Does it matter which in game bike I choose?

General Discussion
1

Hi all,

I’ve recently started Zwifting and loving it. Mixing it up with riding and running. Half way through 6 week FTP builder.

I am using a Hybrid Specialized Crosstrail sport on a btwin inride 100 trainer with cadence and speed sensors on the bike and galaxy watch transmitting as heart rate monitor.

Does it matter which in game bike I choose? Current choice is mountain bike as I assumed matching it close as possible would be the way to go.

Plan is to upgrade to a smart trainer when stocks replenish where I am, and probably get a road bike after the summer.

2

Different bikes have different weights and are different amounts of “aero”. So if you want fast in game then don’t go mtb unless it’s on the dirt (where mtb is faster) but if you want to look like you are riding a mtb then go for it. Xp is given in part based on distance covered so it’s an advantage in terms of xp to go a faster bike.

Zwiftinsider has a buyers guide for spending drops on must have or recommended items Zwift Shopping Guide: What To Buy At Each Level | Zwift Insider

They also have a few articles on fastest bikes etc but I think you just need the bike to look good unless you are racing.

3 Likes
3

Also note that TT bikes don’t get the advantage of the draft.

2 Likes
4

Yes the bike matters. Notice the aero and weight ratings. Lighter climbs better, aero is better when speeeds are high, usually on flats and rolling. TT bikes are very fast but do not draft. Mountain bike is really only fast on dirt.

Take a look at Zwiftinsider where they test bike speeds on a variety of routes.

5

Great, thanks all for the info. I switched to an in game road bike and will give that a go.

Definitely not bothered regarding the bikes looks, I just want to get as close to reality as possible to guage my level and monitor improvements.

Thanks again for the advice. Great forum.

MN.

6

In this website you can compare all bikes: zwift.my-projects.xyz
There is no one ultimate bike, depends on route and your level

7

just a word of warning when you switch to a smart trainer with in built power sensor the numbers you’re seeing with a dumb trainer and estimated power will be dramatically different.

1 Like
8

I don’t see any difference… yet I have quite a few bikes but I never use them. I mainly use the tron ​​bike (races and training) which is more than enough for me.

9

switch from the Tron bike to a mountain bike and you’ll definitely notice a difference

1 Like
10

we’re talking about the road bike, the one that a good majority uses on a daily basis…then yes there is a difference with the mountain bike lol !!! but frankly there aren’t many of us who use it… I’ve had to take it 3 times since I’ve been on Zwift

11

I agree with the replies if they are kept in context.
Yes, different bikes will travel at different speeds in game.
But

OP states he is doing the FTP Builder.
In a workout, the bike doesn’t matter, trainer difficulty does not matter and speed doesn’t matter.

12

It doesn’t matter which bike you’re sitting on on the trainer and it makes no difference if it matches what you’re on in the game. So go ahead and use a road bike in game.