We couldn’t have scripted a better opening week. Just as our new Wattage Cottage podcast launches, the indoor cycling world gets rocked by one of the biggest business moves in the history of the sport — and we’re breaking it down on day one.
Episode one of Wattage Cottage sets the tone for everything this show is going to be — honest, informed, and genuinely enthusiastic about the world of indoor cycling. Host Dave Towle is joined by Eric Schlange, founder of Zwift Insider, and Shane Miller — GP Lama — Australia’s premier cycling tech reviewer. Together, the three tackle the Zwift-Rouvy bombshell and dig into two of the biggest ongoing conversations in indoor cycling right now.
In This Episode
BREAKING — Zwift Acquires Rouvy
This just landed, and it changes everything. Or maybe nothing changes? Two very different products with two very different philosophies. What does it mean? Is this about eliminating competition? Growing the pie? Building something new? We dig into the implications for subscribers of both platforms, what happens to Rouvy’s identity, and whether this is good or bad news for the indoor cycling community as a whole.
Zwift Levels 100+
Zwift is finally expanding its level caps, giving some of its most dedicated riders and runners a fresh carrot to chase. Dave, Eric, and Shane break down what this means, whether it’s genuine progress or long-overdue housekeeping, and what it tells us about Zwift’s approach to subscriber motivation and retention.
Gravel on Zwift — Does It Actually Work?
Gravel has become one of the most culturally vital formats in cycling. So what happens when you bring it indoors? Shane breaks down the physics and resistance modeling. Eric reports from the community side and suggests route design ideas. And Dave asks the harder question — can virtual gravel ever really capture what makes gravel gravel?
Meet the Team
- Dave Towle: The voice of American cycling, having called some of the biggest races in the country for decades. Now bringing that same sharp eye to the indoor cycling world.
- Shane Miller (GPLama): Based in Australia, Shane is one of the most followed and trusted cycling tech reviewers in the world. If it connects to a trainer or measures a watt, Shane has tested it.
- Eric Schlange: Founder of Zwift Insider, the internet’s most comprehensive and reliable resource for Zwift routes, updates, and platform intelligence. The guy who actually reads every release note.
Share Your Thoughts!
This is just the first episode of what we hope is a long-running and useful community Zwift podcast. Share your thoughts below. We’re listening!
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