Tiny Race Series – March 23 Routes and Last Week’s Results
See zwiftinsider.com/tiny for current Tiny Race details.
All About Zwift’s Updated Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel
The new Zwift Big Spin series has just kicked off, and many riders are joining the events in hopes of spinning and winning limited-time novelty unlocks. One of the most popular is the “Zwift Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel”. It’s an eye-catching wheelset and the first tri spoke in game, so many Zwifters are riding extra Big Spin events just for these wheels!
Unfortunately, the Tri Spoke was misconfigured when it first launched, meaning it turned in super-slow times more on par with gravel bikes than road bikes (see original speed test results). Zwift fixed this issue quickly, though, rolling out the fix in the version 1.61 update that was released this week.
Once we downloaded the update, we went to work running fresh tests. Zwift has indeed reconfigured the wheels, but the star ratings didn’t change: they are still rated 3 stars for aero and 1 for weight. This illustrates how non-granular Zwift’s star ratings actually are. They simply aren’t precise enough to communicate actual in-game performance in a useful way for picky racers, so we ran the wheels through our battery of speed tests.
Here’s everything you need to know about the updated Tri Spoke /Disc Wheel’s performance in Zwift.
Aero (Flat/Rolling) Performance
Tri spoke + disc wheels are commonly seen on TT setups because they’re fast. So we expected Zwift’s new Tri Spoke to be pretty zippy on the flats.
The updated wheels aren’t anything to write home about, though. Despite looking quite aero, especially with that rear disc, the wheels turn in a test time of 50:53.5 on our test course, which is two laps of Tempus Fugit totaling 34.6km.
This is almost 3 minutes faster than the old misconfigured wheels (so that’s a big improvement), but also 19.5s slower than the 808/Disc wheelset, which is the slower of the disc wheelsets. The aero performance of the updated Tri Spoke is now within 1 seconds of the ENVE SES 6.7, Zipp 404, and Zipp 353 NSW wheels… all wheels that are better all-arounders than aero performers.
Climb Performance
Given the Tri Spoke’s 1-star weight rating and mid-tier aero performance, we didn’t expect great things on our Alpe test. We got what we expected.
The Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel turns in an Alpe climb time of 49:47, which is almost 2 minutes faster than the misconfigured Tri Spoke, but still quite slow. These are still the slowest climbing wheels in game, 8s slower up the Alpe than the next slowest wheelset (Zipp 808/Disc combo) and 33s slower than the best climbing wheels (the Lightweight Meilenstein and Roval Alpinist CLX.)
Note: all test results above are from a 75kg, 183cm rider holding 300W steady using the Zwift Aero frame.
Conclusions
The original Tri Spoke wheels were so slow that riders could easily sense their poor performance in races or RoboPacer riders. The updated wheels are much faster, so riders using them probably won’t notice a performance hit compared to other rigs.
That said, there is indeed a performance hit! The aero performance of these wheels puts them mid-pack, and they’re the Lanterne Rouge in climb performance.
These wheels are now useable for relaxed rides, but we can’t recommend them for racing.
Questions or Comments?
Share below!
Important note: this post contains speed test results for Zwift frames or wheels. These results may change over time, and a bike's performance relative to others may also change. We don't always revise posts when performance rankings change, but we do keep current, master versions of our speed test results which are always available. See the frame charts, wheel charts, and Tron vs Top Performers for current performance data.
Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One Now Shipping to Canada
Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One Now Shipping to Canada
When the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One was announced in February, Wahoo+Zwift promised it would begin shipping to Canada and Australia in March.
Today, Wahoo’s added the CORE One to their Canadian website, priced at CA$999.99.
This is big news for Canadian Zwifters who have been waiting for virtual shifting capabilities. While Canadians still don’t have easy access to purchasing Zwift’s Play Controllers, the CORE One ships with the Zwift Click device which provides simple up/down buttons for easy virtual shifting.
It also ships with the Zwift Cog which, when coupled with virtual shifting, makes the trainer easily compatible with a wide range of bikes including mountain bikes, road bikes, gravel rigs and more.
CORE One Specs
Built on Wahoo’s well-established KICKR Core line, the CORE One has all the capabilities required to deliver a high-quality Zwift experience. Here are the trainer’s key specs:
- Zwift Click included for virtual shifting
- Calibration: automatic
- Cassette: Zwift Cog (compatible with most 8-12 speed bikes)
- Accuracy: +-2%
- Flywheel: 12lb
- Max Wattage: 1800 W
- Max Incline: 16%
- Cadence: built in
- Communication: ANT+ and 3-Channel Bluetooth
- Axle Compatibility: 130/135mm quick release, 12×142/12×148 thru-axle
- Weight: 18kg
- Physical Dimensions: 9″L x 23″W x 21″H (closed), 20″L x 23″W x 19″H (open)
About Virtual Shifting
With virtual shifting, your chain doesn’t move between different rear cassette cogs when you shift. Instead, a virtual shift changes the resistance of your smart trainer so it feels like you’ve changed cogs. This is how smart bikes like the Wahoo KICKR Bike, Wattbike, StagesBike, and Tacx NEO Bike have always worked.
Why do Zwifters like virtual shifting? Because it beats mechanical shifting in several ways:
- Fast, smooth, quiet: with no chains skipping between cogs, your shifts are completely silent, perfectly smooth, and lightning-fast.
- Less wear and tear: your chain won’t wear out as quickly, and neither will the Zwift Cog, since it is built beefy because weight is not a concern.
- Shift under full load: no need to ease off the pedals when shifting under power, as your chain isn’t going to “skip” when virtual shifting like it can with mechanical shifting.
- Compatible across many bikes: no more spinning out on your low-geared mountain bike, or needing to swap cassettes if you swap bikes. Virtual shifting works with almost any 8-12 speed bike and auto-calibrates to your physical gearing.
- No more fine-tuning: many riders have to fine-tune their physical shifting when moving between outdoor riding and a direct-drive trainer, since the cassettes aren’t lined up exactly the same. The Zwift Cog doesn’t require any such fine-tuning… just shift to a physical gear that has your chain lined up straight on the Cog and you’re ready to ride.
- Expanded gear range: Zwift’s virtual shifting currently supports a virtual 24-speed setup, which is more gears than most riders have on their outdoor setups. Additionally, the gear ratio range is very wide (from .75 to 5.49), meaning everyone should find that virtual shifting offers more easy gears and more hard gears than your mechanical gearing.
- In-game visualization: with Zwift’s virtual shifting, you can always see what gear you’re in on screen.
Zwift’s virtual shifting was rolled out to the Zwift Hub in late 2023, and it’s arguably the most significant technological advance we’ve seen in smart trainers in years. The CORE One is the first non-Zwift trainer to support virtual shifting, and that’s big, good news for Zwifters.
Shop Now
Canadians can purchase the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One on Wahoo’s website today.
What About Australia?
Watch this space – the CORE One is coming to you soon!
Questions or Comments?
Share below!
Zwift Update Version 1.61 (127957) Released
Zwift version 1.61 begins its phased rollout today. It’s a minor game update, but perhaps the biggest news is the update to Zwift’s website that also rolled out this morning. Online race results! See details below…
Online Race Results
Until today, Zwift race results were only available in the Companion app or on third-party websites like ZwiftPower, where race organizers could alter Zwift’s “provisional” results before displaying the finalized list.
Race results are now accessible via the web at zwift.com, offering a similar level of convenience as Zwift Companion app race results. Note: you must be signed into your account at zwift.com for the results to be visible. Race results are available for old events too, not just new ones!
Here’s a quick video walkthrough:
Partial race results are available on your activity detail page when you are logged into your profile at Zwift.com. If you want to see the full results (including other categories), just click the “View All Results” link. This takes you to the event URL, which has the complete results for all categories at the bottom.
Zwift tells us this is just the first iteration of web-based results, and there are improvements to come. One thing we’d like to see quickly is the ability for event organizers who use ZwiftPower for additional results processing to set an option in the event settings that directs people to ZwiftPower for final results.
A simple toggle for “Final Results on ZwiftPower” might do the trick. Then Zwift’s web results would say something like: “Provision Only, visit ZwiftPower.com for final results.” And if that toggle isn’t set, Zwift’s web results could be labeled as “Final Results.”
5 New Workouts
Zwift’s has added five new, efficient workouts between 25 and 35 minutes long. Find them in the ‘New Workouts’ collection.
Faster Tri Spoke
Last week, we shared how the new Tri Spoke // Disc Wheel from the Zwift Big Spin is fun to see but not fun to ride since it’s slower than molasses. Today’s update should fix this problem. Zwift says, “Improved the performance of the Zwift Tri Spoke and Disc wheelset, which can be unlocked by participating in The Zwift Big Spin event.”
We’ve tested the updated Tri Spoke, and published the results here…
Streamlined Streaks
Zwift continues to tweak the Streaks screen in an attempt to walk that fine line between encouraging Streaks without annoying users. Pressing the Continue button on the post-ride Streaks screen now immediately dismisses the screen:
RoboPacer Location
RoboPacer locations have always been visible on the map when clicking a RoboPacer from the homescreen. Today’s update enlarges the location icon so it’s easier to see. Here’s what it looks like:
And here’s what each of the location beacons on the map indicate:
More Release Notes
Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:
- Fixed an issue where some route cards didn’t have images on the home screen.
- Fixed an issue that could potentially cause a Did Not Finish (DNF) result when racing on routes “The Muckle Yin” in Scotland and “Legends and Lava” in Watopia.
- Zwift Click: Fixed an issue that could cause Zwift Click to not automatically reconnect on the Pairing screen during new sessions.
- Fixed an issue that could potentially cause a crash when loading worlds on lower-performance mobile devices.
- Fixed a potential issue in the Pairing screen where cycling devices could appear in Run mode and running devices could appear in Ride mode.
- Android & macOS: Fixed an issue that could potentially cause a crash when riding in large groups.
- Android: Fixed an issue which caused Android users to enter their email address twice when logging in.
Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum >
Questions or Comments?
If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!
Illi Gardner Wins Zwift Games Climb Championship, Kathrin Fuhrer Takes Wahoo Overall Classification
Illi Gardner Wins Zwift Games Climb Championship, Kathrin Fuhrer Takes Wahoo Overall Classification
The women’s Zwift Games Climb Championship took place yesterday, with riders taking on Alpe du Zwift to determine the overall winner of the Games. Below you’ll find Zwift’s complete press release on the race.
Amidst electrifying anticipation, the esports elite geared up, ready to unleash their full might in a spectacle of raw determination and it didn’t disappoint!
The jungle provided a fast but nerve settling introduction as the challenge of Alpe du Zwift loomed large. With spirits soaring, Illi Gardner ignited the ascent with a blistering 6w/kg surge, shattering the peloton. Yet, amidst the chaos, contenders like Gabriela Guerra and Lou Bates positioned themselves strategically – eyes locked on the Championship prize.
With every hairpin, the intensity soared! Emma Belforth once again unleashed her formidable power, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. The top contenders clashed, their determination palpable as they battled the unforgiving slopes, each pedal stroke bringing them closer to glory or defeat.
In a display of sheer dominance, Gardner forged ahead, leaving her rivals gasping in her wake. Meanwhile, fearless Fuhrer executed her strategy flawlessly, steadily climbing the ranks and gaining ground on Guerra. Kristen Kulchinsky played a vital role, sacrificing her own chance at the podium to support Fuhrer’s ascent.
Gardner’s victory was undeniable, a testament to her unyielding spirit, power and unwavering dedication as she took $7,000 and the gold Concept Z1 bike in game. But it was Fuhrer who emerged as the ultimate Champion, a strategic genius whose calculated moves secured her $10,000, the Gold Wahoo KICKR Bike and the crown in a dazzling display of skill and determination.
As the landscape faded into the ether, one thing remained clear: in the realm of esports, the Zwift Games and its competitors took things to a whole new level – Chapeau!
Watch the Race
Results
We’ll add links to final standings here once Zwift has finalized and published results.
Top 5 Zwift Videos: Zwift Games, Breakaways, FTP Tests
The Zwift Games have been a big hit in the Zwift community and the elite riders (racing for a $100,000 prize pot) have been putting up incredible races! Watch the official Zwift broadcast of the Elite Zwift Games in our top Zwift video of this week.
We’ve selected a video about a rider’s 2-man breakaway attempt, one Zwifter’s FTP test experience, and a video contemplating the optimal length of a Zwift race.
Zwift Games Epic Championships
Zwift BREAKAWAY!
THE FTP TEST – ZWIFT (20 Minutes)
Zwift Race Tactics in the Zwift Games Sprint Championships
How Long is Too Long for a Zwift Race?
Got a Great Zwift Video?
Share the link below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!
Freddy Ovett Wins the Zwift Games Climb Championship and Wahoo Overall Classification
Freddy Ovett Wins the Zwift Games Climb Championship and Wahoo Overall Classification
The men’s Zwift Games Climb Championship took place yesterday, with riders taking on Alpe du Zwift to determine the overall winner of the Games. Below you’ll find Zwift’s complete press release on the race.
The biggest cycling esports stars turned out for the final stage of the Zwift Games elite championships. UCI WorldTour Pros joined the pack and hit the startline as the pace was breakneck from the start.
The jungle flew by and within a few minutes the race went skyward, to the summit of the Alpe du Zwift. 12.2 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 1036 meters and an average gradient of 8.5%, a Zwift replica of the real life Alpe d’Huez.
The front group contained all of the big hitters. Josh Harris, the Wahoo Overall classification leader heading into the race, head to toe in the gold Leader’s kit sat at the back, pacing and measuring his efforts.
Johan Norén and Thomas Perren made repeated digs, stretching the front group out along the road between the hairpins. Jason Osborne suffered a mechanical and dropped from the front group, that would be the last he’d feature at the front of the race. Lennart Teugels sat on the front, making it difficult for the riders behind as the group lost a few more riders. Freddy Ovett was there too, never on the front, but never near the back.
The live Wahoo Overall Classification leaderboard had Thomas Thrall on the podium consistently, as Josh Harris slowly slipped down the rankings.
As the hairpins went by, the pace continued at a ridiculously high level.
A group of five emerged with five kilometres to go; Perren, Ovett, Teugels, Lennart Jasch and Mickael Plantureux.
It became clear no riders would be able to bridge back to the front, our winner would come from this group.
Just before the Flamme Rouge, Plantereux dropped off the back and we were down to four. Ovett was at the back, and Jasch made the first move at over 10 watts per kilo from a long way out. Teugels kicked, and finally, so did Ovett.
Ovett crossed the line, arms raised, claiming the Climb race win and the Wahoo Overall classification by a handful of points. It was a momentous achievement given the calibre of riders in the race. Teugels finished in second, with Perren in third.
In the post race interview Ovett revealed he was racing without the Zwift HUD, choosing instead to focus purely on the in-game visuals to guide his race tactics.
Ovett claims $10,000 for the Wahoo Overall Classification, $7,000 for the Climb race win, a unique Gold Wahoo KICKR Bike, and of course, the gold Concept Z1 bike in game.
Watch the Race
Results
We’ll add links to final standings here once Zwift has finalized and published results.
Woman Racer Spotlight: Marjolein de Vliegher
Woman Racer Spotlight: Marjolein de Vliegher
Name: Marjolein de Vliegher
Hometown: Breda, the Netherlands
How did you get into cycling? I used to play volleyball and football when I was younger, but because of injuries I had to find another sport, so I bought my first bike when I was 29. I started out with some shorter-distance rides, just enjoying the scenery and being outdoors. Not long after that I met my partner and we started riding together and distances got longer and longer. Although I was really enjoying the riding, I always missed a competitive element, and I found that in Zwift racing a few years later. After a while racing on Zwift made me curious about IRL racing, so last year, at 39, I finished my first full season of gravel racing.
How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I started Zwift in October 2019 and I did my first Herd Beginner Race in the first week. I have been racing year-round on Zwift ever since.
Are you part of a virtual team? Yes, I’ve been racing with the Herd Racing League since I started riding on Zwift. A big part of the races I’ve done were with my Zwift Racing League team The Herd of Little Penguins. Several women on that team have been racing and riding together since the first ZRL season and I love being a part of that team. Occasionally you can see me riding with BEAT added to my name, which is my IRL team BEAT Cycling Club that also has an e-racing team.
What do you love most about racing? Pushing your limits and sometimes surprising yourself with what you can do.
What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? I don’t really have a favourite style of race, but I like to mix it up. I do like the tactics involved with races – making a plan, individually or with my team, to get the best result possible and trying to execute that plan during a race.
What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? There are several great Women’s race series, but for me the best ones are those that have a mix of racing styles, like SHEries, Tour de Boudicca and Iceni series. I also love the big fields and strong competition in Zwift Racing League.
What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? That must be the gravel world championships in Italy last year. The course, with lots of steep climbs, didn’t really suit me and it wasn’t my best race of the season, but riding in that amazing landscape in an orange jersey and with all those strong women from all over the world was the best experience ever. At one point I was riding in a chase group with riders from USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, France, and many more countries and even though it was hard and my legs were hurting, the only thing I could think about is how amazing that was.
What is your favourite food to eat post race? I do a lot of my races in the evenings, so I rarely eat after and just take a recovery shake. But during long endurance rides I love having a piece of apple pie and a nice poke bowl after.
What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Be prepared for a hard start. After that, just give it all you’ve got and have fun.
Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of March 16-17
Two big Zwift ride series are underway: are you racing the Games, or riding in the Big Spin? Or both? These are our top picks for the weekend.
We’re also highlighting two virtual Milan-San Remo races (since the IRL MSR happens this weekend) and a beginner-friendly endurance group ride!
🥇 Zwift Games, Stage 5 (Climb)
✅ Popular Event ✅ Kit Unlock ✅ Highly Competitive
The massive Zwift Games race festival is underway, and this weekend is the big Climb stage! A/B riders will be taking on Road to Sky (including Alpe du Zwift!), while C/D riders will be on the new Mountain Mash route. Bring your climbing legs!
See our guide for all things Zwift Games >
Multiple time slots all weekend
See upcoming open events at zwift.com/events/tag/zg2024
See upcoming women-only races at zwift.com/events/tag/zg2024wmn
🤝 Stage 1 | The Zwift Big Spin 2024
✅ Beginner Friendly ✅ Unique Unlocks
The first-ever Zwift Big Spin series has launched, and Zwifters are loving these groups rides as a fun way to spin together and unlock some new prizes including the Atomic Cruiser and (soon to be fixed) Tri Spoke wheel.
Read all about The Zwift Big Spin >
We’re still on Stage 1 this weekend, which means you have a choice between two routes: Country to Coastal (longer A group) or Suki’s Playground (shorter, B group). Which ever ride you choose, you’ll get the prize spinner at the end!
Multiple timeslots all weekend
See upcoming events at zwift.com/the-zwift-big-spin
🥇 Chasing Sanremo
✅ Endurance Challenge ✅ Highly Competitive ✅ Unique Event
Chasing Tour 2024 has begun, and the first monument of the season is on Saturday! Chasing Sanremo will have Zwifters taking on one lap (69.9km) of Watopia’s Big Foot Hills.
To join the race you’ll need to register at chasingtour.com – the website will provide you with the private racepass links to the events once you’re signed up. Four timeslots to choose from on Saturday: 10:30, 13:00, 18:30, and 1:00 (Sunday) UTC.
Four timeslots available on Saturday
Sign up at chasingtour.com for race links
🥇 Milano – Sanremo by PETA-Z & MOC®
✅ Endurance Challenge
Another race event in honor of the IRL Milan-Sanremo race happening this weekend! PETA-Z’s event is held on The Big Ring with a 135.4km length for A/B and 86.5km for C/D. Double drafting is enabled, which will help keep groups together.
Saturday, March 16 @ 7:45pm UTC/3:45am EDT/12:45am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4273318
🤝 SZR Endurance Ride
✅ Beginner Friendly ✅ Endurance Challenge
This popular weekly ride has three different categories, each with its own pace. There’s also a Discord server, and a zapping fence the leader can use to keep things together.
Saturday, March 16 @ 7am UTC/3am EST/12am PDT
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/4273290
How We Make Our Picks
We choose each weekend’s Notable Events based on a variety of factors including:
- Is the event unique/innovative in some way?
- Are celebrities (pro riders, etc) attending/leading?
- Are signup counts already high, meaning the event is extra-popular?
- Does the ride include desirable unlocks or prizes?
- Does the event appeal to ladies on Zwift? (We like to support this under-represented group!)
- Is it for a good cause?
- Is it just plain crazy (extra long races, world record attempts, etc)?
- Is it a long-running, popular weekly event with a dedicated leader who deserves a shout out?
In the end, we want to call attention to events that are extra-special and therefore extra-appealing to Zwifters. If you think your event qualifies, comment below with a link/details and we may just include it in an upcoming post!
Zwift Companion App Device Pairing Tips from Zwiftalizer’s Mike Hanney
Zwift Companion App Device Pairing Tips from Zwiftalizer’s Mike Hanney
One of Zwift’s unique features is the Companion app designed to run alongside the game and enhance the experience. While many Zwifters use it when they aren’t zwifting (to find events, chat with Club members, etc), it’s also commonly used while zwifting to interact with the game and chat with others.
Depending on your Companion device and Zwifting setup, though, the app’s connection to your active Zwift session may not be stable. This is annoying at the best of times, and race-ending if you’re pairing your devices through Companion!
Several months ago, we published How to Ensure Reliable Companion App Connection when Zwifting. (If you’re having troubles maintaining a steady connection between the game and your Companion app, I highly recommend reading this post.)
Then just a couple of weeks ago, our friend Mike Hanney at Zwiftalizer posted a helpful video with a few more tips that are definitely worth sharing. Watch it below, or scroll down for a summary:
Router Settings
- Turn off 2.4 GHz
- Set up media prioritization (aka “Quality of Service” or “Packing Shaping”)
- Get all your neighbors to turn of 2.4 GHZ as well 😂
Phone Settings
- Turn off Cellular Data for Companion App and/or disable Wi-Fi Assist on your phone overall
- Turn on Device Connection in Companion Settings
Using Zwiftalizer To Troubleshoot Connections
Mike explains how to use Zwiftalizer‘s Connection Attempts chart to determine where in the signal chain your Companion app connection is getting dropped.
Pairing Devices In the Right Order
Zwift’s pairing screen behaves a bit oddly if you’re pairing multiple power sources (for example, a smart trainer and power meter pedals). Mike explains how to pair things up in this situation.
Companion App’s Bluetooth Dropout Device Indicator
If you’re connecting via Companion and have a dropout, the Companion app can tell you which device has dropped out. This information isn’t available anywhere else in Zwift, oddly enough, so Mike explains how to find it.
He also points you to the Trackit app, which can be used to get your signal strength from all your devices.
Questions or Comments?
Share below!