Our Tron vs Top Performers chart is very popular with Zwift racers constantly looking for the perfect frame+wheelset combo for their race course.
But recently we’ve had many Zwifters asking how the Tron bike’s performance compares to time trial frames in Zwift. (This question is even more popular thanks to WTRL’s recent announcement that TT frames can now be used in TTT events.)
After lots of testing, we’ve created a scatter plot chart pitting the Tron bike against top-performing wheels and TT frames. Here’s how the best time trial frames and wheels in Zwift compare to the Tron bike on flats and climbs.
Frames used, in order of aero performance:
- CADEX Tri: most aero TT frame on Zwift (1,029,500 Drops, level 42)
- Canyon Speedmax SLX Disc: former top aero TT frame on Zwift (891,000 Drops, level 26)
- Felt IA 2.0 & Scott Plasma RC Ultimate: very aero frames, but best climbing TT frames on Zwift (both turn in identical performance numbers) (1,136,000 Drops, level 34 & 33)
- Specialized Shiv Disc: fastest beginner-level TT frame (994,000 Drops, level 18)
- Cervelo P5: another beginner-level frame, this one climbs well (710,000 Drops, level 15)
- Zwift Concept Z1 (Tron)
Wheelsets used, in order of aero performance:
- DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT DISC: most aero wheels (1,579,800 Drops, level 42)
- Zipp 858/Super9: former most aero wheels (1,508,800 Drops, level 45)
- Zipp 858: most aero non-disc wheels (312,400 Drops, level 37)
- ENVE 7.8: aero all-arounders (205,900 Drops, level 39)
- Zipp 808: popular OG racing wheels (177,600, level 13)
- DT Swiss ARC 1100 DiCut 62: strong all-arounders (184,600 Drops, level 6)
- Zipp 353 NSW: strong all-arounders (255,600, level 19)
- ENVE 3.4: strong all-arounders (191,700 Drops, level 4)
- Roval Alpinist CLX (135,300 Drops, level 32) or Lightweight Meilensteins (unlocked via Alpe du Zwift spinner): both top climbers deliver the same performance
Tron vs Top TT Performers
Colored based on frame. Mouse over each point for details.
Zwift Concept Z1, CADEX Tri, Canyon Speedmax CF SLX-Works, Felt IA 2.0 & Scott Plasma RC Ultimate, Specialized Shiv Disc, Cervelo P5
Chart updated September 23, 2022
Observations
Not surprisingly, TT setups are more aero than road setups (like the Tron bike), but don’t climb as well. This replicates what we see outdoors.
The Tron bike is clearly the standout here in terms of climbing performance, beating the best TT combination (Felt IA 2.0 or Scott Plasma RC Ultimate + Lightweights or Roval Alpinist wheels) by 49 seconds up the Alpe.
But if you look at aero performance, the best TT setup (CADEX Tri + DT Swiss Disc wheels) beats the Tron bike on our flat test by a whopping 110.5 seconds.
We’ve enlarged the points which perform best (you want points that are lower and leftward).
Your Thoughts
What conclusions do you draw from this chart? Share your thoughts below!
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