Due to a rare combination of Zwift events and bugs/misconfigurations, there are currently four very time-limited “hacks” available to all Zwifters.
There’s something here for everyone, but these should be particularly appealing to lower-level Zwifters looking to procure faster in-game setups. Read on for details
#1: Cervelo Aspero 5 (Faster Upgrading)
The new Cervelo Aspero 5 is the most aero gravel bike on Zwift, beating the next-fastest bikes by just over 3 seconds across an hour of riding. It’s a bit heavy, so maybe not the best choice for races that involve steeper, longer climbs. But it’s still one of the top 4 gravel bikes on Zwift.
Currently, the Aspero 5 is set up as a mid-level bike in terms of upgrades. This means it can be upgraded to top performance with much less work than the other top gravel bikes, which are all set as high-level upgrade bikes.
- A mid-range bike requires you to ride 160+200+240+280=880km and spend 50k+100k+150k+200k=500,000 Drops to reach stage 4 and top speed.
- A high-end bike requires you to ride 200+260+320+380+440=1600km and spend 100k+200k+350k+500k+750k=1,900,000 Drops to reach stage 5 and top speed.
A couple of caveats to note:
- The Aspero 5 is currently misconfigured in terms of weight, meaning it’s a bit heavier than it should be. Zwift tells me this will be fixed in the next update, scheduled to roll out April 21. All the info above about its performance, as well as the data on today’s gravel performance post, are based on this revised weight.
- I’m assuming Zwift will adjust this frame to use the high-end upgrade scheme in the April 21 update as well. When that happens, any upgrade stages you have reached (and paid Drops to unlock) will remain in place, but any new stages will be shifted to the high-end requirements. It’s a rather odd state of affairs, because you may have reached stage 4 and maximum performance, but once it is shifted to a high-end scheme, you’ll need to upgrade to stage 5 for maximum performance.
#2: Pinarello Dogma 2024 (No Level Lock)
The Dogma 2024 is one of the top-performing road frames on Zwift, and my personal favorite due to a very limited-availability paint scheme I unlocked back in 2024 so my in-game Dogma matches my IRL bike.
Zwift didn’t announce this, but a rider tipped me off that the Pinarello Dogma 2024, typically locked so only level 40+ riders can buy it, has had its level lock completely removed. Zwift did this because Zwift Camp: Breakthrough includes a “Starry Red” colorway unlock for the Dogma 2024, but you have to purchase the frame to use the unlock. I guess Zwift decided it would be a bummer to be below level 40 and unlock the colorway with no way to use it.
I’m sure the Dogma 2024 will return to a level 40+ lock once Zwift Camp: Breakthrough ends, so if you’re below level 40 and want this frame, buy it while you can! (It’s not cheap: 1,750,000 Drops.)
#3: Princeton Carbonworks Wake 6560 Lava (Free Unlock)
I saved the best for last.
Zwift originally said riders would unlock a “Lava” colorway for the new Princeton Wake 6560 wheels as part of Zwift Camp: Breakthrough. But it turns out, you unlock the actual wheelset. That’s right: complete any two stages of Zwift Camp: Breakthrough, and you’ll get these wheels (a 685,000 Drops value!) free of charge.
This isn’t just any wheelset, either. As explained here, the Princeton Carbonworks Wake 6560 White is the new top all-arounder in the game. Super strong climbers.
One minor caveat: the “Lava” version of these wheels is currently misconfigured and a bit slower than the “white” version. Zwift knows about it, and I bet this will be fixed to match the White wheels in the next release.
#4: Mystery Spinner Drops Farming
Lots of riders have been “Drops Farming” the Stoneway Sprint Reverse segment on Watopia’s southern coast, because every time you complete the segment you get a spin on the mystery spinner. If the spinner lands on a prize you already own, you’ll get a healthy 10k Drops bonus instead.
I was able to do a full “rep” in 1 minute, 40 seconds, without a lot of effort. 10k Drops every 100 seconds=360k per hour (and 72 U-turns)! Here’s a YouTuber showing how it’s done…
Tip: Several routes will get you to the Stoneway Sprint Reverse quickly. The Mayan 8 is one of them.
Note: this is a very limited-time opportunity. I believe the Mystery Spinners will end with the Big Spin 2026 ends, on April 20th.
Questions or comments?
Will you be taking advantage of any of these hacks? Share below!
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