Zwift RIDE Hardware Teardown and Handlebar Upgrade!

[@nickdorsett7777]

Agree with people here on the fixed crank length being a bummer, also a future version having a belt drive would be awesome

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

About the only thing holding me back at this point is the lack of adjustability in the cranks. Maybe V2 will pick that up especially as it looks like they’ll have to be custom.

[@simonstucki]

it's really a shame, at least they went with 170mm which isn't that much too long for most men.

[@pwreset]

Just got the bike today, while I love it, the crank felt too short compared to my bike. I'll have to get used to it I guess.

[@kalamarusffm]

Would have been an instant buy if it wasn't for the fixed crank length

[@sethcycle4591]

You'd think selling optional bolt on cranks of different sizes would be worth it. Would be a fairly simple part to manufacture all things considered.

[@hicham1909]

@@sethcycle4591 Since they are metal piece, I feel like threading them could be doable and cheap enough

[@SharpByCoop]

I drilled and threaded a second set of holes for 155mm length on MY Ride. It's working famously for me (5'6"). I posted the WIP on Zwift Forums and the mods deleted it. They do NOT want DIY fixes. I also posted it on Reddit on r/Zwift. Find it. Of course the PUNDITS are abundant, yet I will tell you I have had ZERO probs. I filled the blank hole with a threaded plug (cut off from an old set of Pedals.) Go for it.

[@davidrowe8747]

Thanks for all the hard work you do to keep the Zwift community informed, Shane - I hope Zwift appreciate it, too!

[@CraigSheahan]

Wouldn’t suprise me if “someone” quickly rips off those cranks as a template, and then makes them in the other lengths, to sell as a aftermarket option, of which there clearly will be a market for. That someone will make a tidy earning for their efforts too 💰💰💰

[@cbenson513]

Thanks for the in-depth coverage! I like Zwift's virtual gearing/shifting and the idea of the Zwift ride, but not being locked into Zwift for non-erg rides.

[@NotElvis]

>I like Zwift's virtual gearing/shifting and the idea of the Zwift ride, but not being locked into Zwift for non-erg rides. This bike *is* locked in Zwift for everything *except* erg rides in certain scenarios.

[@evanshaw17]

Shane I love it. Perfect. Saves my road bike from salt and rust. Shifting is magic. Bike with trainer very reasonable. Wish I could use my tacx trainer but ok. Got one!!!

[@JubasAus]

Such a good, detailed break-down of the product. Thank you!

[@cletusowns]

Very cool. I am really considering this and I already run 170mm cranks! I have a mtb and gravel bike and for now i am popping the gravel bike on and off the kickr trainer I am borrowing so this solves the borrowed trainer problem and the bike swapping problem all at once.

[@TonyWestAU]

Hey Wifey, you know you always ask me for ideas for Fathers Day and I always say "I don't know, surprise me". Well, this year I know - get me the Zwift Frame.

[@landixus]

Triple Thumbs! If I didn't already have a Kickr bike I would buy this thing in a heartbeat! Next Video: Conversion to belt drive ;)!!!1 *PLEEAAASSSE

[@Roy-ud1db]

Fantastic video. Very informative, thanks for sharing Shane.

[@abedfo88]

I love the look of this thing

[@kimpedersen]

Thanks alot for a great video! - I'm prolly gonna go for the frame once that's available if it will fit on my Zwift HUB

[@AlexStavrinides]

Good tear down and sec review!! Could the removable front foot be for future upgrade option? Maybe a foot with a pivot point to create a rocker plate motion. Also, that chain option going through the rear triangle rather than wrapping around it gives the potential for a belt drive to lower the maintenance even further.

[@lastpme]

This is an interesting idea. I currently use my entry level road bike on my Wahoo trainer. Since I mainly use ergo mode, my setup works for me since I have another road bike that I use when riding outdoors. I am surprised they find a way for it to fit the Kickr Climb so riders could go up and down on the free rides in Zwift. I have the Climb and use it when I am not doing a training workout and don’t feel like riding outside.

[@Velvetnos]

Shane thank you for this super informative video. I have my Zwift Ride coming in a week and plan to see if I can attach the frame to the Zwift Move (with the frame locked out). I am guessing it should work. Keep up the great content!

[@Velvetnos]

After hooking up the Ride frame to my Zwift Move it works! I did notice some limitations regarding the handlebar functionality. For instance there is no option to shift Shimano or SRAM or anything else. That functionality resides in the KICKR Core. Looks like we will have to wait until a firmware is released to fully accommodate the play handlebars with the zwift Move

[@kevinderung8524]

this was perfect...they left the door open for some future add ons

[@sgp7975]

When my Stages SB20 goes kapoot I hope to replace it with this. Hopefully it'll still fit on my rocker plate.

[@jandevisser2385]

Same

[@ffwdzwift4541]

Nice upgrade Shane. Looks way bettter.

[@robertfelicetti]

Hi. I am trying to swap out the stock pedals to the clipless pedals, I purchased a set measuring 9/16. I took off the the stock pedals, when I tried putting the new pedals the threads are connecting. I tried both sides and no luck. Any ideas?

[@draugmithrin]

Next add a small wheel to the front, singlespeed wheel on the back, and ride it on the road. 😎

[@user-bz8dv3lx5x]

I saw eric min on zwift today. Figured out who he was when he gave me a kudos for a joke i made (long story) I asked specifically for him to consider selling the shifters separately. One can hope lol

[@40datboysha]

Thanks for the indepth breakdown and review. Not the white bartape??? LOL

[@invisiblescout6335]

the proprietary crank and its fixed length is a huge miss unfortunately

[@phil_d]

Same with the Watt Bike. Part of the algorithm to calculate power is based on rheir fixed crank length.

[@40datboysha]

Yes, it’s a no for me. KICKR bike got it right though.

[@kayjay8578]

When I first saw this trainer, I was immediately ready to purchase. I run 165/160mm cranks. Oh well...

[@doppelnfts]

What does this mean?

[@phil_d]

@@doppelnfts It means, if you run the same crank length as the Zwift bike ... good to go. Anything outside that, then be prepared to compromise.

[@galenkehler]

Thanks for a great video, and thanks for the top tube width measure, i have a feeling that was just for me 😂😂😂 I'm a bit puzzled about all the super proprietary crank/BB parts, like they went a long way out of their way to make it difficult to change cranks.

[@gplama]

Agreed on the cranks. They come off easily so maybe they can offer after market cranks at some point.

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

Great Vid . Looks good value for what you get, but it's not tempting enough for me to ditch Kickr and climb

[@MichaelHastings-ys4yb]

Thanks for the tear down Would be great if you could convert to belt drive

[@derekkuhl]

That is a massive service to all Zwifters. I love the idea of the bike but I need shifting since I ride other platforms. I would love to go this super clean route for my setup. Anyway, a massive thanks for all the info, everyone contemplating a purchase needs to watch this. Thanks a ton!

[@user-bz8dv3lx5x]

I already got a dedicated zwift bike and use the climb.... I want those shifters lol

[@gplama]

I'll sell you these for US$1299 😉

[@peterford7805]

Why not make the seatpost a rectangle/oval shape, then it could be reversed for greater for/aft saddle movement? That would also keep it perfectly aligned.

[@DontGetDroppedCycling]

Zwifts needs to sell those shifters and we good to go from here on out!!!! Anyone that has a review unit that's going to turn into a clothes hanger please rip those shifters off and ship to me asap! 🤣

[@thomaslianee7494]

Thanks for the video. Wouldn’t it still be better find a cheap 16-speed bike and then buy the kickr core? Then you will still have a normal bike plus if you have problems it should be easier to fix.

[@danielisrael5365]

From the day these came out I didn't understand why they don't just sell the bars with hoods/controllers and you can attach them to any bike. now even more so if you can just put the hoods on any handlebar. A lot of people already have dedicated trainer bikes and even if not you can buy a cheap frame, cranks, and chain for way less than $1,200. The only proprietary thing about this is the controller.

[@jbuzza00]

They already sell the Zwift Play controllers but maybe they will make these ones available too. Also need more trainers to support the Zwift protocol for virtual shifting.

[@AlexStavrinides]

For the racers, we've seen Zwift race stipulations where X2 power measurements are need to ensure no cheating. Does this mean with the proprietary cranks either a Zwift-Wahoo crank colab will be needed or a spider/pedal based power meter will be needed too? Will the clearances around the Zwift cranks give allowances for a ring based power meter?

[@anonymousraz0294]

I sweat buckets during my 1-hour Zwift rides, I end up looking like I just ran through a sprinkler system lol.😂

[@michael1]

Yeah, which means you should always question the idea stuff indoors (like bearings) will last longer. if there's any opportunity for sweat to get in them then they won't.

[@noodleonpedals]

Any idea if they will release the new zwift ride hoods/controllers separately? Take my money!

[@gplama]

I guess they'd have to consider it if there was enough demand (similar to different crank lengths).

[@Killberty]

Can you try mounting it on a kickr move please?

[@becausewin]

lol

[@Velvetnos]

@@becausewin locked out it should work, will let you know when I try it.

[@michaelnewman4302]

Is the Ride frame's "near future" the same "near future" as virtual shifting on the Kickr V5's "near future"?

[@rongurney48]

The Ride will be much more stable on the Kickr Move and Kickr trainers ( non-Core)

[@gplama]

Possibly due to the different legs/stability of those trainers.

[@rongurney48]

@@gplama Exactly.

[@hw646]

Great informational video! The crankset situation changed from 90% buying to 40-50%. Question. I understand it needs the Zwift app for shifting. Does it work without Zwift subscription?

[@stevenwilliams7774]

Did you make a video on the routing of the chargers with Y cable for one charing port?

[@gplama]

Not yet

[@edo3000v6]

I need to project a new base for the front, 3D print? Sure

[@JasonButcher-u4o]

Thanks for the informative vid as always Shane 👍🏻. Having used it, do you think it would be possible to retrofit a set of forks onto it to make it climb compatible? Which is something that zwift could have easily done in the original design (removable centre leg that slid up inside a fork design).

[@gplama]

You’d need to chop the front leg in 1/2 and make a mounting bracket to connect to the Climb. Not impossible. Just a bit of hacking around.

[@tmarkussen]

What insights do you have to when the Zwift Ride will be sold separately? Waiting for this :-)

[@gplama]

I'd expect it to be within two months. Maybe.

[@ShadowzKiller]

Honestly, with all the information out there regarding the importance of crank length and that this is marketed for a more serious cyclist than a peloton user, the lack of adjustable cranks is a big miss.

[@matt.eggleton]

Great video, as always! I can't help but wonder how this frame will work with other (non-Wahoo) trainers, e.g. TACX Neo 2T. I suppose you'd have to convert to a SS cog in the rear, but I don't know that I've seen that done yet. I'd love a video exploring what's feasible today and what's in the works for cross-compatibility. Thanks a ton!

[@gplama]

Garmin/TACX will need to support the 'Zwift Protocol' for virtual shifting. The RIDE (non bundle) will likely ship with a COG that'll slide onto any Shimano HG freehub. What works today is the Kickr CORE, Kickr 6, Kickr MOVE, and Zwift HUB. That may change soon.... Eurobike is next week.

[@jbuzza00]

@@gplama I have Neo 2 but very tempted by this setup. Is there any sign that Tacx/Garmin will update firmware for Neos ?

[@matt.eggleton]

@@gplama looking forward to hearing what you learn. I still have a 2018(?) Kickr Core over in the corner of the Pain Cave, but my 2T is my #1 trainer. While on the theme of need to support virtual shifting, do me a favor and kick somebody in the shin -- let them know there are A LOT of flat bar Zwifters out here that they're ignoring. Thx a ton! Ride hard!

[@gplama]

@@jbuzza00 I have very limited insight into anything Garmin/Tacx these days. If they do end up supporting this, I'll cover it here.

[@RXP91]

The fore and aft adjustment on mine is completely stuck - need to disassemble the whole thing just to get it to move and even then it barely does.

[@gplama]

🔨

[@RXP91]

@gplama ha! That's exactly what I did. Used a mallet well really a 2.5kg plate and it shifted

[@CycleXplorer]

Can't decide whether this is fair value or over priced. Nice to have a dedicated set up but also you could save a chunk by using an actual bike on the trainer which you could then use outside. Will like seeing one down the bike shop when someone needs a new bottom bracket 😂 if the bike is available on its own it'll have to be cheap as again you could buy an actual bike to ride outside. But I guess it has its purpose.

[@gplama]

It’s not going to be for everyone.

[@garysladek9110]

Ebay frame, cheap shifters, crankset cassette. All for less, and crank size you prefer. For me, it's a no. Cheers.

[@87togabito]

@@garysladek9110same here. I bought the cheapest Triban as my sacrificial trainer bike. When it spoils, I’ll just convert it into a market bike.

[@NotElvis]

@@gplama "It’s going to be for everyone." I think you left out a word :) Obviously, being Zwift-Only is significant limitation. The wireless shifters depend on the Zwift App to shift virtual gears. This means the bike - even with a different trainer attached - will work only with the Zwift app..

[@gplama]

@@NotElvis Correct. I did. Fixed. (I replied while out on the roadside on a Sunday night testing more bike things... thankfully this wasn't the DURA, so the tests worked!)

[@Digitalbath570]

Think you could mount aero bars on aswell?

[@gplama]

Sure. You’ll just need to rip the top tray off and find a set of bars that’ll work.

[@COYSMike]

The ultimate bottom bracket test would be let Mr Searle have a go and see how it is after a year!

[@jameshelm2847]

If my calculations are correct, the bearings are rated at 25,000kM or about 15,500 miles. If a person does an average of 41 miles daily, these bearings should be used up at the end of the year. Shane said the bearings were tested up to 25,000kM, not rated for only 25,000km.

[@michael1]

@@jameshelm2847 I'd guess the biggest causes of failure on bottom brackets are contamination, bad alignment and then the forces put on it, rather than the number of times it rotates. Similar to the chain really, if you ride in winter, through mud or sand, do a lot of standing up straining on the pedals in low gears, or massive sprints, ride with a cross chain, change gears under load then your chain most likely won't last as long as someone with a clean, well lubricated chain who spins lightly on dry days. I guess people would think riding indoors is more like the latter than riding MTB trails, but you have to be wary of sweat. Equally though, the over obsessive drive chain cleaner probably wears out their parts faster than necessary.

[@jameshelm2847]

@@michael1@michael1 You need to be wary of sweat, standing up, straining on the pedals in low gears, and massive sprints indoors as well. Isn't that what some of our training or racing involves?

[@jonjurgens7412]

While I ride 170mm my best cycling buddy rides 175mm, my brother rides 172.5mm and my wife rides 165mm. This fixed crank arm length with non-standard crank is an absolute swing and a miss.

[@gplama]

It’d be good to see them offer after market crank lengths. They come off with a standard square taper puller.

[@patrickweir561]

🎊 nice one,when it’s a frame only option using my v6 will it be good to go to go with a cassette on the back 🤷‍♂️😊

[@gplama]

You'll likely need to swap out the chain or use a 9spd (or lower cog count) on the rear. The KMC chain is one chunky monkey.

[@patrickweir561]

@@gplama Ty 🤩guess the cog is the easy option that’s an additional purchase tho , cheers mate 😎

[@chrishophoto]

Inability to change to a different crank arm length is a deal breaker for me. Not that I was in the market, as I have a huge stable of bikes and a Wahoo Kickr, Climb, Fan…., but Zwift should address this shortcoming b

[@FrankPlateDE]

Great video! Do you know if there is a way to use the shifter in mywhoosh as well?

[@gplama]

Zwift only at this point.

[@paulschulman8131]

Oh hey a pressfit bottom bracket.

[@gplama]

CeramicSpeed are surely planning something here! An upgrade kit worth more than the bike!

[@paulschulman8131]

@@gplama why not something from a 5yo 🤔 Also it seems likely belt drive is a future option at least the impression I got from a comment by DCR when I said it looked possible

[@galenkehler]

At this point, dumping on "press-fit" simply reveals ignorance, since the entire mechanical world runs on pressfit bearings. The trick here isn't the BB, those 6004 bearings are a very common size, it's the 20mm axle crank that's the trick to find

[@paulschulman8131]

@@galenkehler who said I was dumping on pressfit? I love pressfit. Surprised a bicycle (even a trainer form) is using it in this day and age where almost all mainstream brands run away from it.

[@jameshelm2847]

There appears to be a bolt on the upper portion of the front tube (in the back.) What is that for? Do you know if the Kickr Climb is still popular, or was it cool to try when it came out and has been forgotten by most people?

[@bmiller8461]

GP, if one already has a dedicated trainer bike and is considering an indoor upgrade, which would be a better option, this Zwift Ride or the Kickr Move? Or would saving up for the Kickr Bike/Shift be a better option than either of these?

[@gplama]

Entirely your call. There's no 'one option is best' solution. I respect there's a LOT to factor in, budget being one of them.

[@noam3d]

How about the chain noise? Is it on the same level when running normal bike paired with smart trainer?

[@danvalicek]

My Zwift Ride was delivered, but with two left-side crank arms! So I can't mount pedals (or at least not a right one). Who knows how long it will take for this problem to be solved... :(

[@PaulHuizer]

Nice, now change the.chain to a beltdrive…

[@timdixo]

The flatter Zwift hoods look so much more comfortable than the Kickr Bike hoods with their tiny area to rest the palm...a major design fail by Wahoo on an otherwise solid product.

[@glennsmith3146]

What tool can you use to remove the crank? Park Tool CP22?

[@vu3088]

Why did you decide to change the bars?

[@karenmiller779]

Any idea as to when virtual shifting is coming to the version 5 and 6 of the kickrs?

[@rongurney48]

Wahoo announced it is on V6, but will not be upgraded to V5 as originally promised.

[@psouthworth]

Hambini fans waiting for a compatible bottom bracket...

[@AlexandreCosta82]

What’s your experience with those handlebars? Good quality or cheap Ali stuff?

[@gplama]

Haven't snapped them in half yet. I'm not in a rush to put them on any outdoor bike at this point.

[@winkbacon2358]

Shane, I am very interested in this but also very interested in the race mode. Is there any chatter about race mode coming to the kicker core with a firmware update? I sent an email to wahoo but they did not have much insight. Thanks

[@gplama]

No word. Unlikely I’d say.

[@markswendell9151]

Does or is the lower section of the front leg (The Black Part) have a join or is this just painted black? Thinking there's the potential, if there was a break, to add a bracket with with drops to allow fitting on to a climber device.

[@gplama]

Painted. You'll need to cut it to fit it (with a bracket) on a Climb.

[@NeverTakeNoShortcuts]

Still waiting for that Tacx Neo3 hand's on review....

[@gplama]

That's in the hands of Garmin. The NEO 3M is still unavailable here in Australia. Six months after 'release'.

[@NeverTakeNoShortcuts]

@@gplama I understand. Garmin isn’t too smart. Your reviews have caused me to buy a number of products.

[@hicham1909]

Hi there! Are the cranks ''full alloy''? I have a disability making me need 100mm cranks. Thinking of just threading them, which could be a good plan in my case!

[@andrebaranv]

Got a link for those handlebars?

[@gplama]

No links. AliExpress are a total PITA when it comes to those. Search for "RXL SL Carbon Road Handlebar" and they should pop up somewhere.

[@jeffgrimm8887]

It seems like everything Zwift introduces is half thought out. Frame doesn't work with a climb, single length crank arms, non standard bottom bracket, Zwift only compatible shifting, etc.

[@felkerino1]

Hack forward slash bodge

[@samfrombelgium]

Its all part of a 5 year marketing plan. There will be a V2. V3 .... or adapter sjit

[@ojtamno]

Ok. Need to ask this: how long this white tape remains white?

[@zoid88]

I dont see why zwift can't allow people to pick their own custom gearing with the zwift click. This shows they have the ability, so why can't I pick the gearing I have on my outdoor bike?

[@jrcp87]

why would you want a larger chainring?

[@gplama]

Higher flywheel speed for more inertia which better replicates things like ITT etc.

[@jrcp87]

@gplama thanks for the reply! I am hoping that guy on reddit makes that adjustable or different length crank arms. Thinking on buying this for my kid that is big on zwift.

[@markm3384]

If you were to put a 46t chainring on would the tensioner not be in a different position due to the chain being stretched more?

[@gplama]

Maybe... not a $20 bet I'm willing to place at the moment. :)

[@MattFoley23]

Will this work with a rocker plate? There is no way to secure the front to the plate so I wonder if it would be stable.

[@davidrowe8747]

It would be as stable as a bike with a front wheel (that isn't fixed to the rocker plate).

[@BobShurunkle]

Can I ask if that’s the stock saddle, or if it’s one you’ve added?

[@gplama]

That's the stock saddle.

[@petercurrie1318]

What do you think about the handlebar? Would you use it on an outdoor bike?

[@gplama]

Not without having it inspected by a carbon expert first.

[@davidmurphy9151]

Can the square taper bb be replaced with a standard one?

[@gplama]

The bearings are pressed so I guess you mean the spindle itself? I’m not sure. If you could you’d then have issues with crank clearance and possible chainline issues.

[@nino_83]

Will they sell just the bike for those who already have a kickr core?

[@gplama]

They will soon.

[@davidringo7438]

@@gplamais there timing on when it is expected to be available without KickrCore

[@gplama]

@@davidringo7438 No firm date. It’ll be before the indoor season ramps up again, I guess.

[@pauldyerdyer2731]

Could you use this on a Kickr V4?

[@gplama]

No. Not until (if/when) Wahoo release a firmware to support Zwift virtual shifting. We're still waiting to see it on the V5.

[@hanslaakso2146]

First comment

[@gplama]

🥇 Nice!

[@blueyhills]

Why does it even need a chain? A belt would be better?

[@ZwiftDude]

Never be an early adopter. Ride v2 and v3 will probably nail it in 2-4 years from here.

[@takenomorimonster]

Lack of compatibility with other apps=deal breaker. If swift had the ability to ride real world courses like RGT used to I’d subscribe and quit all other apps

[@stanleymustacheshaver8879]

Apart from the controls, how does it differ from a standard frame? You can only adjust your saddle so much, you can't change the crank length, you can even put it on the wahoo climb, so yeah. Damn

[@gplama]

I make videos like this so people can make up their own mind based on more information than just a glossy advertisements.

[@blueyhills]

Being locked to Zwift is a NO for me.

[@NotElvis]

You tested stability by standing on the pedals at the bottom of its rotation. What about standing on the pedal at the top of its rotation? How about a full out sprint? The single foot at the front of this bike creates a triangle what doesn't look very stable when leaning forward. You have ridden other smart bikes with 4 legs. How does this bike compare?

[@gplama]

It's a Kickr CORE when it comes to 'stability', for which I have no issue. People haven't been toppling off those since it was introduced back in 2018. You really need to be doing something wrong if it has happened. As mentioned in the video, the front right leg on the CORE could be extended with a custom hack if really needed.

[@bighammer3464]

Have you not seen a real bike? Do they have two wheels in the front or something? Why would this be any different?

[@COYSMike]

The footprint has a larget contact patch than an actual bike tyre. When will people understand this?

[@lee1987923]

170 crank only 😡😡

[@kkostovas]

Silliest thing I've ever seen. Why not just buy a cheap bike and mount it? Also, why not a belt instead of a chain? And why isn't everything adjustable, crank length, bar width? I guess they somehow have to sell you the upgraded version.

[@ShawnIsBatman]

Not a product that I would be interested in anyway, but the lack of crank length options is a huge miss.

[@MrMattie725]

Is it a Smart Frame though? No tech and apart from the stem adjustment, it's dumber than an actual bike frame.

[@gplama]

A topic discussed in my previous video. Call it whatever you like I guess.

[@gkstarter1]

A massive fail, terribly designed, buy yourself a cheap Alu with 105 Shimino, non Thru Axel bike, and youve got a bike you can use outside, useless thing. If its 50€ then ok.