Zwift is, probably, the most popular virtual cycling app. that enables users to interact, train, and compete in a virtual world. I joined and started using Zwift back in 2020 but my use declined and when the monthly cost jumped to £17.99 , I cancelled my subscription and went looking for something cheaper.
After a bit of looking around, I went for MyWhoosh, which I have now used for a couple of months. I started a structured training programme for beginners and have just completed that.
The two apps. are quite similar offering free rides, workouts and races.
I was messing about on my computer the other day and fired up Zwift, I think to check that bits of gear were connecting properly, when I noticed that I had twenty five kilometres of riding available.
I had a look through the available rides and picked a paced ride where a virtual pace-setter guides you around the virtual world at a set level.
That’s me in the red and black jersey next to the robo-rider.
Recently, in MyWhoosh, I had enjoyed virtual gears but that system doesn’t work with Zwift so I had to resort to old skool gear changing on the bike.
I did the ride, noticing the messages on screen informing me that I had ten kilometres left, then five, less than one and finally when I’d exhausted my allowance a big banner popped up asking me to sign up.
Luckily, there was a “not now” option which I pressed … and carried on riding.
By the time I’d stopped pedalling, I had covered 25.7 kilometres which was uploaded to Strava.
I enjoyed the ride. Graphically, MyWhoosh and Zwift look similar but Zwift is a bit more nuanced, for example, in the picture with the robo-rider, you can see my front light illuminating the road ahead.
Zwift also has in-game sound such as road crowd noise and the whoosh of the tyres on the tarmac. Interestingly, when going over cobbles, the picture wobbles a bit.
I prefer Zwift but I have to consider the price difference between MyWhoosh (free) and Zwift (£17.99 per month). But, what is £17.99 a month. I spend more than that every time I go for a drink. I can forego one night at The Griffin per month for a month’s virtual cycling. Healthier option as well.
As you can probably guess, I went for the Zwift option. Even better, though, was when I went to subscribe I was given a two week free trial – bonus.
I did like the virtual gearing of MyWhoosh, but that system is not compatible with Zwift as they have their own gearing solution.
The Zwift solution, called Cog and Click, comprises a single speed cog which replaces the cassette and a neat little two button module for changing up and down the gears.
As you can see, I’ve splashed out on the Cog and Click which installed easily.
However, once I’d got everything attached and paired with the mac mini, I had no virtual gearing showing in Zwift.
I tried the same with the iPad and on that platform, I did have gears. Umm ?
Digging a bit deeper, I noticed that when pairing, the trainer presents itself as a number of entities. In particular, the resistance element can be chosen from two options.
Elite FE-C 61317 doesn’t do gearing but selecting Direto does. I least I known which to select when I need to re-pair.
With everything, finally, set up I went looking for an event to try it all out.
One event which was being promoted was the “XP Express”, a group ride around Harrogate in Yorkshire.
I joined the ride with over six hundred others (another thing that Zwift scores over MyWhoosh is the number of other riders) and waited for the start.
The countdown ended and we were off – most quicker than I. Once I’d sussed out the gearing, I stopped spinning frantically and settled into a comfortable pace.
As anyone who knows Yorkshire, they do hills up north, and this ride was no exception but, at least, I got to familiarise myself with the virtual shifting.
Some fifty odd minutes after starting, the event finished and I had had a very enjoyable experience.
The only downside was that I am coming down with a cold so was not at my best.
Here’s a photo of my current set-up.
Zwift runs on the Mac mini which is displayed on a thirty two inch monitor in front of the bike.
I have the Zwift companion app. running on an old iPhone 8.
Sound comes from an old soundbar mounted under the monitor.
A couple of fans keep my cool.
