Zwift RIDE In-Depth Review // The Best Budget “Smart Bike”?

Everything you need to know about the Zwift RIDE brining smart bike functionality to direct drive bike trainers.
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[@dowroa]

I saw you! I saw him! He didn't think we would... but we did!

[@withdennys]

I saw it too

[@peterv.5086]

I saw him too! 😂

[@bayleeandkincaid]

LOL was that Ray at 2:22??

[@DesFit]

Maybe 😉

[@neilk22]

the jinja-ninja 🥷

[@Roy-ud1db]

Perfect timing. My direto xr just packed up. Considering a KICKR, but for the same price, i can get this. I have two teenagers who want to start indoor training. This setup is perfect git multiple users, don’t have to be faffing about with 3 bikes. Im in.

[@TeoSluga]

Ah, it's not perfect... If you don't like "child-cartoonish-looking" Zwift platform, and you train on a different platform, that's useless...

[@piotrmakowski6400]

@@TeoSluga why?

[@aplanedividedthesky]

@@TeoSluga if you want to bring virtual shifting to other platforms, it's possible using QZ

[@DaveRider719]

@@piotrmakowski6400because you can’t switch the platform if zwift decide to increase the price again. You are doomed to always use zwift with this setup because of virtual shifting

[@Sandi145s]

Nice review. Keep up the good work. I have ordered mine yesterday. Been using smart trainer and my roadie for many years now and I like it a lot. The biggest issue I had was keeping my bike on the trainer too long as the weather lately is really unpredictable. So been using my fully outside and roadie mostly on the trainer. Had enough of that and order a permanent setup now. 😊. Can't wait to get it.

[@barryhambly7711]

Yep just done the same don't want to damage my carbon frame it is quite a load on it when I sprint I just ordered the frame myself as my Kickr v6 is OK with it just needs the cog that comes with it

[@Blacksabbath826]

I was planning on getting a Smart bike this fall once the weather turned I live in NY. However saving a $1000 plus seems like a no brainer so Zwift it is !!!

[@peterv.5086]

The price is totally acceptable. Just don‘t forget to add the €199,- a year subscription fee.

[@gluon8760]

Nice review , love it. Definitely for my use case , pure indoor volume base for running , it’s just perfect

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@GusFromDaysPast]

It's adjustable, which is great. What isn't great is the lack of family subscription plans on Zwift. It's simply a manufacturing convenience, not an end user benefit. For what the frame is, I can't say it's a value for $800. Make it $400, and you'll probably see more subscription revenue.

[@zardozica]

Just bought one. Arrives tomorrow, we will see how it goes.

[@bongo3808]

How you getting on with it?

[@Vive_in_Nisu]

I almost love everything from the Zwift Ride, but for me the sound is one of the biggest selling points since I would use it in the living room. Unfortunately it‘s too loud. Maybe they could change the chain to a robust belt in V2

[@slapfan1]

Sold!!!! Love the DC cameo 🤣

[@rabomarc]

I already have a Kickr Core and actually getting the frame at a roughly half of the price of the full setup would be a compelling alternative for me in place of putting my pride & joy bike on the trainer.

[@neilk22]

6:25 Des realises the tablet mount is an extra $50, decides it can sit on his shelf 😂 (But at least they supplied flat pedals which are super useful 🤣)

[@alexjones9674]

That head bob. I'm dying hahah

[@TheTownzFinest]

I like this because I didn’t like having to switch bike between other family members.

[@misterpoppy2845]

I've been asking this on the other reviews but I figure I'll ask here as well. Are the cog and chain ring replaceable? Or will you need to buy a new frame whenever they wear out?

[@murilobossa]

Did you figure it out? Because honestly, I have the same question…

[@misterpoppy2845]

@@murilobossa Nope no response from @DesFit. It's a bit strange that it's so hard to get this information. I will hold off on buying until I know it will be easy to source parts for the cog, and the chain tensioner. I think GPLama mentioned that the chainrings seems to be standard.

[@tmhudg]

@@misterpoppy2845 Yeah, I can't prove it but I'm sure I saw somewhere that the cog is a standard (?) cog that you can easily replace.

[@txlangster6276]

Purchased the Zwift ride, 1st one arrived damaged in shipping, bike outside of box, dented and scaped. Zwift was very silent regarding return/replacement. Email came saying a replacement bike frame was being sent. 2nd Frame arrived with bent front chain ring. This replacement also appeared to be used bike (paint scrapes). I'll see what happens next. A further comment, Zwift influencers talk about the bike's stability. This replacement bike wobbles too much for my liking.

[@nalissa77]

Thanks for the review! Looks awesome!

[@DesFit]

Anytime!

[@dshu1998]

Good reviews as always.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@lars_atx]

great review. Would love to see an option for belt drive and trainer with silent hub engagement. As add on options of course. Hopefully the Ride frame alone cost is reasonable.

[@wenlambotomy6231]

So close. Two chargers needed (and they don’t even supply the block just then lead!) and a chain and not a belt and set crank length and tablet mount should be included. Would happily pay more for a climb option too.

[@peterv.5086]

Yepp, chain instead of a belt. Why? Tablet holder not included. Why?!

[@DesFit]

They considered all these features but cost was their #1 priority to keep it as financially accessible as possible. I’m sure they’re hearing the feedback for a more premium option in the future.

[@jrcp87]

DC Rainmaker in the back 🤣

[@Thomas-fy9yc]

No Kickr climb support is a deal breaker, as well as Zwifts prices hikes, I don’t think I want to get locked in unless some competition supports virtual shifting.

[@miguelsuarez1511]

Great review! Right on!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@rcuadro]

I watched the FIT File podcast… your friend’s frame invention may end up being better depending on price but let’s see how that goes

[@BillyVerden]

Good Video! I think your review beat out Shane as well as Rays videos! Very informative and objective! You sounded more like an actual rider and less corporate review.. lol. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

I certainly trust their reviews of course but thanks for the kind words!

[@wallaceharvey2574]

Great video. Do you know if this is going to work with the Zwift Hub using their built in cassettes? I have a 10-speed setup with the Zwift click and Play controllers and it works fine - including with virtual shifting. I know it takes tools to swap out the cassette to use the Zwift cog like they have with the wahoo kicker setup. But, I’d prefer not to have to take the cassette off and swap in a Zwift cog if I don’t have to.

[@neilk22]

Deal breakers for me - Zwift lockin for gear shifting, chain noise, no tilting compatibility - i dont believe enough is solved over just using a cheap road bike permanently mounted to a Kickr. I also feel there was a missed opportunity to aesthetically improve the overall look of the typical IDT setup i.e make it look less of a bike and more of an ornament you would keep indoors, like the kickr bike.

[@kevincalvey9281]

Well said and all spot on.

[@thicccboyztv]

Well what is solved is having more than one person ride it. Adjustability.

[@kiehtan1]

Once they sell the frame by itself to hook up to my Kickr v5, I'm in.

[@tmhudg]

It's available now.

[@jordyblaauw5040]

It looks very promising, but will wait for the first independent / non-sponsored reviews. Some components look rather low-quality plastic.

[@DesFit]

This is an independent, non sponsored review. I actually held back a bit on my enthusiasm for this product.

[@jordyblaauw5040]

​@@DesFit i'm absolutely not assuming it's a dishonest review or that you're paid by Zwift. But it's common to get loaners or even free products in exchange for a review, which may lead to a difference in criticism compared to when you spend your own hard earned money on it. Of course, I could be completely wrong and maybe you bought it yourself, in which case I'd love to know.

[@alexmarcano6229]

really like this! does the SRAM style shifting drop the chain constantly?

[@tmhudg]

Laughed out loud.

[@decoherence926]

The Zwift only ecosystem is a deal breaker for me. Was looking to replace my failed Stages Smart bike but no bueno.

[@MrSzynas]

I'm 192 cm tall. I ride on a 175mm crankset, I don't know how I'll manage now that there's only 170mm? I guess it's better not to buy? Will that be a problem?

[@TeoSluga]

It seems like a great idea 👍 however, as I'm currently using Rouvy platform, that's a No Go for me.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Damn; thanks buying right away

[@brianmiller2135]

What do you think about sweating all over the cockpit area? It seems impractical to drape a towel over the controls, so hopefully they have made these controllers well enough to withstand any sweat oxidation.

[@mikeprytherch8875]

Really like this... except for the crank length, poor choice in my view, should be adjustable

[@ipodgolfer13]

Pretty rad if they make it separate since I already own the Zwift hub. Selling the bike that sits on the hub currently too

[@fringelunatic]

I have a Tacx trainer. 😢 Too bad it doesn't work with all smart trainers. I think that was a mistake.

[@haloavenger]

No adjustable crank lengths?

[@nicholasschulz5528]

Thanks for your great review! Maybe a dumb question: but can you use this bike also without the zwift app and „just“ start cycling and use the gear-change to lower or increase the resistance? Like a basic fitness studio bike, where you manually adjust the levels. I want to use the bike with the app, but my gf would like to simply have a ride from time to time and not pay for another zwift account. Thanks!

[@tmhudg]

No, you can't shift the "gears" in any other app but the Zwift app. But, any app that uses ERG mode - where the app controls the resistance of the trainer - will work. So, if you are doing a workout plan in an app and the plan varies the resistance to make it harder or easier (to simulate hills or whatever), it will be fine. It's only a problem if you need/want to ride in manual mode and need to shift gears. Then, it only works in the Zwift app.

[@neilcoles1780]

Best review so far, Does, thanks. I am still not very clear how.the shifting experience is. Is this just a button or it there a simulated clicker like a real bike?

[@DesFit]

They’re physical buttons but not a lever like a real bike

[@VelkejSmoula]

Great review! :) Do you by any chance know if it is compatible with other training apps, such as TrainerRoad? Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Compatible with any other app in ERG mode but not in simulation mode

[@VampireRhino]

is it possible to use zwift frame with other trainers than wahoo? will it work with other apps than zwift for example Tacx training, TrainerRoad, TrainerDay?

[@Morehills840]

Great review. Thanks.

[@jameshelm2847]

I am waiting to see someone modify the front post to attach to the Zwift Climb. Without having the frame in front of me, it does seem pretty easy to do.

[@DesFit]

It would require considerable modification with the black portion of the front leg (which is all one piece going to the top) interfering with the Climb, plus the need for two attachments points on the Climb itself

[@tysons.]

Those v1 Fresh Foam Zante’s are choice.

[@DesFit]

My last pair that I only wear inside! Good eye! 🙌

[@tysons.]

@@DesFit I’m about to retire my last pair (sadly) in that same color-way. Such a great shoe!

[@About_Jack]

Hi, thanks for the information about this new frame, do you know if Zwift will give the opportunuity to buy the frame only?

[@StevenVanCauwenbergh]

Dang you did an amazing job giving us the details and decision making ability. I'm down! Do you know of a release date?

[@DesFit]

Good timing! Available to order today In the US, UK and EU at 8 a.m. PST. Thanks!

[@gabeg.4583]

Just got the Zwift frame, and paired it with a known-good Kickr v6. Getting a lot of vibrations in the pedals. Have you experience this as well? These are not present when regular bike is mounted.

[@danawarren5701]

I like the idea of this adjustable frame for my wife and I to use as a training device. We’re not super cyclist so all of the SWIFT integration is confusing. We just want to get on a trainer. Keep our heart rate at a certainsetting and possibly watch TV while we’re training. What would you recommend to accomplish this without getting into all this technical integration?

[@jamesedwalsh]

awesome vid, will the frame work only with virtual gears ?

[@DesFit]

Virtual shifting in Zwift as well as ERG mode in any platform. Thanks!

[@bmiller8461]

Do the shifters/controller appear to be items that, if they got damaged for any reason, could be replaced, or are they permanently fixed to the bike? I'm also curious about any potential maintenance these bikes may require such as chain and bottom bracket replacements.

[@JeyDeee89]

Controllers are on the Handlebar. You can buy it single piece i think. Got this bike yesterday and its nice for me as a beginner.

[@MarkRichardson-y7k]

Bonita Prairie

[@LoscoeLad]

Is that frame plastic? don't need that for an extra 700. TIf plastic, 75 usd max. 700 would help me 50|% to a new chinese frameset

[@DesFit]

Could be beneficial to watch the video where I went over the frame materials

[@MARIAIRIMIA-b4f]

Can I connect the app simulator to my TV?

[@gregbianchi2689]

How do you connect a large screen TV ?

[@decoherence926]

Apple TV best option.

[@lukasmobus3024]

What Lube would you recommend for the chain?

[@Gentlemans_sport]

why not use belt?

[@DesFit]

Likely cost but I could also see challenges with compatibility. It would require a completely new cog as well.

[@kevincalvey9281]

They already provided a new cog so I agree, belt drive was the way to go here. That’s a big miss in my opinion too.

[@simonhughes3871]

Would a belt drive not have been even better?

[@DesFit]

Would have added cost. They were trying to keep the price as low as possible.

[@forgibas]

Does anyone know if you can you use the bike trainer without Zwift? E.g. just use this as a kind of spin bike for other cycling classes

[@tmhudg]

You need some sort of app to control the trainer. Any app that has ERG mode - where the app can vary the resistance of the trainer - will work, you just wouldn't be able to shift virtual "gears".

[@chrisbenten9971]

Not using a belt drive is a miss...IMO

[@DesFit]

That would have increased cost which was a big goal with the Ride to keep it as accessible as possible

[@Martin-eu2vu]

Great review, i already have the trainer. Can i buy just the bike ?

[@tmhudg]

Yes, the frame is now available on their site for $800

[@josemanuellopezdona6040]

Is it possible to change and install crank arms of different lengths?

[@DaveRider719]

If you buy this it’s necessary to consider that you are forced to use zwift with this setup. Kickr bike is expensive but you can switch the platform whenever you want.

[@tmhudg]

Technically, that's not true. You can use the bike without Zwift but you do need to use some app to control the trainer in ERG mode.

[@DaveRider719]

@@tmhudg I mean the simulation mode not ERG. You are not able to use the virtual shifting of this setup on another plattform. ERG you can use on any other plattform but I am pretty sure you also want to race or use group and free rides on indievelo or mywhoosh if you want to.

[@michaelcleveland98]

Sadly, the 'economy' kind of goes out the door if you don't have one of the few compatible trainers. In my opinion, they really missed by not having any provision for a der. mount to use on all the other trainers on the market.

[@patrickorourke152]

Stability is that an issue ? And as the previous person said is it hard to connect to a wide screen Tv ?

[@eamondennehy]

I ordered one last week and got an email with a DPD tracking number. Unfortunately the tracking number is not showing on the system I'm not getting much stasifaction from Zwift in tracking it. All I am getting from them is that it has been shipped and they are looking into it. I would be cautious before ordering. For the record i am in Ireland.

[@DesFit]

Folks have been receiving their bikes so this may just be a rare case of a mistransposed tracking number.

[@joisaiplu]

Hey des ! Thanks for the review, really interesting product for my wife and I, just wonder to know if the product could be used if no zwift subscription ? For example using it for structured workouts and run without zwift, is it possible to vary the resistance or do intervals manually with the bike controls ?

[@DesFit]

The controls only work with Zwift but you can still use the setup with any ERG mode program where the program would control resistance

[@joisaiplu]

@@DesFit ok cool so we will not get an usable device if we decide to stop the zwift subscription, thanks for the answer and the review, really helpful like each time ;)

[@DesFit]

It’s still usable without a Zwift subscription but only with ERG mode platforms such as TrainerRoad where it’s directly controlling the trainer without the need for the controls on the handlebars

[@joisaiplu]

@@DesFit do you think they will provide free subscription with the purchase of the bike?

[@DesFit]

The Ride does not come bundled with a subscription

[@lucatoffoli2314]

How hard is the gear of the cog without using Zwift? i.e. if using it without entering zwift, would one be able to pedal?

[@lukefarren3409]

That chain tensioner is going to cost watts..

[@DesFit]

100% the reason I lose Zwift races

[@galenkehler]

Out of curiosity, how wide is the top tube? (for those of us with thighs) 😂

[@benbeelerfitness2595]

Wait so you still have to use the Zwift click? That isn't built into the handlebars?

[@DesFit]

You can also use the Click in addition to the included controllers if one wishes to

[@korduskarol]

can we use it without connecting it to Zwift app? but only to Garmin watch or Garmin edge? (cadency, power etc?)

[@tmhudg]

You don't technically need to use the Zwift app but you need some sort of app that can control the trainer. I'm certain a Garmin device would not be able to control the trainer.

[@Doooooooooooood]

Is that front end stable?

[@DesFit]

Totally, if you think about it, a front wheel is actually less stable on a traditional bike

[@energysourcelove]

Does this work well with Garmin (I have a Forerunner 955) in terms of tracking Metrics or is a power meter required . Thanks for the early review.

[@DesFit]

Yup, works perfectly with the 955 where you pair the KICKR Core as a smart trainer to the watch which provides speed, cadence, as well as cycling power.

[@andrewcromie957]

Is it possible to change gearing on the KICKR core without going through the Zwift app? Say for example I am just looking to cycle whilst watching youtube rather than enter a race on Zwift.

[@tmhudg]

No, only the Zwift app can change the virtual gears. But, you could use another app - like Trainer Road for example - set to ERG mode. You could then just set a resistance/power level and the trainer would hold at that resistance.

[@andrewcromie957]

@@tmhudg amazing thanks for your help!

[@MarkConnolly-x5h]

Hi Is the frame sold separately and is it compatible with a Tacx Neo trainer?

[@DesFit]

No to both, at least at the moment. No idea if and when that could change.

[@martinthain7881]

Compatible with apps like TrainerRoad in ERG?

[@DesFit]

Any ERG mode as well as the virtual shifting in Zwift

[@splaterpus23]

Do you think they'd have an end of year sale?

[@oldtwinsna8347]

I would guess discounts will roll around as they can afford it to be a loss leader since the e-shifters are tied to the platform. Initially they are keeping it at a price where some profit can be driven and sold to already-existing userbase.

[@IamSaltzz]

Rest assured , you are not the only person on Rp901s in 2024.

[@frankhugh2052]

Virtually silent!?

[@miguel5816]

someone knows if this bike is compatible with rouvy and if i can change gears in rouvy with her?

[@DesFit]

No, it’s not compatible in that way

[@miguel5816]

@@DesFit you can say me if you know one bike that works with zwift and rouvy include gear change

[@DesFit]

@miguel5816 a KICKR bike, KICKR bike Shift, or Tacx Neo Bike

[@miguel5816]

@@DesFit zycle 2.0 work?

[@RicardoChial]

easter egg in the video?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@earicm40]

I would just buy cheap road bike on Amazon if I want dedicated zwift bike.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

I bought an 8 speed road bike just to dedicate since I do nearly all my riding on it. There is some elegance in this Zwift and other dedicated frames where they can be much more stiff than a rolling bike frame can ever be. Should also have less creaks, which would aide in a more refined training session. Although I don't use the Kickr climb, to me not being ever able to use this with it is a big issue. And I don't buy the "would cost more" - it's more likely that they asked Wahoo to pony up money for this feature enablement since it would drive Kickr climb purchases and they refused.

[@Thecsyu]

Your house is haunted

[@DesFit]

😂😂😂

[@mrbeau5387]

This ain’t budget friendly at all tf

[@ravey1981]

Are people stupid? Costs as much as a bike, isnt a bike, locked into an ecosystem. Just why. But people are stupid, so they will sell a few.

[@tmhudg]

Well, it's adjustable so you could argue that it's multiple bikes. If you had a situation where multiple people wanted a smart trainer, this would be cheaper than three bikes.

[@ravey1981]

@@tmhudg in reality no one is going to do that. It will be set and forget. Plus you're tied into zwift, what if you want to use other software?

[@tmhudg]

@@ravey1981 Huh? I'm not sure how you can say that nobody would use it like that. I'm actually considering it for this very reason. My wife wants to be able to work out over the winter but she doesn't have a bike. It's mildly irritating to put my bike on and off the trainer so this would let us put one "bike" on the trainer and we could both use it. I agree that it's expensive but it's cheaper than two bikes and takes up half the space. You also don't have to use Zwift (although you would lose the ability to shift). You can use any app that can control the trainer in ERG mode. Last winter I put my MTB on my trainer. I couldn't get the derailleur adjusted for all cogs so I just left it in one gear and used (Zwift in this case but it could have been say, TrainerRoad) to vary the resistance in ERG mode.

[@kabobsyea9985]

Overrated you know that

[@DesFit]

The funny thing is I probably held back my enthusiasm about it a little - it's a great product for Zwift riders

[@robokun6676]

I'm not really sure I believe the lack of more adjustability was to keep the costs down, I mean the frame itself is $700 and there isn't exactly a lot to it is there? yet they needed to keep the costs down so couldn't let people adjust crank lengths or even make it compatible with the kickr climber, surely those two things especially the first are important and they should've tried to reduce costs elsewhere to accommodate? I just feel like $700 for that frame with a lack of adjustments and made out of steel to reduce the costs is still way overpriced and you could buy a bike frame that ticks every box for much less.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

The idea is that these frames can be much, much, more stiff than a rolling frame since those have to be tuned for surface impact comfort tradeoff. Not a big deal if you're a lightweight but those who are heavier riders will see a noticeable benefit.

[@ImGlossy63]

Has anyone used this on a rocker plate. Any issues or all good?

[@alolsen339]

I wondered about that as well.

[@RicardoChial]

easter egg in the video?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@thewingman88]

Can you adjust the angle of the handlebar grips?

[@kjones9562]

Lover your reviews!!!! I was about to pull the trigger $$ on a KICKR BIKE. now I need to look at this!!!!!!!!!

[@DesFit]

This is certainly worth a look…thanks!

[@patrickbaker6978]

If they eventually make the v5 kickr compatible with virtual shifting will the supplied single speed chain work quietly with a normal cassette or would it be better to swap out the chain

[@glanci82]

it doesn't include clips pedals???

[@DesFit]

Pedals are a very personal choice for most cyclists so generally better to just include basic pedals to get set up and one can install their preference since there are many options out there.

[@dovilezobielaite5379]

Is it possible to use this set up off app and control the resistance?

[@JeyDeee89]

With the Wahoo App, you can set a specific Watt number.

[@anthonysestito]

Didn't you just chat about a product idea this on the last pod?!

[@DesFit]

Yup, same concept but slightly different product. More details next week