I started Zwifting 3 years ago. At first I did free rides and would be motivated by trying to stay with other stronger riders. It was plenty immersive enough for me to keep coming back day after day. It evolved into group rides where I could try staying with the stronger riders but if I got dropped no problem others would follow. Then I tried racing. This was motivation on a whole other level. It’s addictive. The competitive drive forces you to push beyond your limits time and time again. I dread the start of a race because I know it’ll be painful but when it’s over the emotional boost is like nothing else on a bike anyway. I love the fact you can ride all out and not worry about crashing. I’m a little older now so I ride outside to see the sights. I ride Zwift for fitness.
As a long time runner, I actually got into Zwift via running on a treadmill (which I still dislike), then have moved primarily to the ride side. I simply love Zwift, because it allows me to work out despite my work schedule. Yes, it is great to be outside riding, but if I waited until daylight time allowed, I'd be riding once every week or two. Now I can jump on despite darkness or weather, and quite frankly I ride and train harder on Zwift. When I get to ride outdoors, it is more of a casual ride, enjoying being out. I also enjoy riding as a great recreational outlet, but life doesn't allow me to be outside anywhere nearly as often as I would like, but I'm ready when the time comes!
It's good to read positive reviews like this and others. I'm still a bit on the fence about buying one, mainly because of the price (hope to get one during black friday). But also my fear I wouldn't like it enough like BIKE198 mentioned... the whole training indoors thing. Your review balances it a bit, think I am going for it so I can get training in while what you mentioned; not being limited by weather or darkness (also wet roads and leaves).
for someone that lives in canada it's 100% worth it. You can keep your fitness levels high year long. Totally get you point. Doing a grand fondo on zwift is extremely boring compared to the great outdoors
I think it's about time I made the jump! Can you point me to some kind of guide to get this thing setup? I've always done racing (when I was younger) with a mountain bike that had these big-ass bullhorns so I can stay upright and still hold on lol I'd like to replicate something like this and I really have no idea where to begin. Apparently I don't only need the trainer but a compatible bike? Any info would be appreciated!
Great video. Training inside - either weightlifting, cycling or running requires discipline -> not motivation. And yes, it's hard. I've been doing it for the past 20 years. Anyone can, if you have discipline. Never wait for motivation.
Same - I'm from SoCal originally where I could ride year-round but moved east for work and trainers like these allow those of us committed to staying in bike shape the chance to keep our level of fitness at peak. I generally ride even when it's cold but once it drops below freezing and snow is on the ground it is not very comfortable. I'm a little nuts - I'll ride in rain, when it's super humid and hot and generally shitty. For whatever reason being from SoCal the variability in weather is actually a treat for me. Having said that - I totally hear Robb - if you live somewhere like SoCal, the Southeast, Southwest then get on your bike and go outside - it's a waste to spend that time indoors. But for those of us in the Northeast, Midwest, Northern Rockies these trainers are a godsend when it gets super cold / dangerous to ride.
Good video and completely understand - indoor training is not for everyone. I live in CA and can pretty much cycle year round. However, I have a very demanding job that prevents me from getting out during the week before the desert heat creeps up to the boiling point or 10-20mph winds kick up - bottom line, that only leaves Saturday morning for me to ride (with church on Sunday). So, Zwift to the rescue! Not only does it allow me to train when my schedule permits, it also challenges me in ways simple road rides do not. Putting this baby on ERG mode and working through 60 - 90 minute intense, structured workouts kicks but! I have been riding for over 40 years and, while I know the benefits of intervals or Zone 5 grinds my road rides typically fall into zone 2 efforts that are great for building endurance but fall short of building strength unless I can find some hills to torture myself with...
As you said, you live in the SE US so you can go out almost 365 days a year on a real ride. Same for me when I lived in San Francisco. But now that I live in northern Europe, there is no way I can go out in winter/early spring. So there is no alternative to a Zwift session beside not riding at all, which is not an option because that would mean a 3/4-month-break per year. You should also consider one significant benefit: safety. Each time I go out on my bike I am very aware that road cycling is a dangerous sport (I got hit by a car 5 times in my life). Peace of mind has value.
Hard to find training time during daylight due to work and kids. I run in the dark primarily but have been working through some plantar fasciiitis. Can’t wait to get my Kickr this week!
I have the same Kicker and Zwift setup . I love it during the winter but in the last few summers I haven't used it much. I live in coastal Virginia and its flat here for the most part. The trainer does get me into better shape because I can do climbs on it and in turn it makes me faster when riding out side. I think if your into cycling there are benefits to using a trainer if you can t get out side that day.
There are benefits for sure. There is just something about it that no matter what...I have a hard time with. It is awesome to have so many great options now though.
I'm a runner more so than biker. I've thought about buying a bike trianer. I feel the same way about mentally being drained trying to train indoors. I've had treadmills in the past and I too don't like training indoors and will endure the cold to go for a run. What's amazing to me are those guys that can run for hours on a treadmill. The mental game is real, if you can endure hours on a treadmill you can endure hours on the trail or road. Some are wired like that. I had a friend that introduced me to ultra marathons and he said that running on the treadmill was the major factor in his training. For someone with a family and job he had to sqeeze in runs and spending hours on the treadmill he could train and mentally and physically get tougher. Mind you he did say that netflix was a major factor along with that:) As for Zwift, that will certainly be considered when I get a trainer.
It is very beneficial if you are on a time crunch. I really wish I liked it more because between work and coaching youth sports...I don't get to get out nearly as much as I used to.
Been using Zwift for almost 5 years on a Kickr Core. I love it. I live in a City, so impossible for me to ride continuously without having to stop at traffic lights. I've had accidents also where I have broken my arm. Zwift allows me to get my training done quickly and safely at the end of my garden in my shed. I can join races, or other group rides at my leisure. It also works around a busy family life. Its kept me fit and motivated and whilst I would love to ride more outside, I would need to move location to really enjoy that. I get your point though, but Zwift / Kickr Core works for me and many others too im sure.
I do use and like Zwift in the winter months and sometimes in summer when we have a wet spell. I always use the free 25km/month every month although I do ride further than that which Zwift does let you do. When I'm on it I would prefer to be outside on the bike but the weather is the decider. Saying that... I do like the group rides which always end up being a race which is fun & makes you go harder than you really want to 🤣
I live in The Netherlands and not Miami or Tenerife. So the question should not be indoor or outdoor but what app/platform. I personally cannot deal longterm with the cartoon world of Zwift but I like Trainerroad and Kinomap during the winter or rainy days.
Awesome review. Finding smart trainers pointless so long as you can do it outside. Only reason I’ve been considering to get this is to do a bike fit and be able to do continual bike fit tweaks if needed. Still can’t seem to find a way to do that without a smart trainer that I’d simply wouldn’t use other than this purpose.
Appreciate the perspective. I'm in the northeast and although I haven't ridden a bike outdoors in several years I basically can't bring myself to do it during the coldest months, from mid November to mid March. I've tried but it's just too cold, my extremities freeze, and anything longer that 30 minutes is just out of the question, and that's not enough to make it worth the trouble of putting on all that winter gear several times a week. So I run, but even that's gotten pretty unbearable the older I get, from mid to late December to early to mid March, basically 2-3 months. I've tried to bike on a basic "dumb" trainer I found some years ago, but it's noisy and there's no way to control the resistance while riding, and of course it's boring as hell. And joining a gym is also kind of pointless as I'd have to drive there and find parking, or run there but if I can do that then what do I need a gym for. So it's either keep running and be miserable, or pick up a smart trainer and make the most of those winter months. No point in getting anything too fancy or expensive as it would just sit unused most of the year, except maybe when it's rainy for days on end. The Wahoo KICKR SNAP seems like the ideal trainer for me as I can't justify spending much more and I like that I can fold it up when not in use as space is tight and I can't leave my bike connected full time to a wheel off trainer, and it seems decent enough for a part-time trainer. Any thoughts from anyone who has or has used one if it would be ok for that? I'm talking 2-3 rides a week, of 30-60 minutes each, running the rest of the time to avoid getting stagnant. I'd probably use my 27" PC screen to view the rides and my phone to control the trainer. Is that basically how it works? Never used a smart trainer or app.
Interesting take. I still plan on buying one in the next month or two because I'm in the north east and it will be raining/cold soon. Moreover, I intend on using its racing features; I'm not into the racing scene here at all. 100% of my rides are solo, but zwift will open that up for me.
My thoughts are this: Thanks for sharing your personal experience, I woke up this morning wondering if Zwift made you happy. My whole day was based on it. Now that I find out how bored you get on your trainer, I've thrown out my trainer, cancelled Zwift, and am now committed to only riding my bike outdoors. Unless of course there ever comes a time where you start hating that too, in which case I'll sell my bike and take up hopscotch. How do you feel about chalk lines on the sidewalk?
Riding indoors always sucks, unless you are target motivated. When you are riding for fun, indoor riding will be quite a struggle. Everything changes when every ride matters.
Just as was thinking of getting a trainer … but more for my back rehab and test my back on my aspero. Thinking of just getting a cheap trainer until I can be out again.
Yikes! Compared to all those years on a regular stationary bike in the Winter watching those god awful squares march across an LCD screen, Zwift and a direct drive trainer are a god send.
I live where you cannot ride in the winter. I have never come to terms with my Wahoo Kickr. I can't seem to set it up with my TV, phone or tablet, and anyways, I can't deal with a cartoon situation in front of me. I just can't. So it has been a colossal waste of hard earned cash for me unfortunately. And I gave away my old stationary bike... I am not able to understand the appeal of this sort of thing.
It is a great video you made for sure and totally agree with you. However i really enjoy zwift becase im not a fan of snow and winter weather. Mostly do zwift racing and pacer groups. I do enjoy zwift academy as well right now.
About 20 years ago Tacx and Computrainer came out with this virtual training on a bike indoors and there was a couple of other companies producing software to use . I bought into Tacx and rode the shit out of it. There was a multiplayer option and I meet some people through that platform which helped to push me harder. But for some reason I did not get the same experience with Zwift. I can't explain it but it's real, I just don't like Zwift. I still have now a Tacx Neo trainer and I have the Tacx TTS4 program which looks far better than Zwift, so I can ride VR or Real Life Videos but there is no longer a multiplayer option. I'm fine with not being online because I have saved rides or can save any ride to ride against myself with a virtual avatar. At least I don't have to pay a subscription fee to get a Zwift experience and I don't feel like I'm throwing money out the window when I have those periods of weeks I don't ride it. The thought to sell it has crossed my mind lately but I just can't bring myself to it.
Hello @bike198 ! I find your review very disturbing, I'm looking to buy this trainer.. When I look at your video I really dont understand your cons of the trainer? You primary say that riding indoors or on a trainer is boring, but hello? This is a indoor trainer, that is supposed to be indoor. Is it really appropriate to complain about the way it should be used? I mean, it's like giving a review on a Tennis racket, and to say that the biggest con/issue is that I cant play Golf with it. People that are looking for a trainer, clearly understand that having a trainer is including indoor usage PRIMARLY. But I like your enthusiasm and the work and time you spent making this video. Keep on the work, but please dont make a (obvious usage) some kind of con/issue, missleading... Have a nice 2024! Kind regards,
You should try GtBikeV then, there's cars, crashes, careless pedestrians, animals running into you, police chases happening around you, hillbillys starting to shoot at you xD and with a steering device such as Sterzo Smart, Zwift Play, any gamepad or keyboard you get to avoid them
I started Zwifting 3 years ago. At first I did free rides and would be motivated by trying to stay with other stronger riders. It was plenty immersive enough for me to keep coming back day after day. It evolved into group rides where I could try staying with the stronger riders but if I got dropped no problem others would follow. Then I tried racing. This was motivation on a whole other level. It’s addictive. The competitive drive forces you to push beyond your limits time and time again. I dread the start of a race because I know it’ll be painful but when it’s over the emotional boost is like nothing else on a bike anyway. I love the fact you can ride all out and not worry about crashing. I’m a little older now so I ride outside to see the sights. I ride Zwift for fitness.
Well, your dog came in looking like what the hell you are doing when you could be outside taking him for a hike.
ha! Very true! That was one of 3 Boxers. A lot of dog energy in our house.
As a long time runner, I actually got into Zwift via running on a treadmill (which I still dislike), then have moved primarily to the ride side. I simply love Zwift, because it allows me to work out despite my work schedule. Yes, it is great to be outside riding, but if I waited until daylight time allowed, I'd be riding once every week or two. Now I can jump on despite darkness or weather, and quite frankly I ride and train harder on Zwift. When I get to ride outdoors, it is more of a casual ride, enjoying being out. I also enjoy riding as a great recreational outlet, but life doesn't allow me to be outside anywhere nearly as often as I would like, but I'm ready when the time comes!
It's good to read positive reviews like this and others. I'm still a bit on the fence about buying one, mainly because of the price (hope to get one during black friday). But also my fear I wouldn't like it enough like BIKE198 mentioned... the whole training indoors thing. Your review balances it a bit, think I am going for it so I can get training in while what you mentioned; not being limited by weather or darkness (also wet roads and leaves).
for someone that lives in canada it's 100% worth it. You can keep your fitness levels high year long. Totally get you point. Doing a grand fondo on zwift is extremely boring compared to the great outdoors
I think it's about time I made the jump! Can you point me to some kind of guide to get this thing setup? I've always done racing (when I was younger) with a mountain bike that had these big-ass bullhorns so I can stay upright and still hold on lol I'd like to replicate something like this and I really have no idea where to begin. Apparently I don't only need the trainer but a compatible bike? Any info would be appreciated!
Great video. Training inside - either weightlifting, cycling or running requires discipline -> not motivation. And yes, it's hard. I've been doing it for the past 20 years. Anyone can, if you have discipline. Never wait for motivation.
Duck yeah. Who the duck need motivation when the discipline it’s all what everybody really need
I love riding outside also but I’m in the northeast and don’t ride in the cold. This keeps me going all year.
Same - I'm from SoCal originally where I could ride year-round but moved east for work and trainers like these allow those of us committed to staying in bike shape the chance to keep our level of fitness at peak. I generally ride even when it's cold but once it drops below freezing and snow is on the ground it is not very comfortable. I'm a little nuts - I'll ride in rain, when it's super humid and hot and generally shitty. For whatever reason being from SoCal the variability in weather is actually a treat for me. Having said that - I totally hear Robb - if you live somewhere like SoCal, the Southeast, Southwest then get on your bike and go outside - it's a waste to spend that time indoors. But for those of us in the Northeast, Midwest, Northern Rockies these trainers are a godsend when it gets super cold / dangerous to ride.
Good video and completely understand - indoor training is not for everyone. I live in CA and can pretty much cycle year round. However, I have a very demanding job that prevents me from getting out during the week before the desert heat creeps up to the boiling point or 10-20mph winds kick up - bottom line, that only leaves Saturday morning for me to ride (with church on Sunday). So, Zwift to the rescue! Not only does it allow me to train when my schedule permits, it also challenges me in ways simple road rides do not. Putting this baby on ERG mode and working through 60 - 90 minute intense, structured workouts kicks but! I have been riding for over 40 years and, while I know the benefits of intervals or Zone 5 grinds my road rides typically fall into zone 2 efforts that are great for building endurance but fall short of building strength unless I can find some hills to torture myself with...
As you said, you live in the SE US so you can go out almost 365 days a year on a real ride. Same for me when I lived in San Francisco. But now that I live in northern Europe, there is no way I can go out in winter/early spring. So there is no alternative to a Zwift session beside not riding at all, which is not an option because that would mean a 3/4-month-break per year.
You should also consider one significant benefit: safety. Each time I go out on my bike I am very aware that road cycling is a dangerous sport (I got hit by a car 5 times in my life). Peace of mind has value.
Safety is a HUGE one. I actually sold my road bikes for that reason. Way too many distracted drivers out there now.
Hard to find training time during daylight due to work and kids. I run in the dark primarily but have been working through some plantar fasciiitis. Can’t wait to get my Kickr this week!
I have the same Kicker and Zwift setup . I love it during the winter but in the last few summers I haven't used it much. I live in coastal Virginia and its flat here for the most part. The trainer does get me into better shape because I can do climbs on it and in turn it makes me faster when riding out side. I think if your into cycling there are benefits to using a trainer if you can t get out side that day.
There are benefits for sure. There is just something about it that no matter what...I have a hard time with. It is awesome to have so many great options now though.
I'm a runner more so than biker. I've thought about buying a bike trianer. I feel the same way about mentally being drained trying to train indoors. I've had treadmills in the past and I too don't like training indoors and will endure the cold to go for a run. What's amazing to me are those guys that can run for hours on a treadmill. The mental game is real, if you can endure hours on a treadmill you can endure hours on the trail or road. Some are wired like that. I had a friend that introduced me to ultra marathons and he said that running on the treadmill was the major factor in his training. For someone with a family and job he had to sqeeze in runs and spending hours on the treadmill he could train and mentally and physically get tougher. Mind you he did say that netflix was a major factor along with that:) As for Zwift, that will certainly be considered when I get a trainer.
It is very beneficial if you are on a time crunch. I really wish I liked it more because between work and coaching youth sports...I don't get to get out nearly as much as I used to.
Been using Zwift for almost 5 years on a Kickr Core. I love it. I live in a City, so impossible for me to ride continuously without having to stop at traffic lights. I've had accidents also where I have broken my arm. Zwift allows me to get my training done quickly and safely at the end of my garden in my shed. I can join races, or other group rides at my leisure. It also works around a busy family life. Its kept me fit and motivated and whilst I would love to ride more outside, I would need to move location to really enjoy that. I get your point though, but Zwift / Kickr Core works for me and many others too im sure.
I do use and like Zwift in the winter months and sometimes in summer when we have a wet spell. I always use the free 25km/month every month although I do ride further than that which Zwift does let you do. When I'm on it I would prefer to be outside on the bike but the weather is the decider.
Saying that... I do like the group rides which always end up being a race which is fun & makes you go harder than you really want to 🤣
If you have small kids at home, you can still use this at home and get an workout in. After kids get older, will definitely prefer riding outdoors.
I am luckily just out of that stage with our son being 11. We actually got some freedom back with him being able to stay at home alone some.
This being the entire reason I'm considering it :)
Yeah..I'd prefer to be outside too but if I can't this trainer is on the top of my list..great video.
I have the new Saris one coming in too as a comparison. But I'm with you...it's tough to ride indoors.
I live in The Netherlands and not Miami or Tenerife. So the question should not be indoor or outdoor but what app/platform. I personally cannot deal longterm with the cartoon world of Zwift but I like Trainerroad and Kinomap during the winter or rainy days.
Awesome review. Finding smart trainers pointless so long as you can do it outside. Only reason I’ve been considering to get this is to do a bike fit and be able to do continual bike fit tweaks if needed. Still can’t seem to find a way to do that without a smart trainer that I’d simply wouldn’t use other than this purpose.
An honest review. Thank you!
Appreciate the perspective. I'm in the northeast and although I haven't ridden a bike outdoors in several years I basically can't bring myself to do it during the coldest months, from mid November to mid March. I've tried but it's just too cold, my extremities freeze, and anything longer that 30 minutes is just out of the question, and that's not enough to make it worth the trouble of putting on all that winter gear several times a week. So I run, but even that's gotten pretty unbearable the older I get, from mid to late December to early to mid March, basically 2-3 months.
I've tried to bike on a basic "dumb" trainer I found some years ago, but it's noisy and there's no way to control the resistance while riding, and of course it's boring as hell. And joining a gym is also kind of pointless as I'd have to drive there and find parking, or run there but if I can do that then what do I need a gym for. So it's either keep running and be miserable, or pick up a smart trainer and make the most of those winter months. No point in getting anything too fancy or expensive as it would just sit unused most of the year, except maybe when it's rainy for days on end.
The Wahoo KICKR SNAP seems like the ideal trainer for me as I can't justify spending much more and I like that I can fold it up when not in use as space is tight and I can't leave my bike connected full time to a wheel off trainer, and it seems decent enough for a part-time trainer. Any thoughts from anyone who has or has used one if it would be ok for that? I'm talking 2-3 rides a week, of 30-60 minutes each, running the rest of the time to avoid getting stagnant. I'd probably use my 27" PC screen to view the rides and my phone to control the trainer. Is that basically how it works? Never used a smart trainer or app.
Interesting take. I still plan on buying one in the next month or two because I'm in the north east and it will be raining/cold soon. Moreover, I intend on using its racing features; I'm not into the racing scene here at all. 100% of my rides are solo, but zwift will open that up for me.
It will be interesting to see what you think. A lot of people really love that aspect of Zwift.
Just wondering what cassette you use. Im using my gravel bike which is Shimano CS-M7000, 11-42, 11 Speed.
My thoughts are this: Thanks for sharing your personal experience, I woke up this morning wondering if Zwift made you happy. My whole day was based on it. Now that I find out how bored you get on your trainer, I've thrown out my trainer, cancelled Zwift, and am now committed to only riding my bike outdoors. Unless of course there ever comes a time where you start hating that too, in which case I'll sell my bike and take up hopscotch. How do you feel about chalk lines on the sidewalk?
For me it's yea an outdoor issue of two cold/hot or wet.
Riding indoors always sucks, unless you are target motivated.
When you are riding for fun, indoor riding will be quite a struggle. Everything changes when every ride matters.
Just as was thinking of getting a trainer … but more for my back rehab and test my back on my aspero. Thinking of just getting a cheap trainer until I can be out again.
Yikes! Compared to all those years on a regular stationary bike in the Winter watching those god awful squares march across an LCD screen, Zwift and a direct drive trainer are a god send.
I live where you cannot ride in the winter. I have never come to terms with my Wahoo Kickr. I can't seem to set it up with my TV, phone or tablet, and anyways, I can't deal with a cartoon situation in front of me. I just can't. So it has been a colossal waste of hard earned cash for me unfortunately. And I gave away my old stationary bike... I am not able to understand the appeal of this sort of thing.
Ditch the Zwift and watch a nature video, train cab video in Switzerland.
30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR??? Not a problem. The problem is 2-3h
That sounds horrible. I couldn't do that long for sure.
It is a great video you made for sure and totally agree with you. However i really enjoy zwift becase im not a fan of snow and winter weather. Mostly do zwift racing and pacer groups. I do enjoy zwift academy as well right now.
About 20 years ago Tacx and Computrainer came out with this virtual training on a bike indoors and there was a couple of other companies producing software to use . I bought into Tacx and rode the shit out of it. There was a multiplayer option and I meet some people through that platform which helped to push me harder. But for some reason I did not get the same experience with Zwift. I can't explain it but it's real, I just don't like Zwift. I still have now a Tacx Neo trainer and I have the Tacx TTS4 program which looks far better than Zwift, so I can ride VR or Real Life Videos but there is no longer a multiplayer option. I'm fine with not being online because I have saved rides or can save any ride to ride against myself with a virtual avatar. At least I don't have to pay a subscription fee to get a Zwift experience and I don't feel like I'm throwing money out the window when I have those periods of weeks I don't ride it. The thought to sell it has crossed my mind lately but I just can't bring myself to it.
Tacx does look a lot more realistic where Zwift is more cartoonish.
Hey man i just wanted to let you know that your saddle height is way too high xx
Bought mine for rainy days
Its great stop hating.
hmm interesting review. I live in Montana so riding in winter is not happening.
You're supposed to be reviewing the product not giving us your personal lifestyle like and dislikes.
It was more a video about my experience vs a review.
Have you looked at the title of your video? Lol
Hello @bike198 !
I find your review very disturbing, I'm looking to buy this trainer..
When I look at your video I really dont understand your cons of the trainer?
You primary say that riding indoors or on a trainer is boring, but hello? This is a indoor trainer, that is supposed to be indoor.
Is it really appropriate to complain about the way it should be used?
I mean, it's like giving a review on a Tennis racket, and to say that the biggest con/issue is that I cant play Golf with it.
People that are looking for a trainer, clearly understand that having a trainer is including indoor usage PRIMARLY.
But I like your enthusiasm and the work and time you spent making this video.
Keep on the work, but please dont make a (obvious usage) some kind of con/issue, missleading...
Have a nice 2024!
Kind regards,
It’s booooooring. No smells, no wind, no cars nothing. Lost the sense of freedom
You should try GtBikeV then, there's cars, crashes, careless pedestrians, animals running into you, police chases happening around you, hillbillys starting to shoot at you xD and with a steering device such as Sterzo Smart, Zwift Play, any gamepad or keyboard you get to avoid them
Yeah no chance of falling, getting hit by cars, pedestrians walking in front of you looking at their iphones. 🤓
@@joelance101 isn’t that how we develop “skilz” dodging and evading the furniture