Boost Your Indoor Cycling Performance with New On-Screen Metrics on Zwift
ZWIFT COMMUNITY | on July 14, 2025 by Zwift
Looking to improve your indoor cycling workouts on Zwift? You’re in luck—we’ve just rolled out powerful new features into the left hand stats screen known as the Configurable Head Unit Display (HUD), giving you greater control over the performance metrics you see during your rides. Whether you’re training for a race, improving your FTP, or just want deeper cycling data insights, these updates are for you. Let’s explore how these new HUD metrics can help you train smarter, ride stronger, and make the most of your time on the bike.
Much-Requested Data Fields Now Available
Many Zwifters have asked for better visibility into key cycling metrics—and now they’re here. With this latest update, you can now view:
- Average Speed: Track your overall pace in real time to fine-tune your effort.
- Weighted Power (Watts): Monitor your watts (more commonly known as your average cycling power output) for better pacing and training intensity.
These metrics are essential for cyclists aiming to improve endurance, pedal control, and race strategy during indoor cycling sessions.
Additional Metrics for Performance Analysis
Want to dive deeper into your cycling performance? The updated Zwift HUD now supports advanced data for cyclists with power meters:
- Left/Right Power Balance: This feature shows the power distribution between your left and right legs in real time. Ideal for injury recovery, performance optimization, and pedal stroke efficiency analysis.
This metric is a game-changer for riders who want to improve pedaling symmetry and optimize power output on smart trainers or high-end cycling setups. This metric is a game-changer for riders who want to improve pedaling symmetry and optimize power output on smart trainers or high-end cycling setups. To get L/R Power data you only need to pair to a device that broadcasts independent L/R power to third party apps like Zwift. If the manufacturer of your power meter says they support this functionality only within their own training software, L/R Power Balance may not work. This connection MUST happen over Bluetooth.
Heat Training Integration with CORE Body Temperature Sensor
Heat training is a hot topic (literally) in the world of endurance cycling. Zwift has partnered with CORE Body Temperature Sensor to bring new thermal performance data directly into your HUD:
- CORE Temperature: Displays your body’s real-time core temperature during indoor rides.
- CORE HSI (Heat Strain Index): Tracks your body’s heat load, helping you understand how heat affects your performance.
By integrating a CORE sensor device with Zwift (via the CORE app and heart rate monitor), cyclists can now train more safely and make it easier to train effectively, avoid overexertion, and build thermal resilience ahead of hot races.
So why is heat training so popular right now? It helps cyclists prepare for warm conditions by improving sweat response, boosting cardiovascular efficiency, and enhancing overall endurance. With more riders training indoors, heat adaptation can now be done in a controlled environment.
Previously Available Metrics Still Matter
Before this update, Zwift already offered key in-game data that many riders rely on for training and performance tracking. These included:
- Cadence (RPM): Tracks the number of pedal revolutions per minute, helping riders monitor their pedaling speed and efficiency.
- Heart Rate (BPM): Measures beats per minute to assess cardiovascular exertion and monitor training intensity zones.
- Energy Burned (CAL): Estimates the total number of calories burned during a ride, useful for fitness tracking and nutrition planning.
- Power to Weight Ratio (W/KG): Displays a rider’s power output relative to their weight, a crucial metric for competitive racing and climbs.
- Kilojoules (KJ): Represents the total work done on the bike, closely related to energy expenditure.
- Stress Points (SP): Reflects the cumulative training load based on intensity and duration, helping users gauge fatigue and recovery needs.
- Average Power (AP): Averages power (watts) output over time.
Additionally, you can manually trigger Splits (also referred to as laps or intervals) while cycling in Zwift. This gives you greater control over your workout data and lets you mark specific efforts or segments of your ride. Each triggered split appears in a new sidebar panel in the in-game HUD, helping you keep track of performance in real time. Your splits are also included in your FIT files for post-ride analysis.
How to Trigger a Split:
- Action Bar: Tap the New Split icon either in-game or in the Zwift Companion app.
- Lap Button: Select the on-screen Lap button (available on all platforms except Apple TV).
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press the Tab key on your keyboard.
- Zwift Ride Drop Bar Buttons: Head to Zwift Settings → Hardware → Drop Buttons and assign:
- Left Button (L): New Split
- Right Button (R): Power Up
These foundational metrics remain available and continue to provide essential insights for structured workouts and endurance goals.
Why Customize Your HUD
With the new update, you can personalize your indoor cycling display to focus on the metrics that matter most to your training goals. Whether you’re targeting power zones, tracking average speed, or monitoring heat adaptation, Zwift gives you full control.
This level of customization makes it easier than ever to stay focused and perform at your best—whether you’re racing a Zwift event or doing a solo endurance ride.
How to Update Your HUD Metrics
Updating your display is simple:
- Open your Zwift Settings Menu during a ride.
- Navigate to the HUD tab.
- Use the four customizable slots to select from new and existing cycling metrics like average watts, speed, heart rate, or cadence.
- Save your preferences and Ride On.
Take advantage of this update to create your ideal Zwift dashboard.
What’s Next: Training Gains Ahead
Now that you have the metrics you want on screen, it’s time to get riding. Here are some beneficial blog posts to kick your training into high gear: