Zwift

lennymc · 30-01-2015 10:33pm #1

Anyone else using it? Just did my first 'spin' of the island tonight. By christ it's addictive. Certainly livens up the turbo sessions. I especially liked the line outs followed by flat out sprints..... Who needs racing....

www.zwift.com

Ger.O.Mahony · 30-01-2015 10:53pm

It looks cool, I'm still waiting on an invite tho..

lennymc · 30-01-2015 11:28pm

I registered about 3 weeks ago, using a powertap, hrm, ant + dongle and windows. I think they prioritise based on the equipment you have.

iwillhtfu · 30-01-2015 11:32pm

Looks good just fired off an application.

J Madone · 30-01-2015 11:35pm

lennymc wrote: »

I registered about 3 weeks ago, using a powertap, hrm, ant + dongle and windows. I think they prioritise based on the equipment you have.

Have it 3 weeks, would be great for group rides if you had some pals on it.
Needs more routes but concept is very good

lennymc · 30-01-2015 11:42pm

J Madone wrote: »

Have it 3 weeks, would be great for group rides if you had some pals on it.
Needs more routes but concept is very good

yeah - the concept is great. I would imagine that they will add more routes, and possibly some of the iconic climbs or races, along with mass start groups. Would be great with a bunch of people and some kind of chat or something. I did find myself actually racing some of the other riders.....

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 16-03-2015 1:23pm

I have been on this the last 2 weeks and have already racked up about 300kms on the Island.
Very good software and it has huge potential once it comes out of Beta.

couerdelion · 16-03-2015 2:28pm

Callie Drab Wildebeest wrote: »

I have been on this the last 2 weeks and have already racked up about 300kms on the Island.
Very good software and it has huge potential once it comes out of Beta.

Has it got any more stable?

I tried it a month or so ago and it was crashing after every lap. Gave up after a while. Good idea and tough riding when you start racing everyone else

Alek · 16-03-2015 2:35pm

I tried it a month or so ago and it was crashing after every lap

Turn off beasty mode.

Bambaata · 16-03-2015 4:37pm

Got my invite and am hoping to get this going tonight. Had planned an hour easy outside but might get this going instead. It might be difficult to keep things easy though!

yop · 16-03-2015 4:46pm

Still waiting an invite on it.

pprendeville · 16-03-2015 5:57pm

End of Trainerroad?

Inquitus · 16-03-2015 7:33pm

pprendeville wrote: »

End of Trainerroad?

I just tried Zwift for the first time, and while it helps take the boredom out of Turbo work and defo adds a fun element, it doesn't offer the sort of structure that TR does at the moment. I enjoyed it and I will defo be back, but for now it goes hand in hand with TR.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 17-03-2015 4:08pm

couerdelion wrote: »

Has it got any more stable?

I tried it a month or so ago and it was crashing after every lap. Gave up after a while. Good idea and tough riding when you start racing everyone else

Have no issues with it at all, might be the PC spec or graphics card?

Bambaata wrote: »

Got my invite and am hoping to get this going tonight. Had planned an hour easy outside but might get this going instead. It might be difficult to keep things easy though!

Excellent, we can ride virtually seen as we cannot organise an outside spin between us

you will find it difficult to do a handy spin on it as you end up racing those around you if in with the right mix of riders.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 17-03-2015 4:10pm

Inquitus wrote: »

I just tried Zwift for the first time, and while it helps take the boredom out of Turbo work and defo adds a fun element, it doesn't offer the sort of structure that TR does at the moment. I enjoyed it and I will defo be back, but for now it goes hand in hand with TR.

Yeah I see where you are coming from. Typically I have been doing some threshold or V02 sessions on it, lap hard & lap easy. Cannot be helped but I also seem to keep going for the climber and sprinters jersey.

lennymc · 17-03-2015 5:30pm

it's impossible to not race people on zwift. LOL

Inquitus · 17-03-2015 5:47pm

lennymc wrote: »

it's impossible to not race people on zwift. LOL

I want to get a Kickr now! Wheel slippage on the Turbo is ruining my green jersey efforts, and with Zwift controlling the Kickr drafting would be alot easier I think.

AmberGold · 17-03-2015 7:49pm

I have the kickr, can't go wrong.

yop · 17-03-2015 8:58pm

AmberGold wrote: »

I have the kickr, can't go wrong.

What price did you pick it up for do you mind me asking!

J Madone · 17-03-2015 10:17pm

The new combined Zwift jersey
https://youtu.be/AtpAbU62Blw?list=UUGs4wOSko6oJVpLjxmTbmvQ

colm_gti · 17-03-2015 10:30pm

J Madone wrote: »

The new combined Zwift jersey
https://youtu.be/AtpAbU62Blw?list=UUGs4wOSko6oJVpLjxmTbmvQ

Doing those efforts without wearing a helmet....reckless!

AmberGold · 21-03-2015 1:35am

Bought mine in US at a favourable Fx rate.

yop · 30-03-2015 7:55am

Got my invite and love it
I did a 20 min non zwift warm up, then 20 mins of weights to burn the legs.
Started off easy enough, then of course took over by the need to pass!
Did 4 laps, got a 7.21 on the sprint and into 16th of the hill segment (what ever that means!)

Found it really good for keeping a tempo and trying to stay with or ahead of other lads. Didn't see any Irish lads, loads of UK And USA.
Got achievements for sprinting, draughting, +30,+40 and +50 mph.
If a lad could sensibily do an hour on it a few times a week it would surely help. It might get boring though.
But if you got a TT course and a hill course to add to a few mixed courses then its certainly a good thing.

J Madone · 30-03-2015 9:11am

yop wrote: »

Got my invite and love it
I did a 20 min non zwift warm up, then 20 mins of weights to burn the legs.
Started off easy enough, then of course took over by the need to pass!
Did 4 laps, got a 7.21 on the sprint and into 16th of the hill segment (what ever that means!)

Found it really good for keeping a tempo and trying to stay with or ahead of other lads. Didn't see any Irish lads, loads of UK And USA.
Got achievements for sprinting, draughting, +30,+40 and +50 mph.
If a lad could sensibily do an hour on it a few times a week it would surely help. It might get boring though.
But if you got a TT course and a hill course to add to a few mixed courses then its certainly a good thing.

What sort of trainer you using?

yop · 30-03-2015 2:46pm

J Madone wrote: »

What sort of trainer you using?

Elite chrono

viperlogic · 30-10-2015 9:36am

Zwift now has workouts, albeit not as many as TR but its a start. Still very few Irish using it looking at the logged on flags

Andy Magic · 24-11-2015 12:50pm

I joined up yesterday but can't seem to connect. I've a Wahoo Blue speed & Cadence sensor along with an Elite turbo.

Do I need to but an ANt+ dongle for this to work or is there a way around this/?

coach22 · 24-11-2015 12:53pm

Andy Magic wrote: »

I joined up yesterday but can't seem to connect. I've a Wahoo Blue speed & Cadence sensor along with an Elite turbo.

Do I need to but an ANt+ dongle for this to work or is there a way around this/?

ANT+ dongle is required. No way around it

viperlogic · 24-11-2015 12:54pm

Andy Magic wrote: »

I joined up yesterday but can't seem to connect. I've a Wahoo Blue speed & Cadence sensor along with an Elite turbo.

Do I need to but an ANt+ dongle for this to work or is there a way around this/?

AFAIK that has both Ant and Bluetooth. If you dont have an Ant+ dongle then you can use the Zwift mobile app as a bluetooth bridge for it.

https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/articles/206576683

Andy Magic · 24-11-2015 1:14pm

viperlogic wrote: »

AFAIK that has both Ant and Bluetooth. If you dont have an Ant+ dongle then you can use the Zwift mobile app as a bluetooth bridge for it.

https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/articles/206576683

Cheers for that. It will be nice to try it out before investing more money in cycling :pac:

funnights74 · 24-11-2015 2:59pm

coach22 wrote: »

ANT+ dongle is required. No way around it

Spot on, and for a more accurate reading get a usb extension lead to place near your trainer for accurate readings. Make sure you buy the male/female extension lead or the Dongle won't fit.

Murtman · 07-01-2016 10:17pm

Hey guys. Sorry for hijacking the thread. Anyone on here using zwift through an iPad? Is it possible? Can't get my hands on a laptop for love nor money in my house...

viperlogic · 07-01-2016 10:21pm

Murtman wrote: »

Hey guys. Sorry for hijacking the thread. Anyone on here using zwift through an iPad? Is it possible? Can't get my hands on a laptop for love nor money in my house...

Not possible. Zwift needs a lot of horsepower. The iOS app is just to supplement the desktop app

RobFowl · 07-01-2016 11:53pm

Lenny started this thread and will be riding a stationery bike while racing daffy duck instead of racing in the mud at tollymore....

lennymc · 08-01-2016 6:26pm

RobFowl is gone quackers!!

Been using it a bit recently. good way to break up the boredom of the turbo when you don't have the time to get out in the real world. Must look at organising a boards spin.....

Koobcam · 09-01-2016 12:24am

lennymc wrote: »

RobFowl is gone quackers!!

Been using it a bit recently. good way to break up the boredom of the turbo when you don't have the time to get out in the real world. Must look at organising a boards spin.....

Boards spin would be great. I think also if there were enough of us, we might be able to get the Boards jersey added as an option.

at1withmyself · 09-01-2016 3:51pm

OK so this seems interesting and the trainers bore the hell out of me so where is the best place to get the Dongle. I have the Trainers and a Garmin 800 so is there anything else other then the dongle that i need?

Thanks

funnights74 · 09-01-2016 4:11pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

OK so this seems interesting and the trainers bore the hell out of me so where is the best place to get the Dongle. I have the Trainers and a Garmin 800 so is there anything else other then the dongle that i need?

Thanks

You will need a speed and cadence sensor and optional are a heart rate monitor and a power meter, although zwift does an estimated power reading, based on other data if you don't have a power meter. Once you pair all of these up select your workout programme and away you go. There is also a mobile app for your smartphone but it depends on how much of a number cruncher you are. If you have a full strava paid account you qualify for 60 free days of zwift so check that out. If you go to you tube there are plenty info and set up tips.

Koobcam · 09-01-2016 8:19pm

at1withmyself wrote: »

OK so this seems interesting and the trainers bore the hell out of me so where is the best place to get the Dongle. I have the Trainers and a Garmin 800 so is there anything else other then the dongle that i need?

Thanks

One of these will do the trick. I got one a while back and it works perfectly and is much cheaper than the Garmin one. You might need also to think about how close your computer is to the trainer or sensors. Basically, the job of the dongle is to pick up the ANT+ signals from your bike sensors and transmit them to the game, on your computer. I think the range of ANT+ is quite short, something like 5 metres, so if you have the computer (the dongle) too far away from the sensors, it might drop in and out. I usually leave my laptop close to the trainer (which has the sensors, a smart trainer) and plug it into a monitor to watch the game on, and use my mobile as the game controller. If you can't do something like this, then you'll need a decent length usb extension cable (about 5 metres should be grand) with male and female ends.

In terms of sensors you need, it depends on other equipment. I have a Tacx Vortex smart trainer, and it has speed and cadence built in so no need for sensors. It also functions as a power meter, so no need for one of those either. If you just have a basic trainer, then you have to have speed and cadence sensors (the old Garmin combo sensor works fine as well). No need for a Garmin, you can use your phone (Android or iOS) to show data, and control the game.

irish_bhoy82 · 16-01-2016 6:01am

Hi Guys

Like a lot on here I am thinking of trying out zwift. I have an entry level turbo trainer I got on offer from Halfords, Elite Volare Mag Cycle. I was just wondering if all I needed apart from obviously a laptop and the software is some Garmin Speed and Cadence sensors like these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Bike-Speed-Cadence-Sensor/dp/B00JM6DKUA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452920244&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=garmin+ant%2B+dongle

and a ANT+ dongle like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anself-Compatible-Garmin-Forerunner-011-02209-00/dp/B00LIIMHP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452366719&sr=8-1&keywords=ant%2B+stick

Would I also need to purchase a Garmin Computer or would zwift just pair up using the Dongle? I dont really want to purchase a Garmin Computer at the moment.

Any advise much appreciated thanks

jamesd · 16-01-2016 6:50am

irish_bhoy82 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Like a lot on here I am thinking of trying out zwift. I have an entry level turbo trainer I got on offer from Halfords, Elite Volare Mag Cycle. I was just wondering if all I needed apart from obviously a laptop and the software is some Garmin Speed and Cadence sensors like these
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Bike-Speed-Cadence-Sensor/dp/B00JM6DKUA/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452920244&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=garmin+ant%2B+dongle

and a ANT+ dongle like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anself-Compatible-Garmin-Forerunner-011-02209-00/dp/B00LIIMHP4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452366719&sr=8-1&keywords=ant%2B+stick

Would I also need to purchase a Garmin Computer or would zwift just pair up using the Dongle? I dont really want to purchase a Garmin Computer at the moment.

Any advise much appreciated thanks

Once you have the sensors , ant + you are good to go, I would recommend buying a Garmin HRM too , is your turbo on the zwift approve list ?
No need for a Garmin computer only that it would b nice to have for on the rad with your new sensors.

irish_bhoy82 · 16-01-2016 11:41pm

Thanks Jamesd

Yes it does appear so, right so need to save up a little to get those couple of bits, and try and borrow the laptop off the wife...

I will probably get a Garmin Computer a little further down the road.

Thanks again

cromcruach · 17-01-2016 1:03pm

Not Zwift related but just a word of warning about the Elite trainer. I assume it's the black and red one with five adjustable levels - neither Halfords nor Elite are super accurate with naming. I was using this with TrainerRoad and the power curve for the device was way off. The initial FTP test gave me 160W, which seemed low. When I replaced it with a Tacx Vortex I got a result of 240W within the same month.

I think the Elite is consistent, so it's just a number showing your effort level. If Zwift's power curves are from the same source as TrainerRoad though I would take the number with a big big pinch of salt!

viperlogic · 18-01-2016 9:09am

cromcruach wrote: »

The initial FTP test gave me 160W, which seemed low. When I replaced it with a Tacx Vortex I got a result of 240W within the same month.

Tacx vortex will give v high results also (+20%) unless you do the run down test / calibration after a warm up (5-10mins)

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 18-01-2016 1:26pm

irish_bhoy82 wrote: »

Thanks Jamesd

Yes it does appear so, right so need to save up a little to get those couple of bits, and try and borrow the laptop off the wife...

I will probably get a Garmin Computer a little further down the road.

Thanks again

I would see if the software runs first on the laptop before buying anything, it requires a decent spec pc to run it.

Casey78 · 23-01-2016 8:54pm

Callie Drab Wildebeest wrote: »

I would see if the software runs first on the laptop before buying anything, it requires a decent spec pc to run it.

Not really.
I'm running it on a 11" intel pentium powered notebook and it works fine.
Maybe not as slick so a more powerful laptop but perfectly acceptable.

irish_bhoy82 · 26-01-2016 6:13pm

Thanks Guys

Im not going to rush into to getting all the gear for a while yet. My cheap Bike Computer has gone wallop in the past week anyway so I will need to get a new one or upgrade to a better version soon enough anyway.

Ive heard from a guy in my cycling club say that you really need a power meter to get the most out of zwift so that has put me off it for the moment. For the time being i think I will stick with doing structured turbo sessions.

Thanks

irish_bhoy82 · 26-01-2016 6:13pm

Thanks Guys

Im not going to rush into to getting all the gear for a while yet. My cheap Bike Computer has gone wallop in the past week anyway so I will need to get a new one or upgrade to a better version soon enough anyway.

Ive heard from a guy in my cycling club say that you really need a power meter to get the most out of zwift so that has put me off it for the moment. For the time being i think I will stick with doing structured turbo sessions.

Thanks

viperlogic · 26-01-2016 6:25pm

irish_bhoy82 wrote: »

Ive heard from a guy in my cycling club say that you really need a power meter to get the most out of zwift so that has put me off it for the moment. For the time being i think I will stick with doing structured turbo sessions.

Thanks

I would say you need a smart turbo rather than powermeter to get the best out of Zwift so it changes the resistance be it doing free ride or workout (ERG mode). Tacx Vortex can be got for approx 300e, you are looking at double that for a powermeter. Tacx Vortex is a smart turbo so has a brake unit to change the resistance and it also reports the power back (its within 5% of my powermeter) again its calculated as doesn't have a strain gauge but allot more accurate than a dumb turbo.

If you have a "dumb" turbo that they support then they have the resistance profile so can calculate the power you are putting out. Not exactly accurate but it is close.

lennymc · 26-01-2016 10:27pm

few irish flags on zwift this evening - anyone on here?

jamesd · 26-01-2016 11:16pm

Yes me and my buddy were on setting up his Tacx

Zwift

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