ZWIFT A Beginners Guide

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Timestamps: Monthly challenges: 1:05 Route Selections: 1:42 Workouts: 4:18 Ride With Others: 7:15 Quick Join Events: 7:45 Setting Goals: 8:32 How to read your ride stats: 9:44 XP and Drops (Yes they are different): 10:35 How to read the map: 12:19 Leaderboards (KOMs): 13:43 How to read all the data on the rider list: 14:49 Manu layout: 23:14 How to find your XP: 24:17 HOW TO GET THE TRON BIKE: 25:03 Badges and Achievements (XP Boosters: 26:07 Customizing your rider and upgrading equipment: 27:36 What all the settings are: 30:47 Some quick keyboard shortcuts: 34:34 Comprehensive list: zwiftinsider.com/keyboard-sho... Power Ups: 37:30

[@zachwalshe5223]

do you know if you can connect a bkool 'dumb' trainer to zwift?

[@unclefreddy2009]

Seriously... I have watched 20 other videos as a beginner and NONE of them really cover what is needed. This is the best video I have seen. Its complete, and doesn’t dwell on trivial stuff. Thanks

[@Led_Bizkit]

Totally agree

[@stevenarvola5647]

You put into words a comment I was trying to make She flows smoothly from topic to topic and just seems like she should have more followers

[@JJ_Photo]

As a completely new user, I have to agree :) Great intro video. Thanks!

[@unclefreddy2009]

@@CycloneTS1 because she is running on a pc.

[@MrMayito1992]

As a Zwift rooky, as rooky as it can get, i can say that this video has answered all of my questions. I had felt a bit intimidated by Zwift and not really sure it had been a smart investment, until i watched this video. Far more than a tutorial, this is a true guide to start zwifting with better confidence and knowing more than less, what to expect. Thank you for taking the time to create this guide. I will surely be coming back to it for future reference. thank you!

[@RhumRunner41]

She said: “They’re a lot of other resources that can do a better job than I can.” As an old rider returning after an almost 20 years hiatus, I watched a boat load of other resources and I call bull her statement bull. This is by far the most comprehensive and easy to follow informative video on one’s interactions with Zwift. Keep it up! Subscribed.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

🙏 much appreciated, I'm glad you got value out of the video! Welcome to Zwift!!

[@JohnMadelin]

That’s just superb, for beginners and anyone who’s started recently, quick, clear, tells you everything you need to know in a warm accessible style. Best How To Zwift video out there, Thank-You!

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Thank you for the generous compliment!! 🙏

[@orbit_gary]

THAT. WAS. FANTASTIC. I have not seen a better organized, or more thorough video on the Zwift interface. And I’ve watched plenty. I thought 40 minutes was going to be a slog, but it just zoomed by. Thank you, so much.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

So happy it helped! Thanks so much! 😃

[@mcpem26]

Best video I have seen to date. Has explained many things that other videos haven't. The tip about Everest was the best especially for a beginner on Zwift. Great stuff

[@styxxtheanimal5720]

Totally agree there , no one said anything about that when i bought all my gear and were so called , getting taught how to use this program.

[@stevenarvola5647]

New to Zwift and this has to be the most comprehensive video on it and it feels so official/professional Keep up the good work

[@x9lp4hh]

This is the most informative Zwift instructional video out there...in fact, it may be the most informative instructional video out there. For anything. Period. Thank you!!!

[@anniv16v]

I have only come across your videos quite recently and every one so far is away above all others in their field for insight, content, expertise, but above all ease of explanation. I have been on Zwift for over two years, reached level 43 and unlocked the Tron but having watched your video couldn’t believe how little I knew. Fantastic on every level. Thank you so much - please keep producing these gems

[@gregchamberlain7554]

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THIS APP FROM THE BEGINNING. I have went thru 8 videos where they talk about beginning in Zwift, and they share very little info about the different parts or the application.

[@pgoodman56]

Best video for beginners to Zwift. I know because im a newbie and have searched far and wide for descriptive in depth video on navigating this at times daunting platform. Thanks for putting this video together. Very helpful. I would very much look forward to an even more detailed video in the future.

[@leeoien3645]

Excellent! Especially helpful! I've been using Z for 2 weeks now. This info will come in handy starting with my very next ride!

[@anthonygardiner9850]

Best video to watch as a beginner. Like many, I've watched loads of beginner videos that just don't do the job this one does!

[@triathloninspired]

The best video for beginners! You've got a subscriber.

[@rolandharrison579]

Very comprehensive and informative. Best Zwift video I have seen covering all aspects of the platform. Thanks

[@brianquarman5847]

Super video! I applauded for A$2.00 👏

[@GazzaView123]

As a newbie to Zwift (less than a week!) thank you for such a clear, concise, informative video. Such a great help!

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Glad it was helpful! 😀

[@Alniemi]

By far the most comprehensive and easy to get review ive seen! Thank you! I am getting a whole setup soon, and its my first time. Very excited! Keep a lookout for A.Niemi in the coming weeks!

[@mattrassette7794]

Thank you. This is extremely helpful and very well done. I've only been Zwifting for a couple of days and there is so much to take in. Your video is helping me feel more part of the Zwift community.

[@danielhortop5238]

A Great into to Zwift - I feel more ready and in the know to tackle it... Thanks SO much!

[@rickmatheson503]

I just signed up for zwift and it is a bit overwhelming all the stuff to learn. This video is a great start!

[@doloresneilson5349]

Thank you . Being new to indoor cycling, was overwhelmed by all the apps and couldn’t decide which would be best fit for me. Difficult when you don’t know the content of any of them. Thank you so much for volunteering your time and knowledge!

[@vincentslusser9205]

This is a lot of helpful information. Triathlete here and wanted to get the basics. Thank you.

[@michelejackson754]

I just started using Zwift following knee surgery. GREAT and informative video! I had been doing the free 7 day trial and didn't know what a lot of items were - until now. Now, to figure out how to interact while I'm riding. I use an AppleTV and that remote is touchy at best.

[@RafaelFaenir]

Amazing guide, thank you very much for it! I have seen it in the KZbin suggestions and king of avoided it due to the length... but it is definitely worth it, all the important information well explained! I should have seen it earlier! ;)

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Thank you! I pondered whether or not yo split it up into smaller chunks but didn't want to make it a pain to find all the pieces. I wish Zwift would throw an icon next to the videos with chapters to demonstrate that people can skip around a little more for longer tutorial videos.

[@RafaelFaenir]

​@@EverythingIsPhotogenic I think it makes sense to have it all in one video, it feels very fluent/didactic as it is and it keeps all together, dividing in chunks would make the total (added) time even longer... I ended up seeing lots of other video chunks, probably took me longer and I learned less than here =P The Timestamps on the video (and in the description) do the job :)

[@irenebonta6073]

I didn't know the drops were useful to buy equipment! Now I upgraded my bike! Thanks a lot! I'll follow you on Strava!

[@lizdawson4236]

Thank you so much - this was great. I watched it on the smartTV with my iPad open just watching on Zwift and gave out so many ride ins. I’m definitely going on tonight to try some of the things I’ve learned 😀

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Awesome! Glad to hear it! You're going to have a blast, Zwift is a great platform.

[@Cookefan59]

OUTSTANDING! Thank you so much! New to Zwift and hooked. Like button smashed and subscribed. What a great effort. Looking forward to binging your videos.

[@MartinSchabbauer]

Very helpful and inspiring. I realise that this video is done three years ago - but I still enjoyed it very much. :)

[@dean3302]

I spotted my real world bike in your video. S-works venge. I now have a target to shoot for as well as the tron bike.

[@kennethwilliams5241]

I'm new to Zwift only 2 weeks riding and I was totally confused. Thank you so much for this fantastic video. You have a new fan and subscriber.

[@styxxtheanimal5720]

Best vid i have ever seen on getting started. As a new rider all the new tech was confusing as hell for me , but this has certainly cleared up all i needed to know. Much appreciated :)

[@mocat4]

Great video, Sarah! I didn't know about the little lightning bolt icon indicating estimated power. Good to know!

[@MannBazza]

You’re a wizard! Love your vlogs. Thanks for this

[@camillevote7901]

Thank you Great video I am new but I love Zwift It’s fun and the time passes quickly.

[@stevemacmillan5193]

Hi Sarah. I have been using Zwift for about 6 months now (although currently injured with a torn ligament in my foot!) and I didn't know about most of your tips on this post, especially all the small symbols. I also wasn't aware about the challenge option. So, like you, I have been riding without accruing anything towards the Tron bike! I'll have to change that lol. Anyway, thanks again for another informative video. See you on the next one. :)

[@harrygrey8825]

Just starting with ZWIFT. Lot's to ingest, but very helpful. Will be coming back to reference. Thx

[@sean82sylt]

Beginner here. Very useful and helpful guide. Thank you!

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful! There have been some menu changes and refreshes, but I hope this helps you navigate for the most part. I really need to refresh this video!

[@michaelk.920]

Thank you Sarah for your thorough explanation.

[@OhShunz]

This is fantastic! Seems I’m late to the Zwift game being that this vid is 2yrs old but I’m super stoked to join in on the fun finally. As I contemplate my room/equipment set up I’m curious about how you all interact with this system while riding? With the chats and shortcuts etc. if I use this via my pc and wahoo kickr would most also have a cell phone tied in to do typing? Thanks again for the amazing video!!!

[@brendanholden6914]

Video 2 watched. Thanks for taking time to help a newbie. Look forward to seeing more over time.......and some newer ones eventually too

[@bethyounker555]

Phenomenal video, this was so helpful for me, thank you!!

[@rollandjoeseph]

New subscriber, and going to be joining zwift soon ...you go through this app like a drill Sargent, direct and to the point! ..lol..this is a big help ,you rock, thx 🙂

[@lindasommer5843]

Hi, and thank you very much for this detailed tour. I do have a question that arose during a training ride, specifically a cadence workout On the screen, a set of numbers, possibly a gear ratio, showed up. I do not recall the exact numbers but it was something like "53:16". This happened a few times. It was during the "free ride" section. Is this in regard to a specific gear setting? I assumed it meant 'use the big ring in front, and grind up this hill", but I am not sure. Thanks for the opportunity to ask basic questions! I have a new Elite Suite trainer; I love it. I am amazed at all Zwift has to offer.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

It may have been giving you a cadence range in the prompts for the recovery set. Zwift doesn't call out gearing unless the text in the workout says something like big ring or little ring. It would be very clear what that was. I am not sure what it would have been. If it was someone's custom workout or a group workout, it could have had some specific meaning, but without the context I wouldn't know. It is likely something specific to those workout instructions and wouldn't be something that you would see regularly on Zwift.

[@lindasommer5843]

@@EverythingIsPhotogenic Ok, thank you. It was during a specific training session, one of the early rides in "off season training". This varies between endurance training, and Cadence training. So this was either "Over-Gear" session, or "Cadence Into One-Under". The particular event I am describing happened, several times, during the 15 minute "free ride", which came after the warm up, and before the sprinting. Thanks

[@lindasommer5843]

@@EverythingIsPhotogenic PS. The brief message was in mid screen, in white letters, and it did not stay on the screen long.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

@@lindasommer5843 yep that's a text prompt. Just a suggestion. You'll find sometimes the stuff is just silly 🙃

[@lindasommer5843]

@@EverythingIsPhotogenic ...ok, I just want to do it right.. I just started a few weeks ago.

[@mlegrand]

Great video! Lots of good details here. I think it’s going to help a lot of people! 👍

[@lindalowell8834]

Thanks!

[@franciscomalpic6524]

Excellent Video. Complete and to the point. Thank you!

[@cherylpoulter270]

Such useful content. That front screen is packed full of info and not knowing what it all meant was bothering me. I’ve picked so much up. Thank you very much. Off to sign up for Everest! Might take a millennium but every ride will now count! 👍👍

[@waterdeptworker]

Awesome...Will probably have my trainer next week.

[@markfoster2033]

Thanks for posting this video.I'm new to Zwift so it's a steep learning curve & this video is very helpful. Liked & subscribed!

[@mscottledoux93]

This was an amazing review! I have been Zwifting for 2 weeks and this was still super helpful. Thank you very much!

[@mscottledoux93]

Watching more videos now! Super helpful!!!

[@vietcapital123]

Thanks alot for the great works! Done several IM70.3, looking to train for IM. Any recommendation for which channels/similar sharing posts would be much appreciated! Tks

[@plumbgray]

Thank you that was a excellent tutorial 👍 wished had watched it before started my Zwift journey 😊 watched few your other videos too. Really excellent high quality very well explained content! Very much appreciated 🙏

[@brianbonser9911]

Great video, thanks. I may of missed it, but how do I give a 'ride on' to other riders? Thanks

[@АлександрГорюнов-р1э]

Thank you for this useful explanation 🙏

[@ltu42]

Thanks! Super useful, didn't expect it.

[@chuckb4375]

Wow - wonderful organization & attention to detail! I love the way you've structured things topically like chapters or a book or Wikipedia page -- makes it useful as a reference that people can keep coming back to :-)

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Thank you very much. I was hoping this would end up a good resource that people can pluck what they needed from. Thank you for watching!!

[@dacotahspurgeon2782]

Thank you! I'm a newbie and now things make a lot more sense. Have one question: I (think) I selected the ride I wanted but kept looking for the 'finish'. It never came so I just kept riding... How do I know I"m 'done' with my ride? I simply stopped and exited the game when I was ready to stop. I had gone roughly 3 times the distance of the ride I had selected. Thanks for any assistance.

[@jonesypaddlearounddevon]

Very well explained I just joined zswift this makes it lot easier to understand thank you 👍👩‍🚒

[@mct8888]

Thank you so much for putting this video together, so helpful!

[@KP1Shot]

Just got my trainer today (elite suito) anxious to get in there! Great video thank you!

[@annamariegirard948]

This is great. You answered a lot of questions and will make my experience that much more fun. Thanks

[@bw567]

Super helpful overview. Well detailed, a must watch

[@RSChris1980]

Thanks for this video! I’ve got my Suito on order so figure I start getting familiar with this now, then I can get into it at the earliest opportunity. Liked and subscribed! 👌🏼

[@callasjourney1931]

Awesome video. Thank you

[@gilsonpsvita8446]

Amazing job - your video helps me a lot 👍🏻

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Great! Glad to hear it!

[@vettalink6817]

Thank you. What I needed to know.

[@paulpatterson9338]

you have been so much help to me.

[@philmcmullan2332]

New to Zwift, excellent intro video for a beginner. Thank you.🚴

[@philmcmullan2332]

On two occassions I have hit ride and once the screen loads I am unable to cycle from the start position. The menu botton is in the bottom left screen and I have to close the programme and restart. May be a computer issue. Thank you for all the links to further videos. Philip.

[@quwannamoore2588]

Great video! You have sold me on Zwift! :)

[@milindapanha]

Thanks! This is very helpful. Can you cover the map in the top right corner. I can’t figure out if the altitude profile at the bottom of the map goes right to left or the other way around. Also what do the markers mean? Thanks 🙏

[@bobzuidema3560]

Thnx! Pretty new to Zwift and this helped alot!

[@jessicaclarke8959]

brilliant explenation! thank you so much!

[@alimaleki217]

Absolutely great intro! Thanks.

[@djiembefola]

Excellent video! Thanks from a noob.

[@anitagrainger5022]

Thanks, really comprehensive, being a zwift newbie

[@lauradettmann5513]

Hi, great video. I was researching for a friend new to Zwift and I learned a few things also! Question - why do some riders have an orange thumbs up/ride on next to their names? I can’t seem to figure that out.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Hi, sometimes if they give you a ride on or go through a banner near you the thumbs up will show up so you can give one back/to them 🙂

[@misfireendurance]

Thank you so so so much for this fantastic video!!

[@jeffb1886]

Thanks!! After using Zwift for awhile, I still don't understand the orange arcs on the calendar. I finally realized it shows the days I've ridden. But what does the SIZE of the arc show? Some go 1/4 around, others abit larger. Time riding?? If so, what's the meaning here???

[@jafackl]

Great job Sarah..thanks!

[@chocol8milkman750]

Great video. awesome explanation for me, a beginner. How'd you get the VC kit? I'm not vegan, but I love Tyler's videos.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

You'll need to join one of his 100+1 rides.

[@pamelapatterson2972]

so good, Zwift should hire you!

[@marymaier2204]

Awesome video! Thank you !

[@larryfinke6133]

So appreciated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@1carus1]

Very helpful - many thanks

[@kevinhawker2946]

Thank you so much for all this useful info!!!

[@andrecarbonneau8427]

So what are the little orange and white thumbs up icons which show up beside riders names once in a while?

[@yaaqobwilson4427]

Great job! Thanks for explaining to us beginners.

[@jinx6493]

Really useful video, thank you for the great content 👍

[@grey_fox7]

Is there a way to flick an elbow in the race to coordinate pulls?

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Yep, on a computer the hotkeys for rider animations are: F1: Stick out elbow F2: Wave hand F3: “Ride On!” F4: “Hammer Time!” F5: “Nice!” F6: “Bring It!” F7: “I’m toast” F8: Bike bell F10: Screen Capture/Photo If you are on mobile or ATV, you can actually hit the screen and the little menu with the blue boxes pops up and you can scroll to the right. You can click the buttons for an animation. Unless you're on a computer, the hassle might not be worth it in a race - also, I don't see it used a ton, so people may not recognize it if you use it. It's great in theory though.

[@grey_fox7]

@@EverythingIsPhotogenic thank you! This was an awesome intro into Zwift! Much appreciated.

[@DanielBaxSpeaks]

I thank you for you very informative videos. I have just begun the indoor smart training. I was riding 350+ km / wk before surgeries and covid. Now I get to play here and learn this platform. How do you give a RideOn while riding or training? I am looking forwards to watching more of your videos. Thank you Daniel Baximum

[@mettebundgaard2731]

Very useful thank you for easy explanation.

[@ingridlist7018]

Wow, great video.. very helpful for beginners like me.. thank you..

[@blkmrktrunner6524]

Thanks for this. Once I’ve signed up for an event is there a way to move to the start line by some command vs waiting for the software to put up the Let’s Go or Join Event button? I’ve missed a few races that I’d signed up for because as I was warming up on the default course it never prompted me to join.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Hi, I've seen that a few times. Its a bit of a bug. If you unjoin from companion app and then re-join it will ask both on the companion app and your ride screen to "join now." Not a perfect fix but it works. 🙂

[@dannolan4419]

Sarah, I have a Snode indoor spin bike from Snode -AMZ. With power meter. Comparing to classic trainer watts are way off. Any thoughts.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

I'm not super familiar with the Snode. What is it using as a power meter, are you using pedals? Are you using the same power meter on a classic trainer and getting different numbers?

[@dannolan4419]

@@EverythingIsPhotogenic The power meter is some generic built into the spin bike LED, has 35 lb flywheel. Used speed sensor on an 8spd bike classic trainer. Highest watts from Zwift past stats 323 watts on classic, 140 watts on the spin bike. I use a separate heart rate monitor and that seems accurate. I guess guess the 35lb flywheel vs the 26” tire is the explanation. Thanks and I look forward to seeing more of your vids.

[@joffs123]

Super video - thank you so much

[@kendoclem]

Excellent video Sarah, big help for a newbee like me :-)

[@pete1927]

A really superb guide, however as a newbie the elevation profile is about as much use as a chocolate fire guard. Considering all our bike computers can offer a colour coded view of the route I find it bizarre that Zwift can't put a colour coded route elevation across the bottom of the screen. PS I have a 42 inch tv and can barely see the elevation coming up.

[@jamar959]

Great video. I continue to say that I'm a little disappointed in the lack of intuitive layout on Zwift. For example, why can't you go into settings without starting a ride? Or my biggest complaint is the difficulty (or lack of) selecting options through Apple TV, but that could be operator error. But I've only been on it for 2 months so I'm still learning. In addition, some of the set up options you show (Training Difficulty, Screen Mode) I don't have. Maybe they've changed since you posted this (18 months ago)?