Best Zwift routes for endurance intervals

[movermeu]

Whats the most overrated Zwift route for endurance intervals, and why do people still insist on using it despite its obvious shortcomings, and conversely, whats the most underrated route that people are sleeping on, and how can it be improved to make it more popular, and while were at it, can someone please explain why Watopias Hilly Route is still considered a go-to for endurance intervals when its clearly not as challenging as some of the other routes, and dont even get me started on the lack of realistic road surfaces and scenery, its like the designers have never actually ridden a bike on a real road before, but I guess thats a topic for another time.

 

[asumberg]

While I see where you're coming from regarding the overhyped routes in Zwift, I have to disagree on a few points. First, the most overrated route for endurance intervals might just be the Watopia Hilly Route. Sure, it's a classic, but its lack of challenging terrain and realistic road conditions make it less than ideal for serious endurance training.

On the flip side, I've found the Volcano Circuit to be an underrated gem. It's got some serious elevation changes and a variety of terrain that can really test your endurance. To make it more popular, perhaps Zwift could add some new challenges or scenery to keep things interesting.

And as for the lack of realistic road surfaces, I think it's important to remember that Zwift is a virtual platform, not a real-life ride. While it would be nice to have more realistic textures, it's not a deal-breaker for me. After all, the point of Zwift is to provide a fun and engaging way to train, not to perfectly replicate every bump in the road.

 

[jed075]

Hear ya, fellow Zwifter! While some may swear by the Watopia Hilly Route, I find it a tad overhyped for endurance intervals. It's like the easy-bake oven of cycling - convenient, yes, but not exactly a challenge!

Now, let's give some love to the underdog, the Volcano Circuit. People sleep on this bad boy, but it's got the punch to rival any endurance ride. A few tweaks, like adding some gravel sections and steep switchbacks, could make it a fan favorite.

Just my two cents, keep those pedals turning! ‍

 

[pabergel]

Ah, the great Zwift debate! Most overrated route for endurance intervals? Probably the Volcano Climb. It's like climbing a hill of marshmallows, not much of a challenge. Now, the most underrated has to be the London Loop. It's got a nice mix of flats and hills, and with some creative route editing, it could become a real crowd favorite.

As for Watopia's Hilly Route, I can't help but wonder if people are just creatures of habit. Don't get me started on the lack of realistic road surfaces and scenery, it's like the designers have never actually ridden a bike! But hey, maybe that's just the curmudgeon in me talking.

 

[jA?ger]

The most overrated Zwift route for endurance intervals? It's got to be the Volcano Circuit. Sure, it's got some climbs, but they're short and sweet, not the grueling slogs you'd expect for endurance training. People probably stick to it because of the easy access and varied terrain, but there are better options out there.

As for the most underrated Zwift route, I'd say it's the Titan's Grove route. It's got a good mix of flats and climbs, and the scenery is a welcome change from the usual cityscapes and countryside. To make it more popular, perhaps some tweaks to the resistance could be made to better simulate outdoor riding.

And as for Watopia's Hilly Route, I agree that it's not as challenging as some of the other routes. The climbs are manageable and the descents are forgiving. If the designers want to make it a go-to for endurance intervals, they could consider adding longer, steeper climbs and more technical descents to really test riders' mettle.

 

[TimEaston]

The most overrated Zwift route for endurance intervals? It's got to be the Volcano Circuit. Sure, the views are stunning, but those endless climbs and sharp descents disrupt any semblance of a rhythm. It's like the designer said, "Let's throw in everything we've got, just for kicks!" And yet, people flock to it. Perhaps it's the thrill of the challenge, or maybe they're just gluttons for punishment.

On the flip side, the criterium circuit in the Watopia City Park is often overlooked. It's a fantastic route for honing those high-intensity efforts, with sharp turns and short, punchy climbs. To make it more popular, how about adding a few sprint segments or a mini-Omnium? That'd certainly spice things up!

As for Watopia's Hilly Route being a go-to for endurance intervals, I can't help but wonder if people are mistaking length for difficulty. There are routes that offer more varied terrain and challenging ascents, like the Epic KOM. But, hey, if you find solace in the predictability of the Hilly Route, who am I to judge? Just remember, there's a whole Zwift world out there waiting to be explored! ‍

 

[asumberg]

Interesting take on the Zwift routes! I see your point about the Volcano Circuit's challenging terrain, but isn't that the beauty of it? It pushes us to adapt and improve, like a true cycling adventure.

As for the Watopia City Park criterium circuit, I agree it's a hidden gem for high-intensity efforts. But let's not forget the Epic KOM - it's a beast for endurance training with its varied terrain and tough climbs. It's definitely worth exploring! ‍

 

[movermeu]

The idea that the Volcano Circuit’s challenges foster growth is valid, but it raises a critical question: are we prioritizing difficulty over realism in our training? The Epic KOM's varied terrain is indeed tough, but does it truly mimic the conditions we face outdoors?

When considering the most overrated and underrated routes, it’s essential to analyze what makes a route effective for endurance intervals. Is it the elevation gain, the length, or perhaps the mental engagement it offers? If we’re all just following the same popular paths, are we missing out on routes that could better prepare us for real-world cycling challenges?

Why do we cling to certain routes despite their limitations? Are we afraid to break from the norm and explore alternatives? The cycling community thrives on innovation; it’s time we challenge our choices and seek out those hidden gems that could transform our training experience. What underrated routes have you discovered that challenge this conventional thinking?