Many riders return to Zwift in earnest when the time changes and the weather turns nasty. That may mean unpacking the trainer, clearing a space in the garage or spare room, and installing all those Zwift updates you’ve missed over the summer months.
Once you’re up and riding, consider what you could do to upgrade your Zwift experience early in the indoor season, so you can enjoy those upgrades for the next few months. Here are the top 5 upgrades we recommend…
#1: Big Screen
The bigger your Zwift screen, the more immersive the gameplay. Sometimes we hear Zwifters say things like, “I just can’t get into it” or “It’s boring and doesn’t hold my attention.” Almost without fail, those Zwifters are squinting at a small screen like a laptop or iPad for their Zwift sessions.
Big-screen TVs are quite affordable today, even with Covid-related supply chain issues. For example, here’s an Amazon-recommended 55″ model for $379.99.
You’ll also need to buy an adaptor and/or cable to connect your Zwift device (laptop, iPad, phone) to the big screen. Here are a few tips:
- iPad or iPhone: buy the Apple Lightning to HDMI Adaptor, which plugs into your iPad or iPhone. You’ll need a standard HDMI cable as well, which plugs into that adaptor and into your TV. One nice thing about the Apple Lightning to HDMI Adaptor is it lets you also plug in your standard USB charger, so you can charge your iPad or iPhone while Zwifting. Very important for those long sessions that would sap your battery otherwise!
- Laptop: most laptops these days have an HDMI out. If you’ve got one of those, you’ll just need a standard HDMI cable to run your computer into your TV.
#2: Strong Fan
Beginning Zwifters inevitably underestimate their cooling needs. We’ve written about this already: it’s a well-documented truth that indoor riders need significant cooling in order to perform at their best.
Sweating a lot doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting in your best training session – it may just mean you’re overheated. Make sure your body is cooled enough that you can put maximum effort into your rides without overheating and having your body’s internal “governors” kick in.
Here are three recommended fans, moving from a tightly-focused air column on the left to a less focused blast of air on the right.
Blower-style fans move a lot of air in a focused column.
The Vornado is the smallest of our picks, but it packs a punch.
If you want to move a lot of air over a larger surface area (like your body), this is a good choice. Bonus: it has a remote, and is wall-mountable so you can move it out of the way.
Want the very best? Check out Wahoo’s Kickr Headwind. It blows a very tight column of air right where you need it, and wind speed can be automatically modulated based on your virtual speed (to simulate a headwind) or heart rate (to cool you when you need it most). It can also be controlled easily from your phone.
#3: Direct Drive Trainer
Look, we get it. We all did it. When we first discovered Zwift, we weren’t convinced that we would enjoy it, so we bought the cheapest smart trainer we could find.
But when our second indoor season spun up, we bought a direct drive trainer. And we never looked back.
Direct drive trainers are more accurate than their wheel-on cousins, and they provide a much more realistic road feel as well. Trust us: once you try one, you’ll never want to go wheel on again.
Not sure which trainer to get? You’re in luck. Unlike last year (when retailers couldn’t keep trainers in stock), all the good trainers are available online this season. And we’ve put together short lists of the very best direct-drive trainers:
#4: Training Table
If you’re still using a music stand, hatrack, or some tacked-together contraption to hold your laptop, towels, food, or other necessities – maybe it’s time to level up.
Wahoo was the first to make a true indoor cycling desk, but there are competitors selling similar knockoffs for half the price, including the RAD Desk and Conquer Desk. You might also consider the more budget-friendly KOM Cycling Desk (which is admittedly a bit smaller and less stable than the Wahoo-style designs).
Look for something adjustable and stable, with plenty of space for essentials like your keyboard, laptop, remotes, phone, towel, etc. You won’t regret it!
#5: WiFi Power Strip
WiFi-connected “smart” power strips make it easy to control the power to various devices from a simple app on your phone or via Alexa or Google Home voice commands. They are super convenient, plus they protect your sensitive devices from damaging power surges. And they’re cheap nowadays – here’s a $30 unit that Amazon recommends.
Plug your trainer and fan in so you can easily turn them on and off when desired. Most smart strips include USB ports so you can easily charge your phone, earbuds, or other devices as well.
Questions or Comments?
Got other recommendations? Questions or comments about what we recommend? Post below!