Smart Bike Hub or complete set-up?

[22]

I want to get a smart bike for the office and I like the look of the Zwift app etc (but happy to hear of alternatives). I already have a rowing machine (Concept C2) and, as much as I love and use it most days, it lacks an immersive experience (I've tried various apps). Concept also do an exercise bike that works with Zwift, but I think I want the 'smart' element of inclines etc being reflected.

I have a Ridgeback Flight 02 push bike in the shed (untouched for many years). It's a flat-bar hybrid and if suitable I could get that serviced and just buy the 'hub' (although it's 18 gears), or I'm happy to buy a complete set-up. Sensible budget for something suitable.

Any help pointing me in a suitable direction is very welcome.

[frisbee]

If you want incline i.e the bike titling up and down, you need a Kickr Bike (£3k) or a Kickr Climb + one of their trainers + your bike (£1000 to 1500 total).. Its a bit gimicky.

Zwift themselves do a trainer which looks pretty good (£500).

I would be tempted to go for a Peleton bike and Peleton if I was just doing it for fitness and motivation. I'm a cyclist and I prefer going for a run rather than using Zwift!

[anonymous-user]

If you mean you want the resistance to mimic the ride you see on zwift so it gets harder uphill then you need a trainer with ERG mode. I have a zwift hub and highly recommend it. I think they’re selling it at a very reduced price compared to competitors to gain market share. They’ve just released a new one which can use any bike regardless of the free hub. I believe they ship it with 12 months zwift too.

[mikees]

sebdangerfield said:

If you mean you want the resistance to mimic the ride you see on zwift so it gets harder uphill then you need a trainer with ERG mode. I have a zwift hub and highly recommend it. I think they’re selling it at a very reduced price compared to competitors to gain market share. They’ve just released a new one which can use any bike regardless of the free hub. I believe they ship it with 12 months zwift too.

I’ve just ordered one. I already have a Kickr and climb but the hub one and no cassette hub faffing is a game changer. Kickr and climb will be going on eBay

[justin220]

I've just picked up a Wahoo Kickr and delighted with it. I havent tried Zwift yet but have been using FulGaz, which is similar idea although its all filmed in real life footage and the inclines are replicated when you cycle round.

I dont think it has the social aspect that zwift has though. Will try Zwift soon to see what all the fuss is about.. But Fulgaz is superb!