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Zwift opens up cycling’s massive multiplayer online training game to everyone!

Written by Tyler Benedict May 14, 2015 6:00 p.m. ET

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Remember the days when kids would line up outside Best Buy for the latest console or Halo edition? Well, if you’ve been pulling the digital equivalent and waiting for your invite to Zwift’s beta, you’ve just made it in the door.

As of today, Zwift has opened the beta to all, letting you sign up and ride in their ever expanding virtual world. Yep, since their limited launch in September 2014, they’ve been continually improving both the virtual island you’ll soon be riding on and the overall functionality and accessibility of it. In February, they added a Mac compatibility, and in March they added a mobile companion app to show your stats on your iPhone and keeping your big screen showing the lush pixel perfect scenery. Heck, they even setup competitions to help you earn a spot on a real, live pro team IRL.

Time to fire up that computer…

The basic service is free to use, you’ll just need a trainer and ANT+ speed/cadence sensor and ANT+ USB dongle or compatible computer. Or, pair up a smart trainer like the Wahoo KICKR. Upgrades are in the works that’ll include training, coaching and event participation opportunities…like the upcoming Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, letting you see just what it’s like to ride the course.

For now, you’ll be able to choose between riding a Pinarello or a Pinarello, with the chance to unlock the latest Pinarello F8. Word is Trek, Canyon, Specialized and others will be licensing their bike’s looks to the island soon, too.

The app gives you control over your rider and acts as a ride dashboard.

And when your virtual ride is over, your digital workout can be sent to your online profiles in Strava, Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.

Head on over to Zwift.com to download the software and get started.

Tyler Benedict

11,184 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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Matt

8 years ago

Download, engaged.

Stampers

8 years ago

I could see it being fun especially if the program supported Oculus Rift VR headsets whenever it drops. Also, it’d be cool if everyone could wear headsets so you could talk smack or just shoot the breeeze with others while riding.

Brian C.

8 years ago

Here is a link to an unofficial Zwift manual and players guide put together by early beta testers: https://goo.gl/W8XeeX

Sardinien

8 years ago

This is one of the case I’m not happy to live in a piace with all year long sunshine…

Ryan

8 years ago

I have a CycleOps Fluid2 and a Ant+ speed and cadence sensor so I should be good to go?

shawnshank

8 years ago

rather ride outside night, rain, snow or shine.

8 years ago

I poo-poo’d this right up until the minute I tried it. Unless you have unlimited time to train and perfect roads, this is the bomb.

dr_lha

8 years ago

Does Zwift still not support BLE sensors?

Fisho

8 years ago

Ryan – Nope, you need some type of powermeter that is ANT+. Also you need an ANT+ receiver for your computer. USB dongle $40 at amazon.

It does make the time go by much faster on the torture drainer, and motivates you more to go hard to stick with people, go for segements and so on.

wjc

8 years ago

Ryan – all you need in addition to what you have is an Ant+ dongle/receiver for your computer. You do not need a powermeter. You will be using their version of virtual power so it may not match the watts a powermeter would show (and the powermeter uses will get their panties in a wad about your accuracy) but there are a lot of people riding Zwift now without powermeters.

Ripnshread

8 years ago

I want to hook this up to my Spin bike. Giants version. What speed/cadence sensor should I get and how do I calibrate it to my large front, steel flywheel?

Dlub

8 years ago

I think the CGI models should be wearing helmets. VERY irresponsible…
Looks like a way to keep me on the trainer for more than an hour. I’d find myself steering off the rollers left and right!

Alex

8 years ago

This sounds like it could be rife with cheating. Turn the power off, claim you weigh 100lbs, put the trainer on super low resistance and bam you’ll KOM the whole virtual world.

don

8 years ago

yep, cheating happens, the people putting out superhuman watts get flagged. regardless, and I hate indoor training, zwift rocks. I’ve never considered doing 100 miles indoor but did so in very entertaining fashion with a bunch of guys I race with during the warmer months from all over north america. Not planned either, just happened to be on the island at the same time. They are going to make a fortune when they start charging for it. Tuesday night worlds is a rippin hard event.

don

Ronin

8 years ago

I saw the worst of the winter out with RaceMyGhost just racing against myself, if I hook this up I’ll be on the next level – much easier racing against others than myself…(how so, let me explain grasshopper)

Knowing others is wisdom,
Knowing self is enlightenment,
Mastering others requires force,
Mastering self requires strength.