Zwift Set-up - I'm confused...

[mondeoman]

Mrs Mondeoman wants to get her bike set-up on a turbo and have a crack at using zwift, but not using her laptop. This is where I get totally lost...

We'll be getting her the Zwift turbo, she's already got a Garmin watch that has speed and cadence sensors on her bike, throw in a 24/32" smart TV and we're good to go - or are we? What I've read online is that Apple TV is the best way to connect to a TV, but does that mean the Apple TV box, or is a Smart TV with the Apple TV app sufficient?

Can anyone clarify this for me before I start spending?

[bobbo89]

I don't use Zwift anymore but whatever you use the set-up process is generally all the same. I have a smart trainer and the Rouvy (or Zwift in your case) app on my phone that's bluetooth connected to the smart trainer. I then run the app on my phone and wireless project it to my smart TV.

Could you connect the sensors to her phone rather than the watch, run Zwift off that and then wireless project to a smart TV?

Edited by bobbo89 on Saturday 29th April 13:10

[andyeds1234]

I find an iPad is the simplest setup, it removes the need for an Apple TV box. The screen obviously isn’t as big, but you can position it right in front of your handlebar, so you can see everything you need to and everything in the zwift app is to hand.

[frisbee]

The Apple TV app on a smart TV won't run Zwift.

I've got a relatively old Ipad that runs it fine. I usually run it on a laptop though, so I can watch Netflix on the Ipad.

[CooperS]

I’m still using last gens Apple TV 4K and it works great imo

[sociopath]

Pc, apple tv box or tablet (android or ipad) all work fine.

Apple TV app on your TV won't work

No idea about a Mac as I haven't used one for 30 years

[snotrag]

As above.

ipad, if you have one, is the simplest, easiest and quickest and I've found the most reliable. You can also sit it on your bars which works well if you have one of those folding covers.

[mondeoman]

Apple TV it is then, off to ebay we go.

Thank you. 👍

[smn159]

sociopath said:

No idea about a Mac as I haven't used one for 30 years

I can report that the M1 MacBook Air works flawlessly

[CheesecakeRunner]

Read this

https://zwiftinsider.com/getting-started-smart-tra...

AppleTV (the device) plus a decent sized TV is the simplest to setup for a decent experience. iPads etc on the bars are fine but no easier to set up and far less immersive.

Don’t forget a big fan, with a remote control!

[andyeds1234]

CheesecakeRunner said:

Read this

https://zwiftinsider.com/getting-started-smart-tra...

AppleTV (the device) plus a decent sized TV is the simplest to setup for a decent experience. iPads etc on the bars are fine but no easier to set up and far less immersive.

Don’t forget a big fan, with a remote control!

I must admit, I only glance at what’s going on in zwift every now and then, so the iPad does everything I need it to do. I’m only really checking on power output, or sticking it in ERG mode. I imagine if I were racing etc, a big screen would be a better experience.

[eyebeebe]

andyeds1234 said:

I must admit, I only glance at what’s going on in zwift every now and then, so the iPad does everything I need it to do. I’m only really checking on power output, or sticking it in ERG mode. I imagine if I were racing etc, a big screen would be a better experience.

Then you'd be better using something like TrainerRoad or TrainingPeaks? The whole USP of Zwift are the courses and the social aspect (that I totally don't get).

[andyeds1234]

eyebeebe said:

andyeds1234 said:

I must admit, I only glance at what’s going on in zwift every now and then, so the iPad does everything I need it to do. I’m only really checking on power output, or sticking it in ERG mode. I imagine if I were racing etc, a big screen would be a better experience.

Then you'd be better using something like TrainerRoad or TrainingPeaks? The whole USP of Zwift are the courses and the social aspect (that I totally don't get).

Used them but prefer zwift, it’s simpler and just works.

[eyebeebe]

andyeds1234 said:

eyebeebe said:

andyeds1234 said:

I must admit, I only glance at what’s going on in zwift every now and then, so the iPad does everything I need it to do. I’m only really checking on power output, or sticking it in ERG mode. I imagine if I were racing etc, a big screen would be a better experience.

Then you'd be better using something like TrainerRoad or TrainingPeaks? The whole USP of Zwift are the courses and the social aspect (that I totally don't get).

Used them but prefer zwift, it’s simpler and just works.

Fair enough. 90% of the time I use Zwift in 46/60/90mins riders choice mode because the interface works for me. I'm also one of the weirdos who uses it for running too. I realise it's probably not the most cost effective solution or best training platform though - hence the question. If it works, it works

[Le Chauffeur]

mondeoman said:

Apple TV it is then, off to ebay we go.

Thank you. ??

Just so you know, you need the 4th generation Apple TV box, or later... The older Apple TV boxes can’t download new apps so you need one that you can.

I made that mistake…

[stargazer30]

Op, the Zwift turbo trainer has the speed and cadence sensors built in. You only need that and the Apple TV to run the Zwift app. It’s actually very easy to setup. You can optionally use your phone with the Zwift companion app too if you want to. Oh and a fan, you’ll need one of those.