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Sep 2017
4:23pm, 19 Sep 2017
18,466 posts
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Meglet
I should say it also helps if you have somewhere you can leave the bike and trainer set up. It doesn't take long to change the wheel if I want to go outside
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Sep 2017
6:03pm, 19 Sep 2017
6,436 posts
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Jambomo
Sounds good 😄 Thanks Meglet, I'll take a look.
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Sep 2017
6:28pm, 19 Sep 2017
15,447 posts
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Atonal Miserabilist (AFKA TRO)
I'd agree with Meglet. The sheer number of ways you can use Zwift makes it for me. You can go for a pootle, you can chase PR s on segments, laps, sprints etc. You can do group rides everything from easy to tasty tempo efforts, using the watts per kg to choose the right ride, or some that are structured workouts. You can do races, time trials.
Of most interest for me are the workouts. There are loads of pre built workouts at all sorts of intensities, or programmes where you follow a series of workouts towards a goal FTP builder, etc. You can also put your own workouts in, and drop courses e.g. from Best Bike Split into Swift.
I have put the Ironman Wales course in from BBS. So loads of ways, just just need to work out what works for you.
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Sep 2017
9:27pm, 19 Sep 2017
96,045 posts
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GregP
Weirdly I like the 'go for a pootle' option as much as anything else. I'll inevitably end up working harder than I would otherwise because my inner crit racer will end up jumping on a wheel...
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Sep 2017
9:27pm, 19 Sep 2017
96,046 posts
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GregP
Nice post TRO, btw, even if I don't understand the last para.
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Sep 2017
9:56pm, 19 Sep 2017
6,438 posts
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Jambomo
So what exactly do you need to get started? I had a look at the website but there seems to be a lot of options. What's the most straightforward way?
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Sep 2017
10:15pm, 19 Sep 2017
18,467 posts
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Meglet
Have you got a turbo trainer? You can check it's compatible with Zwift. You don't have to have a fancy one, mine is basic with a fluid roller and I just use my gears to change resistance and Zwift estimates my power.
What can you access where it will be sited, computer/Mac or would iPad be easier?
Have you got decent internet connection in your chosen location? (I bought a wifi extension so it could reach my garage)
Then you need either smart turbo, or power meter, or cadence+speed sensors that can communicate with your PC/iPad, either via Bluetooth or ANT. I have to use my iPad so needed Bluetooth sensors (Wahoo from Amazon or Wiggle)
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Sep 2017
10:37pm, 19 Sep 2017
6,439 posts
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Jambomo
Thanks Meglet. I may need to wait a little I think, I don't have a turbo trainer and don't even have a laptop/computer. I mainly use my phone for that kind of stuff. I'll keep it in mind though and see what I can pick up cheaply.
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Sep 2017
8:42am, 20 Sep 2017
1,050 posts
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Recoil
Just adding (not a lot) to the conversation. Zwift makes turbo time go fast for me, or faster than it would if I just sat there and pedaled for a bit. I do use a combo of Zwift and Trainerroad (and am trying Road Grand Tours as well)
Zwift is great for racing, pootling and Im going to tackle the telegraph tower climb at some point this week. However I think TrainerRoad is much better for structured workouts (and plans).
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Sep 2017
6:49am, 21 Sep 2017
5,951 posts
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*Anj*
Got on the turbo for the first time in ages last night. I've a smart trainer and it took almost 40 mins to get zwift to find it through bluetooth though...grrrr. Almost had a tantrum.
A quick 7 mile loop round watopia. Got the legs moving after being sat in a car or in a meeting most of the day.
I've only used zwift a handful of times so need to investigate what it's got a bit more.
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MyWhooshers
Feb 2025