Zwift - how griefy when starting from scratch?

Dizeee

By that I mean I have nothing at all so far. But I still can't quite get my head around what exactly I need to make it work and also quite how it works. Correct me with the following,, which is what I think I would require:


-A smart turbo trainer ( Bluetooth I presume )
-A 3rd bike WILL be bought for the turbo - I am not messing around each day taking bikes on and off
-A dongle of some sort that plugs into the PC via a USB and communicates with the turbo ( this confuses me the most )
-A Zwift account at " x " pounds a month

That's it right? So a few questions -

1 ) Can I use swift via the internet on my PC, via an app on my smart device, or both?

2) This dongle thing - surely if it's plugged into the PC I can only use Zwift on that PC as any smart device won't know be able to communicate with the turbo - or would you simply bluetooth your device to the trainer as an alternative?

3) If the dongle is plugged into the PC surely it requires some sort of software for it to be recognised and work properly?

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?


I really want to start Zwift as that's all people seem to do these days but I am fearful of going out and spending large to find there are problems.

Cheers

bendertherobot

I had some thoughts on my experience.

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2018/02/08/th ... g-indoors/

But to deal with your questions:

1) Can I use swift via the internet on my PC, via an app on my smart device, or both?

Depends what you mean. Something has to run Zwift and connect to your turbo. You can also run the companion mobile app (Zwift link) to do certain actions 'in game' and to see where you are on the map etc. Zwift is available as an app on iOs devices or a programme on Windows 64 bit and OS devices. There is no android support outside the mobile companion app.

2) This dongle thing - surely if it's plugged into the PC I can only use Zwift on that PC as any smart device won't know be able to communicate with the turbo - or would you simply bluetooth your device to the trainer as an alternative?

Depends on what you're doing in 1 above. The ANT+ key is required for most PC's to 'hear' Zwift because most of them lack Bluetooth.

3) If the dongle is plugged into the PC surely it requires some sort of software for it to be recognised and work properly?

Maybe, maybe not, depending on what it is. Most will just work.

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Smart trainers are capable of talking to Zwift. You need to consider budget, then determine what equipment you have, or not, and tailor accordingly.

What PC do you have? Do you have an iOs devices? Do you have apple TV?

StillGoing

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

bendertherobot

philthy3 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

So does my Neo. But I'm assuming he wants to connect and do Zwift. Is that possible when in 'dynamo' mode?

stueys

To add to Benders comments -

bendertherobot wrote:

1) Can I use swift via the internet on my PC, via an app on my smart device, or both?

I use Zwift on both my iPhone, an Apple TV and a MacBook. The iOS devices are limited to Bluetooth connectivity (not an issue with a modern smart trainer), I use an Ant usb stick in the MacBook.

2) This dongle thing - surely if it's plugged into the PC I can only use Zwift on that PC as any smart device won't know be able to communicate with the turbo - or would you simply bluetooth your device to the trainer as an alternative?

Depends on what you're doing in 1 above. The ANT+ key is required for most PC's to 'hear' Zwift because most of them lack Bluetooth.
Exactly this, an Ant usb key just gives you PC the ability to communicate using the Ant standard. It doesn't preclude you from using Bluetooth as well. You just choose which device you want to control the turbo using and whether it's Bluetooth or ant becomes broadly irrelevant. Most modern kit now is dual broadcast anyway.

3) If the dongle is plugged into the PC surely it requires some sort of software for it to be recognised and work properly?

Maybe, maybe not, depending on what it is. Most will just work.
On either windows or osx the OS will find a driver if it's needed

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.
Not all of them, my Tacx Neo will power itself from being used. The reality is though that you'll never going to use that feature (unless you're travelling). You will want a fan, a screen, a PC/Mac/iOS device, and most of those also like power....

cgfw201

You don't technically need a smart turbo, if that helps. Any old turbo is fine, particularly if you have a power meter.

If no PM, you'll need a speed sensor which clips onto the rear wheel.

You then need Zwift to communicate with your turbo/bike. This is either

iPad
- Bluetooth
--- Get a PM/Speed Sensor which communicates in bluetooth and that's all you need (Wahoo Sensors do this)

PC
- ANT+
---You need an ANT+ dongle which is a £2 usb plug in thingy which communicates with ANT+ sensors (basically any sensor or PM).

It is really easy, but can be very complicated to understand at first.

fenix

As has been said - a dumb turbo works just fine. You could save yourself a bit there.

For me the biggest cost was a new PC for Zwift - my old laptop couldn't cope at all.

I've my race bike set up in the garage on the turbo all the time with the PC so I can train with minimal hassle.

If you're doing it in a warm house then it's going to be incredibly sweaty and possibly very loud. Some turbos are very noisy so choose well. Personally I'm loving my Stac Zero that doesn't make contact with the bike so is pretty silent.

You'll need fans to cool yourself down and mats under the bike.

I already had a powermeter on the race bike but if I hadn't got that then I'd want a PM on the turbo.

So :
Bike
Turbo
PC
Screen
Dongle
Zwift Sub
Fans
Turbo mats
Sweat towel over the bars/top tube.

dodgy

Alternatively, if you have an iPad, it's incredibly simple if you also have a smart trainer with Bluetooth. It means you can move the trainer around more easily, garage, shed, in the house if it's extremely cold (as recently) outside.

I have a spare PC and macbook, but I still prefer to use the iPad with Zwift.

Dizeee

bendertherobot wrote:

I had some thoughts on my experience.

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2018/02/08/th ... g-indoors/

But to deal with your questions:

1) Can I use swift via the internet on my PC, via an app on my smart device, or both?

Depends what you mean. Something has to run Zwift and connect to your turbo. You can also run the companion mobile app (Zwift link) to do certain actions 'in game' and to see where you are on the map etc. Zwift is available as an app on iOs devices or a programme on Windows 64 bit and OS devices. There is no android support outside the mobile companion app.

2) This dongle thing - surely if it's plugged into the PC I can only use Zwift on that PC as any smart device won't know be able to communicate with the turbo - or would you simply bluetooth your device to the trainer as an alternative?

Depends on what you're doing in 1 above. The ANT+ key is required for most PC's to 'hear' Zwift because most of them lack Bluetooth.

3) If the dongle is plugged into the PC surely it requires some sort of software for it to be recognised and work properly?

Maybe, maybe not, depending on what it is. Most will just work.

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Smart trainers are capable of talking to Zwift. You need to consider budget, then determine what equipment you have, or not, and tailor accordingly.

What PC do you have? Do you have an iOs devices? Do you have apple TV?

Thanks for your in depth reply.

Your blog is exactly the fear I have with it all - it all seems so comlpicated.

I have NOTHING apple at all. I have a Samsung Galaxy 5 phone, and a Lenovo desk top that is 1 week old. I would also upgrade my non smart TV to a smart TV because what I thought I would so is screen mirror from device to TV. But now this doesn't seem possible based on your comments.

I will happily drop a huge amount of cash on this but that's the issue, I don't want to do this with the fear of it not working that I have. It sounds like I need to buy a laptop to tun this via wifi, and plug the laptop into a TV screen.

Dizeee

Just to add the room / space / fans / mats are already catered for - I have the perfect space and setup for it - ironically

cgfw201

dodgy wrote:

Alternatively, if you have an iPad, it's incredibly simple if you also have a smart trainer with Bluetooth. It means you can move the trainer around more easily, garage, shed, in the house if it's extremely cold (as recently) outside.

I have a spare PC and macbook, but I still prefer to use the iPad with Zwift.

+1 for iPad.

Just so simple, just need
1x iPad
1x Smart Turbo / or / Powermeter with Bluetooth / or / Speed Sensor with Bluetooth

All the rest - fans, mats, etc, is nice to have, but technically the above is all that's needed.

stevie63

bendertherobot wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

So does my Neo. But I'm assuming he wants to connect and do Zwift. Is that possible when in 'dynamo' mode?

Yeah the Bushido generates it's own power, as far as I'm aware it doesn't even have a lead.

surfercyclist

Or just say fuck it and ride on road.

However as has been said above, you don't need a smart turbo but it definitely is the best way to go if you get serious about using Zwift. However, that said I found Zwift OK but it didn't really do it for me so these days when I turbo I just ride along to GCN videos, ones from Turbo Tripping, CTX etc.
Don't forget though if you go for Zwift it's also £12 a month to pay after the free trial.

bendertherobot

Dizzee, it's not complicated, not really.

But it's not simple. A lot of the blogs assume you can do it on the cheap. And that ignores the tech you need to get to that point.

Ultimately a cheap iPad is the best and easiest option. You don't even need a dongle IF the trainer you get is bluetooth and you get a bluetooth cadence sensor.

bendertherobot

stevie63 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

So does my Neo. But I'm assuming he wants to connect and do Zwift. Is that possible when in 'dynamo' mode?

Yeah the Bushido generates it's own power, as far as I'm aware it doesn't even have a lead.

What happens if you want a pee?

supermurph09

My experience:

Iphone + monitor (connected via lightning to VGA cable) + smart trainer + power meter and away you go.

The process:

Open Zwift on iphone, pair to devices (in my case my trainer and power meter), plug iphone into old tv monitor via lightning to VGA cable and away you go. It's incredibly simple.

stueys

Dizeee wrote:

Thanks for your in depth reply.

Your blog is exactly the fear I have with it all - it all seems so comlpicated.

I have NOTHING apple at all. I have a Samsung Galaxy 5 phone, and a Lenovo desk top that is 1 week old. I would also upgrade my non smart TV to a smart TV because what I thought I would so is screen mirror from device to TV. But now this doesn't seem possible based on your comments.

I will happily drop a huge amount of cash on this but that's the issue, I don't want to do this with the fear of it not working that I have. It sounds like I need to buy a laptop to tun this via wifi, and plug the laptop into a TV screen.

If your desktop is that recent then I'm 99% certain it will run zwift just fine, my MacBook Pro is 2.5 years old and supports the higher graphics settings just fine.

With the kit you have you'll need -
- A USB ant key (like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-PerfPR ... +ant+stick)
- A USB extension cable (not essential but it puts the Ant stick by the turbo which helps prevent connection troubles https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-M ... sion+cable)
- A smart trainer, (pick one to match budget here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/10/ann ... tions.html )
- An HDMI lead to connect your Lenovo desktop to your TV (I'm fairly certain that modern lenovo's ship with HDMI still, if not then you might need a USB-C to HDMI lead, either way you don't need a smart TV for zwift..)

That's it, optional bonus marks could include a towel, a fan, a nice table to put your remote control on, etc, etc. Install the zwift mobile app onto your galaxy if you want to interact with the other riders whilst pedalling, personally I don't really bother.

micrographia

^ What Stueys said. It's a piece of p**s, you're massively overthinking it. Get a smart trainer that allows Zwift to control the resistance (ANT+ FE-C) - it's far more immersive - and have your keyboard in easy reach while riding if you can. If you get a wheel-on trainer you'll likely have more hassle setting your bike up and calibrating it than setting up Zwift.

Big fan a necessity not an option though.

EEM

Anonymous

once you get all the kit set up....Its addictive !! ENJOY

dstev55

bendertherobot wrote:

stevie63 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

So does my Neo. But I'm assuming he wants to connect and do Zwift. Is that possible when in 'dynamo' mode?

Yeah the Bushido generates it's own power, as far as I'm aware it doesn't even have a lead.

What happens if you want a pee?

Then you need to do it pretty quickly although Zwift gives you a while before it kicks you off.

StillGoing

bendertherobot wrote:

philthy3 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

4 ) Does a smart turbo require a mains plug - if not how does it charge / operate?

Yes. It does.

Not necessarily so. The Elite Kura smart trainer and TACX Bushido both work without mains power. I'm sure there are others.

A dumb trainer with a BTE/ANT+ speed and cadence sensor together with a HR monitor, are sufficient to get started on Zwift. You need a device with a decent size memory and graphics card, but just about any PC will run the software. Your imaging might be poor quality and you might suffer some screen lag without decent graphics capability though.

So does my Neo. But I'm assuming he wants to connect and do Zwift. Is that possible when in 'dynamo' mode?

Yep, I used my Kura on Zwift, which is a smart trainer albeit it doesn't do ERG mode, but it communicates with Zwift etc via BTE or ANT+. The Kura has no power lead. It works just the same as a dumb trainer would.

StillGoing

Cheap route is dumb trainer with speed cadence and HR sensors, link to current PC via an ANT+ dongle and current Android phone using the Zwift Mobile Link app to control things in ride.

So you need a dumb trainer and the sensors on top of what you have already and a Zwift subscription.

andi1363

Apple TV may be better. £180

Zwift works on Apple TV 4th generation and higher
Stunning resolution and runs at 1080p on the Apple TV 4k
Zwift runs at around 30fps, a very smooth frame rate
Easy connection with Bluetooth-enabled (BLE) trainers, power meters, speed sensors, and/or heart rate monitors

http://community.zwift.com/news/4044-he ... t-apple-tv

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-tv/apple-tv-4k

stevewj

bendertherobot wrote:

What happens if you want a pee?

If you are on a group ride, then for most, you can get off and re-start within half an hour of the start - it takes a few seconds for it to find the group, then, there you are, back in with a power assist for a few seconds to help you in.
I ride with a powertap and two ANT+ dongles (the second one so I can run TrainerRoad at the same time). It is amazingly easy to set up and, for me, well worth the money. From doing a few half-hearted rides bored in front of the telly, I did 145 'miles' on the turbo a couple of weeks ago including two very motivating interval sessions (8 x 2mins and 12 x 1min) where, regardless of your power, as long as you stay within the prescribed % FTP (that you enter) you stay with the group - I'm addicted.

ben@31

The only fault I've experienced was when Bluetooth was switched "on" on my laptop. This would cause Zwift to crash and close.
But turning Bluetooth "off" and using a Ant+ dongle it works fine.
I agree with the previous comments on heat and noise. I had to buy a cheap fan from Amazon to put in front of the bike.
A direct drive trainer is quieter (if your groupset is well maintained and indexed !) and I bought two rubber yoga mats to place underneath the trainer. I reckon most of the noise is caused by floor vibration.

I feel sorry for the guy who lives below me when I go over the gravel sections on Zwift!
I've now turned the road feel off.