Home Blog Page 166

Level 100! Zwift Revamps Levels, Reorganizes Drop Shop

Eric Schlange
-
391
Level 100! Zwift Revamps Levels, Reorganizes Drop Shop

Level 100! Zwift Revamps Levels, Reorganizes Drop Shop

This week’s Zwift update includes a massive set of changes to rider levels, Drop Shop pricing/unlocks, and the ways in which XP and Drops are earned. In fact, it’s no exaggeration to say this is the biggest change to Zwift’s “economy” that the game has ever seen, apart from the actual launch of features like the Drop Shop!

There’s a lot to talk about, so let’s dive in.

Summary of Changes

Here’s a simple list of what Zwift changed in this week’s update:

  • New Cycling Levels: riders can now go all the way to level 100!
  • Easier Level Progression: less XP is now required to achieve each level.
  • Neverending Level 100: once a rider hits level 100, they can continue to earn 50,000 Drops bonuses by filling up the level 100 progress bar again… and again… and again.
  • More Drops Rewards: receive a big Drops bonus for each level achievement.
  • More XP Rewards: earn XP for extending your weekly streak.
  • Updated Drop Shop Unlock Levels and Pricing: many frames and wheels in the Drop Shop have been repriced and/or set to unlock at different levels.

Level 100 and Progression Changes

Previously capped at level 60, riders can now ascend all the way to level 100 thanks to this week’s update! That means 40 fresh unlocks (see the full list here).

In the previous leveling scheme, higher levels required as much as 30,000 XP to achieve. Additionally, the amount of XP required wasn’t always consistent or even steadily increasing (for example: the old level 42 took 10,000 XP to achieve, while 41 took 20,000 XP).

Zwift has radically revamped the level requirements, reducing the XP required to hit each level while steadily increasing those XP requirements as the levels get higher. Here’s a breakdown of the old and new leveling schemes:

Note: the “new levels” shown below are no longer accurate. See accurate XP requirements on our All About Zwift XP, Levels, and Unlocks for Cyclists page >

Old Levels

LevelXP to EarnTotal XP
100
21,0001,000
31,0002,000
41,0003,000
51,0004,000
61,0005,000
72,0007,000
83,00010,000
93,00013,000
103,00016,000
113,00019,000
124,00023,000
135,00028,000
145,00033,000
155,00038,000
166,00044,000
176,00050,000
186,00056,000
196,00062,000
208,00070,000
218,00078,000
2210,00088,000
236,00094,000
246,000100,000
2510,000110,000
2611,000121,000
279,000130,000
2810,000140,000
2910,000150,000
3020,000170,000
3110,000180,000
3210,000190,000
3310,000200,000
3420,000220,000
3510,000230,000
3620,000250,000
3710,000260,000
3820,000280,000
3910,000290,000
4020,000310,000
4120,000330,000
4210,000340,000
4320,000360,000
4420,000380,000
4520,000400,000
4620,000420,000
4720,000440,000
4820,000460,000
4920,000480,000
5020,000500,000
5120,000520,000
5220,000540,000
5320,000560,000
5420,000580,000
5520,000600,000
5630,000630,000
5730,000660,000
5830,000690,000
5930,000720,000
6030,000750,000

New Levels

LevelXP to EarnTotal XP
100
2750750
37501,500
41,0002,500
51,0003,500
61,5005,000
71,5006,500
81,5008,000
91,5009,500
101,50011,000
112,00013,000
122,00015,000
132,00017,000
142,00019,000
152,00021,000
162,50023,500
172,50026,000
182,50028,500
192,50031,000
202,50033,500
213,00036,500
223,00039,500
233,00042,500
243,00045,500
253,00048,500
263,50052,000
273,50055,500
283,50059,000
293,50062,500
303,50066,000
314,00070,000
324,00074,000
334,00078,000
344,00082,000
354,00086,000
364,50090,500
374,50095,000
384,50099,500
394,500104,000
404,500108,500
415,000113,500
425,000118,500
435,000123,500
445,000128,500
455,000133,500
465,500139,000
475,500144,500
485,500150,000
495,500155,500
505,500161,000
516,000167,000
526,000173,000
536,000179,000
546,000185,000
556,000191,000
566,500197,500
576,500204,000
586,500210,500
596,500217,000
606,500223,500
617,000230,500
627,000237,500
637,000244,500
647,000251,500
657,000258,500
667,500266,000
677,500273,500
687,500281,000
697,500288,500
707,500296,000
718,000304,000
728,000312,000
738,000320,000
748,000328,000
758,000336,000
769,000345,000
779,000354,000
789,000363,000
799,000372,000
809,000381,000
8110,000391,000
8210,000401,000
8310,000411,000
8410,000421,000
8510,000431,000
8610,000441,000
8710,000451,000
8810,000461,000
8910,000471,000
9010,000481,000
9111,000492,000
9211,000503,000
9311,000514,000
9411,000525,000
9511,000536,000
9611,000547,000
9711,000558,000
9811,000569,000
9911,000580,000
10011,000591,000

Zwift has also made a small change for riders who hit the new level 100 cap. Instead of feeling “stuck” at the max level with an unmoving progress bar, riders will see the level 100 progress bar filling up. Once it’s filled, they will earn a 50,000 Drops bonus, and then the bar will be reset to be filled again.

Accelerated Leveling

Between level 50+ riders having “banked” extra XP, plus the new XP requirements for levels (see above), Zwift had a real project on their hands in figuring out how riders would transition from the old leveling scheme to the new one. It’s not an easy thing to get right, either: Zwift wants to give everyone the fun of leveling up, but they also know most riders will have earned enough XP to be at a higher level than the game currently shows.

The good news is, Zwift’s solution is simple. You don’t need to set any options, and the Pause screen tells you plainly how much XP you need to reach the next level:

The screen also indicates if you are on an accelerated leveling program (the black rider icon will be riding a wheelie) and how long your acceleration will remain (that’s the LV60 >>> LV96 indicator).

So the Pause screen is easy to understand. But what’s actually going on behind the scenes? If you want the nitty-gritty, read on…

Nearly all Zwifters will get some amount of “accelerated leveling” to transition from the old level scheme to the new. The game calculates each rider’s “level curve” based on their current level and XP.

There are actually two forms of acceleration going on. First, we have what we’ll call “Level Discounts.” This applies to nearly all Zwifters, and discounts the XP needed to level up by 20%. You can see this above, where the screen tells me I need 5600 XP to go from level 60 to 61 (which normally takes 7000 XP – so I’m getting a 20% discount). That 20% “discount” comes from my XP.

Example: a level 20 Zwifter has accumulated 70,000 XP, but you only need 33,500 XP to reach level 20 in the new scheme. That “extra” XP (70,000-33,500 = 36,500 XP) will be used to cover 20% of the XP needed to reach each new level, which means that extra XP will stretch all the way through to level 59. Level 59 requires 183,500 XP more than level 20 in the new scheme, and 20% of 183,500=36,700 XP.

The second form of level acceleration we’ll call “Double XP”, and it applies to riders at level 50+ who have accumulated additional XP. Instead of simply applying all that banked XP and zooming you through all the levels the first time you log in, Zwift doubles any XP you earn, so you level up twice as fast until you use up your banked XP.

Example: since I’m receiving Double XP (40 XP per km), riding 140km will earn me the 5600 XP needed to level up.

Current level 60 (and some level 50+) riders will experience both forms (Level Discounts and Double XP) of accelerated leveling. Hidden in Zwift’s Pause screen UI is a small indicator of which types of accelerated leveling you’re experiencing. On the screenshot above, the black LV60 >>> LV96 text tells me I’m receiving both types of acceleration. Two chevrons (>>) means I’m only receiving Level Discounts, while three means I’m receiving both Double XP and Level Discounts.

How Far to Level 100?

How long will it take current level 60 riders to get to level 100?

Well, assuming you have enough XP banked to get double XP all the way through level 100, we can calculate this easily enough:

  • 360,500 to get from level 60-100
  • Discounted by 20% = 288,400
  • With a typical rider earning 500-700 XP per hour (let’s say 600 XP), that means 1200 XP at the doubled rate.
  • That works out to 288,400/1200 = 240 hours of riding. That’s 34 weeks, or 8 months, of daily 1-hour rides.

More Drops

Riders previously received a Drops bonus for certain level achievements:

  • If your new level ended with a 5 (15, 25, etc) you received 25,000 Drops
  • If your new level ended with a 0 (10, 20, 30, etc) you received 100,000 Drops

This week’s change simplifies things while increasing the total number of Drops given as level-up bonuses. Now, riders will receive a 50,000 Drops bonus each time they level up.

XP Rewards for Streaks

If new levels weren’t enough, this week Zwift added a streaks feature. The idea is simple: ride on Zwift at least once a week for 2+ kilometers to keep your streak going.

You’ll earn a tidy XP bonus for your first ride each week as your streak progresses: 300 XP for your first two rides in week 1, 400 XP for the first two rides of week 2, then 500 XP for your first ride each week after that, as long as your streak continues.

Updated Drop Shop Unlock Levels and Pricing

Prices and level requirements have been adjusted throughout the Drop Shop. Where pricing was formerly based on real-world pricing and level requirements were (often) based on performance, Zwift says the Drop Shop is now priced based loosely on performance, with level requirements related to the desirability of the item and its price in relation to how many Drops a Zwifter should have at a given level.

Here are the old and new level requirements and prices for frames and wheels in Zwift’s Drop Shop:

Frames

CURRENTUPDATED
TypeMakeModelLevel ReqDrop
Price		Level ReqDrop
Price
RoadBMCRoadMachine21780,90018344,100
RoadBMCSLR0119376,20039759,500
RoadBMCTeamMachine26832,90039969,200
RoadBridgestoneRS9s15511,20010200,000
RoadCannondaleEVO9213,00029714,500
RoadCannondaleCaad122184,5006106,300
RoadCannondaleSuper 6 EVO36816,50029768,200
RoadCannondaleSynapse12298,20012270,100
RoadCannondaleSystem Six27497,00020725,100
RoadCanyonAeroad 202110568,000271,029,200
RoadCanyonUltimate10461,50012322,500
RoadCanyonUltimate CFR19639,00012350,700
RoadCerveloR524461,50028633,600
RoadCerveloS3D13468,60015415,300
RoadCerveloS525603,500361,438,400
RoadCerveloS5 202027852,000361,481,000
RoadChapter2KOKO11639,00021505,500
RoadChapter2Rere16355,00013326,400
RoadChapter2Tere6390,5006199,400
RoadChapter2TOA18426,00033800,000
RoadColnagoV3RS18695,80038800,000
RoadCubeLitening32177,50024536,500
RoadCubeLitening C:68x32373,50024604,200
RoadFactorOne8426,00019600,000
RoadFeltAR34639,00016714,100
RoadFeltFR20851,90023562,700
RoadFocusIzalco Max 20208426,00022712,900
RoadGiantPropel Advanced SL Disc22816,500351,102,900
RoadGiantTCR Advanced SL8305,30027566,100
RoadGiantTCR Advanced SL Disc14745,50027543,100
RoadLivLangma Advanced SL22745,50024511,300
RoadLivLangma SL Advanced 202122745,50024613,200
RoadMootsVamoots RCS15852,0008275,000
RoadMosaicRT-1d15852,00011250,000
RoadParleeESX16603,5005153,200
RoadParleeRZ728511,20032771,800
RoadPinarelloDogma 65.129603,50040577,800
RoadPinarelloDogma F321,029,500401,418,600
RoadPinarelloDogma F1039710,000401,081,900
RoadPinarelloDogma F1229958,500401,242,700
RoadRibbleEndurance7390,50021505,500
RoadRidleyHelium3461,50015272,500
RoadRidleyNoah Fast 20199426,00033950,000
RoadScottAddict RC33852,00017660,200
RoadScottFoil17781,00026676,900
RoadScottFoil 202322816,50026864,600
RoadSpecializedAethos34923,00030966,300
RoadSpecializedAllez4127,8009122,700
RoadSpecializedAllez Sprint14127,80014387,000
RoadSpecializedAmira31142,00036730,400
RoadSpecializedAmira S-Works31355,00036802,300
RoadSpecializedRoubaix5461,50018333,500
RoadSpecializedRoubaix S-Works5745,50018405,200
RoadSpecializedRuby5461,50018333,500
RoadSpecializedRuby S-Works5745,50018399,300
RoadSpecializedTarmac*0036786,300
RoadSpecializedTarmac Pro11408,30036856,100
RoadSpecializedTarmac SL75674,500361,200,000
RoadSpecializedVenge S-Works33798,800371,200,000
RoadTrekEmonda SL26142,00025560,300
RoadTrekMadone20887,500341,050,000
RoadUraniumNuclear19184,52931700,000
RoadVan RyselEDR CF12326,6007144,100
RoadVentumNS115638,90030750,000
RoadZwiftAero6319,5009250,000
RoadZwiftCarbon00355,000
RoadZwiftSteel*7142,00010
TTBMCTimemachine0124781,0007400,000
TTCadexTri421,029,500401,500,000
TTCanyonSpeedmax21710,00031424,600
TTCanyonSpeedmax CR SLX Disc26891,000311,200,000
TTCerveloP515710,00034920,700
TTCerveloP5X451,065,000341,000,000
TTCubeAerium28248,50010251,700
TTDiamondbackAndean35572,90039950,000
TTFeltIA371,065,00016515,100
TTFeltIA 2.0341,136,00016750,000
TTPinarelloBolide TT42923,00028627,000
TTPinarelloBolide251,065,00028618,400
TTQuintanaRoo V-PR16638,60013297,400
TTScottPlasma17852,00019528,600
TTScottPlasma RC Ultimate331,136,00019600,000
TTSpecializedShiv10710,00037643,800
TTSpecializedShiv Disc18994,000371,000,000
TTSpecializedShiv S-Works10852,00037910,600
TTTrekSpeed Concept32958,50022670,500
TTVentumOne31482,80025440,800
TTZwiftTT00460,000
GravelCanyonGrail23355,00026750,000
GravelCanyonInflite10234,3008200,000
GravelCerveloAspero13426,00032800,000
GravelGiantRevolt14298,20023475,000
GravelLaufTrue Grit11297,5005125,000
GravelLivDevote14298,20017450,000
GravelSpecializedCrux17869,80035950,000
GravelSpecializedDiverge12532,50014300,000
GravelZwiftGravel0163,300250,000
MTBCanyonLux10461,50011275,000
MTBScottSpark RC17418,90020350,000
MTBScottSpark RC World Cup21745,40020750,000
MTBSpecializedEpic S-Works5675,90029950,000
MTBTrekSuper Caliber20532,50038750,000
MTBZwiftMountain00250,000

* Specialized Venge (2015) is now the new Ride California Challenge Reward, and the Zwift Steel frame is the new default bike frame.

Wheels

CURRENTUPDATED
TypeMakeModelLevel ReqPriceLevel ReqPrice
StandardBontragerAeolus520170,4001167,700
StandardCadex3626257,40029216,900
StandardCadex428227,20017119,500
StandardCadex6521241,40033223,900
StandardCampagnoloBora Ultra 3533248,50035250,000
StandardCampagnoloBora Ultra 5027262,70012150,000
StandardDT SwissARC 1100 DiCut 626184,60040400,000
StandardDT SwissARC 1100 DISC Aero TT421,579,80039655,600
StandardENVESES 2.217191,70026174,300
StandardENVESES 3.44191,70027200,000
StandardENVESES 6.725191,70022150,000
StandardENVESES 7.839205,90036278,900
StandardENVESES 8.931205,90028250,000
StandardFFWDRYOT5523113,60018136,100
StandardGiantSLR 022191,80021165,100
StandardMavicComete Pro Carbon SL UST23142,0001345,400
StandardMavicCosmic CXR60c16142,000739,800
StandardMavicCosmic Ultimate UST9142,000638,400
StandardNovatecR42495,850837,900
StandardRovalAlpinist CLX32135,30038634,300
StandardRovalCLX645170,40016150,000
StandardRovalRapide CLX14195,30015200,000
StandardShimanoC401285,300435,900
StandardShimanoC502888,700434,600
StandardShimanoC601892,3001041,100
StandardZipp20211149,20020135,200
StandardZipp35319255,60024168,800
StandardZipp40415149,20019115,600
StandardZipp45424284,00030204,300
StandardZipp80813177,60025200,000
StandardZipp808/Super9351,075,70034450,000
StandardZipp85837312,40031300,000
StandardZipp858/Super9451,508,80037550,000
StandardZwift32mm Carbon10332,000
StandardZwift50mm Carbon7120,700943,700
StandardZwiftClassic*235,60010
GravelCadexAR 35121,30014154,500
GravelEnveG23117,80023241,800
GravelReserve25 GR111,400583,900
GravelRovalTerraCLX117,80032330,800
GravelZwiftGravel1010
MTBZwiftMountain1010

* new default wheels

A Note About New Unlocks

Zwift has made some small changes to unlocks, including:

  • New accounts will now start with the Zwift Steel frame and Zwift Classic wheels by default, and unlock the Carbon, Gravel, and Mountain Bike frames within the first three levels to help introduce riders to the Drop Shop.
  • The Specialized Venge (2015) is now the new Ride California Challenge reward

Zwift says riders won’t have any bikes removed from their garage – but you might have one or two added, thanks to this new setup!

What’s Next?

Whew. That was a lot! New levels, a Drop Shop shakeup, more opportunities for more Drops and XP… what’s next?

Three things I’d love to see:

  • More stuff in the Drop Shop: earning more Drops is fun, I suppose… but I’ve already got almost 50 million Drops, with nothing in the Shop I want to buy! I’d love to have the chance to purchase some funky bikes, cool hardware, tattoos, fancy cycling kit… you get the idea. Or (and this is still my favorite idea) let me cash in my Drops for a donation to one of several pre-chosen charities!
  • Garage maintenance/organization tools: we need the ability to “favorite” items in our garage, as well as remove items we no longer want. Two simple bits of functionality that would make the garage experience much better.
  • Compelling new unlocks: Zwift hit it out of the park with the level 50 Fire Socks. Could they do it again with some unlocks for levels 61-100? We’ll know soon enough, I guess.

Questions or Comments?

What do you think of the swath of changes Zwift made? Share below!

Zwift Update Version 1.54 (122968) Released

Eric Schlange
-
95
Zwift Update Version 1.54 (122968) Released

The latest Zwift update has been announced and will be released in phases over the next few days. It’s a feature-stuffed release, too, with Streak incentives added and big changes to Zwift levels, the Drop Shop, and the Climb Portal. Let’s dive into the details!

Level 100

That’s right, level 60 Zwifters: we’ve got 40 more levels to work toward!

In fact, this week’s update does much more than add 40 levels and their corresponding unlocks. Zwift has reworked the entire “leveling curve”, reducing and “evening out” the amount of XP needed to attain each level. They’ve also put in place two types of “accelerated leveling” so Zwifters can transition from their current level to their “correct” higher level in the new system at a faster rate while still enjoying the fun of leveling up.

To keep this post as short as possible we’ll cover the new levels, Drop Shop shuffle (below), and related topics in a separate post:

Read Level 100% Zwift Revamps Levels, Reorganizes Drop Shop >

Drop Shop Shuffle

Zwift didn’t add new features or items to the Drop Shop (although we hear that is coming!), but they modified the prices and level requirements for nearly every frame and wheelset in the Shop.

Zwift says they did this to “better tie equipment performance to the level they are unlocked.”

Ride Streaks

We’ve been asking Zwift for more carrots, and this update adds a new one: streaks!

The idea is simple: ride on Zwift at least once a week for 2+ kilometers to keep your streak going. A streak summary screen is now shown after every ride so you get metrics for your streak, learn if this activity earned you any bonus XP, see how far you have to go to the next level, and more:

You’ll earn a tidy XP bonus for your first two days riding each week (Monday thru Sunday) as your streak progresses: 300 XP for your first two days in week 1, 400 XP for the first two days of week 2, then 500 XP for your first two days each week after that, as long as your streak continues.

Climb Portal Scaling, Completion Tracking, and Rankings

This update brings some big changes to the Climb Portal:

  • Scaling lets you change the gradient (but not distance) of a climb
  • Completion Tracking tells you which scaled versions of a climb you’ve completed (50/75/100/125%)
  • Percentile Rankings show how your best completion time compares to other Zwifters

The Climb Portal now allows climb elevation scaling. Zwifters can reduce the climb segment’s elevation to 50% and 75%. And if you’re hardcore, you get the option to increase it to 125% after completing it at 100%! Scaling does not change the length of the climb, only the gradients.

You select your scaling when choosing your portal climb – but you can also change it just before entering the portal:

All the numbers on screen are adjusted based on your chosen scaling percentage, including the average gradient and total elevation shown on the left as you climb.

Separate in-game leaderboards are kept for each scaled version of the climb, so you’re only “competing” against others who did the same climb as you. Top the leaderboard (on any version of the climb) and you’ll get the polka dot leader’s jersey.

All riders are visible on the climb regardless of chosen scale, but the rider list and icons behind each rider indicate which scaling factor they are using.

What about Strava? Will 50% scaled climbers be blowing up the Climb Portal segment leaderboards?

Nope. Zwift has worked with Strava to automatically exclude the easier scaled efforts from Strava leaderboards by tagging these efforts as “gamified.” This is the message you’ll see on the Strava site if you ride the 50% or 75% versions:

Important note: if you ride a 50% or 75% scaled version of your climb during an activity, your entire activity will be tagged as “gamified,” and all Strava segments will be excluded. So if you want your activity to match with Strava segments, don’t mix in a scaled climb portal effort!

This scaling feature includes a tracking element that records which version(s) of each climb you’ve completed. (This is an essential part of the 125% scaling feature, since it only unlocks after you complete the climb at 100%.) See below, indicating completion of Old La Honda at 100% and 50%:

Riders have been asking for a way to track completed climbs ever since the Portal was released, so this will be a welcome addition for many! And good news – it appears to track completions since the Portal launched, although we haven’t confirmed that with Zwift.

You’ll also see a percentile ranking next to the completed climb versions in the screenshot above. This is a super-fun feature, and the first of its kind in Zwift: a perpetual leaderboard showing how you rank against other’s efforts!

If you’re looking at the current climb of the month, the percentile shown is only for efforts in the current calendar month. This way, each month’s featured climb turns into a month-long game-wide competition, which is a super fun idea.

If you’re looking at a climb that isn’t the climb of the month, but just one of the featured climbs (see climb portal schedule), the percentile you see is an all-time percentile.

Virtual Shifting Change for Free Ride Workout Blocks

ZA Workout #1 (note free ride maximal efforts)

Today’s release notes include this line: “Zwift Hub: For Zwifters with virtual shifting enabled, free ride blocks within Zwift Academy workouts now start at the default gear 12.”

Zwift’s virtual shifting presents an interesting challenge in certain workouts with free ride blocks, including the first workout of Zwift Academy 2023 which had riders going straight from Erg mode into an all-out effort in free ride mode. With virtual shifting you don’t know what gear you’re in while in Erg mode since that UI element is (sensibly) hidden. Then, when the free ride block begins, the game shows your virtual gear and immediately “shifts” into it.

Today’s change doesn’t fix the problem entirely, but it at least lets you know what gear to expect at the start of any free ride block.

More Release Notes

Zwift provided notes on additional tweaks and bug fixes in this update:

  • Added route intersection options when opting to freeride after completing Repack Rush.
  • Updated rider lean visual to be more realistic.
  • Fixed an issue on Repack Rush where the Restart button was hidden when the HUD was disabled.
  • Fixed an issue where cyclists with steering devices could steer off of the road in several locations throughout Watopia.
  • Fixed an issue which caused some rivers to dry up in London and Makuri Islands. 
  • Fixed an issue where grass was missing in some locations in Makuri Islands.

Discuss this release on Zwift’s forum >

Questions or Comments?

If you spotted any other changes or bugs in the update, please comment below!

Zwiftalizer 2.0 Tutorial And In-Depth Analysis Video

Michael Hanney
-
6
Zwiftalizer 2.0 Tutorial And In-Depth Analysis Video

Zwiftalizer 2.0 Tutorial And In-Depth Analysis Video

Hello everyone. Today, I am excited to share with you my brand-new video tutorial and in-depth analysis of Zwiftalizer – the free online tool for reading Zwift game log files. This video has something for everyone, from complete Zwift newcomers to level 60 pros.

First, I cover the basics. Then I go over all the metrics in each chart step by step. Also, for the first time ever, I’m showing summary reports that use community data that I’ve been gathering for over two years – over two hundred thousand activities by ten thousand users. This level of in-depth research won’t be found anywhere else, folks. This is a Zwiftalizer exclusive. This happened with your help; this is your data!

Here is a sneak peek at what the video has to offer (video included at the bottom of the post)…

ANT+ vs Bluetooth Popularity

I delve into the topic of ANT+ vs Bluetooth connection type popularity among PC and Mac users, specifically looking at the trends between 2022 and 2023. I wanted to know if the increasing popularity of Bluetooth-centric gadgets like Zwift Play controls and Elite Strezo steering devices had affected Bluetooth adoption in the PC world. I won’t spoil the details here (you’ll have to watch the video for that!). I can share that the trends in usage between ANT+ and Bluetooth were fascinating. 

ANT+ vs Bluetooth Reliability Debate Settled

I also go deep into the data to settle the often-debated topic of which technology is more reliable. Let’s just say, the data gathered from over two hundred thousand activities, logged by ten thousand users over two years, reveals a clear winner.

How ANT+ and Bluetooth Reliability Differs For Trainer Models

I also explore the reliability of wireless for various smart trainers and power meters. This part of the analysis required a careful approach to ensure fairness in comparison, considering different usage frequencies of devices. I examined everything from ANT+ connected power meters to the latest smart trainers on Bluetooth, and the insights I gathered were quite surprising. 

Most Popular Graphics Profiles and Resolutions

Finally, I go back to the subject that made me want to make Zwiftalizer in the first place, way back in 2015: graphics performance for different devices. To be more specific, I find out which profiles and resolutions Zwiftalizer users use most often, as well as which laptops, PCs, and Macs are the most popular at each graphics setting. I will give you a spoiler alert for this one right now – it’s laptops, and by a whopping 80% across the board.

Check out the video

While I’m keen to share all the specifics and outcomes of my study, I’ll hold back here because the real depth and nuance of these findings are best explained through the video. So, if you’re as interested in the crowd-sourced data as I am, make sure to check out the full video for a comprehensive understanding of the current state of fitness equipment wireless connectivity and device reliability with Zwift. Trust me, it’s an eye-opener!

Subscribe and Like to Support Zwiftalizer

Now, I have a request. Please subscribe to my new YouTube channel and give my tutorial video a like. It’s completely free and really helps promote the channel. Who knows, maybe I’ll even make a few bucks from it one day to keep the site going. Zwiftalizer is a free service. Let’s keep it that way. Eric Min, CEO of Zwift, has given his own money to my project through Patreon in the past. Zwiftalizer users and I thank you very much for years of support. This is no longer the case. It might have been a mistake due to an expired credit card, but I don’t know because he wasn’t available for comment. I also no longer get any commission from the Amazon Affiliates program. It’s my fault. A link on my homepage did not lead to a specific product page or search results on Amazon.com, which is an immediate ban for life. Read those EULAs folks; they’re not messing around.

Thank you to everyone who has made a donation via PayPal, BuyMeACoffee and Patreon. More than ever, it’s because of you that the site stays up and running.

Elite Justo Firmware Update Adds Race Mode, Odometer, and Di2 Connectivity

Eric Schlange
-
3
Elite Justo Firmware Update Adds Race Mode, Odometer, and Di2 Connectivity

Elite Justo Firmware Update Adds Race Mode, Odometer, and Di2 Connectivity

Elite has just released a firmware update for their flagship Justo direct-drive smart trainer. Let’s dive into the details!

Fast Track Mode: 10Hz

First, the Justo has joined the ranks of smart trainers offering higher frequency “race mode” power transmission. (That list includes newer Wahoo KICKRs, Wahoo KICKR Bikes, Zwift Hub, Jetblack Volt V2, and Tacx Neo to a lesser extent).

Elite calls this option “Fast Track” in their MyETraining app, where you can toggle it on and off.

Odometer

You can now connect to your trainer in the MyETraining app to see the total distance it has been ridden.

Di2 Connectivity

This is an interesting one. You can pair your bike’s Shimano Di2 controls to the Justo via ANT+, then use your Di2 to directly control the Justo in a few different ways:

  • “Pain Break” tap a D-FLY button during a workout or normal SIM mode ride and all resistance on the Justo will be removed for up to 60 seconds (tap again to re-enable normal operation)
  • You can also use your Di2 shifters to move the Justo through 16 levels of resistance when the trainer is in “manual mode” (that is, no software is controlling it). So not exactly virtual shifting akin to the Zwift Hub… but perhaps a step in that direction.

You’ll need the wireless module installed on your Shimano Di2, and ANT+ transmission enabled, for these features to work.

Watch the Video

Get a full rundown on the new Justo features from Shane Miller:

Zwift Ride Series “Rewind” Events Announced for December

Eric Schlange
-
24
Zwift Ride Series “Rewind” Events Announced for December

Zwift Ride Series “Rewind” Events Announced for December

The Zwift Ride Series continues for December with the “Rewind” theme, reliving some of Zwift’s best group rides from the year!

Tour de Zwift (Stage 7), Race Scotland (Stage 1), Tour of Watopia (Stage 3), and Watch the Femmes (Zracing Stage 1) are all back on deck, including the unlocks and other fun extras from those original rides! Get all the details below…

Route, Schedule, and Unlock Details

Rides are open-paced and scheduled hourly at five minutes past the hour.

  • Stage 1 (Dec 4-10): Island Outskirts (Makuri Islands)
    • 2 laps (22.9km, 181m)
    • Unlock: Tour de Zwift socks
  • Stage 2 (Dec 11-17): Rolling Highlands (Scotland)
    • 2 laps (23km, 182m)
    • Unlock: Scotland Tartan kit
  • Stage 3 (Dec 12-18): Volcano Climb (Watopia)
    • 1 lap (23.3km, 203m)
    • Earn double XP, plus unlock the Tour of Watopia cap!
  • Stage 4 (Dec 19-25): Douce France (France)
    • 1 lap (24.8km, 136m)
    • Unlock: Watch the Femmes kit, Tour de France Femmes socks

Stage 2 Unlock: Scotland Tartan Kit

See all upcoming ZRS events >

Signing Up

To sign up for the series, click the card at the top of the homescreen and click “Register”. You’re all done! Clicking the card will now show your progress as you complete each stage.

Next you’ll need to join and complete at least one ride from each of the four stages. They’re scheduled hourly, so you should be able to fit one into your schedule.

Badge Unlocks

Complete all four stages this month to unlock the Zwift Ride Series: Rewind badge!

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

Zwift Grand Prix: Round 4 Women’s ZRL Scratch Race Report

Zach Nehr
-
0
Zwift Grand Prix: Round 4 Women’s ZRL Scratch Race Report

Zwift Grand Prix: Round 4 Women’s ZRL Scratch Race Report

Round 4 of the 2023/2024 Zwift Grand Prix continued with a thrilling women’s Scratch Race on Suki’s Playground. Mimicking another round of the Zwift Racing League, the Scratch Race had points available for every rider at the finish. 

Watch the Livestream

Exactly like the Men’s Round 3 Scratch Race in London, Suki’s Playground offered points from 80th to 1st. Here’s how the scoring looked: 

1st: 80 points
2nd: 79 points
3rd: 78 points
…
80th: 1 point

After a super impressive performance in Round 3, Lou Bates and Coalition Alpha were looking to extend their lead atop the Zwift Grand Prix Series leaderboard. On tap in Round 4 were two laps of Suki’s Playground for a total of 36.8km with 300 meters of climbing. There were four points on the course where the riders would have a 33% chance of getting a Draft Boost, Feather, or Aero Boost. 

Between the rolling climbs, fast descents, and downhill finish, there were plenty of tactical choices to be made – would riders save their power-ups for the final sprint? Or would they attack on the climbs, attempting to break away from the peloton?

It didn’t take long for Åsa Fast-Berglund (Team Swedish Zwifters) to start pushing the pace on the first long and draggy climb of the day. 

Less than a quarter of the way through the race, around 15 riders had been dropped as the peloton sped towards the next section of Suki’s Playground. For the next 10km, the best women’s Zwifters in the world put on a clinic in drafting and saving energy. 

The live broadcast put it into perspective, as nearly every rider in the peloton was saving precious energy on the fast roads of Makuri Islands. 

Kathrin Fuhrer (Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24) put in the first big attack of the race, dropping the Feather powerup with 20km to go. Fuhrer’s attack firmly split the field at the end of Lap 1, leaving just half the field left in contention. 

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 confirmed the message that they weren’t waiting for the final sprint when Kristen Kulchinsky launched off the front with 16.5km to go. The American earned a five-second gap before Coalition Alpha took up the chase. 

Kulchinsky kept pushing, and with 13km to go, her gap was 17 seconds and growing. As the road began climbing with 12km to go, Kulchinsky’s lead started to fade as Coalition Alpha and Wahoo Le Col pushed the pace in the peloton. 

With 10.6km to go, Kulchinsky was caught, and there were only 34 riders left in the peloton. After the long and lightning-fast descent, Gabriela Guerra (Saris | Nopinz) was the next rider to attack with 5.8km to go. 

The Brazilian was closed down almost immediately, but that didn’t stop her from trying again with 4km to go. However, the peloton seemed set on a sprint, and so the lead group came into the final kilometer with very few gaps. With 900m to go, Bates (Coalition Alpha) surprised the sprinters with an all-out attack, going clear into the final descent. 

Just like she did in Round 3, Bates held her attack all the way to the finish, earning maximum points for Coalition Alpha with 1st place. Mika Söderström (Movistar eTeam) won the field sprint for 2nd, while Lizzi Brooke (Wahoo Le Col) rounded out the podium in 3rd. 

Bates’ finish helped Coalition Alpha make it two in a row by winning Round 4 of the 2023/2024 Zwift Grand Prix. The team points were incredibly close at the top of the leaderboard, with Coalition Alpha winning (305 pts) ahead of Wahoo Le Col (297 pts) and Hexagone (294 pts).

Coalition Alpha extended their lead atop the Zwift Grand Prix – Series leaderboard, and they now have a 13-point lead over Hexagone in second. With three rounds to go, here is what the women’s Series leaderboard looks like. 

Coming Up Next

The 2023/2024 Zwift Grand Prix returns next week with Round 5 – Men’s Points Race on The Muckle Yin. In yet another round mimicking the Zwift Racing League, the Round 5 – Men’s Points Race will include five intermediate sprints and points at the finish line. FTS and FAL points are available for the Top 10 at each intermediate sprint. 

On December 14th, the women’s 2023/2024 Zwift Grand Prix continues with one of the longest Team Time Trials (TTT) in Zwift Grand Prix history at 36.3km on Triple Flat Loops. All 16 teams will start with five riders, with their time being taken from their third riders across the line.

Zwift Hot Topic: Pave the Jungle?

Karissa Minn
-
118
Zwift Hot Topic: Pave the Jungle?

Zwift Hot Topic: Pave the Jungle?

In the Zwift Hot Topic series we focus on popular discussions, controversies, questions, or creative ideas in the Zwift community. We’ll share a couple of different perspectives, but we want to hear your thoughts, too. So read on and chime in below!

Another Tour of Watopia has come and gone, and with it, more arguments about the jungle roads. I found lots of people willing to share their opinions in the Zwift Riders and Zwift Racers Facebook groups.

Do dirt and gravel roads belong on Zwift? Should they act any differently than smooth asphalt? Sure, they can bring some visual variety to routes in Watopia, Makuri Islands, and Scotland. But adding resistance and slowing them down can turn a smooth cruise into more of a slog.

Petra Jungmann: “It used to be my favorite ride on Zwift. From downtown Watopia around the jungle and back. Then they brought in the gravel and totally ruined it for me. … I think nevertheless that it would be nicer to just have dedicated roads for gravel enthusiasts.”

Craig Schaepe: “I just don’t get at all the hate for the jungle loop. Are people put off that they are virtually a few mph slower than on pavement? I have never paid that much attention to the virtual speed since it is fake. … It comes down to just putting in your effort and forget the speed.”

To me, the real potential of mixed surfaces comes out when you’re racing. Do you change your bike and risk not being able to catch your group again? Stay on your bike and risk falling behind? Start with a bike that will let you attack where it matters most? Answer these questions well and you’ll get an advantage on your opponents. Answer them poorly and you’ll be cursing the dirt.

David Hivey: “The change in road surface should add a tactical aspect to the game. Until recently it certainly did. The difference in speeds for the gravel and road bikes made it just faster to do a bike swap on many sections such as the temple KOM.”

David isn’t happy with the recent update that made dirt and gravel surfaces faster. It makes that tactical advantage smaller – to the point where changing bikes no longer helps in some places. I wonder whether this will make anyone happy. Road bikes are still slower on dirt and gravel, but maybe not enough to make a tactical difference anymore.

Some racers don’t want to bother with changing equipment, though. They might find it hard to change bikes and wheels quickly, especially if they have limited access to input controls (like a mouse and keyboard).

What if you’re just trying to ride with a group? Another Zwifter pointed out that dirt and gravel roads can make group rides chaotic, as people naturally lift their effort to keep up speed.

Whitney Stidham: “For mixed surfaces on group rides, it can be tricky; you have people really pushing pace on a mixed surface which of course, pushes the pace of the group. A mass bike exchange entails a mass stop, then everyone changing, and then a mass start… It makes for slower times on group rides, and riders that aren’t as strong have a tendency to fall off the rear because they are tired from pushing on a mixed surface.”

Your Thoughts

What do you think? Should Zwift stick to road cycling and pave the jungle? Keep road, dirt, and gravel roads separate? Make all roads ride the same on all bikes, or put them back as they were and keep the challenge? Let us know in the comments!

Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of December 2-3

Oli Chi
-
2
Notable Zwift Events for the Weekend of December 2-3

This weekend marks the return of the ZFondo series – one of the most popular endurance events on Zwift! In addition, we’ve selected a popular badge hunt ride, a memorial ride, and two social group rides.


🤝 Zwift Fondo Series: The Feast

✅ Popular Event 　✅ Sweet Unlocks 　✅ Fresh Event 　✅ Endurance Ride

The first Fondos of the ZFondo 2023-24 series are here! Join Zwifters from around the world for a fun long ride around the roads of France. Unlike prior years, Fondos will be taking place in Zwift worlds other than Watopia, bringing more variation with the route choices. Each month will have a different Fondo kit unlock associated with it, with this month’s feast-themed. 

As usual, there will be three different categories, each with a different distance. Can you complete all three this weekend?

Multiple time slots Thursday through Sunday
Browse ZFondo events at zwift.com/events/series/zwift-fondo-series-2024


🤝 Bagel Rolls p/b AHDR

✅ Popular Event 　✅ Legacy Leaders　✅ Endurance Ride

The AHDR Bagel Rolls ride will be taking place on the Mega Pretzel this week, making it the perfect opportunity to complete this route badge with the company of others. This ride is typically very well-led, with this week’s ride being led by Whitney Stidham, an experienced and fun leader.

With the advertised pace set to 2.6-2.8 w/kg, this ride is a little bit quicker-paced than most group rides. Because of this, riders will likely complete the Mega Pretzel course in ~3 hours with the lead group.

Saturday, December 2nd @ 2pm UTC/9am EST/6am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3968483


🤝 Martin Friedrich [GXY] Memorial Group Ride

✅ Popular Event 　✅ Feel Good Factor

Recently Galaxy Cycling Club member Martin Friedrich passed away after a fatal cycling accident involving a car. Martin, along with his wife, were avid Zwifters. Join hundreds of riders to honor and remember Martin.

The group ride will be held on The Big Ring and has an advertised pace of 1.6-2 w/kg.

Saturday, December 2nd @ 3:45pm UTC/10:45am EST/7:45am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3957085


🤝 Mark Renshaw – from Bathurst to Cirencester

✅ Ex-Pro Leader　✅ Popular Event

In May 2024, riders from Cirencester and Bathurst will celebrate the friendship between these two cities. Join the ride and learn more about the events that wil be taking place in real life. Former professional cyclist Mark Renshaw will also be in the ride to help lead.

The group ride will be taking place on the Tick Tock course in Watopia and last 60 minutes.

Sunday, December 3rd @ 7pm UTC/2pm EST/11 am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3942941


🤝 AHDR Breakfast with the Pscyclepaths

✅ Popular Event 　✅ Endurance Ride 　✅ Innovative Format

The Breakfast with the Pscyclepaths is a bit of a unique endurance ride as it is set up similarly to a chase race. Category C will start 15 minutes before category B and category B’s goal is to try to catch the C’s by the end of the 100 kilometers.

This week’s ride takes place on The Big Ring, a rolling course which takes riders through the new Southern Coast. Riders will be riding ~2 laps for a grand total of 100 kilometers (62.1 miles).

Sunday, December 3rd @ 6:05pm UTC/1:05pm EST/10:05 am PST
Sign up at zwift.com/events/view/3971246

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!

Your Thoughts

Got other events that stand out this weekend? Share below in the comments!

“Best Of” ZRacing December 2023 Series Details

Eric Schlange
-
14
“Best Of” ZRacing December 2023 Series Details

“Best Of” ZRacing December 2023 Series Details

Zwift’s “ZRacing” is the platform’s most popular ongoing race series, and in December we’re racing some of the best routes used in the past year of the series. Enjoy the sights: sequoias, castles, pavé, and even a monster (Nessie) if you get lucky!

Read on for details about race routes, the overall monthly GC competition, and more.

Best Of – December’s Route Schedule

Here are the routes we’ll be racing in December (click route for more details):

  • Stage 1 (Dec 4-10): Sand and Sequoias
    • 1 lap (22.5km, 180m elevation)
    • Powerups: Lightweight (Feather), Draft Boost, Anvil 🛈
  • Stage 2 (Dec 11-17): Castle to Castle
    • 1 lap (23.2km, 140m elevation)
    • Powerups: Lightweight (Feather), Aero Boost, Draft Boost 🛈
  • Stage 3 (Dec 18-24): Rolling Highlands
    • 2 laps (23km, 183m)
    • Powerups: Feather, Cloaking (Ghost) 🛈
  • Stage 4 (Dec 24-30): R.G.V.
    • 1 lap (24.8km, 133m)
    • Powerups: Draft Boost, Lightweight (Feather) 🛈

See upcoming Best Of events >

Zwift Community Live(stream)

Nathan Guerra at Zwift Community Live is providing commentary and a live stream of each Monday’s 6:10pm UTC/1:10pm Eastern/10:10am Pacific race. Click here for the playlist of upcoming ZRacing broadcasts.

Series Structure

The ZRacing series consists of monthly sets of weekly races. Each race is scheduled for seven days (beginning 1:10am UTC on Monday and running through to the next Sunday). Timeslots are consistent week to week and month to month.

Races are scheduled ~15 times each day, so there are plenty of available times to find a race.

See upcoming events at zwift.com/events/tag/zracingdec2023

Monthly GC on ZwiftPower

Each monthly series includes a time-based GC (general classification) tracking riders’ best finishing times for each week’s race. The overall winners in each category for the month are the riders with the lowest overall time for that month’s set of races.

See December’s GC on ZwiftPower >

With over 100 weekly timeslots available, riders can race each week’s event multiple times and try to better their finishing time. Tip: the fastest times usually come from the largest race fields!

You must use a heart rate monitor and be on a smart trainer, smart bike, or power meter to show up in ZwiftPower results for this series.

If you aren’t signed up for ZwiftPower, check out our post How to Sign Up for ZwiftPower (and Why Every Zwifter Should Do It).

Get the Badge

Each month’s ZRacing series has a unique achievement badge, which you can unlock by finishing every stage for the month.

There are no makeup events, so if you miss a stage, you miss out on the badge and competing in the GC.

One and Done

Zwift has planned these events to deliver a solid 1-hour workout, so each race should only take around 1 hour to complete, including your warmup and cooldown.

Questions or Comments?

Post below! 

Zwift Companion Version 3.53: “Keep Everyone Together” Option Added for Club Events

Eric Schlange
-
46
Zwift Companion Version 3.53: “Keep Everyone Together” Option Added for Club Events

Zwift Companion Version 3.53: “Keep Everyone Together” Option Added for Club Events

Yesterday Zwift released the latest version of the Companion app (v3.53) which includes a much-anticipated feature: the “Keep Everyone Together” setting for Club events!

The toggle is on the event settings screen when creating/editing a Club event.

Important Note: you can’t enable “Keep Everyone Together” when “Event Results” is enabled. Because it doesn’t make sense to show event results if everyone is being forced to stay together!

Why Banded?

Zwift says the “Keep Everyone Together” option “makes it easier to spend time with friends and socialize while you pedal, even if your group has a wide span of fitness levels.” And they’re not wrong. If you want your group to stay together at whatever pace each rider desires, without a lot of messaging and hassle, this option makes it happen.

A Bit of History

Zwift has had “Keep Everyone Together” (aka “rubberbanding”) capabilities for years. (In a rubberbanded ride, all participants stay together, regardless of their power output, as long as they pedal.)

Rubberbanding was first used in group workouts, then expanded to Meetups and made available as a custom, by-request setting for group rides.

Zwift’s code for keeping riders together hasn’t always worked optimally, though. First, group workouts were super slow for stronger riders. Secondly, and perhaps a bigger issue, a longtime bug led to Meetups sometimes getting stuck at unrealistically high speeds, which is why you see Strava climb segments topped by riders holding over 45kph doing very low power (see Box Hill, for example).

The great news is, Zwift put in a lot of work to improve their algorithm for keeping riders together, and rolled that out months ago. Feedback from Zwifters indicates that it has greatly improved the experience for group workouts, Meetups, and banded group rides.

Questions or Comments?

Share below!

1...165166167...556Page 166 of 556