My Thoughts on Zwift - From a Mountain Biker's Perspective

I've been using Zwift for almost 4 years. Here are my thoughts on what I think about it and if I still enjoy it.
My 2021 Zwift setup:
• My Zwift Setup for 2021
Impressions of Wahoo Kickr climb:
• Wahoo Kickr Climb Firs...
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[@bobwalsh57]

I live in the Bufflalo NY area and after November, except for some fat bike riding, I have been riding Zwift since it was first introduced in 2014. I tried racing and agree it is way more extreme than a normal outside race. I like the workouts and the group rides. I find it very hard to push without some structure. That is why I always put a climb in my free riding. In the last couple of years I have been living in south Florida for a couple of months in the winter. You would think riding here would be paradise - not! You take your life in your hands on the roads here. There is little or no bike infrastructure here. So I bring my setup and ride indoors to stay in shape. What a godsend Zwift is from the old days of static training. Ride on!

[@kentao4]

I had a kickr and the whole set up pre pandemic. I sold it all because i hated riding indoors. Just felt boring. And because gyms were closed etc, I enjoyed riding outside often, but winter 2020/21 I couldn’t take not having it and being couped up in the cold. Bought ANOTHER set up and I enjoy it a lot more. I went with the core to save a few dollars and now I just dedicate it to winter. Life saver and its quick to get going instead of driving to a trail. It’s definitely worth it.

[@CarrieJamrogowicz]

I live in western Montana where it’s cold and wet until June - and this past summer the wildfire smoke rolled in in July. So yeah, Zwift/Kickr have earned their keep in my house.

[@johngardner1898]

Ditto. On all points. Zwift is fun, an excellent workout, and available 24/7. I bought a Wahoo set-up with the Kickr 5, the Climb, the fan, and the Tickr-X. With the trainer setting at 100% and the Climb lifting me up and down, I get a more realistic experience. Yeah, nothing beats the trail, but when it's cold, raining, or the trail is too wet/soft, Zwift is there. Thanks for posting. It's good to hear Zwift still adds value for you four years in.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have all the bikes to ride outdoors year round in Colorado. I just started Zwift the last couple months and I like it as an option for those days I just can’t get out for weather or efficiency/schedule reasons. I keep my old Cross bike on the trainer fill time so I am on and off super quick.

[@pshoeweb]

I live in CO and have everything needed to get out in extremely cold and snowy weather and do enjoy doing that. However, my wife and I recently had our first baby so I’ve had a harder time getting out of the house for very long so Zwift has allowed me to get in great workouts while staying accessible, and it’s much quicker all around since there’s no car time, setup, minimal cleaning, etc. Since I now use Zwift so much (4-5x/wk) I invested in a very nice/immersive setup and it’s made a HUGE difference in the enjoyment of the effort. In the old days, indoor training was AWFUL. Now, it’s quite enjoyable and far more effective.

[@jefferycampbell2243]

When I only had a dumb trainer, riding indoors was torture. My rule was that I'd ride outdoors anytime temps were above 32F and roads were dry. Then my daughter surprised me with a Wahoo Kickr for Christmas and I've ridden Zwift 5-6 days a week ever since. That's despite having several high 40sF sunny days where I really should have been outdoors.

[@ryanscrumley2709]

I love Zwift! You're comments about 40 are so true if it hits upper 40's for ne in Idaho I'm heading outside. I personally enjoy group rides and the social aspect of zwift. I occasionally race but agree it's tough. You have to be in the right mindset for racing. Training and erg mode have little appeal to me. I obviously use erg mode for ftp testing but really just prefer to just ride for fun. The ability to climb is one of the best features of zwift. Getting those hill workouts is essential.

[@jimjigga]

40 degrees is warm right about now for us northerners. I would love 40 degrees, dry weather. But with the freeze/ thaw cycle season, just below freezing is preferred. I have my fatbike, studded tire set up for winter

[@JogBird]

i was 100% road cycling and tried an indoor trainer for a winter season and found it to be really depressing, so i got a fs mtb for winter cycling and found that its an amasing workout and great for handling skills... even a mundane multi trail is challenging when its iced and post holed

[@StellaHulliet]

Comment: Hi there! I came across a new project that might interest you. Have you heard about the Freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike? It combines the best of indoor fitness and outdoor exploration. What's really impressive is its dual modes, allowing you to use it both indoors and outdoors. And the most unique feature? You can charge the bike while using it indoors! So you never have to worry about running out of battery. It's definitely worth checking out if you're looking for an e-bike experience that enhances your workout and allows you to conquer different terrains. Keep up the great work with your winter cycling! Enjoy the ride!

[@phlr]

It’s 40 degrees today in North Dakota and I’m finally gonna ride outside!!!

[@330_Crew]

I tried Zwift for one winter and just couldn't get into it; but maybe it's because I didn't go all in for the full experience. I just used a fluid trainer with a Garmin speed & cadence sensor and an ANT USB sensor on my laptop. For winter training I just go to a local spin gym (Cyclebar) that has group classes. I find the live in person group class experience along with a coach encouraging you to be more motivating than being at home by myself.

[@mtb7018]

I’ve learned to use Zwift as a supplement, i live in the upper north so it seems like it’s either really cold or sloppy slush so riding outside on my studded fat bike is hit or miss. For me personally I’ve found racing on Zwift allows me to put in the time without the pain of indoor riding.

[@jasonfuentes6084]

I’m

[@jrbowens]

Yup. I’m a MTB guy. I zwift 2-3 times a month in winter. Good for certain days.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Zwift is awesome.

[@zxtenn]

Hey Clint, off topic but i just bought a 2021 Niner hardtail 3 star build in that sand frame color, i should get it by Friday. Going to put an XO crank and cassette to drop plenty of weight and getting some 1260 gram XC carbon wheels with 240 EXP hubs so should be close to about 20-21 pounds with upgrades, i missed my 20 pound Focus hardtail and something positive to be said for riding such a light bike on easy terrain

[@ClintGibbs]

The Niner hardtails ride so nice. They've really nailed the geometry on those bikes. Enjoy!

[@johnwullschleger4351]

well, it got above 40° here yesterday day (with sun) and I got out on the fat bike to ride I the crusty, icy slush and ice. But often here it’s colder and I seem to be getting more sensitive to that as I get older. I will say I think zwift pushes me to ride harder than I do on a real bicycle. I feel the more diverse fantasy worlds (Watopia and Makuri) are more fun. France is definitely the best of the “real” worlds.

[@sudo936]

Dude B is hard even for a good rider like yourself,

[@andypaul999]

How long did it take you to do the Ventoux on Zwift Clint?

[@ClintGibbs]

I honestly can't remember. I just know it was longer than I thought it would be!

[@scottaw]

Yeah, I was with you up until you said 40 was too cold to ride, upstate NY here... 🤣 Zwift is useful for wintertime training for when the fat bike trails aren’t in good shape (snow is too soft/wet), it’s below 0, or time/family constraints means overall time is limited and Zwift is quicker. That said… Zwift is an excellent trainer program. I find my FTP tends to lower over the summer and into fall, and getting back on Zwift brings my FTP back up. Zwift simply pushes you harder than real life mountain or road biking I find. (Using the training programs). Feeling the itch to fly down to FL and ride though, my folks aren’t far from Alifia River St. Pk., and I usually get a ride or two in over there during my wintertime visits. Fun place, and jealous of the sunny wether for sure!

[@ClintGibbs]

LOL. Our temperature tolerances are shifted to the other end of the spectrum. I was very humored when I was riding the Marmotte Alpes in France when I heard people say that 70° felt hot. I had a jacket on for the descents. And for the record, I lived in New Jersey for five years and spent a ton of time outdoors. I still ride in the cold weather but prefer to be on the mountain bike and not the gravel bike. It was 17° here last weekend.

[@mtb7018]

And does it really pay to invest in proper clothing etc for a couple rides a year.

[@ClintGibbs]

@@mtb7018 That's actually what it really comes down to, especially for shoes

[@frankstrobel4350]

do you find your power numbers to be off fomr zwift vs real world ? i do 250 watts on zwift..and i am crying..yet on my bike easy. And my bike is more accurate.

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, same here. I don’t know if it’s psychological or a difference in the power meters but it is way easier to hold something like 300 W outside versus indoors.

[@lawor8]

Clint I think they do have MTB trails on Zwift ( I have never tried them). Have you tried them?

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, I found one. You have to use the elite steerzo to make it work properly. It was decently fun… like a video game for sure

[@IanCraib]

Hi Clint, I’m curious what level you achieved in 4 years.

[@ClintGibbs]

I'm at 20. Like I said, I don't ride it very often. During the really good weather months. Months I may go a few months without touching Zwift. But when I need it it's great!

[@renalcolic3361]

Too cold at 40 degrees? HTFU.

[@ClintGibbs]

Lol. I used to live in New Jersey and cross country skied in temps below 0. Come mountain bike here at 3pm in August and you'll understand temperature adaptation 😉

[@armentekerian5545]

Thanks Clint…I guess the kicker climb is worth getting then…I do use Zwift with the wahoo kicker almost every day during the winter

[@ClintGibbs]

Yes, I would recommend the kickr climb if it fits in your budget. It just adds to the experience. And like I said it does work those minutely different muscles used for climbing.

[@KlintonSilvey]

Zwift racers could easily easily cheat by just entering a low body weight

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

Agreed on Zwift racing... very much a joke. It's a full gas , anaerobic time trial effort, nothing like a criterium, for example, no tactics, turning, braking, etc. You do push yourself, but let's be clear, it's nothing like real life racing. Second, everyone averages 4-5w/kg.....righhhhhhht

[@ClintGibbs]

Yup....well said