Signups are now open for Zwift for iOS beta testers: simply submit this form. Approved testers do not receive immediate access to Zwift for iOS, but will be contacted by Zwift HQ regarding next steps.
Due to hardware requirements (Zwift for iOS requires a 64bit A7 processor or better), testers should have at least one of these iDevices:
Zwift HQ pushed out a fairly major update today. The download comes in around ~150MB in size so be sure to leave some time for the update when you start your Zwift session!
Here are a few of the highlights included in this release:
Post-workout summary screen
Post-workout summary screen: this pops up immediately after you finish a workout, and includes (among other things) a workout timeline, power curve, power and heart rate distribution and total kilocalories.
Bluetooth support added for Apple computers: you can now use your computer’s Bluetooth to pair with your Bluetooth devices, instead of going through the Zwift Companion app.
Performance enhancements
Loud thunderclaps are now controlled by game volume setting (this is good news, because it means I can stop peeing my chamois every time I ride London!)
“Race Results” screen for select events (see below)
Wahoo has announced an update to its flagship KICKR trainer. Originally released in 2013, the KICKR was (according to Wahoo) the world’s first smart trainer. While many firmware updates have been released since then, the beloved KICKR was definitely due for a hardware overhaul.
While it doesn’t look much different, the new KICKR has some significant improvements over the previous model.
Reduced sound level: the high-pitched tone is mostly gone, and the volume is significantly reduced as well. Wahoo claims the high-frequency pitch is reduced by 90% and the noise output reduced from 67 to 61 decibels. There are quieter trainers, but the KICKR is the quietest model equipped with a flywheel. See video from DC Rainmaker below to hear the comparison.
Improved power accuracy: Wahoo claims accuracy of +/-2% with the new KICKR, compared to +/-5% with the older model. Unlike the previous model the new KICKR does not use a strain gauge but instead reads power based on its readings of the mag brake unit.
Improved responsiveness: KICKR will now respond faster to terrain changes and large leaps of power output.
Improved user interface: they’ve added connectivity lights, a large grey handle, and relocated the power plug.
Tacx is pushing the boundaries of smart trainers in a big way with the announcement of their Magnum smart bike/run treadmill.
Ultimate realism?
According to Tacx, both running and riding on the Magnum are very realistic. The bottom of the Magnum was designed to slightly dent when your foot lands on it, but is stiff as concrete while cycling. A foam core is placed in between two aluminium plates, allowing for a bit of flex when running while remaining stiff for tires.
And of course, it works with Zwift, as well as other software that works with Bluetooth and/or ANT+.
How does it work?
According to Bike Radar:
The Magnum smart trainer is much cleverer than just a rolling road. As we held onto the side and spun up to speed, the treadmill works with your acceleration and light sensors on the treadmill sides (lit up between blue, green, and red) read your position on the bike.
If you push too far forward it will gently increase the resistance to put you back in the zone, and if you fall backwards it will decrease to allow you to accelerate — and if you stop suddenly or brake, the Magnum reacts in a split second to prevent you from falling.
The sensation of the Magnum takes a few spins to get used to, it’s unlike a set of rollers as you have much more freedom to balance and move around on the bike, though once it ‘clicks’ it’s a very impressive tool.
Specifications
Incline range: 0-15% (can be adjusted manually or automatically) with simulated inclines up to 20%
Speed range: 2,4 – 30km/rh (when riding faster than 30km/hr, the belt will increase the incline so that you can push the needed Watts)
Speed adjustment: manual or automatic
Weight: 150kg
Footprint: 222.5×102.5cm
Includes 32″ screen
Projected price: ~€7,000
Availability
According to Tacx: “The Magnum will be delivered at your door step and installed by a certified team. It is available from November in selected countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”
US-based Kinetic has officially entered the smart trainer market with yesterday’s unveiling of their “Kinetic Smart Control.”
Available on Kinetic’s highly-regarded Rock and Roll and Road Machine trainer frames, the new resistance unit is a step up from Kinetic’s previous “smart” offerings which offered power measurement but not controllable resistance.
The resistance unit can also be purchased by itself for installation on an existing Kinetic frame, bringing the connected, power calculating, resistance controlled experience to current Rock and Roll, Road Machine, Magnetic, or Cyclone trainer owners.
According to Kinetic:
Each new trainer model features an electronically-controlled Power Unit, a massive flywheel delivering the highest inertia of any smart trainer on the market, ultra-quiet operation, accurate and reproducible power data, and a realistic ride feel. The Smart Control Power Unit is also available separately and is the ideal upgrade for a wide range of existing Kinetic trainers.
Kinetic Rock and Roll Smart Control
Specifications
Interestingly, the new smart control supports Bluetooth only–no ANT+. Kinetic is working with Zwift to make sure the smart control units will work seamlessly once they are rolled out.
Power accuracy is +/-3%
Maximum wattage, incline simulation, and flywheel size not available at this time.
Pricing
Rock and Roll – Smart Control: $849 USD
Road Machine – Smart Control: $649 USD
Smart Control Power Unit: $549 USD
Kinetic Road Machine Smart Control
Availability
Kinetic says the trainers will be available late September in the USA, and sometime in October to the rest of the world.
Episode 8 of Zwiftcast has been released. Here’s the full episode description:
Simon, Shane and Nathan discuss the incredibly active smart trainer market, with a raft of new models announced in the past couple of weeks, including an eye-catching offering from Tacx.
They go on to speculate on what might be the likely effect of an expected launch of Zwift on iPad.
There’s a feature on Married Zwifting, with a look at how couples balancing jobs and kids can use Zwift to maximise training, sometimes Zwifting together.
Nathan’s other half, Lindsay and Shane’s partner, Von, make guest appearances – and share some of the secrets of their joint pain caves!
Australian hero Mat Hayman makes a special appearance on the Zwiftcast to bring us up to date on what’s he’s been doing since that memorable win in Paris Roubaix and to let listeners know how Zwift is fitting into his training plan.
There’s a feature with ZTR race organiser Christian Wiedemann who reveals the results of a fascinating experiment: He tells the Zwiftcast what happened when he went to tackle a very familiar local climb in real life after spending two years exclusively riding on Zwift.
Simon, Shane and Nathan tackle the thorny issue of deliberate weight-doping. Is it ever acceptable to change your weight on Zwift? Maybe you want to keep up with buddies on a group ride – can it be right to adjust your weight down a bit to make it possible?
Zwift is now in pre-beta testing for iOS devices. The following devices will be supported (a 64bit A7 processor or greater is required):
iPad Air 1 and 2
iPad Pro 9.7″ and 12″
iPad mini 2, 3 and 4
iPod 6th gen
iPhone 5SE
iPhone 6/6+/6S/6S+/SE
Performance notes
According to Shane Miller performance is silky-smooth, better than his Alienware Alpha desktop computer. Zwift has been touch-enabled for a while now, so you are able to simply the touch the screen to give Ride Ons, change settings, etc. And a simple lightning to HDMI cable will let you view Zwift on your TV while it runs on your iDevice.
Bluetooth only
Zwift on iOS will only support Bluetooth connections at this time, since iDevices do not have ANT+ built in. All true smart trainers support Bluetooth as well as ANT+, so this won’t be a problem on that front, but people using certain devices which only support ANT+ will need to purchase a Bluetooth to ANT bridge such as the Viiiiva heart rate monitor ($80US) so their ANT+ signals can be converted to Bluetooth.
What’s the big deal?
Arguably the largest single barrier to Zwift entry is on the computing side of things: many people do not have powerful enough computers to run Zwift smoothly, or at all. (Zwift requires Windows 7 64bit or higher or macOS 10.7 or higher, plus 4GB of memory and a fairly beefy graphics card.)
This move opens Zwift up to a massive new audience of folks who aren’t willing to make a huge investment in indoor training but already have a compatible iDevice and an indoor trainer. No ANT+ dongle needed: just pair your trainer to your iDevice and go! This is going to be huge.
When?
According to road.cc the app will be available in September with beta testing invites being sent out to the Zwift community. Zwift HQ is hoping to roll out the full app this winter.
Here’s an excellent “first look” video from everyone’s favorite lama from down under, Shane Miller:
US-based CycleOps has announced the “Magnus,” a rear wheel on smart trainer aimed at the middle of the market occupied by the likes of Wahoo’s Kickr Snap, Tacx’s Bushido and others.
It’s good to see that CycleOps is jumping into the smart trainer game with both feet this fall, having announced the higher-end “Hammer” wheel-off trainer several weeks back. We expect both of these trainers to be available sometime in September.
CycleOps is focusing on the speed and responsiveness of the Magnus’ electromagnetic resistance unit, claiming it is highly responsive to even the smallest changes in power output. Perhaps this will result in less “lag” on Zwift when hitting hills or putting out more power?
Here are the key specs:
Proven PowerTap technology for accurate power readings
1500 watt peak resistance
Noise level: 69 decibels at 20 mph (quiet!)
Retail price: $599US
Of course, like other smart trainer it supports ANT+ FE-C as well as Bluetooth.
Races for rookies: KISS Starter, Escape Velocity, The Friday Criterium
If you have never raced in Zwift, or you are a slower rider looking for races focused slower categories, check out these upcoming races.
KISS Starter
From the creators of the hugely popular KISS races, here’s a series of races designed to introduce riders to Zwift racing.
Categories: C/D categories only, or new racers. (Categories based on your FTP watts instead of watts/kilogram since the races are done on flat courses.)
NE: > 308W Avg
C: 269 to 308W Avg
D below 269W Avg
Created to provide an entry-level race for all categories of riders. Follows KISS race rules. Scheduled on Monday-Wednesday-Friday since these are days with fewer Zwift races at this time.
Categories: use your FTP and then divide by your weight in kg to find your group:
A: 4.0 W/kg FTP or higher
B: 3.2 W/kg to 3.99 W/kg FTP
C: 2.5 W/kg to 3.19 W/kg FTP
D: Under 2.49 W/kg FTP
W: Females who wish to have a separate categorization.
Typical race length: 18-25 miles
Schedule: 11:30 PDT on Monday, Wednesday, Friday each week
Created last year as a series focused solely on C and D riders, this year TFC will include A and B riders while still maintaining a focus on encouraging C’s and D’s to race. Read a writeup from last year’s first TFC race >
Categories: use your FTP and then divide by your weight in kg to find your group:
A: 4.0 W/kg FTP or higher
B: 3.2 W/kg to 3.99 W/kg FTP
C: 2.5 W/kg to 3.19 W/kg FTP
D: Under 2.49 W/kg FTP
W: Females who wish to have a separate categorization.
Typical race length: ~20 miles
Schedule: 13-race series for the fall begins September 9th at 11 AM PDT
Elite has announced the Drivo, its first entry into the high-end direct drive smart trainer market. This market currently includes the Wahoo Kickr, Tacx Neo, and soon to be released Cyclops Hammer. The low end of the market also includes the upcoming Tacx Flux.
Here are the key features of the new Drivo:
Accurate power measurement: Elite claims accuracy within 1% thanks to an integrated optical torque system power meter which measures power at 24 points within each pedal stroke. A note about calibration: Drivos are tested and calibrated before shipping. Users will only need to perform an occasional software-based recalibration to maintain accuracy.
High wattage: magnetic resistance unit is capable of 2000 watts of resistance, simulating a 24% slope.
6kg internal flywheel: provides for an accurate road feel.
Quiet: Elite claims you will only hear your chain.
Bike compatibility: works with 130 and 135 quick release rear ends, as well as 142 x 12 thru-axles. Comes with a 9/10/11 speed compatible freehub, Campy users will require adapter.
Folds down for easy transport and storage.
Suggested retail price of £1099.99
Of course, the Drivo supports ANT+ and Bluetooth, so it can play nicely with third party apps and tools such as Zwift.
My Thoughts on the Drivo
The specs are impressive, meeting or exceeding other trainers in this market space. Focusing on accurate power measurement is good, and I hope to see accuracy continue to improve for all smart trainers (especially wheel-on trainers which are the most susceptible to inaccurate measurement.) I’m not impressed with the looks, but for me those are secondary to the features and functionality.
I’m happy to see Elite enter this market, as I believe direct-drive is where the indoor industry is heading due to its power accuracy, reliability and more realistic ride feel. More competition within this space can only be a good thing for us consumers!
