Zwift Ride In-Depth Review: The Future of Smart Bikes?

[@Nomgoose]

What makes this so compelling is that it taps into the market of folks who already have a trainer but are getting tired taking the bike on and off it. Having a dedicated frame that can just live on the trainer is really attractive for me because of that, and all my friends with trainers also think this is a brilliant idea. We'll pay for the frame as soon as it launches, no doubt.

[@wout123100]

just get an indoorcycle and dont be limited by zwift.

[@ike2112]

Thats been my setup for a while. When the cycling bubble burst post-lockdown, I picked up a barely used bike on the cheap. Put my own Tiagra shifters on it and the 34 small ring, but also a 52 big ring and an 11-32 cassette. Allows me to have 52 x 11 for the flat and sprints where I felt a 50 wasn't letting me hit the watts that I could, whilst also giving enough of a climbing gear for the Alpe d'Zwift. This bike has never been outdoors since I bought it, I didn't even put the brakes back on it, and has never had a rear wheel. But... it cost me about £450 in total when I bought the bike, and the 52 ring and a new chain. The Kickr v5 is £750, the Core £500. Zwift Ride with Kickr Core is £1,199. So if starting from scratch you're saving maybe £250 to use a real bike?... My biggest fear - and what I'm looking for reviews on but the product is too new - what happens when something breaks or needs replaced? A real bike on a Kickr Core, you just replace the parts same as you do any other bike and they're readily available. If I need a fix on a Zwift Ride, am I going to be waiting months for a part from the US (I'm in Scotland)? Zwift support seems to be entirely via email with 2 days turnaround, and in my experience the first attempt at getting you help is awful, just barrage you with links off their own side, so that's not ideal service either.

[@jameseastwood402]

It's decent looking. Being tied to Zwift is a problem. They should open up the play connection, they'd sell more ultimately. No crank arm length adjustment is a show stopper immediately for me.

[@jameseastwood402]

Zwift are on pretty rocky ground right now, and you've got to ask yourself is this going to be a white elephant in 5 year's time.

[@AndrewisTri-tn1uo]

Adapting gears to work with another platform sounds like a very minor software challenge, probably something a couple of programmers could do in a week. The problem atm is 99% will be perfectly happy just using it on zwift, so there’s no real drive to make work on anything else. If another platform did become popular I’d imagine someone would hack in a solution within a week or two.

[@1984rbarker]

I thought zwift encrypt the Bluetooth data from zwift play so third party apps can't use them. ​@@AndrewisTri-tn1uo

[@gweflj]

100% agree. I don’t trust where they’re going with subscription pricing so I would never commit to this hardware. When winter rolls around I’m going to try different platforms.

[@SecondPlaceInTheGeneticLottery]

@@jameseastwood402 "pretty rocky ground"? - incredibly dumb comment, unless you have seen the company's financials, maybe?

[@daveelliott7869]

I tested this today at the cycle show. I'm sold. I'm 6ft 5 and normally ride 175 cranks. The 170 cranks felt fine and overall it was solid just like my old school wattbike Pro.

[@tombonds8723]

where did you test it? (Where can I test it?)

[@GMoneyLove]

Adding to other comments, mine would be: no Gates Carbon belt? Then you'd have super durable, no maintenance, and quieter set up. All things you want in an indoor trainer.

[@Dcrainmaker]

They said the reason was they found the ride feel/realism better with a chain, at least for V1. I suspect another element there is that going belt would mean having to rethink a bit lore of the cog compatibility with existing trainer owners.

[@GMoneyLove]

@@Dcrainmaker fair enough. Since I am one of the sad people running a Stages SB20, I am less familiar with using the newer trainer cogs like this new Zwift set-up uses. But I'll be sure to keep my eye on how all this progresses, because at some point I, like make many Stages users, is going to be SOL, unless Stages makes a comeback in some form. Thanks for the great review and content, Ray. Shout out from the DMV.

[@decoherence926]

@@GMoneyLove Well said, I'm waiting for my SB 20 to conk out and have my eyes set on this. No way am I getting burned a second time spending $3k+ on a smart bike.

[@GMoneyLove]

@@decoherence926 I'm sure you and I, along with many others, could create a very long and angry thread about Stages right now. In some ways I'm sader about not having access to new crank arm power meters, but that is a whole different story.

[@TheDfsgdfgdg]

SB20 owners looking for options for when their trainer dies unite!

[@setharnold9764]

Thanks for the review. I'm the completely new guy you talked about and I'd been worried about the price of the more configurable bikes and didn't want to deal with the complexity of getting a trainer and a bike. This may not be perfect and I might find out I hate zwift, but it's cheap enough to give it a go. If I like the idea but dislike zwift then I'll have a tough choice of getting something that can do Rouvy but hey I might dislike that, too! This seems like a good way for me to find out if this is a decent hobby for me or not. Thanks

[@scottgreen6846]

Love the concept of not using my carbon frame on the trainer, BUT don't like being locked in to the 170mm cranks. And it would be nice if they included a TT handlebar set up as well. I know one can go aftermarket but one that works with the original box of stuff would be great.

[@chadbeert]

I can't get over the fixed crank length.

[@HabaneroTi]

Are carbon frames known to crack when installed on trainers? I have a Ti frame so I'm not that worried about that, although I do wish that there were rubber or poly bushings where it attaches to the bike axle to not only better protect the bike but also allow a bit of sideways sway, to slightly simulate riding outside. I wonder if there's room to add thin ones without causing any issues. But, for someone in your situation, or anyone who doesn't feel like installing and removing their bike every time they want to use the trainer, and wants more flexibility in crank length, handlebar design, saddle, etc., perhaps wants to use a Climb or Sterzo, a cheap used bike seems both cheaper and more versatile.

[@willywonka2164]

Man I’m pumped. My wife and I share a kickr core, but we don’t share who takes the bikes on and off. 😂 As soon as they’re selling just the frame, I’m buying it.

[@jobicek]

Another weakness is that it doesn't support the Climb. They should have made the front stub removable so that a fork could be swapped in.

[@davidgoon1978]

expect some newer versions in 6 months time..

[@teronarinen8030]

Yes, this is a limitation. Climb-compliant front would also make it compatible with rocker solutions like my Gymrail Momentum X1. I've been toying with the idea of making a separate minimalistic frame (virtual shift...) for trainer use for next winter, this Zwift Ride would be a simple solution but these limitations make it a no go.

[@Dcrainmaker]

The very bottom is actually removable, but it's likely too low for any CLIMB compatibility.

[@ryoukokonpaku1575]

@@Dcrainmaker Maybe some DIY drilling :D jk

[@e92zerorider93]

my guess is they have some separate unit in development to change out the front bottom that will function just like the climb.

[@feezee82]

This is really good value. The fact that the whole setup costs about as much as Wahoo Kickr V6 is pretty incredible. As I already have a V5, Climb and Zwift Play controller, I won’t be picking this up, but I think this is a great product for anyone interested in Zwift.

[@mmodenos]

I just got mine today and i am impressed. I had some concerns like about stability when sprinting, shifting , how the toy like buttons would feel. On all fronts, i was pleasantly impressed. The shifting was smooth, it felt solid on a sprint, and the handlebar setup is actually not bad at all.

[@MrMartin246]

One reason I would consider this is for me and my wife not having to swap the bike on the Tacx Neo trainer we use. I was expecting gym-style adjustments with knobs and levers so it is very easy to adjust the frame dimensions for each ride. Having to use a tool with what I guess are normal Allen screws that can wear, does not sound great. How easy is it to alternate between two rider setups ?

[@ConstantRider]

Great Video. As always. I'd opt for Plan B. Cheap frame off VeloBuild, Di2 Groupset maybe 105. Handlebars of my choice and bang it on my current trainer. Viola! I can use it on Zwift, IndieVelo or MyWhoosh. I think I can do that for cheaper than $2200 AUD.

[@beanbaguk]

This is what I’ve done. Not sure why you’d need a Di2 group set, but I have an old Trek 2.5 frame, Ultegra group set with brakes removed, and that is paired to a kickr core, climb and smart fan. Works a treat

[@joegoodwill5313]

Button shifters make cycling possible for riders with disabilities. Such as older cyclists who have developed thumb arthritis after decades of cycling. For me they make Zwift possible. Thank you for another excellent review.

[@craigschray4486]

I love it. My indoor trainer bike is attached to a Wahoo kicker and the bike is a bit large for me. So this fall, I'm going to be upgrading to a dedicated trainer.

[@BobbysBikes]

Contrary to some others here, I do think I’ll pick this up when the standalone bike releases. 170mm cranks is tough, but I’ve ridden them for years. I have the zwift cog on my trainer and love it. I only use erg mode with TR, but have a steel bike for my indoor set up. So much flex in the frame when sprinting I feel like I’ll break it lol. My partner wants to get into cycling so it’ll be nice to quickly adjust measurements without the commitment of a new bike.

[@tomconway6808]

This thing is like....80% of the way there. It's nice that it is almost fully adjustable so you can share it with other people and/or use it to experiment with bike fit tweaks. It needs adjustable crank length, adjustable handlebar width, and the ability to take derailleurs. I'm assuming you could bolt on your own DI2 or AXS shifters to the handlebars if you really wanted to. Then it would be pretty much perfect.

[@allthingscycling]

I think the one piece of information that is missing at this point is how the Zwift ride compares to an individual’s bike on a smart trainer. I.e. I already have a Garmin Neo TacX2 trainer so minus the benefit of not having to take my bike on and off the trainer what differences can I expect to feel/see by using the Zwift ride? Have people reported switching to a Zwift Ride and the functionality is not as good as using an actual bike for shifting, etc? Would be good to see a video of the functionality difference and if the feel is similar or different. Cheers!

[@kestralrider313]

Great deal for year round zwifters. I agree the crank length is a miss, 170 happens to be my favorite but I'd expect it to be adjustable given how easy that is to implement.

[@JanPrice-dv7mo]

Got this and love it. After this review I was sold….

[@Beakerandgreg]

I've had mine for over a week now. I love it. Been on Zwift since 2016 with many different trainers. Beats my old Stages SB20 hands down for ease of use and consistency. This and an Apple TV makes it easy to Zwift.

[@tinshield]

I’m just waiting for my SB20 to shit the bed 😅

[@peterford7805]

Great idea in principle for multiple bike households. A few limitations but not a bad effort for starters.

[@Greg41982]

Every time I watch your videos, I realize I don't sweat enough!

[@Gixer750pilot]

You just know , somebody , somewhere is now already 3D printing badges and phone charger ports for the top . Keep an eye on eBay this week

[@Dcrainmaker]

One can hope!!!

[@GerardCantor]

I have an old bike frame that’s hooked up to a Wahoo Kickr which works well enough. That said, I have something designed to ride outside, being used as an indoor trainer which has limitations like it being adjusted to only my geometry which you’d think this Zwift bike would be the solution to this issue but there’s one glaring omission that will keep me from buying it: lack of movement. Any training ride over one hour on an indoor set up gets a bit painful since the bike doesn’t move around so the only upgrade I’d make is an dedicated indoor bike with a very smart movement mechanism in different planes so my sit bones don’t go numb. Until then, my trustee old frame is good enough.

[@rednal4451]

Good idea but I see quite some flaws or missed opportunities: no climb function (could have been completelly built in), no mentions of Kickr v4/v5 support (where's our virtual shifting btw?!), locked out of other virtual cycling apps, no Zwift subscription included (while 1y is if you just buy that exact same trainer), no charging port for smartphones, no tablet holder included but some ridiculously old pedals are, no charger included, loose bottle holders (I think), ... Maybe they'll go with a more premium "Ride Pro" or something, to include Climb? Or if it catches on, on a "Ride v2"...

[@invisiblescout6335]

Need the ability to control trainer resistance directly with the controles, without an intermediary app. Also would be nice to be able to use a belt drive system, just for maximum lazy. Non adjustable cranks are also dissapointing. Hopefully some of this is resolved with over time with optional add-ons.

[@_J.F_]

I like this idea as it gives users a opportunity to put together a package that can be built onto over time. You e.g. start with just the trainer and your own bike, and realise that it is nice to have the bike for outdoors use and a trainer for those rainy days, without having to swap your bike around, so you get the Zwift Ride and now have a complete indoor trainer for the cost of whatever the Zwift Ride will end up costing on its own.

[@Tarkov.]

Kinda cool that there's only one frame size, would make it easy for your friend to find out what their measurements should be if they were looking at getting into cycling.

[@ryoukokonpaku1575]

Yeah I could definitely see it as a good cheap bikefit frame. Depending on how's the price for it without the trainer it could even be possibly something an LBS could buy so a potential buyer could get a basic fit before buying a bike.

[@rasherdk]

Always fun to look at what pops up in Ray's pairing screen.

[@Dcrainmaker]

…also my nightmare of ensuring nothing is accidentally in there that shouldn’t be shown. This time though, all clear, Easter Eggs included…

[@rasherdk]

@@Dcrainmaker I can imagine - sorry if I scared you. I just wasn't aware of the Muov and went on a little adventure reading about it before continuing.

[@thelazyrouleur]

It would have been nice if we could change the crank length and handlebar width

[@onecreative1]

As always, a great review video! I really like this unit except for the chain noise. That would bug me during a ride. Everything else looks good as well as their bar set-up. Thanks again for making the video.

[@AndrewisTri-tn1uo]

Makes less noise than the fans. Seems like a pretty minor quibble for something literally half the price of the competitors. But whatever floats your boat.

[@kristofferp2751]

I've been considering purchasing in-door cardio equipment for past few months because I want to prioritise getting healther, I do lots of Strength weightlifting, but my cardio is just terrible catching my self out of breath walking up some stairs.. This came at a perfect timing with decent price range. And now after 3 weeks of thoughs I just placed my order on this new Zwift ride. I can't wait to get started as a noobie cyclist and getting demolished in the races 😆 Solid review - Liked and Subscribed! Thanks a lot!

[@wout123100]

you limit yourself immensly by getting this.

[@gregkowalsky8890]

Maybe it's better idea to buy standard bike ? bike. It's way more attractive to ride.

[@Tollbi]

@@wout123100 In what way would he be “limiting himself immensely” exactly? He states he’s a beginner whose main aim is improving cardio. I don’t see why this doesn’t suit exactly that. The convenience factor and low entry barrier (especially for beginners) are also undeniable.

[@JanPrice-dv7mo]

Love these reviews. As being an indoor trainer I will update to this when in the uk. Any purchases I do relating to smart trainers I will only buy after DC Rainers reviews… Thanks

[@fritzmckellar1756]

Attractive and flexible setup which is good. Lack of crank arm length and no climb mode for the fork seems like a miss... not sure how long those handlebar buttons will work...

[@maxw5229]

Whats the noise level compared to the Kickr Shift was mentioned as really quiet?

[@AlBergstein]

I just replaced my older commuter bike that was on my trainer with this zwift and it's really a lot better scenario. I usually ride the road or trails 3 to 4 times a week weather permitting and sometimes even more. I'm looking forward to this for bad weather riding indoors in the garage. set up was pretty simple and it's very stable on my concrete floor. It certainly gives me a much better workout than my non-computerized simple trainer. I think the one thing I would like to see as the video mentions is a different handlebar set up with a standardized shifting mechanism. It's a little bit tricky getting used to the computerized shifting controls, but maybe I'll get more comfortable with it overtime overall for the price I'm extremely happy with the product at this point, but I do understand the criticisms of it not being compatible with other systems yet and the lack of a real handlebars shifting setup. I'll be glad to buy a new handlebar set up when it comes out.

[@ianrob4760]

just got mine and took a couple of rides to get yused to it but after that, it is great as no wear and tear compared to my old now defunct bike !!

[@jeremysweeten2792]

I like it. I hear the complaints but it doesn’t deter me. It’s simple, looks like a real bike & the marketing is clever

[@decoherence926]

people bitch and moan and then figure out that the closest competitor smart bike is north of $3k

[@mmodenos]

Yes. I got one and am amazed at how nice it feels all around. Worth it especially at the price point

[@carlsimmons305]

Watching the review really helps make decisions about what future options are not only available, however if I would ultimately upgrade. Generally most things seem very positive & well planned out. Zwift Bike / Trainer not having compatibility with other online cycling applications is a FAIL. What is the feeling like while riding (using the buttons / controls for the game & changing gears etc)? Does the 1 size frame actually work for all sized people? Crank Arm length - COMPLETE FAIL - this ultimately means I wouldn’t now even consider this as an option. Are Zwift open to upgrading their system / components after this type of feedback? Great review BTW 💪

[@CannabisTechLife]

That green screen fx for showing zwift is awesome btw.

[@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.

[@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!

[@moxerl]

Exact same question with me. As far as I've read, ERG mode should work without the Zwift app, eg through Wahoo app. But I am not sure if the gears are working in that ERG mode setup. Any suggestions from the community?

[@mikehhhhhhh]

Shorter crank options please Zwift 🙏

[@ImGlossy63]

As always great breakdown Ray. I’m definitely looking at getting one. Was wondering if you put it on a rocker plate and if so were there any issues?

[@babinhugo]

Nice review, as always, very helpful for me to decide whether it is worth the investment or not. I had always considered the purchase of a smart bike and when the price of the Zwift ride was announced, I was convinced. For me, it doesn't have any significant downside to it. The crank length works fine for me, and the whole unit looks quite good in my opinion. It's also very stable, solid and functions quietly. I did run into trouble though, as I haven't been able to use the virtual shifting. I can use the controllers for everything else, except shifting gears. At 10:12 there is a Virtual Shifting toggle button under the hardware tab. I cannot see it. And if I can't sort out this issue, I am going to start regretting this investment after all.

[@emooooooo2036]

I was sold until you talked about Crank length.

[@beanbaguk]

Yeah, me too. I use 172.5mm so this would screw things up for me. The other issue is the lack of climb support.

[@matthewmckenna9060]

Hi DC, do you notice a slight drop in wattage on the virtual shifting (cog) versus cassette riding?

[@sirlachino2107]

Great review for someone who is looking to buy a smart trainer! about the the gear range, there is no option for custom?

[@richiejames928]

The front leg isn’t an up and down zwift climb thingy???

[@Dcrainmaker]

No

[@CreRay]

Why didn't they put a toothed belt on it? Clean, sturdy, zero noise, almost 0 wear. Also, 170mm cranks and not being able to replace them is a no-go for me.

[@davidrowe8747]

Hi, Ray, a related but more general question about virtual shifting. From my experience with Click, it's still not "there" yet (laggy; irregular on climbs - to the point that it has me yelling at the screen sometimes). Is fixing those issues a software/firmware update thing, or more of a hardware update thing? I love the idea of virtual shifting (and the reality, when it's working fine), but the Ride is a big buy if the virtual shifting isn't refined.

[@stevencooper8804]

Great review as usual my zwift bikes on its way 👍🚴

[@robertkelly28]

Hi Ray, since they are obviously closely working with Wahoo now has there been any discussion about integrating with the Kickr Climb?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not for this iteration.

[@Roy-ud1db]

Perfect timing, my direto xr just packed up. Any idea what the maximum iPad size the holder can take. I have an iPad Pro 12.9"

[@andyingram602]

Guessing the frame won't work with the Kickr Move, looking at that frontend.......unless they/you bolt on a caster wheel under it?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Joking discussions at Zwift yesterday indicated the caster concept has been floated as DIY viable.

[@COYSMike]

Kinda want one when the frame only option is available, but really don't need one! Quite happy using my clicks on my bike already

[@aerobrain2001]

Too tied into Zwift, so pretty expensive given that big limitation

[@beanbaguk]

Indeed. Another issue. I cancelled my subscription after 4 loyal years after they increased my subscription by 38%.

[@adamrobertson7215]

Is it though? It’s just a kickr core for the power, no reason you can’t use that for other apps

[@aerobrain2001]

@@adamrobertson7215 but if you want to use another app you’ve got to take that whole bike off the trainer and put another bike on. Otherwise you have no way of changing gears. Obviously fine for ERG as you don’t need to change gears. But for virtual cycling you can’t use it in anything but Zwift. Which for the price (and hassle) is a huge limitation for very little benefit compared to just buying a second hand bike instead.

[@beanbaguk]

@@adamrobertson7215 not quite. The Zwift cassette wouldn’t work on other platforms and nor would the controls. You’re better off getting a cheap aluminium frame, removing the brakes, and adding a kickr climb for less. Heck, you could even put a new Ultegra crank with the right crank length for less on top!

[@adamrobertson7215]

@@beanbaguk Good point--that's idiotic that others don't support virtual shifting. Seems like it would be extremely trivial to add, and I'm guessing that virtual shifting will only become more popular over time.

[@oxharp]

Any ideas as to when the frame will be available? I have the Kicker core hub and zwift play so the market will become flooded with zwift play controllers after this goes out. Gonna wait till the frame is available. Looks just what I need as I am fed up with swapping out my wheels when I want to go outside. Love the idea of Shimano style gearing.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Later this summer.

[@TheYondaime008]

Congrats Zwift, you are now Peloton !

[@JasonLeBel]

There are/were several smart bikes out before Peloton came out.

[@JanPrice-dv7mo]

Why?’mmmmmm

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Zwift can still be used with a number of trainers, unlike Peloton. They added this to what is available when it was released.

[@ancientrouleur]

Great review as always, Ray. This is obviously a non-starter for those of us who don't use Zwift, or as I call it "riding inside the head of a psychotic toddler with ADHD" . Smart bikes are always one of those things I look at with some interest but never really have a desire to own one. My pain cave has my old CX frame with Rival drivetrain so it's almost exactly like outdoor equipment. I'm all about making the indoor experience as much like outside as I can.

[@ebmike8]

Looks interesting. I just recently purchased my first carbon (4th bike) and already have two trainers so my need or want for this trainer is very low. I don't like the design of the front fork and how it makes contact with the floor. I completely agree with the issue of being tied to Zwift. I currently use BOTH Rouvy and Zwift for my indoor training. My setup is a Zwift Hub with my ALR Checkpoint attached. Nothing complicated, and it's all customized to me. Overall it's neat for those that are looking for a All in One solution that isn't Peloton.

[@MySimo68]

Tks for the great review! Two questions: 1. Is the handlebar adjustable levers wise? (Turn inside or outside) 2. If I buy only the frame set, the cog is included? Many thanks!

[@NzTim]

That would be great for my house . I've not got into Ziift cycling yet ( I mostly run) . Looking for a zwift setup and I change to let me son use as well . The only limitation for anything like this is it takes awhile for it to come to New Zealand

[@stu9748]

As a canyon ultimate rim brake owner… finally a product for me.

[@thedownunderverse]

Me too

[@MrPilberg]

Did I miss what the frame was made of? Aluminium or granite (at that weight)

[@kensmith5108]

Steel. Just got mine

[@misterpoppy2845]

Will be really expensive if you can't replace the chain ring. If that wears out you'll have to get an entire new frame. Do you know if Zwift will offer replacement parts?

[@kalamarusffm]

@DC Isnt this a standard BB30 PressFit BB Shell??

[@MiegmaishMenas]

Re: buttons vs real shifters my eTap shifters are buttons and I love them!

[@ianmackerness5966]

I have gone the other way, replaced my Wattbike with Wahoo Kickr rollr, as I much prefer doing the hard work on my racing bike with the same power meter, I was finding the Wattbike was reading 10 watts above the Favero Assioma pedals (both were within there tolerance levels therefore both accurate, Wattbike at the higher end of its tolerance and the Favero at the lower end), this was interfering with my Garmin ftp levels and all the metrics that go with Garmin, it is just easier to move away from the Wattbike and similar bikes to the wahoo kickr rollr in which I can use multiple bikes on, use the same power meter. I have to say the gaming side has not really worked for me, prefer to ride outside when I can and specific high intensity workouts inside on a trainer, these are short sharp sessions. It will also free up space in the garage as my racing bike can sit on the kickr rollr when not in use. This works for me, I appreciate it would not work for everyone.

[@Ultra1997DM.]

A lot of wattbike atoms run higher watts on zwift as the chain stretch’s

[@stevejohnson18]

I already had the kickr core so bought just the frame and really enjoying it so far. Fun with zwift but I actually normally use it with TrainerRoad in erg mode. Just great to have a dedicated frame that I won’t ever take off and it needs no/minimal maintenance.

[@SM-wg7ty]

Is the erg mode just basically where you can free spin?

[@stevejohnson18]

@ erg mode is where the training program does all the shifting to hit the power target, you just pedal

[@chad85100]

What peddles does it have? The regular clip ins on most road bikes?

[@benbeelerfitness2595]

Is it easy to swap out saddles on this bike?

[@BestSideCycling]

Thanks for the review! Going to be in Amsterdam for the next week: excited to explore!

[@dasa-dasanudasah]

Do you think that tablet is necessary, or it could work also just fine with smartphone as primary screen in case a user doesn't have a tablet or smart TV?

[@cokebottles6919]

I love the idea, but the fact the controls are locked into Zwift kinda kills it for me. I hate it when hardware requires a monthly subscription just to use properly. An optional extra, absolutely, but not mandatory.

[@sbellosa]

thx for this review, I appreciate your efforts. My experience was that you were speaking too fast for me to understand much of what you were communicating .

[@brianmiller2135]

What about sweating all over the controls on the cockpit area? Is that area made for resistance against oxidation and/or is it engineered in a way that sweat will not seep into the controls and damage the entire thing?

[@chrisfederspiel5997]

love your videos. Question: do you lay into the pedals so your power looks extra great for watchers? Because it's enviously high :)

[@wizhunt]

From where you take inside zwift assembly videos 14:41? also 14:56 where is this Zwift Hall or Video?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I visited their UK test and design facilities a few months ago.

[@johncontreras2643]

Thanks for the nice review! I get that it can run with Trainerroad but is there a way to run Trainer road simultaneously with Zwift? I do thins with my current Wahoo, but not sure if there is a problem with the Zwift Ride to do this

[@Cookefan59]

Very strange that you cannot hook this up to CLIMB out the box. Would that not increase sales of that device? Also a weird marketing strategy as far as levers vs buttons. Sounds to me like someone high up is out of touch with whats going on in the real world. Another great video. You and your efforts are much appreciated!

[@RoryM07]

Congrats on 500k subs! Just noticed! 🥳

[@ddniUK]

Can you buy just a handle bar to add to an existing bike in a Zwift hub etc?

[@jrgensneisen6021]

As an existing kickr owner it could be super interesting to just buy the frame so my SO could ride as well

[@michaelnewman4302]

So, are we FINALLY going to get virtual shifting on the Kicker v5?

[@michaelnewman4302]

@@dyshuk That's not what Ray's clearly hinting at, or what Wahoo has been explicitly promising since winter.

[@michaelnewman4302]

@@dyshuk My words don't prove your point.

[@BillyVerden]

I would have thought Ray would be mentioning that in all his videos since he made a video a few months ago saying virtual shifting would work on the V4 & V5.. and it still doesn't.

[@michaelnewman4302]

@@BillyVerden DCR and GP Llama have never backtracked from their earlier reports that it's coming, albeit on an indeterminate time frame. If they knew it now wasn't coming, it would only be within the context of a news quarantine that they would not report this I've never heard of a quarantine with regard to something *not* coming. I can only surmise that it is still coming and that Shane and Ray still don't know when, or that they do know when but that information is subject to quarantine. Hints in this video make me hopeful that this announcement will be forthcoming. Other statements such three weeks out being "nuts" and Shane stating that there will be a lot to report at the end of June probably have more to do with new products from (redacted), but may possibly have also to do with this.

[@BillyVerden]

@@michaelnewman4302 That's all true.. but.. I think Rays video was in March.. if it was going to happen I think it already would have happened. I don't think it's going to.. probably the V4 & V5 are the largest group of Kickr owners and they want them to upgrade. That would be a huge money grab for them.. lol.

[@beanbaguk]

Watching this again and realise this is the downturn of zwift. The price hikes, the overpriced accessories, the lack of customisability (rushed release), the proprietary tech, and the fact they’re yet to make a profit, all indicate poor business decisions. They are now over investing and panicking with things like this. They should have focused on delivering a quality software product, leaving the hardware 3rd parties. Watch the numbers dwindle.

[@199801314]

They increase the price of monthly pay of zwift. It's easy

[@thomaspedersen4912]

neat idea but wonder about the ground contact at the front - is that flat as it would damage my linoleum floor in my cave. also just another reason why Zwift should have a family/dual membership like peloton etc.also until the shifting is an open standard its a no from me.

[@fabricegerze5828]

Hello, can I use the Rouvy application with this equipment or only Zwift ?

[@brianwillouer9170]

Are the handle bars able to accommodate aero bars?

[@aura15klein]

Question: my wife and I would share this bike. She isn’t interested in Zwift. I am but have never used the platform. Can she EASILY start up the app is some basic mode and then switch to a streaming app (e.g. Netflix) and just ride and shift while watching something else on the iPad? If not, what is a recommendation for a setup that supports two riders - one on Zwift and one doing whatever (Peloton, Netflix, etc?)? Thanks!

[@RATM1971]

Agree on the miss with the button shifters. I want realism. I'd also be concerned that you are locked into only Zwift (unless you want erg mode).

[@laurenh894]

I had a lot of trouble maintaining connections to Apple TV through the companion app. I now connect everything through my iPad and airplay it to the tv.

[@josemanuellopezdona6040]

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

[@timbob.]

I added magnets to the back of my guitar headstock to store a hex wrench 10 years ago (floyd rose locking trem and and nut) best mod I’ve ever done, all products which require tools for frequent adjustment should have them magnetically stowed! Anyway back to the bike it’s definitely interesting and I could be tempted to my trainer if it’s not crazy money.

[@fabianduffek5575]

I don't know man. Me and my partner moved into an apartment building that comes with two Technogym Cycle Connect bikes, and the simplicity of them kinda grew on us. Yes yes I know, they are offline, no Zwift and all, but they are so... simple and yet kinda complete in their own way. Easy to move out of the way too. We canceled our subscriptions and sold our trainers (Elite) and we are moving towards our own Cycle Connect, should we move out

[@ZwiftDude]

You can put power meter pedals on them if you need to use Zwift

[@danmillercrna]

I already have a Wahoo Kickr Core. Can I buy the frame only?

[@em8kyn]

May seem like a stupid question - does the chain require oiling?

[@PedroPrego]

If they release a v2 which allows the front to be kickr climb compatible, I'm in. Without it... not so much. Other nice improvements would be the paw style crank but I can work just fine with 170mm. A somewhat quieter chain tensioner would be nice. That plastic thing seems to create some ressonance.

[@mellowcat42]

Would be neat to have an adjustment rail for the saddle (to get it forward enough) and a TT handlebar or add-on with shifting blips to train and try TT/tri set ups to use IRL.

[@ytk5008]

Is this quieter than Kickr Bike Shift?