Will It Zwift: What Types of Bikes Work with Zwift?

You don’t need to be a pro cyclist with an expensive carbon machine to ride on Zwift. This is because almost any type of bike can be ridden in Zwift’s virtual worlds.

This is made even easier with Zwift Ready and the Zwift Cog and Click. So whether that’s a road, hybrid, mountain bike, or even a TT bike, the answer is it’ll work with Zwift.

Here’s our guide to the types of bikes you can Zwift with. Spoiler, it’s more than you think.

The Cheat Code: Zwift Ready For Broader Compatibility

The best thing about the evolution of modern indoor training is that manufacturers have worked hard to ensure broad compatibility. 

With Zwift Ready, setting up a bike on the indoor trainer has never been more straightforward. A Zwift Ready trainer means it comes preinstalled with Zwift Cog and Click.

How Zwift Cog Works

Zwift Cog means you can run almost any drivetrain make or model.

Instead of physically shifting through gears on your bike, the Zwift Cog uses virtual shifting.

You control your gears through the Zwift Click controllers and the trainer instantly adjusts resistance to simulate shifting. This means your actual chain never moves between gears.

Virtual Shifting Benefits

Since the shifts happen virtually, almost any drivetrain, from 8 to 13 speed can work with the Zwift Cog.

This is revolutionary for bike compatibility. It means you can ride your vintage 8-speed road bike, your modern 12-speed gravel bike, and your commuter hybrid all on the same trainer without changing cassettes. 

As long as your chain fits the Cog (and almost all do), you’re good to go. It also makes it super convenient for switching bikes in your household.

Virtual shifting also eliminates drivetrain wear and noise during indoor sessions. Your chain stays perfectly aligned, never cross-chaining or stressing components the way outdoor riding sometimes does.

Bikes For Indoor Training

So, what bikes are fit for Zwift Ready indoor trainers? Dropouts (where your wheel is removed to mount to the trainer) come in all shapes and sizes. But most Zwift Ready indoor trainers are set up to be compatible with a really wide range of bikes. As always, check with your specific turbo trainer’s specifications to make sure.

Riding Road Bikes and Gravel Bikes on Zwift

If you’re using a relatively standard 700c road bike, gravel bike or hybrid, then you’re best set up for being compatible with the vast majority of indoor trainers. These are the bikes that indoor trainers are primarily designed around, so compatibility is straightforward.

All Zwift Ready trainers include adapters to accommodate both quick-release and thru-axle setups, for bikes with disc brakes.

Using Mountain Bikes on Zwift

Zwift Ready smart trainers will work with all mountain bikes, whether they have 26″, 27.5″ (or 650b), or 29″ wheels

One consideration for MTBs is the rear axle spacing. Modern mountain bikes tend to use Boost spacing (148mm) or Super Boost (157mm), whereas older models can use 142mm or even 135mm. Most trainers will include adapters for these different standards, but it’s worth double-checking before you buy.

Mounting Hybrid and Commuter Bikes for Zwift

Your daily commuter is absolutely ready to ride on Zwift. Hybrids typically use 700c wheels like road bikes, making them naturally compatible with Zwift Ready trainers. The upright riding position might feel different compared to racing on a road bike, but many riders find it more comfortable for longer indoor sessions.

City bikes and touring bikes also work well. Even bikes with mudguards, racks, and other accessories can be mounted to trainers, though you might need to remove some of these depending on your trainer model.

Vintage and Different Types of Bikes

Got a retro steel racer from the 1990s? It’ll likely work too! Single-speed bikes, fixies, and bikes with unusual geometry can all potentially work with Zwift, though you might need to get creative with setup. The main limitation is whether the rear dropout spacing and axle type can be accommodated by your trainer.

How About Using E-Bikes on Zwift?

E-bikes can also be used with Zwift, though there are a couple of things to consider. First, remove the battery (or run it empty) so you’re not getting assistance during your ride. Second, keep in mind that e-bikes are heavier, which won’t affect trainer compatibility but can make mounting and moving the setup a bit more awkward.

The real thing to check is the rear axle standard. Many e-bikes use the same spacing as road or hybrid bikes, but some have proprietary designs that won’t fit every trainer.

What is a Zwift Ready trainer?

As mentioned, the Zwift Ready mark means that the trainer comes with a Zwift Cog and Click pre-installed. Therefore it will be compatible with almost any 8-13 speed bike and give you the best Zwift experience. 

A Zwift Ready trainer is the easiest way to get pedalling quickly on Zwift. No complex set up and no extra cassettes.

What’s the difference between Zwift Cog and a cassette?

Previously you needed to fit a standard cassette to an indoor trainer. This meant purchasing an additional cassette solely for indoor use. 

If you wanted to ride another bike, you were limited to bikes only compatible with the cassette on your trainer. So if you had a bike with more or less gears, a different ratio, or a different drivetrain brand, then you wouldn’t be able to use it indoors without changing the cassette.

With Zwift Cog this is all simplified. There is just one “cog” for your trainer and shifting is virtual. It opens your trainer up to multiple bike types and broad compatibility.

Can you upgrade an existing trainer to Zwift Ready?

If you already own a smart trainer then there is no need to worry. There are Zwift Cog Compatible trainers which mean you can retro-fit the Zwift Cog and Click to unlock the benefits. The full list of Zwift Ready and Zwift Cog Compatible trainers can be found here.

What’s the cheapest setup for Zwift?

The most affordable way to start Zwifting varies depending on what you already own, but here’s a breakdown:

Bike

Hopefully we’ve shown you that you most likely already have a suitable bike! This means on the bike-front you’re good to go.

Trainer

If you have the budget, then a direct-drive Zwift Ready smart trainer will give you a headstart. You can pick up a cheap Zwift-Ready smart trainer, with options starting from £280 / €299 / $400.

Device

You’ll also need a device to run Zwift on. A computer, tablet, or smartphone. Zwift’s app is free to download, but requires a subscription. You’re probably already reading this article on a compatible device, so this isn’t necessarily an additional cost.

Total Budget Minimum:

With a bike you already own, an entry-level smart trainer, and a device to run Zwift on (laptop, tablet, or phone you likely already have), you can easily start Zwifting for around £300.

You don’t need the fanciest setup to get started with Zwift. Thousands of riders train and race on basic equipment and have a fantastic experience. You can always upgrade later as your needs evolve.

Ready to Start Zwifting?

Good news, that bike tucked away in your garage or hallway will very likely work with Zwift. Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids and even unusual or older frames can usually be adapted to modern trainers.

This combined with the latest training tech like Zwift Ready and the Zwift Cog and Click means that the barriers to entry have never been lower.

Don’t let bike compatibility concerns stop you from experiencing the fun, community, and effective training that Zwift offers. Check your bike’s specifications, verify trainer compatibility, and you’ll probably find you’re ready to ride.
Looking to go Zwift Ready? Take a look at our Zwift Ready options in the Zwift Shop which include the Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 and the Zwift Ride.