One of the greatest obstacles when doing sports in closed enclosures is to recreate the natural conditions of the discipline. The rowing machines recreate the movements, but do not contemplate the subtle level changes of the boat due to the movement of the waters. The stones, the mud or the roots do not appear in the endless ribbons that allow us to run in closed enclosures. And the same goes for bicycles. The closest to what we can aspire is currently the Zwift Ride system. And if we add the Wahoo Kikr Core chain line, then honey on flakes. But we go for steps.
With the Zwift Ride comes the promise of an impeccable Indoor cycling system and always ready to use at home, eliminating the discomfort of cleaning the road bike and mounting it in a roller. To which It adds the resistance of slopes and the gamification of pedaling and communicating with other athletes while we travel mythical circuits.
As with a competition bicycle (mountain or road), all Zwift controls are directly on the device. And, as in video game consoles, all options have them in command (in this case the handle). In addition, thanks to a 24 -speed virtual transmission and a perfectly aligned chain line with the Wahoo, The legs feel the same lactic intensity of climbing to the Tourmalet or the Angrilu. Only the inclined gravity of the asphalt and the agitated breathing of some rival is missing.
Again, we go in steps. If we decided on the complete package, as I could try, three boxes will arrive. Recommendation: Even if we are enemies of the instructions, it is worth taking a moment to see the tutorial that Zwift has published on YouTube With step by step. It’s worth it. I saw him late and I regret it.
The great advantage is that No external tool is needed, everything can be adjusted with the Allen key includedone that is then stored directly on the bike to easily access it. It even includes a sizes guide that guarantees a perfect adjustment and minimizes the discomfort of changing between two cyclists. A slight turn with the key and is now available for another user.
The prelubricated chain is easy to install thanks to a simple tensioner and once placed, only the silence of good gears is heard. Even when we make the “changes”. The bicycle is made of welded aluminum tubes and It weighs considerable 34 kg, plus 15 kg additional for the Wahoo Kickr. It is not precisely light, but luckily that also gives it a proof stability of excessive enthusiasm. The rubber pad in the lower tube protects the ground in case we need to place the bicycle frame next to the Kickr. Of course, it is not folding, not even disguiseable or mimicable with the environment, so you have to have and reserve a place for it. In exchange for that, the chain never loses lubricity and will not stain the floor or carpet on which we place it.
Once the following and fundamental step comes: the ZWIFT RIDE only includes a free 30 -day test of the Zwift Play application. Basically, it is an app that carries the world of mythical races of Mario Bros. to the world of cycling: We compete with other cyclists, from anywhere in the world, in classic cycling tours. Only in this case the digital universe is called Watopia.
The app, I must confess, is a matter of taste. Yes, it is very well designed, the connection to the ZWIFT system is perfect and all recreates the selected circuit profiles. But there is another additional element. While for many it is an effective form of training, such as a simulator for F1 pilots, there are those who use it to socialize, sending codes, messages and “gifts” to other users directly through the handlebar. I am, for my part, too old, too hermit and little patient to find this part. But for many it is so interesting that it has even become a kind of sport tinder.
The images that reproduce the paths can be seen directly on the TV (if we have a smart TV and we download the app) or in a laptop or a tablet (doing so on a mobile takes away a lot of game). If we select PC or Tablet, we can also use the support in the handlebar to place it there. Unfortunately, It is not part of the basic kit and you have to buy it apart. It’s worth it? If we do not use TV, yes, almost essential.
Installed everything, filming begins. Initially, the numerous control buttons can be overwhelming, but after a few sessions, everything makes sense. Zwift Play controls completely eliminate the need for complementary app. They work with the same immediacy as the changes and with the same intuition. We do not have to remove our hands from the handlebar or look for the exact place to click on a screen. IMPORTANT DETAIL: It has two accessible portabidones, the only time we will remove the hands of the handlebars.
I have to confess that the issue of changes worried me a bit when it comes to getting in the race: visually no transmission or specific gear is seen and that is because Zwift has eliminated them. The entire system is based on a resistance that comes from the integrated magnetic brake of the Wahoo Kickr And it is controlled digitally. During Zwift training, you will not even need to change the march: the resistance level automatically adjusts to adapt to your session.
The only potential inconvenience? The lack of customization of the width of the handlebar, but the standard is well achieved Already less than we are professionals with very specific requirements or we need an exact configuration for other reasons, there will be no problem.
The Zwift Ride is the closest that we can currently get to play sports in a closed environment. It is prepared for all levels, it is intuitive, all mechanisms sweat durability and ease when installing them. It is one of the funniest ways to do sports And when they adapt the Zwift Ride to the running ribbons, they will remove it from their hands. I would do it.
The price of the Zwift Ride ranges from 800 euros for the smart box only at 1,300 euros for the picture with the Kikr Core.