If you want an enjoyable way to step up your indoor bike training, you might want to give Zwift a try. It is a paid online game app subscription that will let you ride virtual roads, get structured workouts from fitness coaches, and ride with real-life cyclists in the Zwift virtual world.
Zwift works best with smart turbo trainers which have built-in sensors and wireless connectivity to communicate with third party apps like Zwift. But what if you only have a classic trainer and you’re not about to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new smart trainer?
Can you use Zwift on a non-smart trainer? Yes, you can. To use Zwift on a non-smart trainer you must have an ANT + or blue tooth speed sensor preferably with a cadence sensor on your bike. A power meter will work too. You will also need an ANT + dongle if you are using a computer to connect to your speed sensor.
Now let’s get down to the details of making your bike and trainer Zwift-ready.
What do you need to use Zwift with a classic trainer?
First things, first. You do need to check if your classic trainer is supported by Zwift. For the list of all supported trainers, go to this page
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Bluetooth or ANT+ Speed and cadence sensor or Power Meter
You only need either of the two.
A power meter works better with Zwift although it is a more expensive option.
If you can throw your money for a good power meter to make your classic trainer work with Zwift, then I suggest that you just spend a little bit more to get a smart
But if you have already installed a power meter on your bike long before you have decided to try Zwift, or you are planning to buy a power meter anyway for your outdoor cycling sessions, then, by all means, go ahead with it.
There are many options for power meters. They can be categorized into five types according to bike placement namely the rear wheel hub, bottom bracket/spindle, chainrings, crank arms, and pedals. Which one will work for you? We’ll save that for another post.
If you want a cheaper option though, a speed sensor will do work too. It is better to get a speed and cadence sensor combo for more accuracy.
Most speed sensors have three basic parts: a chainstay sensor, a spoke magnet, and a crank arm magnet. The look of the speed/cadence sensor will vary based on the brand and model. But, basically, for this kind of sensor, you need to align all three main parts to make them work.
There are also some speed/cadence sensors that are magnetless. Instead of attaching the sensor to the chainstay, this type of sensor attaches to the hub and another part attaches to the crank.
A supported platform to run the Zwift app
You must download Zwift App to any of the four platforms below.
- Laptop or PC with the following minimum specs: Windows 7 and higher, Intel Core Duo or higher, 4GB memory, 1GB dedicated GPU or embedded Intel HD 4000, and 4 GB of hard disk space
- Mac 10.9 or higher, Intel Core Duo or higher, 4GB memory, embedded Intel HD 4000 or higher, and 4 GB free space
- IOS Devices including iPhone SE, iPhone 5s and higher, iPad Air or higher, iPad Pro, iPad Mini 2 or higher, and iPod6
- Apple TV 4th Generation and higher
You can also download Zwift companion app on android devices. However your android phone cannot work alone and needs to be paired with a supported platform like a laptop or PC. Your android phone can then act as a game controller for Zwift.
ANT+ dongle for your PC or Laptop / ANT+ Adapter for IOS devices / ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge for Apple TV
Use the above only if your sensor or power meter is pure ANT+.
Many speed sensors/power meters broadcast both ANT+ and Bluetooth signals. If this is the case, then all laptops and IOS devices have Bluetooth capability and will be able to communicate to your sensor/power meter. For PC, you will need a Bluetooth dongle since it is not usually built-in.
A Zwift monthly subscription
Also, to be able to enjoy Zwift, you must first sign up for an account. You will get a seven-day free trial, then afterward you will have to pay for a monthly subscription for $14.99.
Optional
Do you want to use a big screen for Zwift and you don’t have an Apple TV? Don’t worry as there is still a workaround. If you are using a laptop or PC with Zwift, just use an HDMI cable to connect to your TV. If you are using an iPhone or iPad, then get a digital AV adapter so you can connect your device to the television.
How to pair your sensor to Zwift?
Now that all hardware and software requirement have been covered, the next step is to pair your sensor to Zwift.
- Log in to your Zwift account on your mobile device or your computer.
- On the dashboard select search for power source if you are using a power meter/smart trainer. Select the speed sensor icon if you are using a speed sensor.
- Next, select the type of trainer that you have from the list of supported trainers.
- If you will be using a heart rate monitor, pair it also to Zwift.
- Now you are ready to start Zwifting.
How to get the most out of Zwift?
Now that you are a certified Zwiftie, then it is time to explore what you can do with Zwift.
Upon creating your account, you will be asked to enter personal details such as gender, height, and weight. This will help give an accurate measurement for your game. You can also customize your Avatar so better grab the best gears available for you.
Ride virtual roads
Zwift offers five worlds that you can explore–London, New York, Richmond, Innsbruck and Watopia each having different routes.
There is a calendar which will show you which course is available to ride. Just pick a route and ride away.
Do structured workouts
If you want a more structured training then go on your home screen in Zwift and click on Select Workout button. You can choose from a vast number of workouts. Check the description of each workout to see if you are up for it. Once you have chosen your workout, set your Functional Threshold Power. Then you are ready to start.
On the left side of the screen, you will see the duration and the target power per interval. On the center of the screen, you will see the actual power you are generating vis a vis the target power you are shooting for so you’ll know how you are faring with your training.
Go for social group rides
For me, this is one of the best features of Zwift as biking indoors alone can sometimes get boring.
With Zwift, you can also checkout events that you can join whether a race or a group ride. The Zwift website publishes the upcoming events so you can make a room for your schedule.
You can also send messages to the current riders via the companion app on your device. You can also find your friends on Zwift and join a ride with them.
Post ride
After each ride, you will be able to see your ride report which includes distance traveled, heart rate, average power, and calories burned.
To Recap
Zwift is a great way to spice up your indoor biking sessions with features like group rides, training, and races in a virtual world.
For best experience, a smart trainer is recommended for Zwift. However, if you only have a classic trainer, then getting a power meter or a speed and cadence sensor for your bike will make it possible for you to enjoy Zwift.
Related Questions
Can you still Zwift with a roller? Yes, you can also use Zwift with a roller. Zwift lists Airion Digital Smart B, Elite Real E motion, and Elite Real E motion B as supported smart rollers. For typical rollers, you also need an ANT+ or Bluetooth speed sensor or power meter for your bike. The setup process is basically the same with a classic trainer.
Are indoor bikes Zwift-compatible too? Not all indoor bikes are compatible with Zwift. Only those that broadcast power via ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart using open standards are supported by Zwift. Peloton and Spinning Bikes have their own proprietary communication channels and can only work with their own applications.
Is there really a difference between using a smart trainer and classic trainer for Zwift? The Zwift experience on a smart trainer can be more immersive. For one, when you are on a virtual road and you are negotiating a climb, Zwift can control and increase the resistance on your smart trainer for a more realistic feel on your ride. You will not be able to do that on a classic trainer. That said, you can still enjoy the other features of Zwift on your classic trainer.