Best flat routes on Zwift for speed training

[granda]

Whats the point of even using Zwift for speed training if youre not going to push yourself on a route thats actually going to challenge you? Im seeing a lot of riders out there who claim to be using Zwift for speed training, but then theyre just cruising along on the same old flat routes day in and day out.

Im calling out the Watopia Flat route, the Richmond Flat route, and the Innsbruckring Flat route as the most overused and underwhelming routes for speed training. If youre really serious about improving your speed, you need to be riding routes that are going to test your endurance and push you to your limits.

I want to know what the best flat routes are on Zwift for speed training, but Im not looking for the usual suspects. I want to know what routes are going to give me a real challenge, what routes are going to make me work hard to get a good time, and what routes are going to separate the serious riders from the casual cruisers.

So, what are the best flat routes on Zwift for speed training that will actually push you to your limits? Are there any routes out there that will give you a real challenge and help you improve your speed? Or are we just stuck with the same old boring routes that everyone else is using?

 

[Kerl]

The purpose of using Zwift for speed training is to improve your power-to-weight ratio, regardless of the route's terrain. While flat routes may not provide the same resistance as hilly ones, they can still be effective for speed training if you maintain a high power output.

However, if you're specifically looking for challenging routes, you may want to consider those with more climbing or varying terrain. The Watopia Mountain route, the Richmond UCI Worlds route, and the Innsbruck Long course route are examples of routes that can provide a more rigorous workout.

Regarding bike recommendations, it's essential to consider your budget, riding style, and goals. For a beginner road cyclist interested in low-level racing, a mid-range road bike with a lightweight frame and a reliable groupset would be a good starting point. Brands such as Giant, Trek, and Specialized offer a variety of bikes that fit this description.

Lastly, learning about bike maintenance and repair is crucial for any cyclist. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your bike. Local bike shops (LBS) can provide valuable resources and expertise for bike maintenance and repair. Additionally, attending maintenance clinics or workshops offered by LBSs can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills.

 

[David Hutchins]

You've raised some valid points about the lack of challenge in certain Zwift routes, but I respectfully disagree that all flat routes are underwhelming for speed training. While the routes you mentioned may not provide the greatest challenge, there are others that can still test your limits and improve your speed.

Take, for example, the "Tempus Fugit" route in Watopia. It's a flat route, but it features a series of sprint segments that can help you improve your acceleration and anaerobic capacity. Additionally, the "Flatland Fig8 Reverse" route in the Makepeace district of Zwift's New York world offers a fast, technical course that requires sharp handling and quick decision-making, which can help improve your bike-handling skills and overall speed.

Of course, if you're looking for a true test of endurance and speed, you might consider tackling the "Mayfield Circuit" in Watopia. While it's not entirely flat, it features long, steady climbs and descents that can help you build power and maintain speed over varied terrain.

Ultimately, the best flat routes for speed training on Zwift will depend on your individual goals and preferences. But don't discount all flat routes as underwhelming - with the right approach and mindset, they can still provide a challenging and rewarding workout.

 

[dmay]

Ah, the flat route enthusiasts. Always seeking the path of least resistance. If one truly desires to push themselves, why limit oneself to the familiar? Venture into the unknown, conquer the climbs, and feel the burn. Only then can one truly call themselves a speed trainer.

 

[mbergen]

While I appreciate the call for more challenging routes, I can't help but wonder if the issue lies not just with the routes, but with the riders themselves. Sure, the Watopia Flat, Richmond Flat, and Innsbruckring Flat routes may not offer the steepest of hills, but they can still provide a challenge if ridden with intent.

Flat routes are perfect for honing that raw power and speed, and if you're finding them too easy, maybe it's time to turn up the resistance or push yourself harder. After all, it's not the route that makes a rider, but their determination and grit.

That being said, if you're still on the hunt for flat routes that'll test your mettle, you might want to try the Tempus Fugit or the Volcano Flat. These routes may not be as popular, but they offer a unique challenge that's sure to get your heart racing. Just remember, no route can replace the effort you put into your training. So, before you dismiss the flats, consider giving them another shot – this time, with a little more oomph!

 

[_cant_think]

Ah, the endless search for a challenging flat route on Zwift. It's almost as if some riders are more interested in cruising than training . Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a leisurely ride now and then. But if you're claiming to use Zwift for speed training, let's not kid ourselves.

Take the Volcano Flat, for example. Sure, it's got a few rollers, but it's no Alpe du Zwift. It's a decent challenge, but it won't leave you gasping for air like the Epic KOM. Now that's a route that'll test your mettle .

So, are there any truly challenging flat routes on Zwift? Well, there's the Tempus Fugit, a sneaky little number that'll have you pedaling squares if you're not careful . And let's not forget the Figure 8, a route that's as confusing as it is challenging .

But here's the thing: the best flat route for speed training is the one that pushes you the hardest. Whether that's Watopia, Richmond, or some obscure route you found while exploring, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you're challenging yourself ‍.

 

[granda]

The frustration echoes louder—are we truly willing to settle for mediocrity in our training? The Tempus Fugit and Figure 8 may have their charms, but can they ignite the fire in your legs like a real test? Where are the routes that can push beyond comfort, that’ll leave you begging for mercy? What if the key to your speed lies buried in an uncharted Zwift territory? Are you ready to uncover it?

 

[David Hutchins]

While I appreciate your enthusiasm for challenging workouts, I must push back on the notion that flat routes in Zwift can't ignite the fire in your legs or test your limits. The idea that uncharted territory is the only way to find a worthy challenge is a bit misguided.

Sure, the Tempus Fugit and Figure 8 routes may not provide the same level of exhaustion as a grueling climb, but they offer different benefits, like improving acceleration and bike-handling skills. And let's not forget that maintaining a high speed on a flat route still requires significant effort and endurance.

Additionally, there are Zwift routes like the Mayfield Circuit that combine both flat and hilly terrain, providing a balanced challenge. The key is to vary your workouts and not rely solely on one type of route.

So, before settling on the idea that flat routes are mediocre, consider the unique benefits they offer and how they can contribute to a well-rounded training regimen.

 

[granda]

Challenging workouts can come in many forms, but are flat routes really the hidden gems of speed training? If maintaining high speeds is the goal, what about routes that demand both power and finesse? Which ones truly elevate the heart rate?

 

[dmay]

Flat route enthusiasts, huh? Always chasing speed, never a challenge. But what about the climbs, the windy trails, the uneven terrain? They demand more than just speed; they require power, control, and resilience. You can't deny the thrill of conquering a steep hill, the burn in your muscles, the gasping for breath. It's not just about maintaining high speeds; it's about pushing yourself to the limit. So, let's not dismiss the climbs so quickly. They might just be the ultimate test of a true speed trainer. ‍

 

[granda]

Isn't it interesting how the allure of flat routes can sometimes overshadow the raw challenge of climbs? What if the key to unlocking true speed lies in the diversity of terrain? Could mixing in those steep ascents and technical descents actually enhance our flat speed? How do different riders perceive the balance between speed and endurance when faced with varied landscapes? Are there hidden gems in Zwift that blend both flat and incline sections to keep us on our toes? What routes have you found that truly test not just your speed but your overall cycling prowess?

 

[dmay]

Hmm, diversity in terrain, you say? What a novel idea! Perhaps there's something to be said about those daunting climbs and thrilling descents after all. Maybe, just maybe, they do hold the secret to unlocking our true speed potential. *gasp*

But hey, let's not get carried away now. I'm sure the adrenaline rush from those rollercoaster rides is totally worth the extra effort, right? Just think about it: blending flat and incline sections could keep us on our toes, pushing our limits in ways we never imagined.

So, fellow riders, I challenge you: share your favorite mixed-terrain Zwift routes! Let's broaden our horizons and see what these climbs and declines have in store for us. Who knows, we might even enjoy it. ‍‍

 

[granda]

So, if we’re diving into the wild world of mixed-terrain routes, what’s the ultimate combo that really revs your engine? Is it the thrill of a steep ascent followed by a flat-out sprint, or do those technical descents get your heart racing more than a simple flat route ever could? How do you think this mix impacts your overall speed training? Are we missing out on some secret sauce by sticking to the same old flat paths?