Zwift - the online platform for bike training - is launching a new indoor bike on the market. The device called Zwift Ride combines a special frame with a smart trainer. The Zwift Smart Frame together with the Kickr Core will be available from 26 June for 1299 euros.
Zwift Ride: indoor bike with high user-friendliness
The development of the new Zwift Ride indoor bike focussed on user-friendliness. The enclosed frame key, an Allen key, is the only tool you need to assemble the Zwift Ride Smart Frame. Practical: you can stow the tool under the top tube. This means it is always to hand and allows you to quickly adjust the saddle height, handlebar height and reach when changing riders. The three screw points are easily visible and accessible on the frame.
New Zwift roller trainer suitable for body sizes between 1.52 and 1.98 m
The new Zwift Ride roller trainer is not only quickly adjusted to different body sizes, the device is also suitable for people between 1.52 m and 1.98 m tall. The fitting card supplied helps with this, on which you can read off a suitable setting for the Zwift frame based on your height. During my first test, I realised that I should have adjusted the reach even shorter to get to the handlebars comfortably. It is therefore advisable to try out different settings and then find the right numbers for seat height, handlebar height and reach - and make a note of them on the card.
Zwift Ride: Controller on the handlebars
The Zwift Play We are already familiar with controllers, but the control buttons for Zwift are integrated into a complete indoor cycling bike. The buttons on the quasi-brake levers can be used to steer while riding, 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 built-in controllers. Additional buttons can be configured individually. The virtual gears on the Zwift Ride roller trainer are noiseless and ensure 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.
The frame triangle offers space for two water bottle holders, but these are only designed for indoor use. They are only half closed so that the bottles can be removed as easily as possible. But luckily there are no bumpy roads in Watopia!
Practical: storage space on the handlebars or an optional tablet holder
And while we were on the subject of user-friendliness: The Zwift Ride has a storage area on the handlebars. A towel, snacks or a smartphone can be parked here. With the companion app, you can chat with others during the ride or simply control your workout playlist. Zwift has used a non-slip rubber coating to ensure that the phone stays securely in place. The tray can be removed for easy cleaning. If you use a tablet, you can buy an optional tablet holder for 49.99 euros, which can be quickly attached.
The Zwift Ride indoor bike with Kickr Core will go on sale from 26 June 2024. Pre-orders are not planned.
Zwift Ride in the first test
A tester was able to try out the Zwift Ride indoor bike in a short test. Although it was already fully assembled, the instructions seemed easy to understand and features such as a rear chain rack made it easier to clamp the Zwift Ride frame into the Kickr Core. The saddle was surprisingly comfortable, normally the tester would fit her own saddle before setting off. The settings on the fitting card were only partially suitable. However, it is useful as a guide, but a more individualised adjustment would be useful.
The handlebar width could be a little too wide, especially for shorter people. However, as with other smart bikes, it cannot be adjusted, but the handlebars can be replaced. For 1299 euros, you get a solid overall package for indoor cycling. The Zwift roller trainer can be adapted to different people with three screws, so you don't have to change the wheels for different users, as is the case with normal smart trainers. An indoor bike like Zwift Ride is therefore particularly practical for households in which several people use the same roller trainer. Athletes who want to ride both outdoors and indoors and don't want to change the bike every time will also benefit.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
