How Do I Set Up Zwift?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On a Mac or PC, click the words “Create an account.” On an iOS mobile device or Apple TV, search for the Zwift app in the App Store. After downloading and installing it, open the app and select “I’m New.” Answer the required questions and tap “Let’s Go” to get started.

What do I need to get set up on Zwift?

  1. You’ll need a bike, trainer, and device to run the Zwift app.
  2. Most Zwifters use road bikes—but mountain bikes, hybrids, and smart bikes work, too.
  3. You’ll also need a trainer. …
  4. A classic trainer is a great, inexpensive option that’s easy to set up and use.

How much does it cost to setup Zwift?

If you’ve got a bike, an indoor trainer, some way of reading power (or speed and cadence) and a computer or tablet – then the only cost would be the

$14.99 / £12.00 per month

. Otherwise, a basic setup with a classic trainer and a speed and cadence sensor will cost about $150 / £100.

Is Zwift good for beginners?

ANSWER:

Zwift is definitely good for beginners

, even though it’s also used by serious cyclists who train and race. Zwift is the Swiss army knife of cycling apps.

Is Zwift good for weight loss?


This plan on its own will not help you lose weight

, it is simply a lower intensity plan with a focus on burning lots of calories rather than specific performance outcomes. To lose weight, your body needs to be in a calorific deficit, which is where you burn more calories in a day than you consume.

How much is Zwift a month?

Is Zwift free? In a word, no. Zwift costs around £12 or

$14.99 a month

but you cancel at any time. You don’t need to commit immediately, either – as there is a seven day free trial available to all new members.

Is Zwift free to use?


Zwift was free when it launched before moving to a subscription

. Then, in 2018, it raised its price by 50% to its current level.

How can I get Zwift for free?

A:

For PC/Macs you’ll get a 7-day free trial with unlimited distance once you start pedaling

. For iOS/tvOS/Android it’s a little different—you get 25km (15.5mi) once you start pedaling and then an additional 7-days with unlimited distance once you select Join Now.

Do bikes make a difference on Zwift?

In the end,

bike upgrading on Zwift is similar to what we see in outdoor riding

: newbies will see noticeable improvements by upgrading to even a basic race rig, expert racers won’t see much improvement at all between different high-end setups, and TT riders are smart to obsess over getting the very fastest setup.

What kind of trainer do I need for Zwift?

Most of the time they should be set up like a

classic trainer

. Some newer “smart” rollers will transmit power to Zwift and even change resistance, though. If you have rollers that transmit ANT+ and/or Bluetooth signals, those should be set up like a smart trainer.

What TV do I need for Zwift?

If you don’t have a Zwift-apt laptop that you can connect to your TV, the easiest and most cost effective choice is to buy an

Apple TV

. You can find Zwift on the Apple TV app store for models that are 4th generation or higher.

Is Zwift worth the cost?

You can opt for a cheap turbo and then buy sensors that will provide Zwift with your power and speed/cadence in the app, but it’s far more enjoyable with a smart trainer and I’d say

it’s worth the extra outlay if your budget can stretch that far

.

Do you need a computer for Zwift?

Zwift works on Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, and Android.

You do not need a fancy gaming computer to run Zwift

.

Can I use Zwift in the gym?

The flexibility of the setup means

you can use it on a treadmill in a gym too

. The first thing you need to do is download the Zwift app, which is free and is available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. You might also spot a Zwift Companion app when looking for that Zwift app. That’s not needed for the setup process.

Can you Zwift alone?

What should I do first on Zwift?

How realistic is Zwift?


Zwift’s algorithms for calculating speed are incorrect

. Zwift’s calculations include assumptions (such as your position on the handlebars or the condition of the road) that do not reflect your outdoor rides. Outdoor rides are slowed in ways Zwift rides are not. Zwift gives you more opportunities to draft.

Should I Zwift every day?

If your riding schedule includes racing on Zwift,

consider racing no more than three times per week

, with recovery rides, days off, and lighter training in between. And even if your training load is more steady (with few “race day efforts”) taking a day or two for recovery per week is smart.

Is cycling better than running?

In general,

running burns more calories than cycling

because it uses more muscles. However, cycling is gentler on the body, and you may be able to do it longer or faster than you can run.

Can you do HIIT on Zwift?

How do I use Zwift on my TV?

You simply

navigate to the Zwift app on the TV screen, and go

. The remote allows you to navigate, and it avoids the need to stream Zwift on a small screen or rely on bluetooth to mirror and image on the screen.

Can I use Zwift without a smart trainer?


Yes, you can

. To use Zwift on a non-smart trainer you must have an ANT + or blue tooth speed sensor preferably with a cadence sensor on your bike. A power meter will work too. You will also need an ANT + dongle if you are using a computer to connect to your speed sensor.

Can you ride Zwift without a smart trainer?

To use Zwift without a smart trainer,

you need to have a ANT+ or bluetooth cycling cadence and speed sensor

. A power meter works well here too. These devices will then allow you to pair with whatever PC, tablet or phone you’re using to run Zwift. Older sensors will need a USB dongle.

Do you change gears in Zwift?


No need to change gear

here, Zwift tells the trainer what the resistance should be at any given moment, you just have to keep those pedals spinning.

Is RGT better than Zwift?

In terms of workout quality, RGT is a lot more specific on the purpose of doing the workout and how it helps you improve.

Zwift by far has much better designed courses and a lot more selection and variety

. RGT offers quite a few routes, but since there are fewer riders on RGT, the roads are pretty empty.

Why is Zwift so hard?



The racing is short and particularly intense

,” he explained. “It is 45-90 minutes of racing instead of three to six hours. The consequence for the riders is that there is no opportunity to save energy like they have in road races, so they have to make prolonged, all-out efforts that push them to their physical limit.”

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.