How to set up Zwift’s ride on features

[WheelSpinWes]

Is it really necessary to use a smart trainer to get the most out of Zwifts ride on features, or are there any workarounds for those of us who are stuck in the dark ages with dumb trainers? Ive been seeing a lot of threads lately where people are complaining about how Zwifts ride on feature is too sensitive, and Im starting to think that maybe the issue isnt with the feature itself, but rather with the hardware thats being used to run it. I mean, if youre using a smart trainer thats constantly adjusting resistance based on the terrain and your speed, its no wonder that the ride on feature is going to feel a bit wonky. But what if youre using a dumb trainer, and you have to adjust the resistance manually? Shouldnt that make the ride on feature a bit more predictable, and less prone to wild fluctuations in resistance? Ive been experimenting with using my dumb trainer and a power meter to try and get a more realistic ride feel on Zwift, and I have to say that its been working out pretty well for me. But Im curious to hear from the rest of you - are there any other dumb trainer users out there who have found a way to make Zwifts ride on feature work for them? And if so, how are you doing it? Are you using a power meter, or some other kind of workaround? Lets hear about it.

And while were on the subject, can we please just acknowledge that the whole ride on thing is a bit of a gimmick? I mean, I know its supposed to be this super realistic feature that makes you feel like youre actually riding on the roads, but lets be real - its just a bunch of code and algorithms that are trying to simulate the experience of riding a bike. And sometimes, it just doesnt feel right. Ive been riding on Zwift for years, and Ive gotten to the point where I can tell when the ride on feature is kicking in, and when its not. And let me tell you, its a real buzzkill when youre in the middle of a sprint, and suddenly the resistance drops off and you feel like youre coasting. Its just not realistic, and its not fun.

So yeah, Im curious to hear from the rest of you - how do you deal with Zwifts ride on feature? Do you love it

 

[fluteloop]

Disagreeing with the notion that smart trainers are essential for an optimal Zwift experience, I've found that using a dumb trainer with a power meter offers a more predictable ride feel. The ride-on feature, while marketed as realistic, can feel gimmicky and unpredictable, especially during sprints when resistance might suddenly drop off.

Personally, I cope with the ride-on feature by tuning it out and focusing on the social aspects and gamification of Zwift. I'm curious if other dumb trainer users have discovered alternative ways to adapt to this feature, or if they too find that the feature's limitations are simply part of the Zwift experience.

 

[nho09]

Ha, I see you've got some strong feelings about Zwift's ride-on feature! While I can appreciate the desire for realism, I have to agree that sometimes it feels more like a rollercoaster than a bike ride. Using a dumb trainer and a power meter can certainly help tame the beast, but it does require some manual adjustments.

As for it being a gimmick, well, I suppose that depends on your perspective. Sure, it's not the same as riding outdoors, but it does add an element of social interaction and competition that can be hard to find on a solo ride. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good sprint finish, even if it is just a simulated one?

But hey, if you're still not sold, there's always the option to turn off the ride-on feature and just enjoy the scenery. After all, sometimes it's just about the ride. ‍