Zwift

[Gazza81]

I've just picked up a magnetic elite volare trainer and I'm wondering how I would go about using zwift with it as I find it a bit confusing

What would I need to get it up and running and is it even worth it with this type of trainer?

Thanks

[Gazza81]

I should probably add the cheapest way to set up too!

[0xymoron]

Looks like Zwift will support the Volare - see https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/articles/203152565-Which-trainers-does-Zwift-support-

Cheapest way to get on Zwift? Have a look at Shane Miller's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg0IDDmSStw&t=3s

Is it worth it? Think of Zwift as a massive multiplayer role playing game powered by your efforts on the trainer, rather than by shooting aliens with a ray gun. I think you can get a free trial period, but of course you'll need all of the kit before you can run a trial.

Youtube is your friend - there's tons of stuff on there that will give you an idea of how it works and what it's like to use.

[SmilerGB]

You get a free 25km trial on Zwift, it’s not a bad training program. But on a personal preference I prefer sufferfest.

[Gazza81]

Am i right in thinking as my trainer is compatible i just need a speed sensor and a Bluetooth laptop/device?

Ive got a bluetooth laptop with windows 10

Im looking at the wahoo speed and cadance sensor on amazon but do i need anything else?

I will watch that youtube clip later when im connected to wifi

[0xymoron]

Sounds like you'll just need the speed (& cadence) sensor then.

BUT: check if the sensor you're looking at is bluetooth or Ant+ (or it might be both, I suppose - I don't know the Wahoo sensor); if it's Ant+ only (which it may well be) you'll need an Ant+ dongle, obviously.

Zwift will work with blutooth or Ant+, and Windows, mac, iOS or Android (I think), but not all combinations work I believe. I've only ever used Ant+ and Windows, so I can't give you any advice about other combinations.

If your laptop is 2-3 years old it should work OK, but Zwift is quite hard work on the graphics so you may not get brilliant graphics. I have run Zwift on a 3 year old laptop, and it's perfectly usable.

[Gazza81]

Sounds like you'll just need the speed (& cadence) sensor then.

BUT: check if the sensor you're looking at is bluetooth or Ant+ (or it might be both, I suppose - I don't know the Wahoo sensor); if it's Ant+ only (which it may well be) you'll need an Ant+ dongle, obviously.

Zwift will work with blutooth or Ant+, and Windows, mac, iOS or Android (I think), but not all combinations work I believe. I've only ever used Ant+ and Windows, so I can't give you any advice about other combinations.

If your laptop is 2-3 years old it should work OK, but Zwift is quite hard work on the graphics so you may not get brilliant graphics. I have run Zwift on a 3 year old laptop, and it's perfectly usable.

Thanks, i went with garmin speed and cadence sensor and ordered the ant dongle and extention too!

Yeah my laptop is about that age 3yrs ish, not too fussed about the graphics its just to beat the bordom really!

Thanks again

[0xymoron]

Let us know how you get on.

I think Zwift is brilliant for structured training and for keeping your mileage up during the winter (and the racing is manic!), and I now do about 5000 (virtual) Kms on it every year.

[eileithyia]

Recent converts to zwift, we had a smart trainer anyway, and have it linked up with tacx trainer software.... I now can alternate between different sessions depending on what I want to do, and if I am doing some interval sessions I go into 'Rider choice 60-90mins' that means I still ride the circuit, but it does not simulate the gradients... so I get a steady even flat ride... that doesn't mess up what I am aiming to achieve in the intervals.

Have fun.

[TrevA]

You put the speed sensor on your back wheel, then position the dongle near the bottom bracket, on the floor, so that it will pick up the signal. You connect the dongle to your laptop using your long USB cable. Download Zwift onto your laptop and you are good to go. You get a week's free trial with Zwift. I used it but didn't really like it, so didn't continue after the trial. There's lots of cheating with people putting in wrong settings so they can get an artificially high power output. You see these people come whizzing past you as you ride along.