Last November, Team OWL, our Grandmasters TTT team aged 65 to 80, did something truly epic. We’d been racing together online for over four years. But this time, we raced a Team Time Trial (TTT), in person at Zwift HQ in Long Beach, California. It was an unforgettable experience!
That’s not all. Not only did we race together in person for the first time, but all six of us got to try out Zwift’s new trainer, the Zwift Ride! Racing a team time trial together on the Zwift Ride was nothing short of OWLsome!
Pre-Race Jitters: How will the Zwift Ride Perform?
I was stoked to try out the Zwift Ride, but I was also a little worried. Would it live up to the high standards I’m used to?
Since 2019, I’ve been on Zwift, mostly racing on my trusty Tacx Neo 2T. When it comes to smart trainers, the Tacx Neo 2T and the Wahoo Kickr Core are quite different. They both take you on the same virtual rides on Zwift, but they get there in totally distinct ways. The Tacx Neo 2T uses a magnet drive system, while the Wahoo Kickr relies on a belt-driven system. This difference in drive systems has a big impact on how they perform, how long they last, and even how they feel to use.
Would the Zwift Ride live up to the high standards I’m used to?
Keeping my Tacx Neo 2T in tip-top shape was a top priority. I gave it a deep clean every year – a ritual I wouldn’t skip for anything. And let me tell you, the magnetic drive system inside? It’s a work of art, a masterpiece of engineering. As someone who builds her own bikes, I was seriously impressed.
The Tacx Neo 2T delivers. Its power accuracy is spot-on, hitting ±1%. That’s as good as it gets, matching the top-tier trainers out there. The Wahoo KICKR CORE, bundled with the Zwift Ride, is a solid option, but its power accuracy is a bit less precise at ±2%. While still good, you’ll notice a slight difference compared to the more accurate ±1% models.
Would I notice any of this when we raced in Long Beach?
Gear Up and Go: Racing on New Equipment
In gearing up for Long Beach, I wanted to make sure everyone was dialed in on their Zwift setup. I sent each of my teammates a diagram indicating the measurements I wanted them to take. This way, when we got to Zwift HQ, we could all make sure our virtual rides felt as close as possible to what we race on each week.
I asked them to grab a tape measure and jot down these numbers:
- Saddle Height
- Grip Reach
- Grip Drop
- Saddle Setback
Stepping into Zwift’s Pain Cave, we were ready to roll. Each teammate got to work, tweaking their Zwift Ride to match their own setup at home. Easy peasy with the Zwift Ride and it’s single adjustment tool!
Once we were set, the remarkable crew at Zwift HQ gave each of us a brief overview of the Zwift Ride, including how to set up virtual gearing.
Time to Take the Zwift Ride for a Spin
It was our first real-life race together, and we were all using the same trainer!
Now, this might not sound like a big deal, but if you’ve ever raced on a Zwift TTT team, you know how important everyone’s equipment is. Having everyone on the same setup is like having an unfair advantage – an unfair advantage I wish all Zwift TTT riders could experience!
Our team might have a range of power outputs, but when we all raced on the same equipment, it felt like a perfectly choreographed dance. It was pure magic! Our paceline was extraordinary.
We were hooked. We were all in.
We all gathered in Zwift’s break room after the race, ready to fuel up on a delicious post-race lunch. We were buzzing about the race experience. Even though many of us had low expectations for the Zwift Ride, there was one thing everyone agreed on: it blew us away!
We all went home with the same secret dream: a Zwift Ride. We just wouldn’t say it out loud. But then, within a month of getting back, our Discord server started exploding with teammates shouting, “Guess what I just bought!” It was like a Zwift Ride buying frenzy had taken over.
Now, six out of eight of us are racing on a Zwift Ride! And we’re loving it!
Rethinking Indoor Cycling: A Sport in Its Own Right
Before this experience, I was convinced that having an indoor Zwift setup mirroring my outdoor road bike was crucial. I figured if they were identical, indoor training would make me a stronger outdoor rider.
Silly me!
It hit me like a bolt of lightning: just like having a dedicated road bike and a gravel crusher, having a bike built specifically for Zwift is a total game-changer.
Racing eSports cycling is a sport unto itself. When you see it that way, you want equipment that will provide you with the best indoor experience.
The Zwift Ride does just that.
Unboxing and Setup: Get Ready for the Fun!
Your Zwift Ride arrives in three boxes: one for the frame and seat, another for handlebars and accessories, and the final one for the trainer. If you already own a Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One, you can skip the last box – and just purchase the Zwift Ride frame.
You’ve got this, OWLs! While it might be tempting to call a bike mechanic for setup, Zwift’s videos make it a breeze. At OWL.BiKe, we’re all about empowering women 50+ to take charge of their health and happiness. And what better way to do so than by assembling your Zwift Ride!
Heads-up: BYOP! (Bring Your Own Pedals) While the Zwift Ride includes flat pedals, you’ll definitely want to bring your own clipless pedals. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Fit: Dialing in your Zwift Ride
Zwift has another awesome video on how to dial in your Zwift Ride bike fit. And I’ve gotta say – it’s a great starting point!
Two decades ago, as a cyclist with a unique build – very long legs and a short torso – finding the perfect bike fit was a real challenge. Since I’m insatiably curious, I became a “student of bike-fit-ology.”
Now, at 65, I’ve turned that passion into a purpose, diving deep into biomechanics, kinesiology, and physiotherapy. I’m obsessed with understanding how the body moves, injury prevention, and how to optimize performance on a bike.
I want to be able to ride for many years to come, and wish the same for all women cyclists age 50+, who I fondly refer to as OWLs – Older Women in Lycra. Getting your bike fit just right is crucial. Think of it as a tailor-made suit for your body, specifically designed for your bicycle. When everything aligns perfectly, you’ll experience a whole new level of riding enjoyment.
Get ready to ride in comfort! Throughout the year, I’ll be sharing bike fitting secrets I’ve learned the hard way. No more saddle sores, no more hip and knee pain, just smooth rides and pure joy.
The cool part? I’ll be teaching bike fit techniques by dialing in the Zwift Ride!
Zwift Ride: The Perfect Ride for Women Cyclists 50+
Let’s be real: indoor cycling can feel like a snoozefest. You’re stuck in a room, staring at a wall, sweating your brains out. It’s not exactly the kind of ride that inspires you to crush your fitness goals. But what if I told you there was a way to make indoor cycling actually fun? Enter Zwift Ride. It’s more than just a smart trainer. It’s a total game-changer for women 50+.
It’s Super Easy to Use. The Zwift Ride is incredibly user-friendly. Setting it up is a breeze, and the intuitive interface makes navigating the virtual world a joy. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll be up and riding in no time.
Gentle on the joints. No jarring impact, just smooth, fluid resistance that’s perfect for our aging bodies.
It’s highly adjustable. In fact, by taking advantage of the Zwift Ride’s many built in size adjustments, and swapping out a few parts – I can get a better fit than my road bike!
Speaking of road bikes, my trusty Tarmac beams with gratitude every time I take it out for a spin. Free from the confines of my old Tacx Neo 2T, it’s finally living its best life! No more risking damage on the trainer, it’s out there doing what it was born to do – conquer the open road.
And my Zwift Ride is absolutely loving its new spot in my cycling world – or what I refer to as my velosphere.
Forget about creaking joints and fading fitness! The Zwift Ride isn’t just an indoor trainer; it’s a ticket to staying active and enjoying the thrill of cycling. With its flexible setup, you can dial in the perfect comfort level, keeping the joy of the ride alive, no matter our age!
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Next up? A series of deep dives into what makes the Zwift Ride a fantastic piece of equipment for riding and racing on Zwift,
Maria Shannon
I agree entirely with every word you said Elaine. I regret waiting x6 months to change to a Zwift ride since riding one at Zwift headquarters in Long Beach. It far exceeds my x3 previous trainers by a mile and worth every penny!!