Zwift Adds MTB/CX Specific Training Plans and a Range of Off Road Bikes
Is that Ned? It just may be...you can race with riders from all over the world, online, with Zwift.
We first saw a glimpse of Zwift's updated system at Eurobike and now, aspects of it are available. If you're not familiar with Zwift, it's a program that operates on your computer or phone via a link to a smart trainer. The trainer communicates the power output of the rider back to the application and allows users to ride against others in a virtual arena in real-time. You pedal faster on the trainer, you go faster on the screen. You can compete with others and it's meant to make riding the trainer a little less boring and more engaging. It's not a substitute for riding outside.
The game now contains two new training plans designed to meet the needs of off-road cycling where the specific demands of power output and pedaling are different than riding on the road. There's a 'Pebble Pounder' plan, designed as an entry-level plan for those looking to get into gravel events and then a more intermediate level plan called the 'Dirt Destroyer' for riders who have a developed endurance base but are aiming to improve mountain bike specific strengths. It uses repeated surges over threshold to up anaerobic capacity and peak pedal-torque which, in theory, will transfer to helping out on steep climbs.
According to Eric Min, CEO, and Co-Founder of Zwift, "We already have a strong user base of riders who spend most of their outdoor riding off-road. This may not be a total surprise - indoor training isn't just an effective training tool for road cyclists. However, this first coordinated move to cater for the (trail) audience is a significant step. For the first time, we will have dedicated training plans and bikes that suit the needs of off-road cyclists."
There is an additional, more advanced training plan for XC riders that will roll-out in early 2020.
On top of the new training plans, Zwift has also added in a new crop of what I'll call vBikes (short for 'Virtual Bike' - to keep things simple) to the game. The vBikes can be purchased in Zwift's Drop Shop where VR training and exercise enthusiasts can use Zwift's 'Drops' virtual currency earned by riding in the game to purchase the Canyon Grail, Inflite, and Cervelo's Aspero gravel bikes. Mountain bikers can choose from the Canyon Lux, Scott Spark, and Specialized Epic.
The vBikes are said to not only look like their real-world counterparts but they share a few ride characteristics - gravel bikes are fastest on gravel, moderate on the road, and slower off-road. Mountain bikes are fastest off-road, slower on gravel, and slowest on the road.
The announcement doesn't mention anything about the steering component that we saw at Eurobike however, Zwift did say that there will be further updates announced in the following months.
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Id call it earning your hills ahead.
The new zwift brings another level of realism to virtual riding. For the bargain price of $200 a year, the zwift injury application team will even come around your house and replicate in the real world any injuries you sustain virtually.
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While I'm at it with the unpopular opinions, buying and riding the shit out of a road bike (both inside and outside) was the best thing I ever did for my mountain biking. Being fitter not only means you can pedal faster, it also means you're fresher at the top of big climbs and really extended technical sections so you can focus on your technique. That's right folks, doing Zwift and riding a road bike will improve your handling.
Mountain biking is so much more enjoyable when you're fit for it. If you're not getting up via lift or shuttle, the climbing is way more tolerable and less time consuming, leaving more time for the fun bits . The only down side is waiting at the top of the climbs for your out of shape buddies.
I found that if you went out expecting a road ride to be fun like mountain biking you'd be disappointed. However, once you got over that and took it for what it is - a pleasant cruise around outside your house - it was nice.
Zwift does hit that spot for me though in that the easiest time for me to ride is after 8pm. I can put the kids to bed and get an hour in with maximum convenience and without abandoning my kids alone in the house (as much as sometimes it would be nice to!)... It works for me and my circumstances.
Here, Jersey Y'all
While real snow has the same chemical composition of fake snow...frozen H2O, it definately has a different feel and sound when on it. But, it's all still fun. Id much rather ski/board on fake snow than not at all. That being said I'm sure I'd rather ride year 'round for a year or two. But maybe that'd get old as well. I really enjoy the change of seasons and activities. Prevents burn out?
But, does the CO2 output of this venue match the output of those driving to those mountains....I have no idea.
I have no issue with a venue that provides a health or activity benefit to those that cant necessarily reach it easily. I have no issue with gyms. Regardless of activity, surely any venue that provides a space to work out (in any form) is better than a venue that promotes stagnation.
For the record I love beer and bars.
Governments have to realize we can't borrow and spend our way to prosperity.
I can easily jump on the turbo when the kids are in bed and keep my fitness up.
Is it as good as the real thing - no.
Is it more engaging than staring at a wall whilst turbo training - yes!
It's a mildly engaging means to an end. It's kind of fun, but not mountain biking fun...
For those who haven't noticed this, some of these platforms (I think Zwift is one fo them) allow people to virtually ride in real places. That's all fine and dandy, but the problem is some of the apps spit out real GPS data that people can then upload to Strava. People then upload those files as actual rides, and given their inflated power numbers and lack of real world conditions, take all of the KoMs. I don't compete very much on Strava anymore, but occasionally it's fun to try to set a PR or go for broke. This fake data makes it impossible to compete in that way.
Same for training. I enjoy the almost ridiculous virtual worlds and interactions I can get in zwift, others would rather avoid that and just focus on stats or supplement other entertainment.
Neither is a wrong way to get/stay in shape over the winter.
I tried TrainerRoad and liked it a lot. I think Zwift shades it for me though given the variety of rides you can do (they have TrainerRoad style plans, organised races and free roaming) and it is a little cheaper!