Massive difference between Zwift and real riding
Discussion
I’ve recently become a convert to Zwift riding. One thing I have noticed about Zwifting, in comparison to real riding, is how my body feels after a Zwift session. There is no vibration / road buzz / tissue jiggle, on Zwift, so although I feel like I’ve done a workout, I don’t feel like I’ve ridden a proper bike. I know that there are specific machines, in gyms and the like, that vibrate and move about, and the counter movements you make, really do burn a lot of calories. I wonder if there will ever be a piece of kit, that trys to replicate the constant counter movements, you make on a real road ride.
Edited by Dbag101 on Monday 25th November 17:29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii276oX2vh8
If you like, I'll also run a hose over you periodically, and when you're least expecting it, swing a tennis racket about two inches from your right elbow and give you the finger. Oh, and I'll bring you a coffee and a bacon roll at the end. For a tenner.
But you're right. They're Zwift vs world - similar - but they're not the same. At one end, we have me, on a turbo, watching a screen. At the other, we have a four way rocker plate, with steering, a riser under the forks to simulate gradient and so on. But 250w is still 250w, so I just use it as a training tool and try to ignore the fripperies!
If you like, I'll also run a hose over you periodically, and when you're least expecting it, swing a tennis racket about two inches from your right elbow and give you the finger. Oh, and I'll bring you a coffee and a bacon roll at the end. For a tenner.
But you're right. They're Zwift vs world - similar - but they're not the same. At one end, we have me, on a turbo, watching a screen. At the other, we have a four way rocker plate, with steering, a riser under the forks to simulate gradient and so on. But 250w is still 250w, so I just use it as a training tool and try to ignore the fripperies!
I've been using Zwift 2 years and its a mixed bag for me. For Zwift races and events its harder than IRL (I don't race for real) as you are always on and don't get a break. I tend to average higher power and run higher HRs on Zwift, you can push it as its a safe environment.
But on the flip side, when I do want to ride easy in Z2, I can only do that on Zwift. IRL it's not possible for me to stay in Z2 for very long. Its all hills around here and whichever route you take the up hill parts are always into a head wind
I do find Zwift physics to be complete comedy. It takes easy 2x the power to ride at the same speed outdoors than on Zwift and my bike power meter reads consistently with my turbos.
But on the flip side, when I do want to ride easy in Z2, I can only do that on Zwift. IRL it's not possible for me to stay in Z2 for very long. Its all hills around here and whichever route you take the up hill parts are always into a head wind
I do find Zwift physics to be complete comedy. It takes easy 2x the power to ride at the same speed outdoors than on Zwift and my bike power meter reads consistently with my turbos.
Dbag101 said:
stargazer30 said:
I do find Zwift physics to be complete comedy. It takes easy 2x the power to ride at the same speed outdoors than on Zwift and my bike power meter reads consistently with my turbos.
True. I was getting 28 mph with 130 Watts on Sunday, doing a ‘Watopia’ thing.Biggest difference I find is my core and arms… I tend to ride low on the hoods or drops outdoors, but upright indoors which is less physically demanding.
Most folk find making the watts harder indoors. Lack of inertia, heat build up that’s hard to counter, etc.
After a while of riding the turbo riding the same watts outside always felt like a breeze. There were some durations where it felt like the turbo could have been beneficial as you could stop trying to look where you were going and slump over the bike when done but yeh.
After a while of riding the turbo riding the same watts outside always felt like a breeze. There were some durations where it felt like the turbo could have been beneficial as you could stop trying to look where you were going and slump over the bike when done but yeh.
MaxFromage said:
Dbag101 said:
True. I was getting 28 mph with 130 Watts on Sunday, doing a ‘Watopia’ thing.
Something is way off there. Is your weight down at 30kg? 
I think the main thing is to remember Zwift is a game, not a sim. And of course, it's never about the raw number, just the trend of the numbers. Or the tightness of your bib shorts pre/post Christmas...
I agree with the handling point, but as I've been riding offroad for 30+ years, it doesn't bother me as much as having to dice with other road users.
On the flipside, my wife is a very nervous cyclist. Zwift represents an excellent way for her to get fit in a stress free environment, learn how to change gears according to the terrain and then in spring, take that fitness outside and learn the next skills without having to do it all at once.
I really like Zwift been on it since the early days, some of the toughest rides I have ever done have been on it, last winter cos of the s
t weather we had I did 90% of my riding on it and got pretty strong, then in late January did a few weeks of riding in the alps, jeez took me about 2 weeks to fully adjust to riding the road again, it felt like all my muscles were pulling in different directions constantly moving around on the bike to get comfy generally feeling horrible on the bike, so this winter plenty of zwifting but at least 2 or 3 road rides no matter what.
t weather we had I did 90% of my riding on it and got pretty strong, then in late January did a few weeks of riding in the alps, jeez took me about 2 weeks to fully adjust to riding the road again, it felt like all my muscles were pulling in different directions constantly moving around on the bike to get comfy generally feeling horrible on the bike, so this winter plenty of zwifting but at least 2 or 3 road rides no matter what.Rewtle Litand said:
You can't improve your skills by riding on Zwift.....but then again, lots of road cyclists are only bothered about fitness, and not the skills side.
Ain't that the truth. My mate I ride with IRL is one of those folks who can stay clipped in whilst negotiating anything, rides uphill though mud on slicks and can overtake me in an aero tuck, not pedalling, whilst I'm pedaling like the clappers. Gin and Ultrasonic said:
Surely watts is watts regardless of the 'difficulty'? Setting it lower or higher doesn't change the number of watts you put out.
Correct. Just the silly in game nonsense. As for skills, road cycling is quite low skill for most people. No replacement for displacement. Can’t tell you how many rowers etc came to cycling who could barely ride and still got promoted through the BC ranks on engine.
The difficulty setting makes a difference depending on the gear ratio you have ,as does weight height and age ,and quality of the trainer ,if you are going comfortable at 28mph you are either a cat A pro ,
Or bad setup and wrong personal details,did see a comment on here about not feeling road ect good trainers will replicate different surfaces say off road ,sand wooden slats and bridges also riser plate on the front to represent climbs.
Or bad setup and wrong personal details,did see a comment on here about not feeling road ect good trainers will replicate different surfaces say off road ,sand wooden slats and bridges also riser plate on the front to represent climbs.
andySC said:
I need 260ish watts to get to 25mph on Zwift, that’s on the flat with no drafting etc. I (Wahoo Kickr & my weight is 75kg.). 28mph with half the watts I’d say something is out…
I’m no expert on this, but I reckon you’re right.Edited by andySC on Thursday 28th November 12:59
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