Zwift, iOS or Windows

step83
step83 Posts: 4,170
edited January 2017 in Indoor training and turbo forum
I'm looking to get into Zwift an currently don't have a suitable device to run it from. So in terms of function an setup would an iOS tablet or a windows Laptop be better?

Kit wise I'll be using my Garmin Edge 800 with speed an cadence sensor and Garmin HR monitor. Turbo is a Cascade fluid pro which I've checked is supported.

Any suggestions?
Titanium Px Spitfire
Easty commuter
Tripster AT

Comments

  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Step83 wrote:
    I'm looking to get into Zwift an currently don't have a suitable device to run it from. So in terms of function an setup would an iOS tablet or a windows Laptop be better?

    Kit wise I'll be using my Garmin Edge 800 with speed an cadence sensor and Garmin HR monitor. Turbo is a Cascade fluid pro which I've checked is supported.

    Any suggestions?

    The answer to this one normally comes down to what else you want to use the device for apart from Zwift. Laptops are a bit more of a complex area as it's rare to get a 'normal' laptop that will run Zwift to a top spec, although plenty will. Whereas with iOS if you get one of this or the previous years devices you're going to get a good experience. It won't be quite as pretty as the third and best option which is a desktop PC with a dedicated graphics card, which can be had for £500 - cheaper than an iPad ;)

    Your Garmin Edge 800 is useless in this scenario, so throw that in the bin :). Your speed and cadence sensor if they're garmin ones will be ANT+ only so they won't work with iOS. But they will work with PC and an ANT+ dongle. Alternatively you could buy bluetooth sensors from www.wahoofitness.com
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    PS. Pro tip... If you're prepared to wait a wee while. There's a strong rumour it'll be available on Apple TV soon. £139 for the set top box - you'd still need bluetooth sensors mind.
  • ryan_w-2
    ryan_w-2 Posts: 1,162
    markhewitt1978 wrote:
    PS. Pro tip... If you're prepared to wait a wee while. There's a strong rumour it'll be available on Apple TV soon. £139 for the set top box - you'd still need bluetooth sensors mind.


    Or you can buy a sensor bridge like I have... Means I can use all my ANT+ sensors with Zwift on my iPad.

    Wahoo RFLKT+ or 4iiii Viiiiva HRM are the best out there.

    I got the Wahoo one from SigmaSport for £70 delivered.
    Specialized Allez Sprint Disc --- Specialized S-Works SL7

    IG: RhinosWorkshop
  • cgfw201
    cgfw201 Posts: 680
    I've been on Zwift iPad since Nov and it's brilliant. Don't own a computer, don't need one.

    Just get some Bluetooth sensors and you're good to go. I hate cables and adapters etc so avoided the messy bridge solutions, but looks like they work for some
  • cgfw201
    cgfw201 Posts: 680
    Ryan_W wrote:
    markhewitt1978 wrote:
    PS. Pro tip... If you're prepared to wait a wee while. There's a strong rumour it'll be available on Apple TV soon. £139 for the set top box - you'd still need bluetooth sensors mind.


    Or you can buy a sensor bridge like I have... Means I can use all my ANT+ sensors with Zwift on my iPad.

    Wahoo RFLKT+ or 4iiii Viiiiva HRM are the best out there.

    I got the Wahoo one from SigmaSport for £70 delivered.

    Why not just get a load of shiny new wahoo sensors instead of the bridge? The cadence sensor for one is miles better than the garmin one.
  • ryan_w-2
    ryan_w-2 Posts: 1,162
    cgfw201 wrote:
    Ryan_W wrote:
    markhewitt1978 wrote:
    PS. Pro tip... If you're prepared to wait a wee while. There's a strong rumour it'll be available on Apple TV soon. £139 for the set top box - you'd still need bluetooth sensors mind.


    Or you can buy a sensor bridge like I have... Means I can use all my ANT+ sensors with Zwift on my iPad.

    Wahoo RFLKT+ or 4iiii Viiiiva HRM are the best out there.

    I got the Wahoo one from SigmaSport for £70 delivered.

    Why not just get a load of shiny new wahoo sensors instead of the bridge? The cadence sensor for one is miles better than the garmin one.

    Essentially I can't be arsed swapping sensors off my turbo bike which is also my commuter.

    My garmin cadence sensor has been faultless and extremely accurate, so no need to swap it out.
    Specialized Allez Sprint Disc --- Specialized S-Works SL7

    IG: RhinosWorkshop
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    There's no reason to swap sensors. The Wahoo sensors will just replace your Garmin sensors and work in exactly the same way.
  • Thick Mike
    Thick Mike Posts: 337
    Or you can stick the cadence sensor on your shoe and it won't matter which bike you're on
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    Well, I've bitten the bullet and picked up an iPad 3 from work (refurbed unit for 130) and a Wahoo RFLKT+ so itll talk to the iphone and the ANT+ sensors. Solves that issue now just to try it all out when the Wahoo arrives :s
    Titanium Px Spitfire
    Easty commuter
    Tripster AT
  • ryan_w-2
    ryan_w-2 Posts: 1,162
    Step83 wrote:
    Well, I've bitten the bullet and picked up an iPad 3 from work (refurbed unit for 130) and a Wahoo RFLKT+ so itll talk to the iphone and the ANT+ sensors. Solves that issue now just to try it all out when the Wahoo arrives :s

    Hope yours work better than mine....

    Sent the Wahoo RFLKT+ back today since it kept powering off after 5 seconds. Went and bought the Wahoo Tickr HRM and cadence sensor :lol:
    Specialized Allez Sprint Disc --- Specialized S-Works SL7

    IG: RhinosWorkshop
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    iPad 3? As in iPad 3rd generation? Because that won't work

    iPad Mini 3 will work.
  • m4ttc
    m4ttc Posts: 41
    IPad 3 will not work. The minimum spec for iOS devices is quite high I think
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    ah crap, iPad 2 mini or iPad air? they work on it?
    Titanium Px Spitfire
    Easty commuter
    Tripster AT
  • cgfw201
    cgfw201 Posts: 680
    Step83 wrote:
    ah crap, iPad 2 mini or iPad air? they work on it?

    Compatibility: Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPad Air, iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular, 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 9.7-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cellular, and iPod touch (6th generation).
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Everything since Apple switched to 64-bit chips.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    markhewitt1978 wrote:
    PS. Pro tip... If you're prepared to wait a wee while. There's a strong rumour it'll be available on Apple TV soon. £139 for the set top box - you'd still need bluetooth sensors mind.
    Hmm - now that would make me upgrade the Apple TV box :)
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    Right, managed to get a swap sorted for an iPad Mini 2 hopefully thatll be one issue sorted!
    Titanium Px Spitfire
    Easty commuter
    Tripster AT
  • m4ttc
    m4ttc Posts: 41
    Step83 wrote:
    Right, managed to get a swap sorted for an iPad Mini 2 hopefully thatll be one issue sorted!
    That model is worked by for me

Categories