Problem: big difference between Zwift and reality

Bugs and Support
1

Hi all,

Yesterday was my first day with Zwift and I rode like a rocket. There is a big difference between the speed of my Fit Bike race 4 and my speed in Zwift. In Zwift I ride almost twice as fast as in reality.

Anyone knows what to do to get a more realistic experience?

2

You’ll need to provide information on your setup for anyone to be able to help.

3

Are they both set to show kilometers or miles?
Did the distance match?

4

Before I start responding with the wrong information: which information of the setup do you need?

5

I think the difference is caused by miles and kilometers, allthough they are both set in kilometers as far as I can see.

6

Typically your trainer, the device you’re using to run Zwift, and how you’re making the connection between the two.

7

Good morning @Marcel_Stok

I assume you are using this bike:

image
image715×667 110 KB

Does the spinning bike transmit power?

1 Like
8

The speed your exercise bike shows is based purely on the flywheel speed whereas zwift takes into account the terrain you’re riding on, going uphill is slower and downhill is faster.

the two speed will never match.
if you ride your bike outside and keep your cadence the same and don’t change gear you’ll go slower uphills and faster downhills. this is what zwift is doing in game.

9

It appears that the FitBike Race 4 has no electronics and a very light flywheel which may contribute to excessive flywheel speed and variability. However the bike appears to have 9/16" pedals so buying a pedal based power meter and cycling shoes is probably the best solution for Zwift.

10

I think buying a secondhand bike and second hand tacx flow would be a better zwifting experience and likely cheaper

1 Like
11

Hi @Marcel_Stok,

I am having the same Indoor Cycle (Fitbike Race 4) and experiencing the same behavior of a much higher kph speed in Zwift compared to the kph speed on my bike’s display (which I believe is pretty accurate).

Did you ever manage to solve this?

Marnix

12

If you ride outside, in the same gear and cadence, you will go the same speed on the flats and uphills. Downhill would be a crapshoot, depending on the grade.

13

true - my bad - i think i meant if you keep your power the same. past me was young and foolish

1 Like