Getting pedalling on Zwift doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it only needs just a few key bits of kit. There are lots of products out there which can make Zwifting a breeze, and some of them you might have already. So here’s all the essential gear you need to start your Zwift journey. The first section includes the essentials and the second part features the nice-to-haves. 

But First, What is Zwift?

Just to clear up any confusion here! Zwift makes indoor training fun. It’s a game that brings together thousands of cyclists so that you can pedal through hundreds of kilometres of virtual worlds, join 24/7 group rides and complete personalised training plans that adapt to your progress.

With Zwift the indoor training world has turned on its head. There’s no need to ride a stationary bike with just a playlist for company. Now you can ride with a community from the comfort of your own home. You can also keep the workout playlist too! Now let’s look at the equipment you need to Zwift.

What Essential Equipment Do I Need to Zwift? 

There are four absolute essential things you need to Zwift. This is all you need to get started:

1. A Bike to put on a Smart Trainer

You need a bike so that you can push pedals and turn your sweat into getting your avatar moving in the Zwift game. What bike you choose is up to you.

You’ll need to make sure your bike is compatible with your turbo trainer, we’ll come on to this next. But most turbo trainers will support 24” to 29″ wheels.

2. An Indoor Trainer (Turbo Trainer)

The indoor trainer is the link between your bike and the Zwift game. It turns your regular bicycle into a stationary bike, enabling you to cycle indoors. 

It can also speak to your device through bluetooth or ANT+, allowing the power transmitted through the pedals to be registered in game. An indoor trainer is the most popular option, but you can also Zwift with a smart bike or rollers.

There are a few options when it comes to choosing a turbo trainer:

Basic and ‘wheel-on’ trainers: These are the most affordable option. They clamp onto your rear wheel and provide resistance through a roller or magnetic system. While they work with Zwift, you’ll need separate sensors to measure your power and cadence. They’re perfect for beginners who want to try Zwift without a huge investment.

Smart trainers: These are where things get exciting. Smart trainers connect directly to Zwift via Bluetooth or ANT+ and can automatically adjust resistance based on the terrain you’re riding. When you hit a hill in the virtual world, the trainer makes it harder to pedal. When you’re cruising downhill, it gets easier. Many smart trainers also have built-in power meters, so you get accurate power readings without additional sensors.

Zwift Ready: You might see this term when shopping for trainers. It simply means the trainer comes with a Zwift Cog pre-installed. The Zwift Cog is a single sprocket designed to fit most 8-12 speed bikes, simplifying your setup by eliminating the need to swap cassettes.

The beauty of choosing a smart trainer is that they handle the power measurement and resistance control automatically. Brands like Wahoo, Tacx, Van Rysel and Elite make excellent options across different price points.

3. A Device to Run Zwift

You’ll need something to actually run the Zwift software on. This could be your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Each has its pros and cons, but before buying anything specific to run Zwift, try it with what you already have first. 

Choosing Your Device

Zwift runs on almost everything – iOS and Android devices, Windows and Mac computers, and even Apple TV. Your choice depends on your preferences and how immersive you want your experience to be. Budget should also be a consideration, but thankfully there are a lots of cheaper PCs and tablets for Zwift.

Smartphone: The most accessible option since you probably already have one. Zwift runs well on modern phones, though the small screen can make it harder to see other riders and read data. It’s perfect for trying Zwift out before committing to other hardware.

Tablet: A sweet spot for many riders. Tablets offer a bigger screen than phones while remaining portable and affordable. An iPad or Android tablet gives you a much better view of the virtual world while still being easy to position wherever you’re riding.

Computer: Whether laptop or desktop, computers generally offer the best Zwift experience. You get the largest screen, best graphics quality, and most stable connection. If you’re planning to Zwift regularly, a computer setup is worth considering.

Apple TV: An underrated option that lets you run Zwift on your big screen TV. You’ll need an iPhone or iPad to control the interface, but riding while watching on a large TV can be incredibly immersive.

4. Zwift Subscription and Getting Started

Before you can start riding, you’ll need to download the Zwift app on your chosen device. The good news is that Zwift offers a free trial period, so you can test everything out before committing to a subscription.

You can actually download the software and explore the interface even before you have your trainer set up. This lets you get familiar with the menus, check out the virtual worlds, and plan your first rides. 

If you haven’t already, check out the Zwift Companion App too. Join a club, follow your friends, and engage with the Zwift community before starting your journey. It’s everything you need to control Zwift and support your riding in one place. This also includes browsing the hundreds of events and group rides available on Zwift.

Setting up your complete Zwift experience

Now that we’ve covered the absolute basics, let’s walk through everything you need to create the perfect Zwift setup, from budget-friendly options to premium upgrades.

5. A Zwift-Friendly Space

First things first, you need somewhere to set up your turbo trainer. This doesn’t have to be a completely dedicated room – many Zwifters happily ride in their living room, garage, or spare bedroom. The idea is to have enough space to comfortably mount your bike on the trainer with room to get on and off safely.

Consider ceiling height too – you’ll be sitting up on your bike, so make sure there’s adequate headroom. A hard surface will give you a solid base to set up your trainer.

6. Some Cushioning

A mat underneath your turbo trainer and bike will help protect your floors and provide a touch of cushioning that can dampen vibration and noise. So a mat can definitely make your experience smoother. At the bare minimum, grab a cheap yoga mat or some carpet. This will protect your flooring from scratches and absorb some vibration.

If you’re planning to Zwift regularly, consider investing in a proper trainer mat. The Zwift Training Mat is popular among serious Zwifters. This thick PVC mat is specifically designed to handle the weight and movement from indoor training while dampening noise for neighbors.

7. Keeping Cool 

Indoor cycling generates a lot of heat because there’s no natural airflow like when you’re riding outside. Without proper ventilation, you’ll be dripping sweat within minutes.

The simplest solution is positioning yourself near a window or door that you can open, or setting up a regular household fan pointed at your riding position. You can pick up a cheap fan on Amazon which provides enough power to keep you cool during the most intense sessions.

8. Keeping Dry

This might seem obvious, but you’ll be amazed at how much you sweat during indoor training. A regular bath towel works fine, but some companies make specialized trainer towels that are extra absorbent and designed to drape over your handlebars. 

9. A Desk or Stand

Somewhere to mount your device like a desk or stand can help improve your indoor training set up. A simple solution could be a table or desk you already have at home. There are some specialist options out there too. Including the Wahoo KICKR desk and the JetBlack Trainer Table which offer purpose-built options for the ultimate training set up.

10. Extra Data

There are some upgrades that can add more data points to your set up:

Heart rate monitor: While not essential, a heart rate strap or watch gives you more detailed fitness data and unlocks heart rate-based training zones in Zwift.

Cadence sensor: If your trainer doesn’t measure cadence automatically, a simple cadence sensor can provide this useful metric.

That’s Everything You Need to Zwift!

The beauty of Zwift is that you can start simple and gradually build up your setup as you discover what works best for you. The most important thing is to get started – you’ll be surprised how quickly indoor training becomes an enjoyable part of your routine.

So grab your bike, set up that trainer, download the app, and start pedaling. The virtual roads are waiting, and there’s a whole community ready to ride with you. 

Get your 14-day free trial today to experience immersive worlds, challenge yourself on epic climbs, and ride on endless roads.