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Zwiftcast Episode 6

Simon Schofield
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Zwiftcast Episode 6

Zwiftcast Episode 6

After taking a bit of a break, we’ve released the latest Zwiftcast episode–here are the notes on what it contains:

Welcome to Episode Six of the Zwiftcast – and a new format.

I’ve been joined by Nathan Guerra from the US and Shane Miller from Australia. Together we’re chewing the fat over all the latest news and developments from Zwift as the focus shifts towards the Southern Hemisphere’s indoor season.

The episode features an interview with Zwift’s creative genius and co-founder of the company, Jon Mayfield. Jon has some really interesting things to say about a division between Z Power users and those with Smart Trainers/Power Meters. He also talks about how the draft in Zwift is still at an early stage and raises the prospect of introducing steering into the game.

There’s a great interview with Australian hand cyclist Alex Welsh and myself, Shane and Nathan discuss the issues he raises about avatar customisation.

The KISS races have now launched all over the world and are attracting huge fields in the Southern Hemisphere. I talk to Glen Knight, one of the originators of the wildly popular series and afterwards we discuss the genius of the zwiftpower.com tool.

Matt Hayman’s coach, Kevin Poulton, still buzzing from his rider’s amazing victory in Paris-Roubaix, talks about how Matt used Zwift in his training – and gives his views on the value of indoor riding for training for the rest of us.

There’s also a lively review of the indoor season so far in Australia with Shane and I discussing the massive popularity of the Aussie HDR group ride.

I hope you like the new format – let me know on the Zwiftcast Listeners Facebook page.

Will Indoor Training Damage My Carbon Fiber Frame?

Eric Schlange
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Will Indoor Training Damage My Carbon Fiber Frame?
The vast majority of serious cyclists today ride carbon frames. And when it comes to clamping that frame into a stationary trainer, some riders believe you are placing damaging stresses on the frame. Is this a valid fear? Are you putting your baby at risk while Zwifting? Here are five reasons why I believe these fears are unfounded:

#1: Industry disagreement

If stationary training was leading to broken frames, we would see an industry-wide stance against training on carbon. Yet this is not what we see. As it stands, some big bike makers are friendly towards trainer use, while others are not. (See Is trainer use covered by your warranty? for more on this topic.)

#2: Where are the broken bikes?

Searching on Google and YouTube for stories of people breaking their carbon frames on indoor trainers turns up very few results. Instead, I see numerous posts from people saying “I’ve used my carbon bike in my trainer for years with no problems.” I also see posts from shop owners like this (taken from this Bicycling.com forum topic):
Just pulling up our sales history on trainers – since 1999 we have sold 377 trainers. I couldn’t even begin to search for a total number of carbon bikes we’ve sold in that time, but we’re talking WELL over 1000. We’ve never once had a frame failure attributed to a trainer.
Given how many miles people are putting in on Zwift (5.8 million miles in January ’16 alone), the Zwift Riders Facebook group should be blowing up with stories of failed frames if this is an issue. But I’ve never seen such a post. If this was a common problem you would see stories and strong warnings everywhere online. Speaking of warnings…

#3: Trust the Lama

Shane Miller, OZ Zwifter extraordinaire, posted a video on this topic just last night: He includes good points about using the proper skewer and understanding that sprinting technique on a trainer is different than outside. (On a trainer it’s an up-down motion, while outside there is a lot of side to side movement of the frame).

#4: Trust a carbon fiber bike repair expert

Shane was also part of the video below from Cycling Maven which includes tons of fascinating information about carbon fiber bikes, including a carbon repair expert stating that he never gets bikes in for repair due to damage from trainers.

#5: Trust the boys at GCN

Here’s a GCN video on this topic:

If it’s a myth, why do some believe it?

It is true that a standard titanium rear skewer can be bent while using a trainer (hence it is best to use the steel skewers commonly supplied by the trainer manufacturer.) So obviously there are some stresses on trainers which don’t exist on the road. This may lead some to believe that the frame is in danger as well. And while I’m not entirely sure, my guess is this myth began as a legitimate concern when carbon frames were in their infancy (~25 years ago). Surely various frame designs and carbon layups were experimented with, and it is quite possible that the stresses of indoor riding (which are different from the stresses of outdoor riding) caused some of those frames to fail. Based on current manufacturer warranties, though, it is clear those challenges have been overcome and carbon frames are safe to ride on indoor trainers, provided out of the saddle efforts utilize the proper “up-down” technique. So #RideOn, carbon bike owners!

Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission extended to June 26th

Eric Schlange
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Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission extended to June 26th

Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission extended to June 26th

I’ve received confirmation from Zwift HQ that the Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission deadline for entries has been extended to June 26th.

Entrants must join the mission and complete the full Pretzel Route before 23:59 (UTC) on that date to be entered to win a real life  Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 bike.

The original deadline in the game terms and conditions was June 21st. As of today the terms and conditions still show this old date, but Zwift HQ says this week’s upcoming minor update will include a change to that date.

Learn more about the Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission >

10 new group ride features from Zwift (and why they matter)

Eric Schlange
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10 new group ride features from Zwift (and why they matter)

10 new group ride features from Zwift (and why they matter)

Early June game and mobile app updates have officially brought powerful group ride features to Zwift, and the Zwift community couldn’t be more excited!

These features represent a significant upgrade over various hacked-together solutions used by Zwifters up to this point, which means the user experience will be improved for everyone.

zml-1.7-events
Browse events via your phone

#1: Mobile App Calendar

Upcoming rides using the new group features are listed in the mobile app, making it easy for Zwifters to see what’s coming up. This feature (and the in-game list of events) seems to have increased group ride participation significantly in the past couple weeks.

Leader beacon spotted ahead--gotta catch up!
Leader beacon spotted ahead–gotta catch up!

#2: Ride Leader Beacon

Ride leader now have a yellow beacon over their avatar and an indicator next to their name in the rider list. This makes it easy to spot the leader so you know if you’re too far ahead or behind.

#3: Lap Counter/Ride Length Indicators

During the ride the top of your dashboard includes a lap counter, progress meter, and total group ride length amount. Especially handy when you lose your lap count in the heat of racing!

#4: Group Messaging

Once you’ve joined an event, your messages will only be seen by others who have joined the event. This keeps things uncluttered for those not participating in the group ride while helping to keep the group ride focused.

Clear leader message
Clear leader messaging

#5: Bold Ride Leader Messaging

Messages from the ride leader show up in large font, center screen, making it very easy to for leaders to effectively direct the group.

#6: Filtered Rider List

You only see riders in your group in the list on the right. This is especially useful for races since it lets you know if you are competing against particular riders on course.

Mass starts are now easy and fair

#7: Uniform Group Starts

Groups are now released en masse at a precise time, greatly simplifying race starts. This greatly improves race starts which used to be challenging due to neutral start speeders, clock sync issues and riders jumping the gun on standing starts.

#8: Warmups

You can warm up on course then click “Join Event” before the event starts, or you can click “Join Event” right away and spin on a trainer in the staging area. Either way, you’re able to easily warm up before the event without needing to restart the game.

#9: Split Strava Rides

If you do a warmup ride on course then join in a group ride, Zwift treats these as two separate rides so they can be uploaded to Strava individually. This is helpful for races, which typically need a warmup but also need a race-only Strava file for use on ZwiftNation.com and ZwiftPower.com.

#10: Custom Strava Ride Titles

The default name for your Strava upload now includes the event title (eg, “Zwift – Back to Work UK”) so you don’t have to type it in with shaking, sweaty fingers after a ride!

But wait… there’s more!

Zwift CEO From Eric Min has indicated that there are more group ride changes in the pipeline. It is clear that Zwift HQ sees the value of group rides, and is working to make the tools both and more powerful (not an easy task). Here are two recent quotes from Eric:

  • More importantly we’d like to see people join rides that are already in progress. Nothing worse than missing the start of a ride.
  • Each staging area can accommodate 1000 riders so that amounts to 4000 riders on the pier.

Joining a group ride or race in Zwift

Eric Schlange
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Joining a group ride or race in Zwift

Joining a group ride or race in Zwift

Groups rides and races turn your solo trainer time into a social experience. Just like real life, riding with others can help you push beyond perceived limits and pass the time in a more enjoyable fashion. Here’s how group rides work in Zwift.

Joining a Group Ride

Step 1: Register
Do this from the game screen or the mobile app. Just click which category you are signing up for (most rides only have one category, labeled “A”) and you’re done.

Events show up in game a few hours before they start. The calendar is being constantly updated by ZwiftHQ, so if you don’t see an event listed that is only a day or two away, you should check later. You may browse the next few days’ events via the mobile app or on the official Zwift events calendar.

Click a category then "Join?" to register in-game
Click a category then “Join?” to register in-game
Click the orange + to sign up for the ride
Click the orange + to sign up for the ride

Step 2: Join
After registering you may begin your ride on whatever route you’d like. While riding, click the “Join Event” button at the bottom-left to be transported to the staging area for your event.

By default the “Join Event” button shows up 15 minutes before the event begins, although ZwiftHQ can modify this for particular events.

If you do not click “Join Event” but continue riding, the game will pop up a warning that your event is starting soon, and will automatically take you to the start area if you click nothing and continue to ride.

2016-06-13_1052331
Clicking “Join Event” takes you to the staging area

Step 3: Ride!
Have fun! Once your group ride is complete you will automatically revert to normal riding mode.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Group Messaging: once you’ve joined an event, your messages will only be seen by others who have joined the event.
  • Can you quit the event? Yes. If you stop pedaling while participating in a group ride a “Quit Event” button comes up.
  • Do warmup miles count? Only if you ride them on course (not in the staging area) and your ride must be at least 1km in length. Any time spent pedaling on the “trainers” in the staging area is not counted as mileage in Zwift or Strava. If you ride on course then click “Join Event” Zwift will automatically post your warmup ride to Strava (if connected). Your “main ride” (the group ride) will be uploaded to Strava when you choose to do so at the end of your session.
  • Can I register via the mobile app while riding on course? Yes! Once you register via the mobile app a “Join Event” button will show up, provided the event is starting soon. Keep in mind the “Join Event” button may not show up for a couple minutes due to server communication delays.
  • Should I change my name for the group ride? If the instructions in the event description request it, yes. You can change your name via the mobile app, or in-game.
Richmond staging area

120+ riders waiting to start a group ride with Fumy Beppu
120+ riders waiting to start a group ride with Fumy Beppu

d​Zi Nepalese Summit Race #3 June 15th

Eric Schlange
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d​Zi Nepalese Summit Race #3 June 15th

d​Zi Nepalese Summit Race #3 June 15th

Team dZi has announced their third Nepalese Summit Race, to be held on June 15th at 1900 UK Time.

This popular race gets its name from the race’s long and steep finishing climb, but also because of Team dZi’s link to its eponymous foundation supporting mountainous Nepal. The race is relatively long at 36.1km with a significant amount of climbing.

The race starts with about 2.5 laps of Ocean Boulevard the concludes with an exciting finish where many racers will come together on the tough, long final climb to the Watopia Radio Tower.

The racers will come together due to the event’s unique staggered, reverse starting times releasing CAT D first and the fastest racers CAT A last.

ZwiftAcademy.com launched

Eric Schlange
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ZwiftAcademy.com launched

ZwiftAcademy.com launched

ZwiftAcademy.com has launched with info on all the ladies taking part, enrollment tools, a news blog and more. Nice work, Zwift HQ!

Don’t know what the Academy is all about?

Here’s what the site says:

CANYON//SRAM Racing and Zwift have teamed up to offer women cyclists from around the world an opportunity to develop their talents, grow their community and, for one lucky rider, win a pro contract with the CANYON//SRAM Racing team for the 2017 season.

Qualification

The site shows qualification details/progress for each rider. In order to qualify, riders must join a total of at least 9 Zwift Academy training rides. They must also complete the Zwift Academy specific workout plan which has 27 workouts ending in an FTP test.

As of today the site shows 425 riders enrolled, 96 remaining group rides, and 83 days left to train.

Want to Join?

Deadline for enrollment is July 31st, 2016.

Good luck to all the riders–as far as we’re concerned, you’re already winning just by participating!

Win a Canyon Ultimate by completing the Pretzel Mission

Eric Schlange
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Win a Canyon Ultimate by completing the Pretzel Mission

Win a Canyon Ultimate by completing the Pretzel Mission

Today Zwift HQ launched the “Canyon Ultimate Pretzel Mission”–a chance for all Zwifters to win a real life  Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8.0 bike!

To join, just start up Zwift and click the appropriate button at the top-left:

2016-06-08_1421340

You’ll need to agree the legal stuff, but then the real work begins–you have to ride the entire Pretzel route (72.2km, 1333m of climbing) to be entered into the drawing. You must complete your ride on or before 23:59 (UTC) on June 26th (the original deadline was June 21st but this has been extended).

Important: unlike the California, Everest, or Italy challenges, you can’t complete just part of the ride then come back. Perhaps that’s why Zwift HQ is calling this a “mission.” You must complete the Pretzel in one session to be entered. If you sign out then back in, you’ll need to join the mission again and start from zero!

Once you complete the route you will get another popup on your screen:canyon-pretzel-complete

Good luck to all who enter!

Zwift Companion v1.7 released

Eric Schlange
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Zwift Companion v1.7 released

Zwift Companion v1.7 released

Yesterday Zwift HQ has released the latest major upgrade to their mobile app for iOS and Android which includes two major new features: an events browser and a Strava friend finder.

Zwift HQ has retained a consistent focus on  bringing cyclists together, and these tools will help make that happen. (Zwift says on their homepage: “Make new friends. Connect with old ones. Drop into the Zwift community and never ride alone.”)

zml-1.7-eventsEvents

You can now browse upcoming events from the app and mark that you plan to attend. Event details displayed include start time (in your local timezone!) ride name, description, lap count, and number of people attending. All listed events will begin in the newly launched staging areas on Watopia and Richmond, allowing for more organized group rides.

Note: if you are a group ride organizer who wants their ride on this official events list, you should contact Charlie Issendorf at Zwift HQ.

Find on Strava

stravaThe search tool has been upgraded to easily find Zwifters who you already follow on Strava. Simply click “search” from the app home screen, then click “Find on Strava.” This will bring up a list of Strava users who also use Zwift, so you can follow them on Zwift if you’d like.

Zwift course schedule for June 2016

Eric Schlange
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Zwift course schedule for June 2016

Zwift course schedule for June 2016

For the month of June, Tuesdays will be Richmond days while all other days will be on Watopia.

The course changeover happens at 21:00 Los Angeles time (PDT) or UTC-7hrs.

course-schedule-june-2016

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