So once you have signed up, you can then connect your devices to your Zwift account.
You’ll need either your Windows, Mac or iOS device to download and install the Zwift app.
First thing though!
Zwift stores data to show your progression as you go.
In order to store this, your device needs a minimum of 4GB of free space to run effectively.
So, just check the free space available on your device firstly.
Next, time to pair your devices.
Classic Setup
If you’re using a classic setup with a standard turbo trainer such as the PedalPro (Check out here on Amazon) and an ANT+ sensor, you can either plug the dongle of the ANT+ sensor into your computer directly or into an extension cord and place it next to your bike.
This will pick up the sensor more effectively.
You can then place your cadence sensor on the back wheel and one or more pushes of the wheel it will be more than enough to wake it up.
Next, move over to your computer and click ‘search’. It will pick up the ANT+ and cadence sensor straight away.
Just click ‘Pair’.
Premium Setup
If you’re using a smart trainer such as the Wahoo Kickr, (Check out here on Amazon) it’s very straight forward!
To wake it up, ride your bike very briefly then turn to your computer.
Click ‘search’ and your smart trainer will appear and automatically connect.
Zwift will control your full resistance with a smart trainer.
This will pick up your cadence, power calculation and for uphill and downhill movements.
If you hit a climb, your resistance gets harder.
Perfect!
If it’s an exercise bike you have that is Bluetooth enabled (such as the Watt Bike) and would rather use that than a turbo trainer, you can no problem.
A heart rate monitor such as the Wahoo Tickr, (Check out here on Amazon) is great to have also.
You can easily link this up to your Zwift account to measure a lot more personalised data such as heart rate, different cardio zones and calories burned.
You only need to pair your devices once. Everytime you log into Zwift, your device will automatically pair.
So what features does Zwift offer?
Thanks for this review of the Zwift Cycling app/game. Never heard of it before but sounds totally awesome and right up my alley. Is there a complete setup (bike, censors, etc) or a bundle that I could buy all at once or do I need to buy all the pieces separately? Next level tech I can imagine something like Zwift but with the Oculus 3D goggles or something similar so people could really get immersive in a cycling game and feel like you are really there. That would be so cool!
Hi Riverdogg,
Zwift’s actual website do provide all the equipment you need to work the full functionality of Zwift and get the best experience possible.
You can get less expensive equipment that can work just as well on Amazon though.
Zwift is also compatible with the likes of Oculus 3D and I must say it looks absolutely incredible! – check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VoJdNF8ZIY
Wow Ronan,
Whenever I am at the gym, I am always envious of people i see on those bikes
getting motivational instructions from virtual coaches.
In the world of Artificial Intelligence we are embarking on,
I really see great values in this method of getting people together for the common goal
of biking.
Thank you for the article and I will be signing up.
Hi Moi MOI
You’re right, in this day and age we now live in – advancements in technology are making life easier
In this case, Zwift gives people the opportunity of being able to train from the comfort of their own home and fun doing at the same time.
And sure you don’t realise how fit your are becoming because it’s just so much fun!
Hello Ronan!
Quite an interesting tool for measuring your cycling performance while being at home / in your free time, it also helps you take part in virtual competitions, and besides, it gives you the opportunity to know other people and make friends!
If Zwift competitions motivate you to cycle more and more while being at home, this also improves your body and keeps you healthy and fit, without having to go outside for long rides on foot or to fitness rooms. And the price should be very affordable, maybe less than a monthly fitness subscription.
To a certain extent, Zwift remembers me of Samsung Health (a free program version on Samsung smartphones, counting our steps). I did not engage in competitions, but I used to track my daily on-foot activity :).
Have good luck, good health & good frends with Zwift!
Peter
Hi Peter,
Exactly, not only is Zwift just so much fun but you’re completely right, it keeps you fit and healthy without you even knowing it!
The competitions in Zwift just give you that extra motivation to push harder and keep breaking your own records!
This is exactly what I need! Sometimes just cycling whether indoors or outdoors can get a little boring after doing it all of the time, but this would help get through the monotony by adding a community to be involved with and almost like putting you into a video game! I am going to try this out, the 7 day free trial is a nice addition just to see if I like it. Thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to get started!
Hi Travis,
Zwift is an awesome interactive game you can get involved in to help improve your cycling but in overall just to have fun!
I absolutely love it….you should give it a go!