How to Start Riding on Zwift: The First Ride // New User Tutorial

[@johngardner1898]

The Zwift folks aren't paying you enough. This is excellent, fun, solid content. Perhaps they are paying you too much, as you seem to be having yourself a grand time. 😉

[@pete1927]

Super tute Shane, best I have watched and I have watched a few.

[@mickeyshulkin5478]

Excellent video Shane! I'm usually not a fan of clickbaity titles, but I doubt new users are searching for "Zwift onboarding experience". Maybe "How to Start Riding on Zwift". I'd love to see this get millions of views and boost those subscriber numbers up.

[@gplama]

Done and done. Mrs Lama didn't like the technical wording either, but that meant we were a 50/50 split. You swung the balance of power.... title changed! :)

[@tarajones-legros3661]

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to think that a lot of info is thrown at you during that tutorial ride. I’m a little older than you (1971) and the tech stuff doesn’t come as intuitively as the developers may think. Thank you so much for this video!! Ride On!!☺️

[@heartbenefitsexercisesforh8276]

Just brilliant, waiting on a Bluetooth bike with zwift arriving to help get fit and your video was the best by miles

[@johnjanneck9918]

A friend of mine came across this video, I ride by you right at 7:14, that’s so funny!

[@gplama]

User name checks out! 👌🏼

[@jamieswedler2793]

The guy doing "quite some cadence" at the beginning of the lap was me every few minutes back when I was running Bluetooth via the companion app in the bad old days.

[@yijuntey]

Getting my wahoo kickr snap this weekend, so hyped on this

[@nathanoneill2011]

very helpful to a newbie wondering what Zwift is all about. Thank you!

[@Tom-bt3ns]

I am a blind stoker and have tried to ride with Zwift for 2.5 years. I really didn't have a clue about how it woks because it is not accessible. Thanks to Shane's intro video, I am waaaay better prepared to ride and race. Thank you.

[@NickMaovich]

what a cool video! I can tell I am fully prepared to embrace Zwift! Thanks

[@martinbroomfield2278]

That was a great video to watch as a newbie Zwifter like myself! I was quite overwhelmed at what I saw when I signed-up a couple of days ago, but by watching this I can see what a lot of the features are about. Thanks for the video Shane, I see you're a fellow September 1978 baby - happy birthday!

[@authorjohnwquinn]

Great job, Shane. This is going to be helpful to so many new Zwifters! Thanks for your efforts! Ride on!

[@KD-bk3it]

Finally getting my kickr core set up today!!!

[@averagerider92]

How is it

[@scottmcdonald3019]

Hi Shane, Thanks for that. I started the tutorial then thought I've had enough I'll finish it later. But hey, you cant restart it. So watching your vide helped me catch up.

[@jonpoon3896]

This is helpful. Opened a free account a long time ago, but only just started paying but missed the tutorial

[@TheDfergie]

Thanks Shane, I found Zwift kind of confusing at first so your video was very helpful.

[@vetteman95]

Hi Shane, Greeting's from Cottage Grove, WI. I wanted to thank you for all the info I got from you on Zwift. I bought a Kinetic wheel-on smart trainer and joined Zwift and am having a blast doing it. Once I got into it I added a rocker plate using ideas I got from GCN KZbin which I built for $50 USD and now it rides like outside but with out the bugs. Although after 40 inches of snow this winter the bugs haven't shown up yet! Many, many thanks!!!

[@cyc00000]

Good to see you still fit into that old kit!

[@gplama]

.... just :)

[@rojo7810]

Just ordered my smart trainer, can't wait to start!

[@rojo7810]

Have had it for a week now, i like it very much! It connects with bluetooth to my laptop. No dongle needed so far!

[@ams914]

@@rojo7810 What did you get and how did you find any in stock?

[@rojo7810]

@@ams914 i got a elite suito T, found it at a webshop from a shop in Apeldoorn. Van Bon its called It had 10+ in stock before the weekend and 0 after, got lucky i guess

[@JakeyJay26]

Brilliant. Really helpful. I’m not quite there yet, but in the next few days I will be! Can’t wait. Cheers.

[@sholpanbassibekova5835]

Thank you for the video for zwift beginners 😄 could set up trainer and did a ride today👍 good luck😘

[@terryhill5549]

Thanks Shane, exactly what I am looking for.

[@wavecurrent]

Excellent tutorial to new Zwift cyclist!

[@jslute]

Going for my first ride tonight.Thank you Shane for all the help in choosing a smart trainer showing us around Zwift and the tips and tricks.Very much appreciated!! KUTGREATW!!

[@finemasterviolins]

Great content ~ thanks 🙏🏿 It’s a big learning curve from knowingly nothing about trainers & Zwift Feeling more confident in getting setup now 🙏🏿 Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@danlancaster2239]

Good stuff Shane. Been zwifting for a while, wish this was available back then. Enjoyable.

[@DavidBournePhotoandVideo]

Hey mate, I just got a Kick18 + Zwift for my ACL recovery and your video was honestly absolutely perfect! Thank you so much for putting the effort in, it's much appreciated!

[@gplama]

Glad it helped!

[@bpriest5108]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! Expecting my new trainer in a week. I'll watch out for GPSHeepy.

[@edwardjcoad]

awesome. Setting myself up next month; TACX2 and Apple TV for the NZ winter. Can't wait.

[@padraigosullivan3975]

Great video for a complete new beginner. Appreciated!

[@Gail_Blanton]

You have, hands down, the best Zwift content I could find on KZbin. After a season on illness last fall and winter, I have found myself in the worst shape of my life. Due to COVID-19, my husband and I finally decided it was time to get a trainer and hook up to Zwift. There has definitely been a learning curve but I am loving it!!! The training FTP boosting training plans offer a better workout than a spin class for sure. Thank you for all you fantastic content.

[@haphazardgardener8651]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. Today was my first day on zwift and at first I was confused as to why it wasn't showing up and routes til I saw your video. I know on the screen it originally says 25km left but I thought that was just to end the trial.

[@kevinbrown3096]

New to swift, loved your review. Thank you 😊

[@cmnbs]

Thank you Shane....very informative. A must for the raw beginner. It has helped immensely...thank you

[@gplama]

Glad it was helpful. Enjoy your rides Miguel. 🚲

[@mdtaylor2274]

I should be dead by now and my wife won't let me ride a bike again. This is an excellent option for me to get back in shape and enjoy my favorite sport indoors.

[@skydave9317]

I needed this 3 weeks ago! Still, I learned a couple of things that I haven't worked out for myself yet. Unfortunately, You Tube doesn't start recommending videos until you have already watched something similar.

[@garrysansoucie]

Great first timers video, thank you!

[@RossTheNinja]

Just got the Dorito. I'm quite impressed from what I've seen from zwift in the first two rides. I can see why people like it.

[@bigdarbs19]

Great, thanks. Although I have spent the last 40 years of cycling generally avoiding the turbo as much as possible, this may get me onto Zwift!

[@DamasusEkodimus]

ZPower. A specific video about how to set it properly will be highly appreciated. Thank you!

[@gplama]

It depends on the hardware used. It can be close to accurate... or way off. Here's a deep dive into ZPower on a Lemond Revolution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noawhGqiqbZ0rbs

[@timhepworth7867]

Thanks for this just got my first smart trainer today and this has really helped... got a Kickr Snap and can’t wait to get on it.

[@scottbradley7584]

Picking my Snap up tomorrow - anything I should watch out for with setup ? Cheers,

[@timhepworth7867]

@@scottbradley7584 Very easy setup. Connect the bike - tyre touching roller and perform 2 full turns on the knob. Download the Wahoo app and apply any updates. Open up Zwift and add as a controllable and click on the gear icon next to it once paired and perform a spin down test. Now comes the hard bit.... ride :-)

[@scottbradley7584]

Tim Hepworth Thanks for that - Wahoo snap set up went fine. When I start using Zwift, does it put Wahoo Snap into Sim mode or do I need to do that through the Wahoo app ? Cheers

[@markley4507]

My 15sec of fame moment. Cheers Shane! 😀. Something to note for that future video on a more advanced setup is that some streaming services (like Facebook) have much lower limits on the resolution / bitrate that they will accept from a streamer. Just in the process of update my blog post on steps for Team3R streamers since moving over to SLBOS as my streaming app.

[@jamesh1378]

Great content and really helpful advice - I’m a new Zwifter so this certainly helped, much appreciated and all the best from London UK

[@ackack8752]

Thank you. Really appreciate the video!

[@Christina-fr7xb]

This was really helpful to me. Thank you so much for doing this video! I´m completely new to the entire world of cycling and I´m going to start Zwifting next week, when my smarttrainer will hopefully get delivered to my place.

[@richbutler5815]

Thanks Shane, just started my free trial. Great info, just need to follow your lead.👍

[@daniellai9370]

I wish I see this before I drop into the deep end on Saturday. I was busy reading the screen trying to figure out what it is. Very good explanation of the tutorial which answer some questions I'm still trying to find out. Happy riding

[@bikedawg]

Just what I needed to understand how to start--thanks!!

[@christianbueno9579]

Seems like an honest review thanks

[@gemmot2414]

Hi Shane. Can't thank you enough for this tutorial and all your Zwift Tips, which I've been watching in anticipation of joining Zwift this Friday! Extremely excited as it's been a long time waiting but hopefully see you in Watopia soon!

[@Andy_ATB]

This is well timed; had everything set up and Zwift downloaded last week, but sensors wouldn't connect. Had to order an Ant+ dongle - and it arrived a few hours ago; sensors are now connected - first Zwift ride later today.

[@jasonmcgrody9472]

Ant+ can fix a lot of problems. I got a dongle and use it on three devices and it's worked better than the Bluetooth in any of the devices.

[@migzconcha4152]

the best tutorial in youtube for beginners!! cheers mate!!! new subscriber here

[@patrickholbrook4927]

Thanks for vid, helped me decide to join Zwift. I'm a gamer so this will help the motivational aspect for me.

[@timbiddle6866]

Hi Shane, Great vid and set me up for my first Zwift ride today and event for tomorrow. Defo different to TR which I have been using the past two years. Thanks again. Tim

[@BB-se9bl]

Thanks Shane! Really clear tutorial

[@jinx6493]

Really useful and well put together. Thank you 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

[@eastlamb9949]

Shane you're the best at what you do 👍

[@AmberLeaStarfire]

This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@Rabbitnl]

I expect my Wahoo Kickr v5.0 to be delivered tomorrow. Can’t wait to get going.

[@duppy9012]

how was it? mine arrives tomorrow im so hyped.

[@Rabbitnl]

@@duppy9012 I love it. Already 700km on the clock. Love everything about it: workouts, group rides, races, solo rides on the different routes, rides with the pace bots etc. Especially love the climbs. Did the Alp du Zwift twice, once in training, once in a race. And I did the Mont Ventoux in a race. I feel like I really got stronger because of the block training in workouts. Let me know what you think of it. Have fun!

[@Eclipse240]

@@Rabbitnl could you stick to it?

[@Rabbitnl]

@@Eclipse240 , yep! Love it still! I’m at 4975km indoor riding and 870km indoor running at the moment (yes, I bought a treadmill too since running is my primary sport).

[@Eclipse240]

@@Rabbitnl wow, that's awesome. I think i would start with biking, don't want to spent over 500€ thou and the ones you get for this price dont have automatic resistance increase, when you start biking upwards a hill for example. Do you think that this is a big problem? Also, isn't the treadmill to loud if you have neighbours beneath you?

[@stephenpbuchanan]

Hi Simon. Just started my Zwift journey and very happy to have found your channel. Great information and has enabled me to use the program much more effectively. Signed up and powering on. Cheers

[@WhatInTheActualHealth]

Timing couldn't have been better! I just got set up 2 days ago and I'm really looking forward to learning the ins and outs. Thanks so much, mate!

[@JamesG_BKK]

thanks for sharing this, just about to crack on my first ride!

[@playandteach]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@gplama]

Glad I could help! Lots of other Zwifty goodness always being uploaded here.

[@stevechaves8057]

Hi Shane. Thank you for everything that you do. I am always amazed on the in game graphics quality of your setup. Can you possibly do a video on what you use to get the Ultra graphics option.

[@zyghom]

you are incredibly committed ;-)

[@crishickey8239]

Thank you - very helpful!

[@sbrown9888]

Thanks Shane. At least now I know what I missed out on, not much really but I’m sure it is of some assistance for the newbies. I did learn one thing, I didn’t know you could change the mini map. I’m on Apple TV so I don’t think I can change it anyway with that damn remote.

[@gplama]

Oh that remote. ARgh! :) The Companion App has a top-down map that's almost as good.

[@highlandmatt3869]

Cheers Shane, really helpful

[@kurastyles]

Awesome stuff, thanks Shane 👍🏼

[@mpdeviney]

Great video 👌👌👌

[@Bolie420]

I like how even the video game puts you in the middle of the road.

[@lfcatchall]

Thank you.

[@miker5624]

cool! I was looking for a video like this!

[@Gallyga]

This helped a lot thanks. Tbh I don't know why they hide things like settings and garage etc behind the ride button....considering some settings require a restart. The logic is kinda weird. Also think the interface for Surface Laptops / Tablets could be much better if you are using it in tablet mode with no keyboard connected.

[@Brantastic07]

Zwift has came a long way over time. I wonder if we’ll get a velodrome & facial upload?

[@Nothling88]

You'd think that part of the initial setup would be asking where you're from and if you want metric or imperial.

[@gplama]

Yeah... there's a few areas this could be improved.

[@Nothling88]

@@gplama My wife went through this process last night. It seemed quite clunky and I'm a little surprised that there was no option to skip forward through the tutorial as well.

[@RossTheNinja]

If memory serves it asked me for a weight number but I didn't know if it was kilos, stone, pounds or what.

[@UK-Cycling]

Thanks Shane. Best regards Martin

[@SignorLuigi]

Great video. I notice that some options are not available on my Apple TV set-up. For example, I can't turn off that Mind Destroying intro music. That option exists on your PC/Windows, but it's tortuously missing from Apple TV. 😫

[@dewidavies7995]

Thanks 😊

[@langy1318]

Just got the zwift ride set up, being honest a lot of this is going over my head but I'm absorbing bits each time I go on,

[@gplama]

A few things have changed since this video was made. A lot still remains relevant. 👌🏼

[@syamsularifinmohamadyunus8144]

Great sharing

[@hermanbolten]

Shane...thank you!

[@gplama]

You're welcome! Enjoy your riding mate!

[@Selphstube]

Hi Thanks a lot. Can i ask how to start in Zwift this tutorial / intro ride again? Is this only possible at the first time or can i start it manual? Thanks for the answer!

[@RixtronixLAB]

Nice video, thanks :)

[@gtube2010]

Hey Shane I just got a trainer and signed up to Zwift just watching this video now. Really appreciate all the info in this great video! Liked and subscribed! 👍 Pretty cool how you set yourself in the right hand side like that how did you do that? :) i’ve only used 2 or 3 times now but I don’t think I’m getting nearly the quality you’re getting. I’m using an Apple TV 4K. Does the PC get much better picture? I can’t imagine it would take that much graphic power for this game, I’m thinking a 1660 6gb GPU would do the trick? Or more? The dust on gravel and water mist in the rain looks great! Any tips on connecting the Companion app? I can login on my phone but when I try and connect to the Apple TV it doesn’t find my Wahoo. P.S. when your country wasn’t so set you had flag 🇨🇦 👍

[@giodc8599]

Lovely intro to Zwift, which i just started using today. When selecting power feed, is it always the case to get it from the trainer itself (Saris H3)or would you rather get it from the Assioma pedals? Would there be much discrepancy there?

[@AussieDownUnder]

Shane this is excellent. Can I ask though, does it make much difference which REAL bike your connect to the kickr and the software?

[@JuliaYL]

Great help thank you. Will this look the same for me if running from my iPad or iPhone?

[@gplama]

Yes

[@woody65536]

I upgraded from a mag trainer that had 5 settings to a fluid trainer. The fluid trainer is so much harder than the mag trainer!

[@davepratt9909]

So, where is the Llama kit? @zwift should make one available with the next update as a thanks for all you are doing.

[@gplama]

Never had a Lama Kit designed, so I've never asked for one in-game.

[@pjhaction]

Thank you for this video

[@r.massattack4052]

Great Video. I'm set up and ready to go but I can not connect. Does my exercise bike need to be Bluetooth compatible? Not sure what I need to do but this zwift looks like a great test and session. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@davebryer6133]

Thank you, I will be joining Zwift in the next month or so after the smart trainer arrives. Looks like it is best to run this on a computer monitor while it is attached to the computer. Or am I completely missing the boat on that? Thanks for the video, the first time I have actually seen what it looks like.

[@gplama]

A gaming PC hooked up to a large TV via HDMI works best. An AppleTV 4K to a large screen is a cheaper alternative.

[@davebryer6133]

@@gplama Thank you.

[@Digiphex]

I just got hooked to an indoor trainer and Zwift. I am confused about training. I see some 350w spikes in training videos that will make my trainer come to a stop. This never happens in real life to me because I just gear down and go up the biggest hill. Then I coast down the other side of a hill but there is no coasting in the training app. Seems absolutely nothing like riding in real life. What am I doing wrong?

[@gplama]

ERG mode explained: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPInZyNbdqCmM0

[@BarryJHoffman]

Shane, great vid. At 23 min 23 sec you are riding and you hit a climb, it goes to 6%. I am new to Zwift, is there a way when you are climbing to know how long the Hill is (in distance)? When outside and I have my Garmin following a route, I am able to know how long the climb is, how many feet left etc so I can gauge my effort. is there not a way to see this on Zwift???thanks.

[@AussieInJapan]

Thanks Shane! In anticipation of a shutdown of sorts here in Tokyo, a growing number of COVID-19 infections & working from home I bit the bullet and ordered a Wahoo KICKR Core yesterday & it arrived today! Super fast! Bikes inside is a tough topic for a small Japanese apartment, where shoes are taken off. Once I have washed bike spotless I can bring it inside and will be ready to ride! How long do the free ZWIFT codes take to come from Wahoo for new users?

[@gplama]

Not sure with the Wahoo trainers. Most others I’ve had come with a code in the box/documentation.

[@AussieInJapan]

Shane Miller - GPLama thanks mate! See you online!

[@martinrieger9829]

Hello great video, I noticed that you choose Kicker core, is elite or jet black as good experience in Zwift? Please let me know

[@gplama]

The Kickr CORE and JetBlack VOLT are very similar units. I'd lean towards the CORE due to the power drift I experienced with the VOLT. This may have been resolved in firmware since review, but I haven't seen any data on this.

[@outdoorexpeditionsusallc6496]

Great tutorial. Are you using SRAM AXS electronic shifting with the 12 speed cassette?

[@gplama]

I use an AXS 12 speed groupset on an indoor trainer, yes.

[@outdoorexpeditionsusallc6496]

Thanks. Just purchased the Zwift hub and have a specialized diverge that has the GX axs. Was wondering if I was going to have to switch the cassette or if the 12 speed cassette that comes with the Zwift will work with it. Should be here in a few days. Thanks again for all of your tutorials. Learning a lot that will help me quick start the process.

[@1972andyb]

Hi Shane, just noticed something on companion app, maybe been happening for a while and I’ve not noticed, in events select a workout, scroll down to the graph showing power zones, click on graph and it shows the segments that you get on the top left of workout screen with time/wattage.

[@gplama]

I think that's been there for a while... but that's a really good tip I could do a video on. Cheers!