Upcoming Zwift Ride Competitors?

[ViperFFM]

I am about to move places in a couple of months and it would be a good opportunity to declutter my current trainer setup.

In an ideal scenario, I would replace my current setup (old gravel bike on a Kickr Core) with a full fletched unit.

Zwift Ride would be a good compromise as I'd only need the frame. However, as the crank length is fixed to 170mm it is not an option. In addtion, I would prefer a setup that uses as belt over a standard chain just for easier service; no frequent lubrucation needed etc.

I mostly use zwift as I enjoy the 30min races for a quick VO2max workout and the ability to join group rides but the system should not be limited to it.

What alternatives are out there except the Kickr Bike V2? Despite the unusually high price I am always afraid with wahoo that they drop support (See kickr v5 direct shift zwift)

I think some Youtuber hinted that other companies will release stuff soon but yeah, not sure which way to go.

[ViperFFM]

Also: New Elite isnt a option because, well, its elite

[BernieMoves]

because, well, its elite

I'd love to hear your opinion in detail. no front, just curious and have had a few bad experiences with them myself.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you right now and am considering the Elite Square (no Zwift for me, so Zwift Ride is not an option) or a smart bike.

[ViperFFM]

because, well, its elite

I'd love to hear your opinion in detail. no front, just curious and have had a few bad experiences with them myself.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you right now and am considering the Elite Square (no Zwift for me, so Zwift Ride is not an option) or a smart bike.

Its purely anectodal reference but I had a horrible experience with their suito trainer as well as other people I know. Just not a fan of their software and electronics.

I would consider it if GPLama has a flawless test.

[BernieMoves]

Thanks. Same for me with the Justo trainer, despite this one getting good reviews from DCR and GPLama.

[EdWiser]

You are better off with a wahoo product. They have fantastic customer service support. I have had the Kickr bike for 4 years are it everyday. Zwift ride locks you into their game. As other platforms do not support it. While you may right now like Zwift you will want to try other apps in the future.

[gloscherrybomb]

I would strongly expect either Decathlon or Magene to come out with something to rival the zwift frame next year - without the hardware being locked down to a single platform

[ViperFFM]

You are better off with a wahoo product. They have fantastic customer service support. I have had the Kickr bike for 4 years are it everyday. Zwift ride locks you into their game. As other platforms do not support it. While you may right now like Zwift you will want to try other apps in the future.

Not a fan of Wahoo dropping support for their V5 and Bike V1 in terms of Zwift Cog Compatiblity. I'd consider the Bike Shift but this one doesnt support race mode.

[EdWiser]

The Kickr bike doesn’t use or need the cog. As it has a servo motor and magnet to create any gears you would ever want to set up.
The whole Zwift virtual gearing is so funny as it’s just a sim erg set of steps
That have no relation to actual gearing at all.

[ViperFFM]

I would consider the cog for simulatiopn of gears. I dont care if the trainer reacts to the shifitng of a physical casette via resitance adjustment or just adjust the resitance based on the input. The cog is just superior in terms of service, longevetiy, cleanliness and noise.

[TobinHatesYou]

There are no new smartbikes on the horizon nothing is really compelling outside the Zwift Ride or KICKR Bike Shift right now.

[EdWiser]

As someone who owns a Kickr bike. An has ridden a Zwift bike. It is so so so different. Zwift virtual gearing is such a joke. Having used the Kickr bike it doesn’t even compare in any way.

[TobinHatesYou]

As someone who owns a Kickr bike. An has ridden a Zwift bike. It is so so so different. Zwift virtual gearing is such a joke. Having used the Kickr bike it doesn’t even compare in any way.

I went from a Stages SB20 to a KICKR Bike Shift and I don’t feel like they are much better than Zwift Ride. If you have a single real gear ratio, then you’re locked into the same wheel speed at any given cadence. Shifting up or down in real life changes wheel speed vs cadence. Shifting up or down with a smartbike just changes the brake strength. A smartbike will never be able to recreate the feel of doing doing 6.5w/kg up a 15% grade at 90rpm in a low gear because the flywheel will be spinning at too high of an RPM with too much momentum.

[EdWiser]

Of coarse you are riding on Zwift. I would suggest riding on Rouvy. Zwift is a watered down cycling experience. The grades are not hard and people ride around at 50% reality. Which is useless for keep muscle strength.

[ViperFFM]

If you think there is any difference between all the platforms and what they do to your muscles and fitness I got bad news for you brother