The online fitness platform Zwift is introducing new hardware, namely an indoor bike. Zwift Ride is the name of the device, which combines a special frame with a smart trainer. The Zwift Smart Frame in combination with the Kickr Core will be available from 26 June for 1299 euros.
Technical hurdles are to be reduced
Zwift Ride was developed with user-friendliness in mind. The supplied frame key, an Allen key, is the only tool required to mount the Zwift Ride Smart Frame. Practical: The tool can be stowed under the top tube. It is easily accessible there and allows the saddle height, handlebar height and reach to be customised via three clearly visible points on the frame.
Zwift Ride: Suitable for people between 152 and 198 cm
The Zwift Ride is suitable for body heights from 152 cm to 198 cm and can be adjusted quickly using the supplied fitting card. This shows the approximate setting of the Zwift frame based on your height. The first test showed that I should have set the reach even shorter so that I could comfortably reach the handlebars. It is therefore advisable to try things out and then find the right numbers for seat height, handlebar height and reach.
Zwift Ride: Controller on the handlebars
Zwift Play we already know, but The control buttons for Zwift are integrated into a complete indoor training bike. They can be used to steer while cycling, navigate through the menu or interact with other Zwifters - ride-ons can be assigned. Of course, the use of power-ups can also be controlled with the controllers. Additional buttons can be configured individually. The virtual gearstick on the Zwift Ride is noiseless and delivers perfect gear changes. You can select your preferred shifting style in the settings: Shimano, SRAM or sequential. We are already familiar with this virtual shifting system - from the Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One.
There are two water bottle holders in the frame triangle that are designed for indoor use. After all, there are no potholes in Watopia!
Handlebar storage and optional tablet holder
There is a storage compartment on the handlebars of the Zwift Ride. There is space for a towel, gels, bars or other snacks and a smartphone. You can chat with fellow riders via the companion app - or control your favourite playlist. Zwift has chosen a non-slip rubber coating so that the phone can be placed safely. The tray can be removed for easy cleaning. If you use a tablet, you can purchase an optional tablet holder for 49.99 euros, which can be attached with a quick-release fastener.
Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE will be delivered from 26 June 2024. Pre-orders are not possible.
First test of the Zwift Ride
A tester was able to try out the Zwift Ride in a small test. It was already assembled, but the instructions seemed easy to understand and features such as a rear chain rack made it easier to mount the Zwift Ride on the Kickr Core. The saddle was surprisingly comfortable, it is usual for the tester to fit her own saddle first. The settings recommended on the fitting card were only partially suitable. It can serve as a guide, but to sit better on the bike, a little more customisation is advisable. The handlebar width is probably a little too wide, especially for shorter people. As with other Smartbikes, however, it cannot be adjusted. However, the handlebars can be swapped. For the price of 1299 euros, you get a very solid overall package for indoor training. The bike can be adjusted to suit different people with three screws and you don't always have to swap wheels on the Smart Trainer. An indoor bike like the Zwift Ride is particularly practical for households where several people use the same Smart Trainer or where people ride both indoors and outdoors but don't want to change the bike every time.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
