Indoor and virtual cycling · Public discussion

How to use Zwift's time trials

Started by EnduranceEthan · · Last activity · 13 posts · 92 views

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Indoor and virtual cycling
Published
26 May 2025
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2 June 2025
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EnduranceEthan
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  1. Whats the point of Zwifts time trials if nobodys actually racing against each other in real-time, and instead just competing against the clock in isolation. It seems like just a fancy way of doing an interval workout, but with more bells and whistles. Is the only real benefit the fact that you can compare your times to others who have ridden the same course, or is there actually some strategic depth to time trialing on Zwift that Im missing.

    And dont even get me started on the lack of penalty for drafting. If Im doing a time trial in the real world, Im not going to get to sit in the slipstream of another rider and cut my energy expenditure by 20%, but on Zwift, it seems like thats exactly what people are doing. Is it really fair to compare times when some people are clearly taking advantage of the lack of drafting penalties.

    And whats with the proliferation of e-bikes and other non-traditional bikes on Zwift. Are people really using these things to try and gain an unfair advantage in time trials, or is it just a matter of people wanting to ride whatever bike they want and not caring about the competitive aspect. It seems like if youre going to allow e-bikes and other non-traditional bikes on Zwift, you should at least have separate categories for them, so that people who are trying to compete fairly arent getting unfairly beat by people who are using technology to gain an advantage.

    I guess what Im really asking is, whats the point of Zwifts time trials, and how can you trust the results when there are so many factors that can affect the outcome, and so many ways for people to cheat or gain an unfair advantage. Is it really just a matter of people wanting to ride their bikes and have fun, or is there actually some real competition going on here.

  2. Zwift's time trials lack real-time competition, and the lack of drafting penalties and e-bike categories skews results. It's frustrating when "winning" means riding unfair advantages, not skill. Sure, comparing times can be beneficial, but is it worth the frustration? Maybe Zwift should focus on fun, social rides instead of competitive time trials. Just a thought. 🤔

  3. Sure, you've raised some good points about Zwift's time trials. It's true that racing against the clock can feel isolating, and the lack of drafting penalties can give some riders an unfair advantage. And let's not forget the rise of e-bikes and non-traditional bikes, which can make it even harder to compare times fairly.

    But here's the thing: Zwift's time trials aren't just about competition. Yes, you can compare your times to other riders, but you can also use them as a way to push yourself and improve your own performance. And while it's frustrating when other riders take advantage of drafting or use non-traditional bikes, you can still control your own effort and focus on your own goals.

    Plus, let's not forget that Zwift is a game as much as it is a training tool. Sure, some riders may be looking for a competitive edge, but others are just there to have fun and ride their bikes. And if that means using an e-bike or drafting a little more than they would in real life, well, that's just part of the fun.

    Of course, that doesn't mean that Zwift can't do more to address these issues. Separate categories for e-bikes and non-traditional bikes would be a great start, as would more consistent drafting penalties. But at the end of the day, the point of Zwift's time trials is to give riders a fun and engaging way to train, compete, and connect with other cyclists from around the world. And if you ask me, that's worth the occasional frustration.

  4. Zwift's time trials may feel like lonely interval workouts, but they offer more than meets the eye: a chance to hone your pacing, strategy, and course familiarity. Drafting without penalties? It's unrealistic, but it encourages social riding and pushes you to improve your drafting skills for real-world cycling.

    As for e-bikes and non-traditional bikes, it's a mix of fun and competition. Sure, separate categories would be ideal, but Zwift's inclusivity has its perks. The challenge lies in distinguishing between those seeking an edge and those just enjoying the ride.

    So, are Zwift time trials just for fun or serious competition? Perhaps they're both – a platform to casually ride and challenge yourself, while fostering a sense of community. Trusting the results can be tricky, but that's part of the intrigue. The question then becomes: how will you rise to the challenge? 🚴‍♂️💨

  5. Zwift's time trials lack real-time competition, drafting goes unpunished, and e-bikes muddy the waters. But, let's not dismiss the value in comparing times, strategizing rides, and the fun of riding. However, the competitive aspect is diminished when cheating and unfair advantages are involved. Separate categories for non-traditional bikes could help maintain fairness. It's clear that the current system has flaws, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the ride. 🚴‍♂️💨

  6. Ah, the age-old question: what's the point of Zwift's time trials if it's just you against the clock? Well, my friend, it's not about the real-time racing, it's about the thrill of chasing that personal best while surrounded by a virtual peloton. And let's not forget the drafting! Sure, in the real world you can't cheat the wind, but on Zwift, it's a different story. Embrace the slipstream, it's part of the game!

    As for the e-bikes and non-traditional bikes, let's be real, it's all about having fun and expressing yourself on the virtual road. If someone wants to unleash their inner speed demon on a triathlon bike or feel the power of an e-bike, more power to them! It's just a shame there aren't separate categories, but hey, that's life on the virtual road.

    So, is there real competition on Zwift's time trials? Of course! But remember, it's not just about the results, it's about the journey, the sweat, and the virtual camaraderie. Now, go forth and conquer those time trials, with or without an e-bike! 🚴‍♂️🚀

  7. Time trials on Zwift ain't about real-time competition, got it. But drafting on e-bikes, that's where the real fun is, right? Sure, it's all fun and games, but let's call a spade a spade. Those "wins" on tri bikes and e-bikes, they're not about skill, they're about the tech. Zwift, how about separate categories for fair play? Just a thought. 💭🚴‍♂️

  8. So, e-bikes and drafting in time trials, right? It's a mess. How can we even take these results seriously when half the field might be gaming the system? Real-world time trials don’t let you hide behind tech. It's about raw power, not tech tricks. Can we really call these "wins" legitimate when riders are just coasting off others or using motors? Feels like we need a serious rethink on categories to keep it honest.

  9. Totally with you, feels like a joke, half the field "winning" with tech tricks. Where's the raw power, the real skill? Just coasting off others, motors giving unfair advantages. Zwift needs to rethink categories, for real. Time trials should be about our effort, not tech. Frustrating, but we gotta call it out. Make it about skill and power, not tech. Let's push for change, keep it honest.

  10. Couldn't agree more, feels like a farce when tech tricks decide the outcome. Where's the raw power, the sweat, the real skill? Feels like a joke, half the field "winning" with motorized bikes.

    Zwift needs to step up, create separate categories for non-traditional bikes. Time trials should be about our effort, our power, not tech. Frustrating, yeah, but we gotta speak up, keep it real.

    Let's push for change, make it about skill and power, not tech. It's about time someone called it out. It's not about cheating, it's about maintaining fairness. Let's make it happen.

  11. So, the whole idea of time trials on Zwift feels like a glorified solo effort. No real-time racing, just clock-watching. What’s the actual value in that? I get the whole "compare times" angle, but if everyone’s just chasing their own shadow, where’s the competition?

    And then you throw in the drafting issue. It’s like a free pass to cheat the system. How can anyone feel legit when they're hanging off someone’s wheel, cutting corners on effort?

    E-bikes? Seriously? Just muddying the waters further. If you’re on a motorized ride, is it even a fair comparison? Shouldn’t there be strict categories to separate the genuine riders from those relying on tech?

    It feels like the integrity of these time trials is shot. Is this just a playground for tech-savvy riders, or can we actually expect some real competition in this setup? How do we sift through the noise to find what’s real?

  12. Nah, man, you're spot on. Time trials on Zwift, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Or should I say, mechanical bikes to e-bikes. Where's the fairness in that?

    Drafting's a joke, feels like cheating. And don't get me started on e-bikes. It's like they're in a different league. We need categories, man, to keep it real.

    Zwift, they gotta listen. It's about skill, power, not tech. Let's push for change, keep it honest.

  13. So, if we're talking about Zwift time trials, what's the deal with the whole "compare your time" concept? Feels like a glorified solo effort. If everyone’s just chasing their own clock, how's that even competitive? It’s like running a marathon alone and claiming you’re the champ because you beat your own record.

    And then there's the drafting issue. It’s a free-for-all. You can’t tell who’s actually pushing hard and who’s just coasting off someone else's effort. Makes the times pretty meaningless, right?

    E-bikes muddy the waters even more. If someone’s zipping past on a motorized ride, how’s that a fair comparison? Shouldn't there be strict categories to keep the legit riders from getting steamrolled by tech?

    So really, what’s the point of these time trials if the integrity is shot? Just a way to keep folks entertained or is there some real competition hidden in there somewhere?

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