How To Use Zwift | Zwift For Beginners

Thanks to Zwift for the products used in this video, all views are the presenters own.

Zwift is an online virtual cycling world that allows you to ride, train or race with other cyclists from around the globe!
Si and Matt are here to let you know the basics for being able to use the increasingly popular platform.

Are you a Zwift user? Let us know how you are finding it in the comments below 👇

Ex-professional cyclists Simon Richardson and Matt Stephens are here with all you need to know about starting up with Zwift.

You will need an indoor trainer, and something that tells Zwift how fast you are riding.
For a basic setup this can be a speed sensor that communicates with Zwift.
A more advanced setup is using a powermeter which transmits all metrics to the software.
The most accurate setup though, is to use a smart trainer. This will also increase/decrease pedalling resistance dependant on terrain and if you are slipstreaming for instance.

You will also need a towel, drink, and we advise using a fan to help keep you cool.
Something also worth considering is the Zwift app, this is used as a remote control for the features available.

There are three different worlds that you can ride in, these are:
Watopia - South Pacific Paradise, 8 routes and 42km of roads
Richmond - 4 routes and 18.9km of roads
London - 8 routes and 27.5km of roads

Zwift has a calendar to show when the different courses/routes are available to ride on as well as group rides and races that are being hosted if you wish to join in the fun.

Choosing a route is simple and then you can go for a ride, you can even choose to turn onto a different route as well as doing a U-Turn and riding the other way if you see someone you would like to ride with for example.

The screen setup shows all the metrics you need, including gradient and where you are on a route/ride. You can also see where you in comparison to others riding, as well as the watts per kg that they are outputting!

You can even customise your clothing and bike appearance onscreen, including an unlockable GCN kit! Not forgetting being able to wave at others, flick the elbow and even give other users a 'Ride-on'

There are plenty of training sessions and workouts on Zwift, including 32 GCN workouts and you can even create your own.

After any activity the ride data is displayed and can be saved/uploaded to your profile on sites such as Strava, Training Peaks etc.

Watch more on GCN...

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

What's your favourite way to use Zwift?

[savysmilesumtymes]

I just want to ride someone else's zwift setup haha. There should be a zwift cafe

[absurdio]

"That's a good'un. Don't forget to like. And shit." -- Matt Stephens, 2017.

[connieback]

Wow! I didn't think there could possibly be a way to convert a torture device / trainer to something that would actually be fun and interesting. This might be how it's done.

[ramsesm]

"I'm in the first time..." - My daughter loves watching these shows with me and we go out riding and hears the "click" of my second cleat we both raise one arm and say out lout "I'm in..." - guys, thank you for the wonderful content filled with your wonderful personalities....

[thomasabbott]

"Power, beats per minute and revolutions per minute" uuummm are you absolutely sure about that Matt??

[svartahridxhgc]

This definitely should go on virtual reality, imagine the potential of this, only problem I can thought, is that you are going to be wearing a head set when exercising so hard, maybe it would require a new special headset design, promoting freshness, otherwise for example lenses are going to get fog.

[andromada]

343 days left for trial? nice one GCN!

[joelklingenberg]

Was not ready for that Simon to Matt transition at 2:07. Where did Si go? Is he safe? Did he see a flock of dirty bikes outside and begin hunting them down, never to be seen again? Where did Matt come from? Was he hiding in Daniel's hair? Did he use his allen key wand imbued with National Road Race Champion powers to banish Si to the Land of Unwritten Rules to forever clean extra chain keepers?...Sorry guys, its been a long Wednesday...Oh, Simon's back at 4:24. You should always watch the whole video.

[jasonmcgrody]

I know this is sponsored content but it's useful information for people who are new to online trainers like this and GCN is far more entertaining than anything Zwift could probably come up with in house.

[Kackspack]

Wow, this guy aged quite a lot in just a few seconds (2:02 – 2:05).😯😉

[ddew]

Matt Stephens cruising along at 290W with barely an elevated heart rate #lifegoals

[SobanBhatti]

Perfect timing. Just finished my Zwift setup and this was a great little intro to the user interface. Thanks GCN :)

[lillysworld]

Loving using Zwift with my Kickr Rollr 😊

[NielsHeldens]

Pro tip: there's this really fun section on the mountain course called 'the Pretzel'. Trust me, you will love it.

[wondermonkeyoutdoors]

Thanks for this video and for the series (yet to watch). I'm trying to get over the mental drudgery of using my bike trainer and have picked zwift to help, in part by your videos on it.

[LUCYDIAMONDBOXER]

7:15 does Matt say "don't forget to like and shit"???😂🤔

[bradmbridgham]

Anyone using Zwift on wheelchair with sensor on wheel hub? I have rollers for my chair and would like to add Zwift tours and training. Maybe a wheelchair avatar in the future👍

[fueledbymusic]

I had the idea of riding my real bike in the bike trails or the city streets or ANYWHERE. Record the ride on a GoPro, then go home, put my bike on the indoor bike trainer, then play that Gopro video and Ride! It's a way of helping me get the feel of being outside!!!! REALLY COOL! Although, it's nothing like this Zwift, but close enough if we don't have the dollars to buy it yet

[rusty-ole-boomstick]

I just came in from a 30 mile bike ride, it rained a bit and then sunshine the rest of the time. Hop on my laptop and scroll through yt before my shower, and I get this cheeky algorithm. Doesn't anyone go outside anymore?