Get Started Cycling Indoors | Equipment, Set-Up & Zwift Explained

[@gcn]

What is your favourite Zwift map? 🚴🗺

[@ChuckNights]

I can't afford it at the moment.. Can you do a budget Zwift setup with a trainer and sensor, etc..

[@adamweb]

I just completed The PRL Full yesterday, that one hurt! 😰

[@manderse12]

I'm a big fan of Out & Back Again. Did 26 miles yesterday on Zwift. The goal setting feature has motivated me the most. I've got a fairly busy weekly schedule, so had you asked me a year ago if I could aspire to 60 miles a week, I would have given you the skeptical eye. Now, after 10 months of riding regularly, when I tick off that 60 mi/week goal, it makes me so proud to continue striving harder.

[@HMPako]

Road to Sky :P

[@chrisstrider]

Titans Grove ….not the TV ariel

[@strupotter]

Great to see Manon back on the channel!

[@siriustraining1774]

Always great to see Manon back on the channel!

[@bertt1014]

Manon is such a great presenter, it's always good to see her. I've been on Zwift on and off for a few years but lately I've been more dedicated to using it a few times a week to fit into a time challenged schedule, and my road cycling has gotten better

[@RobertJWaid]

Nice video. I'd add three points. 1. Ride when it is dark: More than for the weather, I ride indoors when it is dark. This is great for two a days or those of us that need a day and a half to recover from a hard ride. 2. Two fans: What a difference a fan behind made. I use a box fan on high behind me with a small fan in front. I went from a lot of sweat to "normal" ride sweat. 3. Sweat wristbands: A friend who sweats a lot on the trainer said these tennis styled wristbands save his gloves and bike while riding indoors.

[@festerofest4374]

I hadn’t thought about another fan placed in back - super idea! Box fan will be acquired. My back sweats a ton (or is that a gallon?).

[@MM-ev1fg]

Do you find you’re faster with the tailwind fan 😅

[@adamweb]

Welcome back Manon! I was late to the Zwift bandwagon and only joined last year while I was recovering from an injury. I had no idea how much use I would get out of my turbo trainer! The events and social aspect of Zwift make it much more enjoyable and I often prefer it to riding outside in poor weather.

[@gcn]

Welcome to the club🙌 It can be a great recovery tool, we hope you are up and running to 100% soon 🙌

[@lolathecattheboys7817]

I have my roadbike permanently set up in my office/Zwift room… only cycling I do outdoors is for my work commute throughout most of the year! I am loving Zwift in my leisure time ,so much as it is a quick jump on and ride in my busy life . Thanks for the tip about two towels

[@msx68000pro]

manonが戻ってきてくれて嬉しい😊

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

We missed you, Manon! Welcome back! Thanks for the tips! I recently got a smart trainer because I moved to Arizona and it is too hot for me to ride outside. Zwift is fun and so convenient!

[@gcn]

Sounds like an awesome move! How are you keeping cool when inside? 💨

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

@@gcn Good A/C and a good fan... and lots of water 😁. I did my first ride outside last Monday, started early but only did 20 miles 😄. It was 85F/29C towards the end, so it was good.

[@lifeisabeautifulride]

My set up kzbin.info1jXUm_P17Cg?feature=shared

[@Windsail]

I honestly hate indoor training, but realise how beneficial it is for rapid improvement ave power and normalised power are very similar, or exactly the same. I used to use a simple desk fan, but realised it wasn't enough, especially on hot days. I got a ridiculously strong fan now and it's a game changer. Recommend investing in a decent fan above all else

[@maiconleonard69]

My experience 5 key tips: 1. get started with an old computer or phone to run the apps( connectivity draws a lot of battery if you're using a mobile device) 2. be carefull with sweat ( it can ruin your bike and electronic devices) 3. Participate in series (races, group rides, workouts, challenges) this will keep you motivated to come back 4. get some background music or headphones( will help fight back the monotony) 5. Verify your equipment( bike, cleats, sensors, tires...) Just because youre static indoors doesn't mean that things dont need some checks/maintenance.

[@gcn]

Great tips! Joining the races and social rides can be a great way to enjoy the riding 🙌 Thanks for sharing your tips, we love to see people spreading the cycling love 😍

[@flflam]

A headband! I recently discovered how useful they are in catching *most of my sweat. Almost no dripping if I use a towel every 10 mins or so. At the end of the workout, the headband is soaked, but the towel isn't. No need for a second towel or a frame protector.

[@uranium5694]

Even though my spin bike is used more than my mountain bike which is used only in summer. I have to admit that indoor training can become boring because it is indoors. Nothing beats the experience of cycling outdoors!

[@gcn]

We agree, outside is always best. That said, indoor rides can just be easier! Do you find that in winter you are using that indoor trainer all the time? ☔

[@uranium5694]

@@gcn Yes during winter time I use the indoor trainer all the time because it is so cold and rainy outside!

[@jasonfenech5347]

Malta, is very sunny and the last thing which comes into your mind is to ride indoors. However, today I was thinking about starting indoor training because it offers a lot of advantages as Manon mentioned a few. Let's Ride On 🎉

[@gcn]

Are you a zwift user? Outside riding is great but sometimes indoors can just be easier

[@MM-ev1fg]

lived in Malta for a year, only saw one cyclist. Was that you haha!

[@АндрейКомиссаров-ц1д]

A wonderful video! I completely agree with the opinion that "riding" indoors is safer, and it takes less time to prepare. About the fan: I prefer to pedal with the window open. This gives an influx of fresh air and gives conditioning. Instead of a mat, I use sweat baths. They can collect up to 150-200 milliliters of sweat during 1-1.5 hours of training - no mat will stand. Manon didn't say anything about water. I drink at least 1 liter of water from a flask for training.

[@lisagroves4303]

This has been a good one for me. I have been researching different trainers that won't break the bank for this winter. Also want to introduce clipless pedals as I am fairly new to the biking world. This channel has been extremely helpful. Thank you from Ontario, Canada

[@yedips69]

X2 Toronto here! ✌🏻 Let's ride

[@gcn]

Glad we could help out! Have you watched this video? 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q53LoaqKh9t0nNE - This might help narrow your choices down 🙌

[@kivinprod]

@@gcn should probably do a new video on this guys, not to recommend the 9 yo video :)

[@lisagroves4303]

@gcn thank you for your reply. Certainly helped me figure out the type I want to get. I want to go with the direct drive trainer

[@dblissmn]

A key thing for me is safety. The first summer I had clipless, I had to slam the breaks to avoid a cyclist who'd cut right across my path without looking, and I went head over handlebars. I honestly think the pedals saved my life that day; they released exactly like they should and prevented far worse damage to both me and the bike. Ended up three years later adding road specific clipless pedals and using the double-sided ones only on my mountain bike due to hot spots on my feet -- the road models have a much larger contact area -- but it's the same deal; a secure connection, just enough float for my knees, not too much for them to release when they ought to.

[@yedips69]

OMG!!! I can't believe it this channel read my mind. I'm trying to prepare me for next winter in Canada, and suddenly, this video is uploaded ❤

[@gcn]

Hahahah just in time 🙌 Manon is a mind reader 🔮

[@markbulmer1840]

Just joined fulgaz after using swift last year, fancied a change and it’s great. Treat myself to a new trainer as well, the Wattbike atom. What a great trainer it is no more getting my bike in and out

[@gavinm717gkm]

It’s been too long since we’ve had a Manon video.

[@Nigel555]

Manon the best 👍

[@filippopogacar]

The Queen is back

[@unrealkinoart]

Your winters is our autumn. I would ride anyway. Its actually fun to ride in real winter on the snow.

[@wayned3122]

Gotta pretty descent trainer setup in the garage using my old road bike so I dont have to take it off the trainer. Just installed an old TV and a chromecast dongle so now I amtrying that out instead of the tablet I had been using. I have spent ALOT of time training with you lot!

[@gcn]

Ooooo sounds like the dream pain cave 👀

[@atlantaswelder]

Plus Up Your Rides: I use a basic trainer inside and in the shop depending on if the kids need watching. The "resume later" feature on my Garmin watch is fantastic to plus up my out door rides with me mates. Add 5-10 miles on the trainer before hitting the coffee route.

[@gcn]

Great little life hack 🙌

[@joinride_cc]

"Riding in the winter months can be … " - It's literally 30 degrees outside, Manon. 😎

[@mathieuplatteel1284]

My setup: Tacx flux S; Van rysel AF 105 bike; laptop; 27 inch screen; 1 big fan and a year subscription to Rouvy.

[@Smaug1]

You seem to have LOVELY winter weather! No snow, so it's not even freezing outside. I'd definitely rather bundle up and go outside. Here in Wisconsin, we spend months at a time below freezing with frequent snow to contend with. Last thing: one of the reasons I love cycling is I can GO places and get a feeling of speed. Doing these indoor workouts, we lose that. I think I'm going to invest in cold weather gear and just ride every day it doesn't snow.

[@Mavrik-60]

"Don't you bring that bike in this house". Keepemcoming

[@Calatriste54]

😂

[@ghowell13]

"How very dare you, I've just finished the vacuuming!" Keepemcoming

[@niels3591]

I startet up with a wahooo kickr core ut after some time it faulted then I found a deal on Kicr + climb + wind and an old Screen . I also found old alu frame and a my ultegra 9 speed an to be honnest it works perfectly . I ride everything from group single run to race and tt on Zwift and love to ride with actual people, sooo many times I find myself riding with others. Great to be on the trainer near the famaly ;-)

[@alexwipe]

My wife just won’t have my bike in the living room with me sweating all over the floor, and frankly I see her point!! Just put some winter gear on and go on a ride

[@Marlon_B-8]

Good to see you’re back 😊 I’ve been thinking about indoor training. It’s too hot where I live to ride outside 😅

[@PaulElliott-zz9lf]

I have my Wahoo trainer set up in my basement. I have a tv that I enjoy riding along to a KZbin video. I love the scenic rides through the Alps, Dolomite’s, Spain or anywhere. My Bluetooth earbuds with the music cranked up high to 11

[@kenno030]

Great vid Manon. I’ve always had trouble getting motivated and staying on a trainer. I’ll watch some GCN next time. 🇦🇺

[@RaymondOlgado0]

Congrats, Manon!

[@ghowell13]

My mate amd I went with a Zwift competitor back several years ago now, very early on, just because it seemed that lots of people were on Zwift, and we were just going against the grain. This had to be 5 years ago now, lol. In that years time Zwift went from taking off, to REALLY taking off, and just dominating the field. Wish I coulf remeber the name of the one we used. Was really cool, it was actual road footage for the rides. Anyway, we ended up on Zwift, but I barely used/ use it. I just prefer outdoor cycling. Living in North Carolina, its so much more temperate, even in the dead of winter than other places, I can get away with it. That said, I do want to get an indoor trainer in hopes of getting more rides in, as these days I find myself riding SO much less due to time constraints, and I feel that if I had my bike on a trainer again, if get a cheeky 15 to 30 minutes ride in more often than I am currently.

[@djjd3027]

I usually switch things up in the winter. I focus more on lifting and cardio on the elliptical or taken spin classes at the end of my workouts. From mid spring to mid fall it's mostly outdoor cycling, usually 6 to 8 hours a week.

[@gcn]

Switching things up is always good! Keeping it fresh and making sure you keep the interest pumping 🙌

[@brew-j]

This is comic it’s like the hottest day of the year! Ride indoors I’m melting outdoors!

[@hopehendrickson-wb5tw]

Amazing this vid shows up today! I was planning to head over to my bike shop to buy a trainer! Now I'm really excited about it!

[@gcn]

Yes!!! Enjoy 🙌 You're fitness is about to fly through the roof!

[@Calatriste54]

I need to put my system together. Dark, wet days at

[@larter_larter]

"Welcome back to another GCN Training session". All the motivation you need! 💪

[@woodworks2123]

Great video, thanks, exactly what i was needing and looking for. Need to get ready before winter.

[@4epatterson]

Good ideas for indoor riding. I’m still using an old wind trainer and various KZbin channels for workouts.

[@lansiii]

finally manon is back again 😊

[@jonathancost4927]

Got married last week!

[@Tex735]

Only thing I would disagree with is the fan... Tried the cheap, small fan for about a year. Would not recommend. Get a good fan that moves a lot of air. Best upgrade I've made! I am, however, in Texas so your mileage may vary... LOL!!

[@SBoots29]

Zwift is coming to my pain cave soon. It will be my retirement present. I'm going to need something to do in the snow winter in Canada.

[@alanfreeman7932]

Nice to see Manon back at gcn

[@jonathancost4927]

Looks like she’s been away getting married.

[@Chris.Robison]

Can I use a gravel bike on zwift? Its 1x, only got a 40t up front and a 11-42 on the back.

[@ivenusflytrap]

Yes

[@petermyers4409]

I have to set up the trainer in the kitchen. It's not really much quicker to set up then getting ready to go out in the winter weather. But it does mean I don't have to clean the bike afterwards. I mostly go out in the wet anyway but I like having a trainer for the few times a year the weather outside is actually dangerous

[@franky12]

Would like to see a getting started and review of ROUVY as well.

[@GoustiFruit]

I guess that when they got sponsored by one company, they can't do (positive) videos on competitors.

[@dougieb5284]

Its The Sufferfest for me! Still refusing to call it Wahoo X😂

[@MetalTeamster]

Wow! What a dream woman , British accent, attractive, into bikes. Ok, all that aside...great vid, I think I may want to get one of these... 🙂

[@MoonshineOctopus]

Some great tips - thanks Manon 😎

[@daredemontriple6]

IMO the biggest advantage to using an indoor trainer is that you're always at home. You'll never get stranded on an indoor trainer, be it a puncture, a bonk, or an injury. While I certainly think these things add to the adventure of proper cycling and give you a story to tell, it does mean that indoor training is a very safe place to push your limits. Recently I went out riding and punctured. I didn't have sufficient kit with me to repair so I was knackered. Yes my fault of course and I've since invested in some new stuff to make sure it doesn't happen again - but what if I had already used my spare tube, or my pump had broken, etc. I'd be in the same situation. Point is I was left stranded, and just about everyone I knew with a car was on holiday, so I really had no way of making it home. In the end, it was the generosity of two passing cyclists that bailed me out. At least it wasn't raining... Indoor trainers sacrifice much of what makes cycling such a great, enjoyable experience - but they sacrifice it for the safety of home. If you're trying to get fit by cycling, an indoor trainer is very hard to pass up because of that safety. And not to mention that, unlike an exercise bike, an indoor trainer and accompanying bike is not limited to the living room you put it in. When you feel like it you can go roam the world on the same two wheels!

[@bindingcurve]

Find out if there is a local Crit practice. I love mine, as I can push HARD and flat out, the car is always half a mile away.

[@daredemontriple6]

@bindingcurve I don't drive, as many others don't, but even so the point was more that on a turbo, the very second you want to stop, you can. You just get off and that's it. Anywhere else and there's some element of making your way home and getting your kit back indoors. Not bashing crits of any kind by the way, they're definitely a good way to train and enjoyable for many, but they aren't a solution to this particular hypothetical problem

[@vectorz2677]

Any insights or a comparison of different indoor setups would be neat. Especially comparing the bike centered systems (like the one shown) vs the 'gym' options like stationary bikes.

[@gcn]

This video might be just the ticket 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q53LoaqKh9t0nNE

[@pogacar_editzz]

I just love makuri islands the details and it overall is just really cool

[@bertmortier7678]

Nice video ^^ The desk fan didn't do it for me though. Sure, it helped a bit, but I was still dripping wet even after a short ride. I found that a good-sized floor fan makes a lot of difference (mine's 18"). You can also easily position and angle it for maximum effect. They're not necessarily really expensive either.

[@gcn]

It will all depend on budget and space! You can't go wrong with a big fan 💨

[@krisberntzen]

You can consider a second fan from behind

[@My_HandleIs_]

I have a gym trainer bike, a IC7 Tomahawk. Much more suitable for indoors and sweat. Very silent too.

[@loligsein]

Can I use any bike for the Zwift trainer?

[@dcv9460]

Manon

[@apicharjiratanan4285]

i wanna get back into my indoor training, hadn't got back on ever since my appendix surgery few years back, it happened during a zwift session

[@gefallenesobst6855]

Really enjoyed this one :)

[@smithpauld1501]

Newsie cap. Good choice.

[@kevinpower5880]

I have thought about indoor trainers but prefer the fresh air. There have only been a very few days I haven't been able to ride (in the UK) and that was due to ice on the road. Otherwise layer up and off I go.

[@HabaneroTi]

Thanks for the tips and pep talk! Always welcome in winter... Two questions though: One, how do you avoid having whatever room you train in not smell of sweat and its nastier acrid by-products permanently? Is this even possible? It's ok if the smell lingers for a bit afterwards but no if we're talking hours, days and beyond, especially if it's a bedroom or living room. And two, is floor vibration at all an issue with direct drive trainers, providing that they and the bike that's installed in them are functioning properly and well-maintained and lubed? I recently ordered a Core and am trying to get things ready for when it arrives.

[@CwazyWabbits]

I'm a kitchen cyclist, what I like to do is make a course from an outdoor ride I've done and then ride it on the smart trainer.

[@CwazyWabbits]

Oh and an 18" floor fan does the job, with of course some Rammstein for encouragement :)

[@DangerAmbrose]

I got a Schwinn stationary bike with magnetic resistance. I've put more miles on it than my road bike.

[@gcn]

Enjoyable miles? 🗺

[@nicolas2838]

❤❤Manon and Ollie I love you. ❤❤

[@itsabo03]

I am looking to start indoor riding. Would you happen to have a video for budget smart trainers

[@andrewhayes1339]

Love the swift trainer for all the reasons Manon mentioned, just wish they’d bring it to Australia 😢

[@christophevandermeersch546]

What I like on Zwift is the possibility to create meetups with your friends.

[@simonsepic]

Haha she's back!

[@the0siren0of0night]

My parents have an exercise bike and before I moved out I used to put on Lord Of The Rings and watch that while using that...I made a big mistake trying to watch 2 films in one session...almost blacked out I used so much energy!

[@252Scooby]

You having a laugh 😂 right now the weather is the complete opposite of when this video is suited for , so I guys get outside and enjoy the sun before it’s gone and come back to this video in about three months cheers

[@tesmith47]

Oh yeah I know how to ride indoors!!!

[@ronaldgouda]

My girlfriend likes riding indoors too. Altough, yes, we can do it anywhere, I still prefer to do it out in the open.

[@dblissmn]

With the intro to the video, so typical that in Britain they're able to film a "winter" tipping-down-rain chilly damp scene in late August or early September.

[@TnFruit]

I like busy Manon

[@energysourcelove]

I want to do indoor cycling for zone 2. I am not currently a road bike rider so a totally newbie I have access to a Swift set up would you recommend trying it?

[@TundeEszlari]

Sensational video.

[@fwod1867]

Manon on a bike 🚲 😊

[@indiopeltier9758]

Lol indoor seems like a luxury,I’m a Bike Messenger

[@JnFTff]

Looking at getting the Zwift Hub One. Any feedback or experience with this system?

[@Bungle2010]

It's exactly the same as the "old" version except with the option of the single cog thing. I have the "old" version and it's great. Glad I bought it when I did tbh, as now it's £100 more expensive, and at the time there was a £50 discount voucher available.

[@robjones7556]

One question please, what do people use for viewing? I see a lot of people with an iPad but that seems way too small for something like Zwift. Currently using YT videos but my TV in my garden building needs replacing so using my laptop and just think it too small let alone with so much info in Zwift to see. I’d like to connect it through a TV but seems you need Apple TV, is that right?

[@Bungle2010]

You should be able to connect a laptop to a TV with an HDMI cable, or, it's a smart TV, link it to the iPad and have its display on the TV screen.

[@keepleft99]

Does zwift do a zwift bike? Like their own exercise bike thing so you don’t need to plug your bicycle into it?

[@donwinston]

Hmmm. It is still 90 degrees F in VA USA. Can't this wait until November?

[@iloestryker3012]

that broad tooo is desireable looking for me and gibbruh,, ive been in the bike sport for well over thirty years, about the only phases i havnt tasked is the extreme biking, where the cats dive thier mountain bikes off of canyon cliffs etc pretty extreme maneuvers, ive done some rough tough mountain biking tooo, thirty so years ago i showed up at an exercycle spin challenge at one of the shops back in the lower northeast, the cats had it once a week for awhile, i often showed up in classic standard work boots (i might yet touch on some of me wearing work boots running/sprinting on a stretch of train tracks down there as a cross training, training, here or other threads) and i spun some extremely high cadences (danny palm shot once chimped "its his work boots") that had a few cat one twos standing with thier monkey jaws dropped, and I've fielded the mag trainers even with the bike videos, and some dam fast strong furious intervals sprints on those tooo, and very many desires fulfilling, right to the past days the old man here is still tasking some dam fast strong intervals sprints

[@randommarco349]

in this time's when it's cold and/or wet outside, i use zwift 4-6 days a week. maybe it a kind of addictive......

[@shiftgood]

How long does it take to set up? is it a pain to keep putting your bike on the trainer and then putting the wheel back on?

[@powskier]

She's great! What's her name? Is there a playlist of her videos?

[@nem3th]

What about training plan in indoors, could it be similar to outdoors training, for example 1x HIT, 2x endurance, 1x recovery, 1x HIT for 6 day tarining plan in week?

[@mikechang2023]

Manon!

[@main_stream_media_is_a_joke]

2:14. Me and my gf "do it.....i.e riding" in all the places that Manon mentioned.😉

[@florianhorger7843]

8 minutes of commercial for Wahoo and Zwift, no words of very good and cheaper alternatives like Rouvy.

[@Bungle2010]

Which was the Wahoo part? I prefer Zwift tbh.

[@BTcycle]

The Welsh Dragon is back with vengeance. 🐉

[@MrDenwei]

What's a good starter bike to get into road cycling?

[@oldtwinsna8347]

depends on your budget and expectations. even a cheap bike is better than no bike. but you generally get what you pay for in terms of weight, handling, stiffness, and overall quality that proportionally rise up the higher you go.

[@HeibesHealth]

Too soon for winter talk. I’m not ready to let go of summer. 😂

[@ABC-wr2yu]

Do you need to get your bike dialed with the gears when throwing your bike on the trainer? My gears seem to skip

[@RaymondOlgado0]

Happens to me especially the mid gears.

[@ABC-wr2yu]

@@RaymondOlgado0 me too!!!

[@VIEultimate]

In some cases yes. I use 9 speed but have to add a bit of tension to the cable for my rear mech when setting it up my bike on the trainer

[@kenswan6838]

I just made sure I fitted the same cassette to my wife’s trainer (Christmas present) as was already on her bike. Conveniently I then bought a bike that matched it myself.

[@NikolausLim]

The gearing on your trainer needs to have the same ratio as on your bike. Same speed, same teeth configuration.

[@livegamingyt2833]

for me indoor riding is boring in my country there is organized chaos and i like to manure my bike thorough unpredictable traffic

[@JoopLammerts]

"It's always good weather indoors" sure, tell that to my sauna #paincave with 30°C outside 🤣

[@matt_m126]

What I would need is a tutorial on how to convince my wife that we have room for a trainer. 😂 She's probably happy not to see and/or hear about bikes during our Canadian winters.

[@stanschmenge1965]

use the Jay Leno answer when someone asks if his wife minds him having a car collection (obsession) - "It's a better hobby than cocaine and hookers".

[@patty109109]

I told my wife today I’m buying is worth tub and she asked how much is it? I said you can’t put a price on health.

[@panjimoulana]

Can we use a 700C tires on it, like a hybrid bike?

[@gcn]

Yep! That should be fine, but always check the specifications for your trainer first 🔎

[@panjimoulana]

@@gcn thanks a lot

[@creative907]

Ngl, I'm just here to see Manon...present.