We’ve wanted it since Jarvis. And now it’s here. The Zwift universe celebrated this week as HQ finally delivered the ability to do a second or subsequent session – without exiting the game.
Simon, Shane, Nathan and, as it’s a red letter day, special guest Eric Schlange, discuss the advent of the most requested feature of all time.
Senior games guy Wes Salmon is on the Zwiftcast too – to discuss another sizeable development in the game this week – the tweaking of our virtual pelotons. The changes to pack dynamics, or blob behaviour, should make the Zwifting experience, smoother, more natural and more visually appealing. The regular crew and Eric discuss all the implications.
Simon also took the opportunity to quiz Wes on Sticky Draft – and his explanation may confound a few Zwifters who see it as nothing but a nuisance. In fact, it’s essential, as Wes explains.
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The podcasters run the rule over two big new appointments to the Zwift board – and read the runes on what their skillsets and experience may yield up about Zwift’s intentions.
Simon also talks to a big new hire at Zwift, Lisa Bourne, whose brief includes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Along with some chat about game events and participation, the podcasters once again debate the utility of The Fence – this time in light of Wes’s belief that the recent changes to pack dynamics may improve its performance.
Concluding with a discussion about the disappearance of Zwift Transparency and the always-difficult subject of weight verification, the Zwiftcasters get a bit serious before reverting to type as Simon complains his training plan is too hard 😉
We hope you enjoy listening.
I’m not sure anyone really wants to get rid of sticky draft altogether, it’s all the WTF moments around it that can be frustrating. I for one notice all too often that I get stuck to a rider in front even though my speed was increasing and my W/kg higher on approach and then it takes like an extra 2 W/kg to move forward again, and on the other hand passing a compact blob when I actually would have just wanted to hang at the back isn’t unfamiliar either. Steering might be helpful, but not as long as there are something like two races a day that support it.
I’m wondering if it would make sense to also take into account if the rider in front is closely drafting someone (say max 2–3 m gap) and if not, then just pass that rider.
I’m not sure the sticky draft is a very difficult problem to solve. Just like changing direction, all needs be added is a button to the button bar to turn off the sticky draft for say, 30s. So as you’re approaching a rider, hit the button, sail past, job done.
Not a bad idea at all. Keyboard shortcut or button to simply disable the draft mechanic for a few seconds when you want to get past people without worrying about sticky draft effect.
Thinking about possible new hardware, what about out of game cycling? What if they came up with a bike computer/power meter that recorded and uploaded your IRL rides? They already have a giant user base. Many of those people are paying 2 subscription fees for zwift and strava. Long term they could probably put a pretty big dent in strava’s business.