The new updates to Zwift are designed to provide a more complete experience for their existing users and for those new to the platform, ensure that they have a positive experience from the start. This can be seen in their hardware too as Zwift launches it’s “Zwift Ready Program.”
Hardware
A host of trainers are now available to purchase which all come with the new Zwift Cog installed, the Zwift Cog is a single-cog replacement for a standard rear cassette, and allows virtual gear shifting on Zwift, therefore allowing different bikes to be used on the same trainer without the need to change the cassette.
What this means is that Zwift will be ready to use from the start. This is the ultimate “Plug and Play” for cyclists. When you buy the trainer, you will simply be able to unpack it and connect your bike to it. There will be no longer any need to install a cassette as the Zwift Cog will come preinstalled and is compatible with 8-12 speed cassettes, which is basically most bikes.
This means that pretty much anyone with a bike, will be able to connect to Zwift, if they purchase one of these units.
Starting now, there will be four different smart trainers that will come Zwift Ready and these are:
- Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One
- JetBlack Victory with Zwift Cog and Click
- Wahoo KICKR V6 with Zwift Cog and Click
- Wahoo KICKR MOVE with Zwift Cog and Click
Over the winter period, a further two different trainers will come Zwift Ready which are:
- Elite Direto XR with Zwift Cog and Click
- VAN RYSEL D100 with Zwift Cog and Click
Zwift are keen to highlight that “a number of trainers, not previously sold with Zwift Cog & Click, can be upgraded to become Zwift Ready. Upgraded trainers will be able to support Zwift virtual shifting using any Zwift controller (Zwift Click, Zwift Play, Zwift Ride Smart Frame).” Upgradeable Zwift Ready trainers will include:
- Zwift Hub – all versions including Hub One
- Wahoo KICKR CORE – all versions
- Wahoo KICKR V6 – all versions of v6
- Wahoo KICKR MOVE – all versions
- JetBlack Victory – all versions
Zwift Ride
The Zwift Ride Smart Frame, which has previously come in a bundle with a trainer, is now available to purchase as a standalone item. It retails for $799.99/€799.99/£749.99 and is available in the US, EU, and UK exclusively from Zwift.com by clicking here.
So, if you are looking at updating your indoor training set-up and don’t want to use your outdoor bike on your existing trainer, then this an option.
Summing up
By partnering with brands like Wahoo and developing the Zwift Cog, which is now coming bundled with their trainers, Zwift are making it very easy for people to undertake indoor training. The barrier to entry to this virtual environment has been significantly lowered and, you no longer need to be a cycling expert to use Zwift.
