Currently, it seems like the virtual world is changing as fast as the real world. There’s been a lot of upheaval in the space recently as 2024 Cycling Esport World Championship was awarded to MyWhoosh, replacing Zwift. Perhaps related, just this week Zwift announced another round of layoffs which coincided with the resignation of Co-CEO Kurt Beidler.

Now, we get news that giants of the virtual world Zwift & Wahoo are joining forces. Well, maybe forced to join forces is a better description.

Why the Collaboration? 

This seems to be a direct result of the Zwift/Wahoo lawsuit, which was amicably settled in 2023. Wahoo initially filed a lawsuit claiming that the Zwift Hub’s design violated several patents owned by Wahoo, specifically those associated with their KICKR trainers. Additionally, Wahoo sought a court order to prohibit Zwift from selling the Zwift Hub trainer, but the request for the injunction was rejected.

The lawsuit concluded with a statement from Zwift, reported by Zwift-Insider.com. “Zwift and Wahoo Fitness today confirm the amicable settlement of all pending litigation. The agreement will see both parties embark on a renewed approach to collaboration, with a view to growing the indoor fitness category and delivering continual, ongoing improvements to customers – through increased innovation, ease of use and better value.

“Wahoo has granted Zwift a limited license to use its patents. Zwift will continue to sell its Zwift Hub smart trainer in existing e-commerce markets – US, UK and Europe. In addition to selling Zwift Hub, Zwift will return to selling a selection of Wahoo smart trainers, bikes, and accessories on Zwift.com from mid-September.” 

New KICKR CORE Zwift One Trainer

The Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is a mouthful but a simple unit to comprehend. It’s the KICKR CORE with the addition of the Zwift Cog, and Zwift’s Click virtual shifting.

For those who are unfamiliar with the Zwift Cog or Click, you can check out our piece about it here. 

The new Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One will deliver the same ‘near-universal’ compatibility with 8 to 12-speed bikes. The unit includes a preinstalled Zwift Cog and offers Virtual Shifting via the included Zwift Click controller. We’ve tested this, and it’s a fantastic update, especially if you have a house with many bikes and very few trainers – though the shifting ergonomics are much better with the optional Zwift Play controllers.

Are there any changes to the existing Wahoo KICKR CORE? No — The Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One will be sold alongside the non-Zwift/Wahoo KICKR CORE with a choice of 8/9/10/11/12 speed cassette. The unit also now has a one-year Zwift subscription via zwift.com and wahoofitness.com.

Current KICKR CORE Owners Get Virtual Shifting Update

Rolling out today and tomorrow, all existing owners of Wahoo KICKR CORE trainers can upgrade to virtual shifting using Zwift Play. We’re assuming this will be done through a firmware update on exisitng trainers, but the details are thin, so we’ve asked for more and will update this when we hear back.

Update:

Zwift has confirmed that the update will be available for all CORE users via firmware update by tomorrow afternoon. However, the only way to unlock the firmware upgrade will be to purchase the Zwift Play controllers (or update both the trainer and controllers if you already own both).

Existing CORE users will also have to simply leave the chain in one of the gears on the cassette, rather than use a single cog like the Zwift Hub. We’ve been told that the freehub is not the same for the Hub and the CORE, which means that the Zwift Cog kit is not compatible with the existing CORE trainers. We’re guessing there will be an upgrade kit for the trainers in the future, though.

How is the Performance of the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One?

I was happy to check out the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One. I’m a fan of both trainers, the Zwift Cog and Virtual Shifting.

Out of the box, the unit is nearly identical to the KICKR CORE. The Zwift colors or logo are nowhere to be seen on the trainer unit other than the instructional packaging. The package arrives with the Zwift Cog preinstalled, and the Click shifter tucked nicely in the packing. 

Like the other Zwift products, the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One has an easy setup sheet and a detailed setup guide. The other unit pieces (power cable, end caps, etc.) are pure Wahoo and are easy to set up. 

How About Pairing?

I had zero issues pairing the unit with my Zwift account. The shifting was as clear as I recall with the Zwift One I reviewed last year. 

The legs of the trainer are slightly different than the Zwift One and are of the Wahoo KICKR CORE build. They are sturdy to sprint against but have no side-to-side adjustment (you’ll need a KICKR or KICKR MOVE for that). As for the Cog and single rear ring setup, it’s as I remember from the Zwift One build. The rider shifts into a gear near the Cog to set up and then dials it in while on the bike. 

There is a sweet spot with the slightest noise from the unit, and it’s easy to find. I’ve only used the Cog unit on my 9, 11 and12 speed bikes but have had no issues getting it to work. The 8-speed would be the same, but some jumps in shifting could be different with more ambient chain noise. 

Performance-wise, the unit feels nearly identical to the Zwift One — solid. I liked both the Wahoo KICKR CORE and the Zwift One as stand-alone units, and this collaboration works. 

Stay tuned for more updates and a long-term review. 

Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One – Pricing and Availability

The Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One is now available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union for $599/£549/€599, the price includes one year of Zwift membership. Australia and Canada will have to wait until March for availability. 

Wahoofitness.com, Zwift.com

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Wahoo expands their KICKR offering on foot. And no – it’s not April Fools Day. Let us introduce you to the all-new KICKR RUN, Wahoo’s first foray into the smart treadmill market. The idea is not far off base, really. We like to think of Wahoo as a cycling-only company. But in recent years, they have been more of an all-around fitness company.

Some may have seen the smart treadmill coming. It makes sense with Zwift’s addition of virtual running. Let’s dive in and see how it works, and what separates it from the run-of-the-mill treadmill. 

What is a Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill, anyway? 

The KICKR RUN is the first (that we know of) fully immersive home indoor running experience. The user can change pace on-the-fly and let their feet dictate the speed changes. The new KICKR RUN unit boasts a full integration with Zwift Run. Giving the home(star?) runner feedback similar to the KICKR bike trainer, the KICKR RUN adjusts to changes in gradient as the user explores the virtual world. 

Chip Hawkins, Founder of Wahoo Fitness, commented: “I have been working behind the scenes with a talented group of Wahooligans developing KICKR RUN for over seven years – so I am delighted to see it come to market. As passionate runners – we wanted to create the most realistic experience and a tool that helps people improve, become better athletes, and achieve their goals. The KICKR RUN will revolutionize indoor running as the KICKR did for indoor cycling over a decade ago.”

Key Features

• RunFree: The KICKR RUN allows users to run true to their pace, form, and goals. In the RunFree Mode, a high-speed motor reacts within milliseconds to your position on the running surface. This ‘sensor’ allows speed changes without touching the controls, allowing the runner to keep a natural and comfortable pace. 
• Training: The smart treadmill was designed to help the runner get faster. It allows you to perform preloaded world-class workouts via a training platform like Zwift. The KICKR RUN also boasts ‘nudgeable’ control paddles that allow the user to control without breaking stride.
• Run Smart: The KICKR RUN’s responsive surface offers natural energy return and propels runners forward at their average outdoor pace. It has built-in tilting functionality and offers lateral tilting capability, providing a dynamic running experience to simulate the road. Users can automatically level their KICKR RUN without shims or other leveling methods. 
• Run Connected: The advanced treadmill is designed specifically for focused training. It features smart functionality for structured workouts and automatic speed and grade control from third-party applications. The unit connects to software platforms such as ZWIFT and Wahoo SYSTM for virtual training. With elite speed capabilities of up to 4:00/mile, runners can reach their full potential, no matter their level. 

The KICKR RUN fully integrates within the Wahoo Fitness ecosystem of heart rate monitors, smartwatches, and accessories. There’s no need for a trainer desk. The treadmill unit has an integrated laptop/tablet shelf and bottle holders for easily accessible hydration. Users can also charge devices on the go via a USB-C port. And built-in WiFi connectivity ensures a quick connection to your network. Like the KICKR bike trainers, the KICKR RUN also offers a direct connect port for a stable hardwired network connection, too.

Wahoo KICKR RUN – Pricing & availability

The all-new Wahoo KICKR RUN will launch in the USA in the summer of 2024 and roll out globally in 2025. Wahoo exclusively unveil their new treadmill ahead of this schedule, this week at the Boston Run Show (Saturday & Sunday, January 27-28) with live demos running throughout the weekend. 

• Price: $5,000
• Availability: The KICKR RUN will start shipping late June 2024.

Wahoofitness.com

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MyWhoosh has just added six controllable bots to its platform, letting you mix them into your workouts for new challenges. Chase them around to up the effort, race them through a course, or just watch them ride along for kick and giggles.

Each bot has its own unique skill, here’s how MyWhoosh describes them:

• Sprinter: The Sprinter bot is your go-to for high-intensity, short-distance bursts. Ideal for final sprints or quick breakaways.
• Mountain: The Mountain Bot thrives on steep climbs, offering sustained power and endurance where it matters most.
• Flat: The Flat Bot excels in maintaining top speeds on flat terrains, perfect for long stretches without significant elevation changes.
• Attacker: The Attacker Bot specializes in making decisive, strategic moves that can change the course of the race in an instant.
• Smasher: With the Smasher Bot, harness raw power to dominate the peloton and create significant gaps.
• Climber: The Climber bot brings grace and efficiency to challenging ascents, helping you conquer hills with ease.

You can select specific one or more bots, adjust their power, change their refueling strategy, and then insert them into workouts for pacing, sprinting, climbing, lead-outs, and more. Here’s the complete guide to using them:

But wait, there’s more…

Power Passport Test Protocol update

MyWhoosh’s updated Power Passport Test now focuses primarily on capturing an accurate FTP (Functional Threshold Power) to use for race performance verification. The key update involves the removal of the 30-second interval from the test protocol to provide users with more recovery time between the 3-minute and 12-minute maximal effort intervals.

Lapping System, Climbing Map, Monthly Training Calendar & more

A visible lap tracker now appears in freeride mode, plus changes to the leaderboard and a new HUD update.

There’s a new monthly view of your training calendar.

And a new Endurance Climb Route should give you somewhere to see what those bots are made of.

Lastly, there’s now increased compatibility for low-end Android devices with at least 3GB of memory. Full list of compatible devices is here.

MyWhoosh.com

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Saris’ smart trainer lineup has seen some fluctuating naming and specs of late, and the newest H3 Plus combines the best of the prior H3 and the now-defunct H4. It also gets a helluva lot cheaper.

The H3 Plus takes the perfectly flat driveside shell design of the H4, making it compatible with modern Shimano and SRAM 12-speed drivetrains, with cassettes up to 42-tooth. The prior H3 had a slight curve to the shell that could interfere with the derailleur hangers on 12-speed setups, but the flat profile makes space. More space, actually, as the H4 was rated to fit 32-tooth cassettes.

It does not, however, get the H4’s 2,300-watt max resistance. Instead, it keeps the H3’s 2,000-watt resistance (which is plenty, settle down) and whisper-quiet 59db noise rating. A 20-pound flywheel gives it excellent resistance and road feel, and the design is rock solid with adjustable feet and wide legs that keep it very stable.

Power accuracy is +/-2%, which is good enough for certified use with Zwift, BKOOL, and Rouvy (the latter gives you a free month trial with purchase of this trainer, too). It syncs with those programs and others via dual Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C transmitters, and performs OTA updates via Bluetooth with their app.

Don’t have any apps? Use it in “headless” mode and it’ll mimic their Fluid2 trainer’s resistance so you can still get a good workout. It comes with a 12-speed HG freehub body, XD/XRD sold separately. Micro Spline coming soon, cassette sold separately for all. Thru axles and QR compatibility for hub widths from 130mm to 148mm.

The best part, it’s just $699 now, down from $1,099 before.

Saris.com

The post Saris H3 Plus Trainer adds 12-Speed Compatibility appeared first on Bikerumor.

I wasn’t really sure what I was going to talk about with my guest today, but it ended up being a wonderfully deep dive into speed, power development, and strength training. If you want to get into the weeds on how to get faster and stronger on the bike, you’ll love this episode.

My guest is Thomson Remo, lead educator for Wattbike’s professional division. He’s also an elite-level competitive cyclist, indoor cycling world record holder, and current North American USPA Drug Tested Powerlifting Champion.

Thomson develops the protocols used to measure fitness and power, and in this episode, he talks about what metrics matter, how to effectively combine resistance and cadence, and what training, lifting, and speed workouts specifically translate into riding faster and longer. If you’re ready to build power and speed, get ready to take notes.

If you haven’t seen it, the Wattbike Atom is a very smart, precise indoor bike that’s used by USA Cycling and the UCI for talent identification, and their professional division supplies gyms and professional sporting teams around the world. Check our initial review here, and the tech specs here.

Resource: Here’s the Wattbike Power Profiling Case Study we discuss.

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Zwift’s latest updates bundle new ways to level up, customize your avatar, and compete. You can also pair your Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor, and new jerseys and accessories have been added to the Drop Shop.

Level up, and do it faster

Zwift now has 100 levels, up from 60, and the leveling-up process has been tweaked so you can progress faster. More levels mean more items to unlock, and there are new jerseys and accessories to trade your virtual sweat for.

They’ve also adjusted pricing (perhaps they’re feeling the pinch of pandemic excess, too?) on bikes and wheels so you can get more for your virtual buck.

A new Streaks feature amplifies your earning and leveling when you ride more consistently. And they’re not asking for much…just ride at least two weeks in a row and you’ll get extra XP for the first two rides of each week in your streak. No limit on how long your streak can last, either, so you can level up your digital street cred faster.

The Climb Portal has new scaled versions of popular climbs. Choose the climb you want to do, many based on real-world climbs, then select the scale – 50%, 75% or 100% of the actual incline. Consider the first two as warmups, because once you complete a climb at 100% of its actual grade and intensity, it’ll unlock the option to ride it at 125%. Note that only the 100% scale will appear on Strava leaderboards.

Play Events & Ride Queues

The Zwift Play Beta is adding more events that incorporate steering, braking, and gamification using the Play controller that launched in June. The activities are also playable with other compatible steering devices.

For the planners, you can now create ride and workout queues through the Zwift Companion app. Browse the workouts and routes you want to do, then select and add them. They’ll appear on your Zwift home screen the next time you ride, making them easier to find and start.

Change your avatar’s gender

Don’t think your avatar represents you well? Now you can choose from all of Zwift’s available faces and hairstyles regardless of your profile’s selected gender. So, males can look like females and vice versa. Your racing category is still tied to your selected gender, so this is only about your avatar’s appearance, not which events and classes you can race in.

Avatar faces are also getting an update with crisper, more detailed graphics and dimensionality.

Apple Watch now works as a HR monitor

Pretty self explanatory. Just pair it in the Zwift Companion app like any other heart rate monitor.

Zwift Games, zFondo & more

The Zwift Games will run February thru March and let you race across five stages – 3 Sprint, 1 Epic, and 1 Climb. Mix and match, or do them all as one giant stage. Races run throughout the day, every day, so you can find a time that works for you and unlock new race routes, too.

The best racers will qualify for three Elite Championships Races and an overall championship classification. Eight champions will share Zwift’s biggest prize purse and unlock a special gold Zwift icon. All championship events will be broadcast live and participants will have pre- and post-race performance verification for every event. Full details on qualification coming December 15th.

The 2024 zFondo Series is bringing back the Bambino, Medio, and Gran Fondo distances, and each one has it’s own theme. The first round is done, but you can still join the Holiday Fondos (Dec 29-31) and New Year’s Fondos (Jan 26-28), each unlocking their own special kit.

You can also join the Rapha Festive 500 by riding 500km between Christmas and New Year’s, this year combining both real-world outdoor miles and indoor virtual miles, er, sorry, kilometers to hit your goal. Do it and you’ll unlock a Festive 500 jersey in Zwift. Sign up on Strava and make sure your Zwift rides are posting to your Strava account to make them count.

Want more? Here are other things coming up:

• Fitness Jumpstart: 8-week training program with Kristin Armstrong
• Tour de Zwift: Opens up new routes, badges, and their first-ever bucket hat
• L’Etape du Tour de France on Zwift: July group ride on one TdF stage w/ training fondos and plans starting in February
• New event: In February they’ll announce an all-new tour with new badges & unlocks for March

Time to get that torture chamber spruced up, eh?

Zwift.com

The post Zwift Adds More Customization, Ride Queues, Levels & Races! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Sherpa Map’s latest updates include Route Calculator and Activity Racer, and they’re both interesting ways of using AI and public data to help you plan your rides, bike setup, and even fueling strategy.

Route Calculator sounds simple, like just another way to plan a route on a map. It’ll do that, or take an existing GPX route, then run a mixed surface simulation that combines your bike, skill level, and power output to give you a recommended tire size/pressure for optimum performance. It’ll also recommend a nutrition plan and give you headwind, tailwind, and weather for the entire course.

Got a race coming up that provides the route files? Plop those in and try it yourself, it’s all free to use. You can even update the surface types on your route if you have better intel than the OpenStreet map data they use.

Activity Racer lets you upload a friend’s (or competitor’s) ride file and compare their performance to your own on that same course. Or upload your older files with some recent ones to see how and where you’re improving.

Start the virtual rides and it’ll show different color dots moving along the course so you can see where each rider is faster, who’s crushing popular segments, and what their heart rate and power output was for those segments (assuming they recorded that data and it’s in their file, of course).

All features are free as they build out the service, and it’s free to create an account. Check our original story to see more of what they’re up to.

The post Sherpa Map Predicts Your Best Bike Setup for any Route appeared first on Bikerumor.

Trainer season is upon us, and Zwift just launched a unique way to make riding indoors less of a pain in the butt. Have you ever put your bike on the trainer, and it’s nearly dialed except for one or two cogs? How about you have a 9-speed bike and share a trainer with a modern road 12-speed rider? It can be a pain, but Zwift’s new Hub One design looks to take the edge off and get any riders rolling indoors this winter, no matter what bike they have.

Zwift Hub One Trainer — What is it? 

The new Hub One trainer is an update to the Zwift Hub trainer launched last year. The Zwift Hub was different from the super-bike we expected from the indoor cycling (and running) powerhouse. The Hub is more of an uber-functional trainer aimed at the bulk of cyclists and not only the pointy end of the peloton. 

The updated and slightly redesigned Hub One features its newest creation, the Zwift Cog. The Cog departs from the “select your cassette” style trainer and introduces a single cog. This single Cog comes pre-installed on new Hub One trainers but is also available aftermarket. The Zwift Hub One allows users to work with most bikes with 8-12 speed shifting. 

Doesn’t the OG Hub already cover that? Yes — but this configuration enables users to quickly get their bike on the trainer without rear derailleur adjustments and fuss. The unique hourglass-style design traps the chain inside and virtually eliminates chain drops. 

But there’s another reason altogether – Zwift gives your bike electronic (virtual) shifting. 

The Zwift Hub One enables riders to adjust their “gears” via a new shifting pod dubbed the Zwift Click. This new shifter acts precisely like what you feel on smart bike trainers; all the “shifting” is done in the program. 

The Zwift Click unit mounts to any handlebar (road, flat, and TT) using two rubber O-rings similar to a Garmin mount. Shifting is straightforward, with plus and minus buttons to shift the gear up or down. From this initial launch, Zwift Hub One comes with 24 gears, offering a wide range to tackle any Zwift terrain with minimal jumps between gears.

How Does Zwift Click Work? 

It’s relatively simple from our experience, like mounting a light. Riders will unbox the Click and mount it to your bars in an easy-to-shift location, but steer clear from attaching it to your actual shifter. 

When you’re happy with the installation, scan the QR code from the packaging and start plugging away in the Zwift Companion App. The install prompts you to install the latest Zwift update (something you’d need anyway). Then add the shifter under “controls” like the Zwift Play controllers. 

How does the shifting work? Riders can control virtual shifts by pushing plus or minus on the shifter pad. When you shift, you’ll see a small note on the screen that tells you where you are in the cassette. If you’re in workout mode, the shifter will adjust your wattage, similar to Zwift Play. 

What is the cassette ratio? Zwift says the Hub One trainer is “ideally suited to various bikes, offering the same riding experience regardless of the bike you install.” The Zwift Hub One can detect the gear ratios on your physical bike, allowing it to set the virtual gears accordingly.

How? It achieves this through a process called ‘real gear ratio calibration.’ The trainer does this automatically within the first few seconds of every ride. In addition to delivering benefits to those with multiple bikes, accurate gear ratio calibration offers new benefits to riders using smaller chainrings. For those on ‘cross and mountain bikes, it prevents riders from spinning out on flat or downhill terrain in Zwift.

What about Zwift Play Owners? Once you update to Zwift Hub Firmware version 5.2 or newer, Zwifters who own Zwift Play can turn Virtual Shifting on from their settings menu. Now — the side buttons on the Play Controllers allow for virtual shifting, with braking and other pods unchanged. 

Pricing and Availability — Zwift Hub One

The Zwift One upgrade bundle will be available for the price of $59.99. This pricing is for a limited time after launch to allow existing Zwift Hub owners to upgrade, marked down from the full MSRP of $79.99. 

The Zwift Play and Click can both be paired with Zwift at the same time, giving riders the option to shift from multiple locations on the handlebar. To use Virtual Shifting, riders must also ensure their Zwift is version 1.50, which will roll out between Wednesday, October 11, and Friday, October 13.

Zwift Hub One is available for purchase today. Zwift Hub, with a choice of traditional 8-12 speed cassette, will continue to be sold under the new name, Zwift Hub Classic. The price is $599 and includes one year of Zwift membership. 

First Impressions — Zwift Hub One and Click  

Zwift Hub One Set up

Zwift sent us the Cog upgrade kit, basically an entire freehub body. To install the Cog upgrade kit, all the user does is unthread the existing axle fitting on the drive side and pull the cassette off — easy. The installation is the same; you’ll need a 15mm wrench. 

I was rolling after updating the firmware and pairing the Click (as explained above). Getting my bike installed on the new Cog was reasonably straightforward, though some guided shifting (actual shifting) is needed to get the chain in place. After a few pedal strokes, you’ll know how aligned you are and if you need to shift to get in a better, more aligned gear. 

Ride Experience 

When you’re all set with the gear and alignment of the chain, you’re ready to roll. The Cog was slightly louder than my Zwift Classic setup from the start. This amplification might be because of the plastic surrounding the Cog, or I could need to micro-adjust the chain; there is no real impact on performance. 

The virtual shifting is almost identical to that of a smart bike. The slight shifts allow you to stay on top of the gear. I wondered if I would run out of gear on a steep climb with my single ring ‘cross set up, but I could get rolling quickly and didn’t spin out on the flat. 

Responsiveness of the shifting is immediate and works under load, though sprinting with the shifting pod takes some time. 

Zwift Click with Pre-programed Workouts

Using the Click during a Zwift programmed workout is nice. I liked this feature with Zwift Play, and it’s the same with the Click. When performing a workout with prescribed wattage and cadence, the Click allows the rider to raise or lower the program’s intensity. The slight increases align with the Zwifts protocol of two “clicks” per 5 watts while in ERG mode. 

The only piece I’ve experienced trouble with is the ERG mode engaging after getting off the bike. I clicked + to get back on the wattage and had time to get ERG to engage. That said, Zwift is usually on these things and should have another round of updates soon. 

Final Impressions 

I enjoy Zwifts’ work with the Hub trainer, Play, and One. They are attempting to get more users of all levels on their platform and succeeding. The Cog will help many older bikes get rolling in Watopia without fussing with chain and cassette adjustments. 

The shifting experience with Zwift Click is crisp and very unique. It’s straightforward to install and easy to enjoy with limited bike knowledge.

For more information, check out: Zwift.com

The post Zwift Virtual Shifting Install & First Impressions: Is One Cog Better for Training? appeared first on Bikerumor.

Zwift is rethinking the drivetrain for trainer use in an effort to fit more bikes, offer a quieter experience, and make it easier than ever to hop on and ride. The whole premise revolves (literally) around the Zwift Cog which is available as an update for existing Hub trainers, or comes complete with the new Zwift Hub One.

Where the original Zwift Hub would run a standard cassette for the gears, the Cog replaces that with a single gear. Then through the magic of Zwift, that cog is able to virtually provide 24 different speeds, which are optimized for your front chainring(s) to provide a consistent feel from bike to bike.

Why Virtual Shifting?

At this point, you’re probably wondering why you would want virtual shifting. We certainly were. But as you break it down, it starts to make a lot of sense.

One of the biggest benefits to the Cog, is that on a direct-drive trainer like the Hub, you don’t have to change out the cassette if you have multiple bikes you want to use on the trainer with different drivetrains. Zwift says the Cog is compatible with most bikes with 8-12 speed drivetrains (sorry Ekar fans, 13-speed is not supported at this time), which means you can just pop your bike on the trainer and ride without having to swap cassettes. Zwift states that while 11-speed cassettes have been the most popular option for the HUB, 54% of Hubs were sold with other speed cassettes highlighting the need to cover multiple drivetrains.

1 x 24 Speed Virtual Drivetrain

Obviously, you still want gears for virtual riding programs like Zwift, so the Cog provides 24 different ‘gears’, which are shifted with either the Zwift Click, the Zwift Play controllers (for dropbars), or a combination of both. While using Zwift, the current gear will be displayed on the screen so you know where you are in the 24-speed ‘cassette’. We’re told that this replicates the range of a 2 x 12 drivetrain, while eliminating some of the overlap you’d typically find on a double and replacing that with additional lower gears. If you’re riding a 2x front chainring setup, it’s recommended that you ride in the smaller ring.

Since there aren’t any physical gears to shift back and forth between, Zwift claims that the virtual shifting is also a lot quieter. Modern trainers have gotten pretty quiet, so at this point the drivetrain noise from a full-gas effort can be one of the loudest parts of the experience. Hub One and trainers with the Cog should be quieter.

There’s also no chance of dropping a shift or dealing with slow shifting with the Cog. Shifts are nearly instantaneous (even under full load), and there are bumpers on either side of the cog to prevent chain derailments.

According to Zwift, the Hub will automatically calculate the real gear ratio of the bike mounted to it at the start of every ride using cadence and flywheel speed. That means that even bikes with small chainrings will have the proper in-game gearing that will prevent spinning out on flats or descents. This setting will only take place at the start of every ride, and it’s what allows all of the different bikes to feel the same on the trainer.

How to Get Virtual Shifting on Zwift

To start, you’ll need to make sure you’re running the latest Hub firmware – version 5.2.0 or later (With the Zwift game off, launch the Zwift Companion App and go to more > hardware. Select your Hub and update firmware). You’ll also need to be on the latest Zwift game build – version 1.49 or later. Virtual shifting will turn on by default if you have the Zwift Hub paired with the right firmware and a shifting device connected. If it isn’t working or you want to turn it off, you can find a toggle in the settings menu.

How to Shift in Zwift

The shifting is virtual, so you won’t be using your bike’s shifters. Instead, you’ll have a choice of the Zwift Click, the Zwift Play controllers, or both. Zwift Click is a small, simple button pod that you can attach almost anywhere. It can be used on aerobar extensions, dropbars, flat bars, and more.

If you’re running a dropbar bike, you can take advantage of the Zwift Play controllers which have buttons that can be used for shifting complete with haptic feedback.

Want more shift options? Use the Play controllers on the dropbar, and add the Click somewhere else – like the top of the bars. Both the Play controllers and the Click can be paired at the same time.

Pricing & Availability

Starting today, you can buy a Zwift Hub One trainer with the Zwift Cog pre-installed and a Zwift Click shifter for $599. Not into the virtual shifting ideal? You can also purchase the Zwift Hub Classic with a cassette of your choice (8, 9, 10, 11, or 12sp) for $599. Both versions of the trainer also include a 1-year subscription to Zwift making it even more appealing.

Already have a Zwift Hub Trainer but want Virtual Shifting? For you, Zwift will offer the Zwift Cog and Click upgrade kit which will sell for $79.99. This kit is only compatible with the Zwift Hub, and installs without special tools.

Ride on.

The post Virtual Shifting? The New Zwift Hub One Trainer Drops The Cassette for Just One Cog! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Honey Stinger has reformulated their Prepare and Perform drink mixes, improving and increasing the electrolyte contents to enhance hydration and performance.

The updated Prepare pre-exercise product comes in Lemon Lime and Strawberry Lemonade and gets a 3:1 blend of Sodium (270g) to Potassium (92g), with just 9g of carbs from organic honey and tapioca syrup solids, just enough to get you hydrated before a ride or use as a mid-day hydration aid.

The Perform sports drink mix uses the same carbs but bumps them to 18g and increases the electrolytes over the original formula to replace more of what’s lost in sweat. There’s 500mg sodium and 200mg potassium, plus a couple milligrams of calcium. It’s available in Black Cherry and Mango Melon, the latter of which adds 75mg caffeine, too.

Oddly, they only come in tiny 8-serving pouches, MSRP is $9.99. All of them are non-GMO and gluten- and dairy-free. Available now direct and in stores.

Also, if you haven’t tried their Nut & Seed bars yet, OMG, get some. Delicious, and packs 14g protein with plenty of healthy fats to satiate hunger, too. And they don’t have Quinoa on them like the original Oat & Honey bars, just in case you have a Quinoa allergy (it’s a thing).

HoneyStinger.com

The post Honey Stinger Reformulates Sports Drink & Pre-Workout appeared first on Bikerumor.