core, climb and smart fan. Works a treat
Kinda cool that there's only one frame size, would make it easy for your friend to find out what their measurements should be if they were looking at getting into cycling.
Yeah I could definitely see it as a good cheap bikefit frame. Depending on how's the price for it without the trainer it could even be possibly something an LBS could buy so a potential buyer could get a basic fit before buying a bike.
Thanks for the review! Going to be in Amsterdam for the next week: excited to explore!
Contrary to some others here, I do think I’ll pick this up when the standalone bike releases. 170mm cranks is tough, but I’ve ridden them for years. I have the zwift cog on my trainer and love it. I only use erg mode with TR, but have a steel bike for my indoor set up. So much flex in the frame when sprinting I feel like I’ll break it lol. My partner wants to get into cycling so it’ll be nice to quickly adjust measurements without the commitment of a new bike.
Too tied into Zwift, so pretty expensive given that big limitation
Indeed. Another issue. I cancelled my subscription after 4 loyal years after they increased my subscription by 38%.
That green screen fx for showing zwift is awesome btw.
Congrats Zwift, you are now Peloton !
There are/were several smart bikes out before Peloton came out.
It would have been nice if we could change the crank length and handlebar width
What makes this so compelling is that it taps into the market of folks who already have a trainer but are getting tired taking the bike on and off it. Having a dedicated frame that can just live on the trainer is really attractive for me because of that, and all my friends with trainers also think this is a brilliant idea. We'll pay for the frame as soon as it launches, no doubt.
Great idea in principle for multiple bike households. A few limitations but not a bad effort for starters.
Love these reviews. As being an indoor trainer I will update to this when in the uk. Any purchases I do relating to smart trainers I will only buy after DC Rainers reviews… Thanks
love your videos. Question: do you lay into the pedals so your power looks extra great for watchers? Because it's enviously high :)
I love it. My indoor trainer bike is attached to a Wahoo kicker and the bike is a bit large for me. So this fall, I'm going to be upgrading to a dedicated trainer.
Congrats on 500k subs! Just noticed! 🥳
You're the go to for these reviews 👍
Need the ability to control trainer resistance directly with the controles, without an intermediary app. Also would be nice to be able to use a belt drive system, just for maximum lazy. Non adjustable cranks are also dissapointing. Hopefully some of this is resolved with over time with optional add-ons.
Perfect timing, my direto xr just packed up. Any idea what the maximum iPad size the holder can take. I have an iPad Pro 12.9"
Every time I watch your videos, I realize I don't sweat enough!
One reason I would consider this is for me and my wife not having to swap the bike on the Tacx Neo trainer we use. I was expecting gym-style adjustments with knobs and levers so it is very easy to adjust the frame dimensions for each ride. Having to use a tool with what I guess are normal Allen screws that can wear, does not sound great. How easy is it to alternate between two rider setups ?
As always, a great review video! I really like this unit except for the chain noise. That would bug me during a ride. Everything else looks good as well as their bar set-up. Thanks again for making the video.
Makes less noise than the fans. Seems like a pretty minor quibble for something literally half the price of the competitors. But whatever floats your boat.
Kinda want one when the frame only option is available, but really don't need one! Quite happy using my clicks on my bike already
Re: buttons vs real shifters my eTap shifters are buttons and I love them!
I have an old bike frame that’s hooked up to a Wahoo Kickr which works well enough. That said, I have something designed to ride outside, being used as an indoor trainer which has limitations like it being adjusted to only my geometry which you’d think this Zwift bike would be the solution to this issue but there’s one glaring omission that will keep me from buying it: lack of movement. Any training ride over one hour on an indoor set up gets a bit painful since the bike doesn’t move around so the only upgrade I’d make is an dedicated indoor bike with a very smart movement mechanism in different planes so my sit bones don’t go numb. Until then, my trustee old frame is good enough.
Great review, could you find out if this will ever work on a taxc Neo with the Hub compatability. I like the idea of keeping my present trainer but not keep destroying my bike.
I tested this today at the cycle show. I'm sold. I'm 6ft 5 and normally ride 175 cranks. The 170 cranks felt fine and overall it was solid just like my old school wattbike Pro.
Great deal for year round zwifters. I agree the crank length is a miss, 170 happens to be my favorite but I'd expect it to be adjustable given how easy that is to implement.
Shorter crank options please Zwift 🙏
I have gone the other way, replaced my Wattbike with Wahoo Kickr rollr, as I much prefer doing the hard work on my racing bike with the same power meter, I was finding the Wattbike was reading 10 watts above the Favero Assioma pedals (both were within there tolerance levels therefore both accurate, Wattbike at the higher end of its tolerance and the Favero at the lower end), this was interfering with my Garmin ftp levels and all the metrics that go with Garmin, it is just easier to move away from the Wattbike and similar bikes to the wahoo kickr rollr in which I can use multiple bikes on, use the same power meter. I have to say the gaming side has not really worked for me, prefer to ride outside when I can and specific high intensity workouts inside on a trainer, these are short sharp sessions. It will also free up space in the garage as my racing bike can sit on the kickr rollr when not in use.
This works for me, I appreciate it would not work for everyone.
Looks interesting. I just recently purchased my first carbon (4th bike) and already have two trainers so my need or want for this trainer is very low. I don't like the design of the front fork and how it makes contact with the floor.
I completely agree with the issue of being tied to Zwift. I currently use BOTH Rouvy and Zwift for my indoor training. My setup is a Zwift Hub with my ALR Checkpoint attached. Nothing complicated, and it's all customized to me. Overall it's neat for those that are looking for a All in One solution that isn't Peloton.
I added magnets to the back of my guitar headstock to store a hex wrench 10 years ago (floyd rose locking trem and and nut) best mod I’ve ever done, all products which require tools for frequent adjustment should have them magnetically stowed! Anyway back to the bike it’s definitely interesting and I could be tempted to my trainer if it’s not crazy money.
How high up can you adjust the handlebars? My personal bike setup has the handlebars even or even higher than the seat. Is the frame designed for racing setups or can it easily be configured for less aggressive stances?
That would be great for my house . I've not got into Ziift cycling yet ( I mostly run) . Looking for a zwift setup and I change to let me son use as well . The only limitation for anything like this is it takes awhile for it to come to New Zealand
As an existing kickr owner it could be super interesting to just buy the frame so my SO could ride as well
Would be neat to have an adjustment rail for the saddle (to get it forward enough) and a TT handlebar or add-on with shifting blips to train and try TT/tri set ups to use IRL.
This thing is like....80% of the way there. It's nice that it is almost fully adjustable so you can share it with other people and/or use it to experiment with bike fit tweaks. It needs adjustable crank length, adjustable handlebar width, and the ability to take derailleurs. I'm assuming you could bolt on your own DI2 or AXS shifters to the handlebars if you really wanted to. Then it would be pretty much perfect.
Can you clarify some aspects of the fit/ geometry? Are the bars standard road bars or somehow proprietary? And any chance you know the reach range? I would love something like this, but having the fit not match my race bike is almost a non starter.
This is really good value. The fact that the whole setup costs about as much as Wahoo Kickr V6 is pretty incredible. As I already have a V5, Climb and Zwift Play controller, I won’t be picking this up, but I think this is a great product for anyone interested in Zwift.
I love the idea, but the fact the controls are locked into Zwift kinda kills it for me. I hate it when hardware requires a monthly subscription just to use properly. An optional extra, absolutely, but not mandatory.
you are a top reviewer one of the best
Any ideas as to when the frame will be available? I have the Kicker core hub and zwift play so the market will become flooded with zwift play controllers after this goes out. Gonna wait till the frame is available. Looks just what I need as I am fed up with swapping out my wheels when I want to go outside. Love the idea of Shimano style gearing.
Later this summer.
Attractive and flexible setup which is good.
Lack of crank arm length and no climb mode for the fork seems like a miss... not sure how long those handlebar buttons will work...
Can you add/pair a Garmin Edge or a Garmin Fenix in any way? (not sure if it makes sense)
What about sweating all over the controls on the cockpit area? Is that area made for resistance against oxidation and/or is it engineered in a way that sweat will not seep into the controls and damage the entire thing?
Do you need hub installed on Kickr Core, or can you use the cassette?
Whats the noise level compared to the Kickr Shift was mentioned as really quiet?
Thanks for the video. What fan are you using (black and orange in the corner?)
That’s the JetBlack one. Cool little (affordable) unit.
@@Dcrainmakeryou still sweat a lot 😂
As a canyon ultimate rim brake owner… finally a product for me.
Me too
I've been eyeing smart bikes and Zwift for years, as a newbie to cycling, I've yet to add cycling to my training besides a few minutes on the gym spin bike.
My idea is to purchase a smart bike like Zwift Ride and ride myself into shape indoors and also get used to using the shifter and brakes so that it becomes second nature, and then riding in group rides on a real bike outdoors on a weekend day a few times a month. Every time I get close to plopping down thousands on a smart bike and road bike, I see a snag like the fact the one you mentioned regarding buttons vs levers. I want the experience to be identical to riding outdoor (with the obvious exceptions).
Looks like I'll be waiting a while longer, but things seem to be moving in the right direction...thanks DC!
Dude, just buy a road bike, you're overthinking things.
@@pjer177 I will eventually, but I also want something to train on during the week, I'd never ride alone on a weekday in San Diego, that would suicide. I'm hoping to do group rides on the weekend at some point.
I like it but I ride FulGaz also so I need shifting. I also really love the CLIMB. I guess I am stuck with a full smart bike but I really like the look of this. They will sell a bunch of these.
Which through axle sizes are supported?
That's awesome. Thanks
Is it easy to swap out saddles on this bike?
Do you think that tablet is necessary, or it could work also just fine with smartphone as primary screen in case a user doesn't have a tablet or smart TV?
Always fun to look at what pops up in Ray's pairing screen.
…also my nightmare of ensuring nothing is accidentally in there that shouldn’t be shown. This time though, all clear, Easter Eggs included…
@@Dcrainmaker I can imagine - sorry if I scared you. I just wasn't aware of the Muov and went on a little adventure reading about it before continuing.
A fixed crank length is a huge miss, complete non starter.
Not for 99% of users. Simplicity is what most people are looking for. Advanced cycling geeks should be looking at one of them more expensive models.
The biggest plus for me is that for 3 months of the year my TT bike goes on my KickR. This would perfectly suit me. Also, this might be my only way into buying the Play Controllers being from Australia.
I'll patiently await pricing the and V5 update.
It is an interesting concept, the ability to "build" up your trainer setup just like you may build up your bike with better parts over time is certainly a nice idea. I would say generally that nif you don't include the virtual shifting it only has a few issues. It looks like no support for kickr climb which is a shame. Like you said in the video, it should come with multiple crank length options. It should also support a belt drive instead of a chain for less noise. Other than that I like this concept. One question I have to ask though, can you use those handlebars with a conventional stem?
Hi Ray, since they are obviously closely working with Wahoo now has there been any discussion about integrating with the Kickr Climb?
Not for this iteration.
Button shifters make cycling possible for riders with disabilities. Such as older cyclists who have developed thumb arthritis after decades of cycling. For me they make Zwift possible. Thank you for another excellent review.
Does this work well with Garmin (I have a Forerunner 955) in terms of tracking Metrics or is a power meter required . Thanks for the early review.
Yup, no problems. I paired it with Garmin watches without issue as a power meter source.
Will be really expensive if you can't replace the chain ring. If that wears out you'll have to get an entire new frame. Do you know if Zwift will offer replacement parts?
It would have been great to be possible to connect the Wahoo climber...
Good idea but I see quite some flaws or missed opportunities: no climb function (could have been completelly built in), no mentions of Kickr v4/v5 support (where's our virtual shifting btw?!), locked out of other virtual cycling apps, no Zwift subscription included (while 1y is if you just buy that exact same trainer), no charging port for smartphones, no tablet holder included but some ridiculously old pedals are, no charger included, loose bottle holders (I think), ... Maybe they'll go with a more premium "Ride Pro" or something, to include Climb? Or if it catches on, on a "Ride v2"...
Can you add aero bars and the blip controller to this setup (obviously the ATV Bluetooth restrictions apply) ?
Hi, Ray, a related but more general question about virtual shifting. From my experience with Click, it's still not "there" yet (laggy; irregular on climbs - to the point that it has me yelling at the screen sometimes). Is fixing those issues a software/firmware update thing, or more of a hardware update thing?
I love the idea of virtual shifting (and the reality, when it's working fine), but the Ride is a big buy if the virtual shifting isn't refined.
Great review. Nice concept but two flaws: no carbon belt and button shifter.
Oh... I forgot... limited Apple TV support... Zwift Play (buttons) should communicate with the Wahoo Core, not with the Apple TV.
Great review as always, Ray. This is obviously a non-starter for those of us who don't use Zwift, or as I call it "riding inside the head of a psychotic toddler with ADHD" . Smart bikes are always one of those things I look at with some interest but never really have a desire to own one. My pain cave has my old CX frame with Rival drivetrain so it's almost exactly like outdoor equipment. I'm all about making the indoor experience as much like outside as I can.
Did I miss what the frame was made of? Aluminium or granite (at that weight)
I managed to get a Kickr Bike V1 with a tilt platform and headwind for $1500 USD… keep an eye out for used Kickr Bikes if you’re considering this!
Bummer about the crank length. Adjustability is the most important aspect of this thing for the vast majority of people who would buy it
Guessing the frame won't work with the Kickr Move, looking at that frontend.......unless they/you bolt on a caster wheel under it?
Joking discussions at Zwift yesterday indicated the caster concept has been floated as DIY viable.
Same as a few comments, Zwift was doing well with this product, until DC says no adjustment to crank length, 165mm cranks make huge difference for me, so I’ll be out until they change this…
Thanks for the review. I'm the completely new guy you talked about and I'd been worried about the price of the more configurable bikes and didn't want to deal with the complexity of getting a trainer and a bike.
This may not be perfect and I might find out I hate zwift, but it's cheap enough to give it a go. If I like the idea but dislike zwift then I'll have a tough choice of getting something that can do Rouvy but hey I might dislike that, too!
This seems like a good way for me to find out if this is a decent hobby for me or not.
Thanks
Does this change in any way the probability of Zwift opening up the Play controller to other trainer brands such as Garmin/Tacx and Elite, or is that on the horizon?
Were those new spd PM pedals shown at 5:30? Look different to the faveros shown in other clips hmmm
Look SPD power pedals
sorry for the derailing...but are you not going to put up a video the InstaX4??
From where you take inside zwift assembly videos 14:41?
also 14:56 where is this Zwift Hall or Video?
I visited their UK test and design facilities a few months ago.
I like it, but it's hard to justify for me as I just use my old CX bike for Zwift with the play controllers and the Zwift Hub. So really, I'd be buying just the frame portion, which isn't justifiable.
A few issues most of which ave been mentioned, but, here is why it is a non starter for me - no rocker plate. My Neo is on a rocker plate which provides a more realistic feel,but also makes the ride much more comfortable. This set up is a start, but, needs a lot more development to give it a more realistic experience
Thank you
Agree on the miss with the button shifters. I want realism. I'd also be concerned that you are locked into only Zwift (unless you want erg mode).
Will they sell only the frame or do you have to purchase the wahoo with it? I have the zwift hub already
Yes, later this summer.
Watching the review really helps make decisions about what future options are not only available, however if I would ultimately upgrade.
Generally most things seem very positive & well planned out.
Zwift Bike / Trainer not having compatibility with other online cycling applications is a FAIL.
What is the feeling like while riding (using the buttons / controls for the game & changing gears etc)? Does the 1 size frame actually work for all sized people?
Crank Arm length - COMPLETE FAIL - this ultimately means I wouldn’t now even consider this as an option.
Are Zwift open to upgrading their system / components after this type of feedback?
Great review BTW 💪
Isn't the zwift kickr hub the one being discontinued. I thought it was replaced by the wahoo kickr core zwift one.
If i haven't got this mixed up, losing support for the hub is pretty much a deal breaker.
Any handlebar width options? Obviously you could provide your own bars but that adds cost
Just single stocked option.
I wonder how it would work with a kickr move and/or kickr climb 🤔
Is there also a 1 year zwift usage included?
can i mount it to an inside ride setup?
Do i need the Kickr Core to be able to shift virtually or can i use m tacx neo trainer as well?
Is this quieter than Kickr Bike Shift?
Hello, thank you for your review, as good as always. Maybe I'll sell my carbon bike to buy this frame when it's available separately. Could you test this setup (I mean, the handlebar button panel) with MyWhoosh to tell us if it would be compatible? Thank you.
neat idea but wonder about the ground contact at the front - is that flat as it would damage my linoleum floor in my cave. also just another reason why Zwift should have a family/dual membership like peloton etc.also until the shifting is an open standard its a no from me.
I use Apple TV to Zwift all the time. Once it is connected it is always pretty steady.
Me too - but this is via the companion app, which is different than a direct connection.