Update: Zwift Ride is now shipping! Shop via the links below:
Note: if you purchase Zwift Ride via the links above, Zwift Insider will be paid an affiliate commission by Zwift or Wahoo. Thanks for your support!
Today, Zwift unveiled Zwift Ride: an “always-ready, complete indoor cycling setup ready to unlock the full Zwift experience.”
I’ve had a Zwift Ride setup here in the lab since early May, and you’ll see a full review published here on Zwift Insider this week. For now, let’s show some photos and discuss key Zwift Ride features as announced in today’s press release!
What It Is, and Why It’s Special
Zwift Ride is a smart bike setup, but it’s wholly different from other smart bikes on the market today in two ways.
First, the frame (Zwift calls it the “Zwift Ride Smart Frame”) is compatible with any trainer that supports virtual shifting. Yes, you can purchase Zwift Ride as a full package with a trainer. In fact, that’s the only way you can purchase it, for now. But eventually – and this is important – the frame will be sold as a standalone item which you can mount on your trainer, provided you also purchase a Zwift Cog and your trainer supports Zwift’s virtual shifting. (Currently compatible trainers include the Zwift Hub, Wahoo KICKR Core, Wahoo KICKR v6, and Wahoo KICKR Move.)
Read more about virtual shifting on Zwift >
Secondly, the price is well below industry norms. Selling for $1299USD, Zwift Ride is much more affordable than the big hitters in the smart bike space, including the Wahoo KICKR Bike ($3999), Wahoo KICKR Bike Shift ($2999), Tacx NEO Bike Plus ($3999), Tacx NEO Bike ($3199), and Wattbike Atom ($2549).
Zwift Ride is initially selling as a complete package combining the Zwift Ride Smart Frame and a Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One trainer. Starting this fall, the Zwift Ride Smart Frame will also be sold as a standalone item.
What a video intro from Zwift:
Pricing, Availability, and Timing
Zwift Ride With KICKR CORE will begin shipping June 26 to the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.
Register early interest and see product details at zwift.com/shop/products/zwift-ride-kickr-core.
Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE Pricing:
Zwift Ride Tablet Holder Pricing:
Zwift Ride Smart Frame Details
Zwift Ride was clearly designed with simplicity and affordability in mind. Virtual shifting pulls a lot of the weight here, since it takes away the hassle of dialing in mechanical shifting while also reducing cost since it removes shifting hardware and chainrings/cassette from the package.
But it’s also easy on the eyes! While the single front leg makes it clear this is an indoor-only proposition, it has the overall lines of a modern road racing frame.
Key features and specifications include:
- Adjustability: saddle height, bar height, and reach
- Integrated Zwift Key tool handles all necessary adjustments and is securely stored in top tube
- Rider size range: 5′ (152cm) to 6′ 6″ (198cm)
- Cranks: 170mm
- Integrated dual control pads (similar to Zwift Play) for virtual shifting, steering, and more
- Virtual shifting: instant, silent, customizable
- Selectable shifting styles: Shimano, SRAM, or sequential
- Two easy-access drop-in bottle cages
- Thru-axle frame mounting
- Sturdy single-speed bike chain
- Flat pedals included
- Rubber nonslip handlebar tray for phone/food/towel etc
- Chain tensioner makes it easy to remove Smart Frame from trainer if necessary
- Optional integrated tablet holder
More features and specs on the Zwift Ride homepage >
Complete Review Coming Soon
As mentioned above, I’ve had a Zwift Ride here in the Zwift Insider Lab for several weeks. I’ve been putting it through its paces, testing it with a Zwift Hub, KICKR Core, and KICKR v6 trainer… sometimes on a rocker plate!
It’s worked like a charm, handling everything I can throw at it. It’s a bit early to be making predictions, but I’m going to come out and say Zwift Ride is going to further revolutionize the indoor cycling market by doing to smart bikes what Zwift Hub did to smart trainers: lower barriers to entry so more riders enjoy a top-notch Zwifting experience.
Additionally, once the frame becomes available as a standalone product, I predict many established Zwifters will buy one so they can have an always-ready indoor setup without moving their outdoor bike on and off the trainer.
Watch for a full review this week.
Questions or Comments
See the Zwift Ride homepage for more info (and to register early interest).
Got questions or comments? Post below!
wpDiscuz
