So you’ve decided to jump into the world of riding on Zwift with an exercise bike. But the question is, which exercise bike should I buy? With a whole load of options out there, we’re here to unpick everything from ANT+ to modular smart bikes.

What’s an Exercise Bike (In the Zwift World)?

First, let’s clear something up, when we talk about exercise bikes in the context of Zwift, what we’re really referring to is smart bikes. Smart bikes and exercise bikes are essentially the same thing, although smart bikes are a little more high tech. A smart bike translates every pedal stroke into your virtual speed in Zwift.

A smart bike is more than a spinning or gym bike. They feature the ability to connect with apps, like Zwift, so that you can turn lonely indoor workouts into world-hopping adventures, unlimited motivation, and community-powered fun.

To get riding on Zwift you have two main paths to choose from:

Option 1: Your bike + turbo trainer

This is where you take an existing bike and fix it to a separate smart trainer. This is the most popular option for getting started on Zwift. The trainer does all the work of translating the power you put through the pedals to getting your avatar moving in-game.

Option 2: Smart bike

A smart bike is a purpose-built machine that combines everything into one. It’s your Zwift bike, resistance system and connectivity. Just hop on and start pedalling through virtual worlds.

Both approaches will get you riding in Zwift’s virtual worlds like Watopia, but they can offer very different experiences.

Why a Smart Bike?

Before we get into the details of different specs and models, it’s worth asking: Why go for a smart bike at all? Smart bikes are changing the game for lots of Zwifters, and here’s why they’re making the switch.

It’s more convenient. Everything needed for Zwift in one package. You don’t need a separate bike, tools and cassette. It’s ready to ride out of the box and requires little to no maintenance.

Keeps space tidy. Smart bikes are ideal for spaces where setting up and storing a road bike or turbo trainer isn’t practical. With everything in one place it’s one less barrier to jumping into a training session.

Get your fit dialled. Previously smart bikes have always looked a little clunky and far from what a standard bike is with limited adjustability. However modern smart bikes are super adjustable! This means you can find your ideal riding position, and even replicate the saddle and shifting on your outdoor bike to your indoor bike.

Zwift control from your handlebars. Lastly, with a smart bike like Zwift Ride, you can queue your next ride or workout, use PowerUps, give a Ride On, and more, directly from the buttons on the handlebars.

The 6 Key Features That Matter When Choosing a Smart Bike

When choosing your first smart bike for Zwift, focus on features that directly impact your comfort, performance, and connection to the game. Here are 6 key features you should look out for:

1. Price

When choosing a smart bike, price is going to be a key factor in your decision. The price of smart bikes can vary hugely, with bikes towards the higher end, like the Wahoo KICKR, costing around €4,000 / $4,000 / £4,000.

The Zwift Ride is one of the cheaper smart bikes on the market. With the full package coming in at €1.299,99, / $1,299.99 / £1,199.99 it’s the perfect choice for those getting to grips with riding indoors on a smart bike.

2. Features & Technology 

There are a whole load of extra features that smart bikes have besides the basics. For the Zwift Ride, this means things like virtual shifting, which means changing gears is done via software and therefore your chain doesn’t need to move.

It also has impressive power accuracy. When riding in Zwift, power is everything. In cycling, power (measured in watts) is the measure of the force put through the pedals. Simply speaking, the harder you pedal, the higher your power. Zwift bases your in-game speed on the power you are putting through the pedals. Accurate power measurement is essential, so you’re in safe hands with the Zwift Ride’s accuracy of +/- 2%.

Lastly some smart bikes, like the Zwift Ride, are designed with modularity in mind. This means you can detach the Zwift Frame from the smart trainer, so you have a separate trainer to use with a standard bike. This gives you all the perks of a smart bike, with the flexibility of a bike & trainer set up. It’s a win-win.

3. Comfort & Fit 

Arguably the most important feature. Making sure the bike fits you properly will mean you can ride comfortably and efficiently for longer. A good smart bike will let you adjust saddle height, reach, handlebar height, and crank length.

The Zwift Ride is completely adjustable. Meaning the smart bike can work for the whole family too. Also being able to easily swap out the saddle, handlebars and pedals will mean your smart bike will feel completely tailored to the rider’s body.

4. Space & Storage 

In the past smart bikes have been clunky and difficult to manoeuvre, making them a less popular choice compared to a smart trainer and bike set up. However the Zwift Ride is smaller than the traditional set up. Plus it looks great too!

5. Noise 

Remember the virtual shifting we talked about with the Zwift Ride? Well this has another benefit too. Virtual shifting means your smart bike is quieter too. A quiet smart bike makes all the difference, especially if you’re riding in near proximity to family members or neighbours. 

The quietness of the Zwift Ride is partly thanks to the Zwift Cog, a single-sprocket hub system which removes the dilemma and faff of cassette compatibility. The Zwift Cog is also available for Zwift Ready smart trainers.

6. Tech Support

Beyond the hardware, having the right tech support can take your smart bike experience to the next level. With Zwift Ride you can contact support in just a few clicks. Plus a handy quickstart guide and a host of instructional videos you’ll be up and riding in no time.

Smart Bikes for Zwift

There are now several smart bikes on the market that are fully compatible with Zwift. Some of the most well-known models include:

• Zwift Ride
  
• Wahoo KICKR Bike  
  
• Wahoo KICKR Bike Shift
  
• Garmin Tacx NEO Bike Plus
  
• Elite Square
  
• Wattbike Atom
  

All of these models offer smart resistance, accurate power, and connectivity with Zwift.

It’s also worth exploring the Zwift-compatible gear page linked above for the latest information on supported smart bikes and accessories.

Want to mix and match? Pair the Zwift Frame with a Zwift Ready trainer to build your own smart bike. Perfect if you already have a smart trainer you’d like to turn into a smart bike.

What Makes the Zwift Ride Different

If you’re looking to get started with a Zwift-compatible smart bike it’s hard to look past the Zwift Ride. It gives the flexibility of modular design at a super competitive price, whilst being the smart bike that is truly designed for Zwift.

Plus it’s built with ease of use in mind. There’s no need for a separate bike, tools, or technical know-how.

Here’s what else stands out from the crowd:

• Integrated controls: This gives you Zwift access at your fingertips. With Zwift Play buttons on your hoods you can control your workout quicker than ever.
  
• Designed for Zwift: With virtual shifting via in-built shifters and the Zwift Cog, combined with the Zwift Frame’s braking and steering set up, this is the smart bike that makes riding on Zwift truly immersive.
  
• Turbo trainer + frame set up: Being a modular combination of a smart bike frame and smart trainer, the Zwift Ride gives you full flexibility when training indoors.

Where to Buy a Smart Bike

When buying a smart bike for Zwift, always purchase from a trusted retailer or the manufacturer’s website. This ensures you’re getting the right model, full warranty coverage, and access to updates or support.

Ready to Ride?

Choosing your first smart bike for Zwift doesn’t have to be complicated. Zwift is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of hardware, so the perfect bike is simply the one that aligns with your fitness goals, available space, and budget. 

Looking to get pedalling with the Zwift Ride? The one-stop Zwift smart bike combined of the Zwift Frame and the Wahoo KICKR Core is currently available from the Zwift Shop in select markets.