How To Use Zwift | Zwift For Beginners

Thanks to Zwift for the products used in this video, all views are the presenters own.
Zwift is an online virtual cycling world that allows you to ride, train or race with other cyclists from around the globe!
Si and Matt are here to let you know the basics for being able to use the increasingly popular platform.
Subscribe to GCN: gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN
Are you a Zwift user? Let us know how you are finding it in the comments below 👇
Ex-professional cyclists Simon Richardson and Matt Stephens are here with all you need to know about starting up with Zwift.
You will need an account, head over to gcn.eu/ZwiftBeginner and sign-up, you can start with a free trial.
You will need an indoor trainer, and something that tells Zwift how fast you are riding.
For a basic setup this can be a speed sensor that communicates with Zwift.
A more advanced setup is using a powermeter which transmits all metrics to the software.
The most accurate setup though, is to use a smart trainer. This will also increase/decrease pedalling resistance dependant on terrain and if you are slipstreaming for instance.
You will also need a towel, drink, and we advise using a fan to help keep you cool.
Something also worth considering is the Zwift app, this is used as a remote control for the features available.
There are three different worlds that you can ride in, these are:
Watopia - South Pacific Paradise, 8 routes and 42km of roads
Richmond - 4 routes and 18.9km of roads
London - 8 routes and 27.5km of roads
Zwift has a calendar to show when the different courses/routes are available to ride on as well as group rides and races that are being hosted if you wish to join in the fun.
Choosing a route is simple and then you can go for a ride, you can even choose to turn onto a different route as well as doing a U-Turn and riding the other way if you see someone you would like to ride with for example.
The screen setup shows all the metrics you need, including gradient and where you are on a route/ride. You can also see where you in comparison to others riding, as well as the watts per kg that they are outputting!
You can even customise your clothing and bike appearance onscreen, including an unlockable GCN kit! Not forgetting being able to wave at others, flick the elbow and even give other users a 'Ride-on'
There are plenty of training sessions and workouts on Zwift, including 32 GCN workouts and you can even create your own.
After any activity the ride data is displayed and can be saved/uploaded to your profile on sites such as Strava, Training Peaks etc.
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gcn.eu/nr
Watch more on GCN...
What Is Zwift Workout Mode? 📹 gcn.eu/zwift-workouts
GCN Vs. Zwift - Live! Si Richardson Takes On The Watopia Volcano And You 📹 gcn.eu/39
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on KZbin’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Alta Badia: gcn.eu/AltaBadia- // Maratona Dles Dolomites: gcn.eu/MaratonaDlesDolomites-
Assos of Switzerland: gcn.eu/Assos
KASK helmets: gcn.eu/KASK
fi’zi:k shoes and saddles: gcn.eu/fizikshoes and gcn.eu/fiziksaddles
Topeak tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Quarq: gcn.eu/Quarq
DT Swiss: gcn.eu/DtSwiss
Science in Sport: gcn.eu/SiS
Orbea bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Trek Bicycles: gcn.eu/-Trek
Vision wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Zipp wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
power2max: gcn.eu/power2max
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Continental tyres: gcn.eu/continental-
Camelbak: gcn.eu/camelbak-
The GCN Club - gcn.eu/club
KZbin Channel - gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram - gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Google+ - gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - gcn.eu/gcnTW
Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

What's your favourite way to use Zwift?

[@kiverrussell8369]

Global Cycling Network the opportunity to race from your garage is great. Pushes me harder than any other workout although perhaps "favourite" isn't the right word...it can be satisfying and motivating though!

[@jamesnickless7664]

I love Zwift - it's made indoor training an activity to look forward to rather than staring at a wall and sweating. Question on the workout modes - if you are using the FTP Builder programs, do you need to factor in a test every week or so to update the FTP level (assuming it goes up, of course...!!!)?

[@gcn]

We'd have to agree!

[@jimhansen5395]

Structured workouts in ERG mode are my main use of Zwift. On weekends in winter I will do long group rides and enter the occasional race.

[@kathr2773]

Cycle to work (on zwift), log in to work network (remotely from home), 8hours later cycle home (on zwift).

[@savysmilesumtymes]

I just want to ride someone else's zwift setup haha. There should be a zwift cafe

[@thatwildlife5977]

That’s a great business idea, you should chase that

[@aenimalewis1764]

@@thatwildlife5977 im stealing it

[@ouarda547]

Totally! I would invest post covid 😉😂

[@Gengu]

Some gyms have them

[@alexm1841]

That’s a great idea. And pair it with some type of VR experience and when you ride over a cobblestone road, you feel it. When you ride past the town bakery, you smell the bread. This would be so awesome

[@elijah1110]

Whos here from coach greg

[@lovelyjubbly87]

You mean the doctor?

[@seev132]

Elijah love the fact I ain’t the only one🤣

[@ElronHumpperdink]

word

[@oscarcanales007]

Same

[@Realtradersmc]

oath

[@ramsesm]

"I'm in the first time..." - My daughter loves watching these shows with me and we go out riding and hears the "click" of my second cleat we both raise one arm and say out lout "I'm in..." - guys, thank you for the wonderful content filled with your wonderful personalities....

[@andromada2282]

343 days left for trial? nice one GCN!

[@SobanBhatti]

Perfect timing. Just finished my Zwift setup and this was a great little intro to the user interface. Thanks GCN :)

[@Zwift]

See you on Watopia Soban! Ride On.

[@onepalproductions]

Great! How many pounds did you lose, paying the monthly fee to cycle in your house?

[@wondermonkeyoutdoors]

Thanks for this video and for the series (yet to watch). I'm trying to get over the mental drudgery of using my bike trainer and have picked zwift to help, in part by your videos on it.

[@absurdio]

"That's a good'un. Don't forget to like. And shit." -- Matt Stephens, 2017.

[@hawru2883]

It's "And Share them" but funny haha

[@shaungaynor8898]

I wondered if anyone else noticed that! Hahahahaha. I love it :)

[@ashkanahmadi]

He does say shit, no?

[@jasonmcgrody9472]

I know this is sponsored content but it's useful information for people who are new to online trainers like this and GCN is far more entertaining than anything Zwift could probably come up with in house.

[@jtb52]

Matt, amazing Zwift clip in! And looking very thin. Workouts are great and riding in groups.

[@JulianSchepp]

I love your room! Thanks for the Video!

[@borissyarov6069]

I really decided to start Zwifting because of this video!

[@connieback7577]

Wow! I didn't think there could possibly be a way to convert a torture device / trainer to something that would actually be fun and interesting. This might be how it's done.

[@illbeV]

Imagine if they integrate VR!

[@lillysworld979]

Loving using Zwift with my Kickr Rollr 😊

[@nickferrence8593]

What a very informative video. Thinking of purchasing my first smart trainer. This video really helps. Cheers

[@camiloes4395]

Great Video!! Thanks for sharing!

[@hawkeye7862]

I've been on it a week now, it's awesome 😁

[@Zwift]

Thanks for the feedback Hawkeye! Ride On.

[@Kupkaik]

Super excited to get my trainer now!

[@NyQuilDonut]

No you're not...

[@gemmajanebrookes5395]

Thank You for such a helpful video :)

[@gspa072]

Good information guys. Thanks.

[@thomasabbott2277]

"Power, beats per minute and revolutions per minute" uuummm are you absolutely sure about that Matt??

[@djdrone2223]

50 revolutions per minute, against our bikes

[@norevlimitr1602]

Im building a special custom light weight aero bike just for Zwift... Cant wait!!!!

[@richardbaraniuk9557]

Very well explained!

[@sambrown1779]

Awesome guys. Thanks heaps

[@gabbechico8471]

Great video! doing my first zwift ride on friday finnaly!

[@Zwift]

Awesome Gabbe!

[@butlerville23]

Can’t wait to get mine

[@joelklingenberg3271]

Was not ready for that Simon to Matt transition at 2:07. Where did Si go? Is he safe? Did he see a flock of dirty bikes outside and begin hunting them down, never to be seen again? Where did Matt come from? Was he hiding in Daniel's hair? Did he use his allen key wand imbued with National Road Race Champion powers to banish Si to the Land of Unwritten Rules to forever clean extra chain keepers?...Sorry guys, its been a long Wednesday...Oh, Simon's back at 4:24. You should always watch the whole video.

[@liambeckett-jones8685]

Thank you found this video helpful

[@FunnyCatVideos2118]

Love that Matt uses a tool as a pointer

[@svartahridxhgc]

This definitely should go on virtual reality, imagine the potential of this, only problem I can thought, is that you are going to be wearing a head set when exercising so hard, maybe it would require a new special headset design, promoting freshness, otherwise for example lenses are going to get fog.

[@jackhenderson7155]

Great video

[@KunaevNS]

Looks so fun!

[@norbertmarx2087]

Thanks for this. Just joined and I'm a little lost. Big help.

[@amandapang858]

Wow,nice. Love it very much.

[@cheery-hex]

this thing needs VR goggles!

[@mariovhvanhaesendonck2698]

very nice video ! thx

[@tritonh5683]

omg this is the cardio game i have been looking for.

[@JohnnyBlaze357]

Hey guys Thank for this informative video. I have a question for you what brands of smart trainer would you suggest for getting setup to get the Zwift?

[@ddew677]

Matt Stephens cruising along at 290W with barely an elevated heart rate #lifegoals

[@wraith01mg]

I'm definitely being sold on this. I have a very basic turbo trainer at the moment, but will have to look for an affordable second hand smart one and get an ant/bt speed cadence thingy aren't I now.

[@salezman928]

I am going have to try it on rollers its got to be more fun that way

[@yoavnavott]

Notif squad

[@fueledbymusic3]

I had the idea of riding my real bike in the bike trails or the city streets or ANYWHERE. Record the ride on a GoPro, then go home, put my bike on the indoor bike trainer, then play that Gopro video and Ride! It's a way of helping me get the feel of being outside!!!! REALLY COOL! Although, it's nothing like this Zwift, but close enough if we don't have the dollars to buy it yet

[@zapkvr]

I need one of these.

[@alanbell1821]

Very very good ,,,do wk out everyday. ,i love it

[@Kackspack0815]

Wow, this guy aged quite a lot in just a few seconds (2:02 - 2:05).😯😉

[@abrahamvinod9804]

That's because they're different people...

[@nerrciss01]

@@abrahamvinod9804 wow, really???

[@kaohsiung99]

@@abrahamvinod9804 Did you not realize it was a joke? SMH

[@icie4u]

Kackspack0815 😆

[@marchanselthomas]

Me too, I realised it a bit later than a normal person would.

[@ianstewart8301]

Cool! Didn't know they have a Richmond 2015 UCI track! That's great!go RVA

[@ianstewart8301]

Benny C Wait, was Peter Sagan actually here for that? ( I was very out of the loop)

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

7:15 does Matt say "don't forget to like and shit"???😂🤔

[@CrazyAboutLife]

SAF1981 heard it :)

[@chrisoreilly8235]

It's a good tip. Don't want to interrupt a Zwift race when nature calls.

[@MonkeyKing1969]

Definitely does!

[@emmetrmeredith]

Definitely did 😂😂

[@loganrideout9151]

omg!! I thought the same thing!!

[@frogskocinq]

Lots of good stuff, mates. What about the two boxes under the speed and time?

[@SwedishHouseFifa]

Lasty needs to race, no more procrastination!!

[@france4339]

Praying hard to encounter them boys.

[@NielsHeldens]

Pro tip: there's this really fun section on the mountain course called 'the Pretzel'. Trust me, you will love it.

[@Zwift]

Have you been up it recently Niels? The recommended amount is 10 Pretzels. Ride On!

[@NielsHeldens]

Zwift I will do it when a certain Dane has done it. Or I will do it with the said Dane.

[@rusty-ole-boomstick1268]

I just came in from a 30 mile bike ride, it rained a bit and then sunshine the rest of the time. Hop on my laptop and scroll through yt before my shower, and I get this cheeky algorithm. Doesn't anyone go outside anymore?

[@bgm1911]

Thumbs up for using an allen wrench as a pointer.

[@wildlifesafarisjohannesbur3378]

Thanks for great vid ! Please what are those TRAY looking things in front of some bikes , any reason for them thank you

[@jaschamuller4790]

Are you grouped into the zwift system based on what "speed/watt" information you provide (i.e. speed sensor, power meter and smart trainer)? Or do you have people with speed sensors racing against power meters and smart trainers?

[@Kaergaard]

Lets get schwifty!

[@kevinnguyen92]

SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT

[@NielsHeldens]

Kaergaard I TURNED MYSELF INTO A PICKLE MORTY!!

[@panzerveps]

Zwift on the floor

[@corkhead0]

I'M PICKLE ZWIIIIIIFT

[@jamesd5241]

IM PICKLEEE RICKKK

[@nebukanezer73]

3:36 I believe it is actually total elevation climbed, not current elevation as Matt says

[@fabianbv82]

I think you forgot to mentioned that with the App you can see the events and also subscribe in any of them. Additionally, interesting to check the power races web to see the results of the classification and data of a race. Cheers

[@myateem]

What if I want to ride for a specific distance, for example 20km, and just measure my time and other metrics. Is this possible? I am new to zwift and just got my tacx neo 2

[@ValleyGranFondo]

after watching your GCN vid on electronic hacks yesterday, it'd be pretty sweet if there was a way to make the hidden di2 buttons on the hoods be toggle switches for direction changes in Zwift....

[@gcn]

Sounds like a challenge for someone clever...🤓

[@simonknowles4267]

Nice clip in Matt.....

[@simonknowles4267]

Does this meas I win a GCN bottle....please... Please.

[@ebonygibson4333]

Simon Knowles I

[@edwardlunn6975]

Can you do a zwift video where you compare a power meter and heart rate sensor setup, to a speed,cadence and heart rate sensor setup, and look at the variation in stats for the same loop?

[@bradmbridgham]

Anyone using Zwift on wheelchair with sensor on wheel hub? I have rollers for my chair and would like to add Zwift tours and training. Maybe a wheelchair avatar in the future👍

[@scouseness]

im working on something

[@KatBurnsKASHKA]

that would be so cool

[@zapkvr]

I like your thinking.

[@bradmbridgham]

Jordan , any update?

[@alexquinn3148]

That’s so cool!! You should definitely try to push that idea 😄

[@junkieball]

Love the comment from Matt 'I'm in first time'!!! Was this take 50 by any chance??? ;)

[@TheMarkofJoe]

Thanks GCN very clear. Zwift newbie, first ride tonight on mobile! Perhaps a dedicated mobile App video for people like me who have their bike outside and don't want to invest too much :) ?

[@gcn]

Great suggestion!

[@alanbell1821]

Zwift is great fun 200 ftp ,,guess ok for 55yrs. Hopefuls get to 250 and over ,,,gone from under 170

[@seanbresnahan2149]

great video, how do you get the ride profile larger its barely legible on my screen, thank you

[@boshbol]

Hello Recently I bought a smart trainer the cycleops magnus. Currently I also have my garmin vector pedals. What do you recommend to measure the power in zwift? the Magnus or the Garmin Pedals? I calibrated my magnus in Cycle Virtual Training and the power shown by Zwift versus Garmin Vector is almost double. Or is it better to calibrate it with zwift? Best Greeting from Guatemala

[@dcrunicycles]

Thank you. You said both units have to be on wifi. Guess who didn't have wifi turned on : (

[@sitonka303]

Loving Zwift, it's been a game changer in the way it saves time and effort on before work early morning rides. I have had the wahoo smart trainer about 6 months now and it seems super solid and reliable. I watch loads of GCN/GMBN and this is another great vid, but I was hoping you would explain about ERG mode. Having read about it online it seems to be based on your FTP and stops the need for loads of gear changes. If I set it to my current FTP I can find myself grinding to an embarrassing halt. Any tips would be ace. Also, where can I get one of those GCN towels?!

[@Zwift]

Hi Sitonka! We're stoked to hear that you love Zwift. ERG-mode will remove the need to change gears, that's correct. If it's set correctly you shouldn't find yourself grinding to a halt. Make sure to keep that cadence up! Ride On.

[@sitonka303]

its an awesome invention, thanks for tips. Looking forward to see how it grows in the future. Exciting times indeed!

[@farzidmostafa3841]

Please do a video on trainer road.

[@tonnypalm3204]

Nothing like outdoor cycling 🚵‍♀️

[@antonchepa90]

Hey guys. Could u recommend some simple speed meter + power meter setup for zwift?(Will it be enough?) I'm using a trainer which not in the list of supported trainers on zwift

[@akia4528]

If it wasn't so expensive to buy a setup I'd jump head first into this and start cycling

[@ayalaassaf]

Can you recommend on smart trainers? I'll appreciate recommendation for a range covering liw to high prices.

[@61tree_VR_Gliding]

Cool

[@kiverrussell8369]

Might've been worth having a brief 30 seconds on hardware - i.e. ant+ usb dongle if using pc or Bluetooth if using iOS on either a power meter, smart trainer or HRM etc.

[@MyDogCricky]

I agree! I have recently started using Zwift and it has been trial and error with a side of frustration. I'm still struggling to get a bluetooth HRM connected.

[@kiverrussell8369]

MyDogCricky Sounds frustrating. My main problem of late has been getting the mobile app to pair when riding (since a recent update) despite being on the same WiFi. To be fair otherwise it has been pretty straight forward - bike, trainer, Garmin speed/cadence/HRM, usb ANT+ dongle into pc where Zwift is installed and HDMI from computer to TV. More recently I have a Bluetooth capable pm so can also just ride with an iPad for a super quick start up but just have to make do with no HR as that's ant+ only in my case.

[@kiverrussell8369]

After a bit of experimentation turning WiFi off and on seems to help when the app isn't playing ball.

[@martindaly8683]

Hi guys. I was on a little while back. Well, last week. I mentioned I’m visually impaired and thinking of getting a KICKR and Zwift. I do a lot of research before I start anything. I’ve decided I’m going to get the KICKR. Next thing is Zwift. So, here’s my question. Is it possible to stream from my iPad to a TV. I don’t have an Apple TV. I would go out and but a new cheap tv. I’ve KZbind it and only Apple TV came up. Oh, by the way. Love the channel. And I’m even going to get a new shed for this as well. I’m the only cyclist a house of 6. Keep the good work up.

[@LlamasEatHotdogs]

I bet that Lycra really helped with the wind resistance

[@maxsungwd]

That's not why you wear cycling shorts indoors. Now stop being such a dumb shit

[@vegandad7692]

I was onthe fence about shelling out for a direct drive smart or just going for a cheap magnetic, this video clinched it for me. Im going to get the elite direto i think. Hope its a wise choice cause im not made of money. Great vid, I'm excited to try this.

[@vegandad7692]

I got the Direto, I'm avg over 200k/week now. Love it!

[@vadillo1]

Can you use Zwift with an indoor spinning bike that is equipped with bluetooth connectivity and measures power? What spinning bike models do you recommend if any? Thank you!

[@D3fenderfox]

Swift!! Another reason to stay inside

[@alexflosho]

The Bike Metaverse

[@dewidavies7995]

Great for time trial. No animal problems. No camera s no cars no people walking cross the road.

[@NateeTongsiri]

"NOT ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS" wanted to add Thai Subtitle but got - "The video owner hasn't yet enabled community contributions for this video."

[@momosworks]

Thanks fro showing my Volcano KOM at 4:11

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Sean Paul Yoshinaga I just took your Volcano KOM 2hrs ago 😉

[@momosworks]

Nice Job!!

[@nunyabizniz50]

I have a question. I live in the middle of nowhere which is beautiful riding area but really spotty internet connection at best. Does Zwift work offline? I'm asking can I use it the same way I use Strava upload my ride when I have internet ?

[@timwalker3987]

Does Zwift give cues for beginners on when to increase resistance on a manual trainer?

[@aakashs1806]

I have a basic trainer, speed and cadence sensor. I feel it is enough for me 😄 to connect to zwift

[@lukeforster3391]

Does this work reasonably well?

[@aakashs1806]

@@lukeforster3391 Yes , I am quite satisfied. But it won't be as interactive as smart trainers

[@BorgyManotoyOnline]

Planning to try zwift this quarantine time, I got some noob question... I ordered Minoura Mag Ride 60-R indoor trainer (w/ remote) with magene speed and cadence(gemini+) and hrm strap(magene mover).. but currently I only have my old MTB 26er (1.95 tire, 1 x 10 setup 34T & 11T-42T) ... will this work? I can see on most zwift videos... road bikes or TT bikes are used... and I have not seen MTBs on YT. I have no plans of changing bike as of the moment :( .. I am worried I might not get the suitable training for my setup and bike. Just waiting for the items to be delivered (bought online). Thanks!

[@philg6757]

Thanks guys,I wondered how to all worked. Never used it as I`m from a warm climate,might give it a look for something different.

[@Zwift]

The first 7 days are free Phil! See you on Watopia, Ride On.

[@lukethackray]

If you don't have a smart trainer, how does it behave when going up and down hills? I'm guessing you just have to pedal faster and crank up the resistance yourself?

[@dr_skipwith]

I just go to my local bike shop and try to push the highest amounts of watts I can on their Zwift setup.

[@alpylmaz4454]

Please make a video how to use strava

[@claudiotrungadi1042]

what is better for play with zwift/or indoor training air conditioning or ventilation?

[@Spankeroo]

As long as I have a speed sensor of some kind, can I use any turbo trainer?

[@nohomo1828]

I live in Richmond

[@williamtaylor6074]

Would I be okay on rollers with this? And is it worth using on rollers? Also I have a cadence sensor, speed sensor and a hrm, would I be able to connect them all to zwift via a USB dongle?

[@KeithAVass]

ANY VIDEOS SPECIFICALLY FOR RECUMBENT TRIKES?