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. 😉

[@heartbenefitsexercisesforh8276]

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

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@authorjohnwquinn]

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

[@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!!☺️

[@nathanoneill2011]

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

[@pete1927]

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

[@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!!!

[@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!!

[@cyc00000]

Good to see you still fit into that old kit!

[@gplama]

.... just :)

[@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! 👌🏼

[@NickMaovich]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheDfergie]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@wavecurrent]

Excellent tutorial to new Zwift cyclist!

[@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 🇦🇺

[@bpriest5108]

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

[@yijuntey]

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

[@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. 🚲

[@sholpanbassibekova5835]

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

[@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

[@padraigosullivan3975]

Great video for a complete new beginner. Appreciated!

[@jonpoon3896]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@terryhill5549]

Thanks Shane, exactly what I am looking for.

[@edwardjcoad]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@garrysansoucie]

Great first timers video, thank you!

[@richbutler5815]

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

[@migzconcha4152]

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

[@kevinbrown3096]

New to swift, loved your review. Thank you 😊

[@AmberLeaStarfire]

This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@christianbueno9579]

Seems like an honest review thanks

[@ackack8752]

Thank you. Really appreciate the video!

[@zyghom]

you are incredibly committed ;-)

[@bikedawg]

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

[@patrickholbrook4927]

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

[@BB-se9bl]

Thanks Shane! Really clear tutorial

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@jinx6493]

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

[@highlandmatt3869]

Cheers Shane, really helpful

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@eastlamb9949]

Shane you're the best at what you do 👍

[@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. 😫

[@playandteach]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@gplama]

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

[@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.

[@mpdeviney]

Great video 👌👌👌

[@JamesG_BKK]

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

[@Brantastic07]

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

[@kurastyles]

Awesome stuff, thanks Shane 👍🏼

[@miker5624]

cool! I was looking for a video like this!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@jralicea6299]

Thanks, very helpful!!!

[@UK-Cycling]

Thanks Shane. Best regards Martin

[@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.

[@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 🇨🇦 👍

[@JuliaYL]

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

[@gplama]

Yes

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@leedixon2113]

Hi Shane, excellent video many thanks. I haven't signed up to zwift yet but have bought a smart trainer, is there a video i can watch that would be prior to this one that covers all the hardware options and how it all comes together? they all seem to gloss over it. Cheers.

[@gplama]

As for how it all comes together, this video might help out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3mUZ6xmdqh-raM

[@leedixon2113]

@@gplama Thanks that is useful. It goes through using ATV do you have something that compares the different systems (PC/ATV - BT/Ant+)? Is the ATV good enough because i'd be buying one specifically for this, i use something else for media streaming, would a PC/Laptop be better? The trainer is the Kickr Bike. Thanks again!

[@gplama]

@@leedixon2113 For just riding/workouts/etc an AppleTV 4K is a good option. If you want true 4K quality, high frame rates, and the ability to stream/etc, then a good PC is what you'll need (one with a decent GPU from Nvidia is ideal).

[@danloughry6512]

With the tour coming to an end can you make a video for Apple TV and Picture in picture

[@rexringschott]

I found it really annoying that it asked my weight in pounds and heigh in feet. I had no idea what they were. They should get you to select preferred measurements units before that screen. However After you get ii. you can select metric and can then get the settings right - but still annoying.

[@hchernandez03]

Poor thing

[@stevec2739]

google it if you cantwork it out, itreally isnt a big deal buddy

[@keithallen4313]

Rex Ringschott change it in the settings just one click.

[@Gallyga]

@@keithallen4313 His point is that the ability to select preferred units comes AFTER the point you enter the information.

[@dewidavies7995]

Thanks 😊

[@lfcatchall]

Thank you.

[@Earclops]

Where is the video that explains how the buttons work? I saw the one when I first set it up by I certainly didn’t memorize it. I have the bike built but no idea how to use it now. Can anyone help? C

[@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.

[@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.

[@syamsularifinmohamadyunus8144]

Great sharing

[@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!

[@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. 👌🏼

[@elliekusa65]

@@gplamaMaybe it is a good time for a new beginner video? I give the link to this video to a lot of people but also say it is a bit dated. 😎

[@hermanbolten]

Shane...thank you!

[@gplama]

You're welcome! Enjoy your riding mate!