UPDATE: the Tron bike has been modified since this post was written, making it the fastest bike in game.
Read the updated post >
Yes, the bike you choose in Zwift affects your speed. Your wheelset affects your speed even more! Our test lap data gives us a very solid idea of which bikes and wheels are fastest.
The TT bike consistently turns in the fastest lap times, but it cannot draft and is not allowed for some races. The next four fastest bikes, though, are within 10 seconds of each other over a full lap on the Watopia Figure 8 route.
While the 3 fastest bikes are high-level unlocks which take months of work to achieve, the Zwift Aero can be unlocked with just a few weeks of riding. This is a good thing, because it wouldn’t be very sporting to give more experienced Zwifters a significant advantage over newcomers!
Here’s the list:
#1: Cervelo S5
Watopia Figure 8 Lap: 50:58
Richmond Lap: 29:06
How to get it: hit level 25 and purchase in the Drop Shop
#2: Trek Madone
Watopia Figure 8 Lap: 51:05
Richmond Lap: 29:09
How to get it: hit level 20 and purchase in the Drop Shop
#3: Canyon Aeroad
Watopia Figure 8 Lap: 51:06
Richmond Lap: 29:10
How to get it: hit level 23 and purchase in the Drop Shop
#4: Zwift Aero
Watopia Figure 8 Lap: 51:08
Richmond Lap: 29:12
How to get it: hit level 6 and purchase in the Drop Shop
Note: lap times given are for the stated bike coupled with the Zipp 808 wheelset (level 10 unlock). The Zipp 808 was consistently the fastest wheelset in Zwift at the time of this post.
I’d be curious to see how the 808’s stack up against the new Enve’s
The Enve SES 6.7 wheelset in Zwift is the next fastest after the 808s–actually pretty much tied for second with the Zipp 404s.
The Enves are ~10 seconds slower for an hour’s riding on either course than the 808s.
Is the Tron faster ?
No.
Looks like the Venge if available would beat out the S5 slightly (.006 versus .005 CdA reduction). Any news on whether this will be unlockable in the future?
No news, but Zwift HQ keeps new bike releases pretty quiet until they’re actually released.
How do the aero bikes and wheelsets affect climbing? I assume not as quick up the mountain.
See http://zwiftinsider.com/test-lap-data/ and http://zwiftinsider.com/fastest-climb/
How do i get rear wheel tt disc?
You don’t! It was a limited-time offering and hasn’t been available to members for over a year now, I believe.
Shame they gutted the Pinarello F8 and Tron Bike, especially as you have to work fairly hard to get them. Let alone the Dogma being the most winning bike.
Hey Eric,
I just completed a Watopia Figure 8 lap in 50:39 (I have it on my strava) but nor of the bikes were unlocked. do you know why?
Thanks
Guillermo
You don’t unlock them by going the time listed. You unlock them by leveling up to the level specified in the “How to get it:”
I’m sorry if I’ve come to this late, and it may be that changes have been made to the performance of the TRON bike, but I’ve tested against both the Zwift Aero and TT bikes on the Hilly course and it’s FASTER THAN BOTH running the short sweet spot.
TT Bike:
https://www.strava.com/activities/794284166
TRON:
https://www.strava.com/activities/794527791
You are correct–they updated the bike! Thanks for the heads up.
At level 10, what is the fastest setup? I realize the Zipp 808’s are the fastest wheelet. What is the fastest bike? Zwift Steel frame, Tri bike, Zwift carbon, or specialized allez?
Hi TJ – did anyone answer you question. I have the same query.
Fastest bikes will be these (first three are unlocked from challenges):
Trek Emonda
Specialized Tarmac
Pinarello F8
Specialized Allez
Zwift Carbon (same speed as the Allez)
The difference in time on 1 Richmond lap between the Emonda and the Zwift Carbon is 3s. See https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_dvNbBEKAztJwjX-2CDdWmVSR4jP92o-eiNCB7hl5IY/edit#gid=0&fvid=308472251
do the different bikes and wheelsets make a difference when in training mode?
Are you possibly still updating this information or is it one and done ?
I have no plans to update the info, unless I learn that things have changed and need to be re-tested.
Hi Eric. While the 808s are the fastest wheels in Zwift, I just unlocked the Zipp 404s which I’m going to pair with the Zwift Aero bike (best I have). That gives me a little more balance for weight versus aero. What are your thoughts?
Hey Bruce,
In the real world that might make sense, but in my speed tests, the 808’s ALWAYS beat the 404s over a full course. You can comb through the data here: http://zwiftinsider.com/test-lap-data/
The Canyon Aeroad is available at level 23, not level 22…and I was so much looking forward to riding my “real” bike on Zwift…:/
Yeah, this was a pretty old post! I just updated it though…