I know this is hard due to all the different proprietary bluetooth connections but the running part of zwift would be a whole heap more engaging if incline could go up down with the course. speed should stay controlled by the user.
I imagine that treadmill suppliers would be very keen to be zwift certified and would probably assist in getting things to communicate. Anyway, I understand why this could be very difficult, but it would also reap significant rewards!
Having used Zwift (Cycling) for three years now and now trying Zwift Running I completely agree that incline control is necessary if running is to feel anything like as engaging as cycling. I’ve heard both DC Rainmaker and the Zwiftcast guys saying they’ve heard that this won’t happen due to liability and safety issues but this seems a cop-out to me. After all, other apps can already do this - Runsocial does this exact thing right now with a wide range of Bluetooth equipped treadmills. The app isn’t as good as Zwift (IMHO) but it does achieve the basic goal of controlling the incline to match the video. The built-in programs on all treadmills have always been able to do this so the liability issue can’t be that difficult to overcome. If a safety net is desired then I would suggest the speed is reduced appropriately as the incline increases (in order to maintain a constant effort level for the runner’s weight). The runner could then adjust the speed as required but adjusting the incline to match the video just doesn’t cut it with today’s technology and expectations.
The Bluetooth BLE standard is wide-open and freely available. Controlling speed and incline are extremely easy.
I just joined Zwift and tried a run with my new Bluetooth-enabled treadmill - I was bummed out when I realized Zwift does not change the incline automatically on my treadmill to follow the course. I think enabling this functionality would go a LONG way in feeling more engaged during a run!
As for liability concerns, why not design it so the feature is disabled by default, and put a disclaimer screen up when trying to toggle it to enabled?
yes, I have been using zwift with my smart trainer for a while and love it, it’s seamless. I just purchased a smart TM and am very disappointed that all it does is communicate the speed. Wahoo has a TM addon that allow incline control for a standard TM. I understand that Zwift should NOT control speed for safety reasons, but PLEASE, PLEASE add incline control!
I would like to as least have the incline changes displayed promptly center screen. I’ve got a Nordictrack X22i and it makes for a seamless run when the IFIT workouts automatically change the incline as I run along. Until something like that is possible at least make it easy to see what the incline should be.
I miss to get inclination transmitted.
I have the equipment (Treadmill, Runn Sensor) so there’s no reason that ZWIFT isn’t giving me those data in my runs!
What is keeping you guys from doing that?
Lack of coding smartness? LOL
Why dont develop some features for runnners such autoincline or automatic speed workouts on supported treadmills as premium feature for runners?
Wow that could be awesome. My treadmill doesnt have bluetooth, but I hope they do that so all runners with those treadmills can squeeze the game even more
Yes I wrote premium because I would pay a subscription even if I play zwift only for run if has those features.
You should look at RunCline on iOS to get Zwift to control incline on some supported treadmills. Works only with Zwift on PC or Mac. You also need an iOS device to run RunCline. Not supported yet on the Android version of RunCline.
See this link for the list of supported treadmills and see which ones are controllable:
runcline.shoutwiki com wiki Main_Page
I fully agree. It would make running so much more attractive, if the increase of the track/road would be automatically transfered to my treadmill. Especially in races and workouts it would be great. I do like the possibility for bikers to adjust the trainer difficulty. That should work for treadmills as well. Please Zwift, give us some more realistic running (and if you do have some spare time some more of these nices tracks).
Ride/Run on,
Markus
I very much agree with this topic. I would love to see my treadmill adjust to the hills. I can however see that there are limitations to take care off, for example the max incline for many treadmills are not enough.
Today of course you can change the incline manually. However, I have the problem that my treadmill sends the incline steps not the actual grade (one step is ~0.66%) to Zwift. This screws up my Strava data completely when I want to train hill climbing. When I set my treadmill to max incline it’s 22 incline steps but only 14% grade. Zwift interpret it as 22%. Therefor, I mostly do flat runs in Zwift, I want my climbed meters in Strava to be true. However, I always set the incline to 1 on my treadmill to simulate some air resistance. i simply have to accept that error in Strava.
I would like a function where I can calibrate this in Zwift. I would like step 1 incline to be interpreted as flat (this simulates some wind resistance) and then be able to set the incline steps to the actual grade it is.
Is there any offical statement on this feature?
Woah back up a bit Martin. How are you even getting the elevation recorded on Strava via Zwift? What setup are you using? I’ve got a Runn sensor and I get nothing. Zwift and others have said elevation isn’t recorded yet you’re getting it sent to Strava. 
Hi @Michael_Healy,
My treadmill is connected to Zwift via Bluetooth and report speed and incline that way. I don’t use a Runn or similar sensor, even though I am considering buying one since it is required for some features in Zwift (races I think).
Thanks Martin. It sounds like actual smart treadmills are getting the elevation data from Zwift or at least some are. I’ve emailed NPE who make the Runn sensor as it’s not doing that even though it’s being sold as though it does. Their product page for it says it broadcasts speed and incline to apps like Zwift. That’s the main selling point of it yet it’s very misleading even if technically true since Zwift isn’t using it. And there’s no reason given what you’ve said that it shouldn’t work on Zwift for both speed and incline. A Runn sensor is just doing what the smart treadmill does. 
Hello Martin, turns out the Runn does send incline to Strava via Zwift. No idea why mine wasn’t at first but it’s started doing it. Also the Runn could solve your issue as using an app called Configurez you can calibrate it using 3 points (flat, middle and highest incline and you manually enter the % for each) so would do away with the steps. Anyway just thought I’d let you know.
for Incline control on zwift, search for the QZ app. For example in YT search QZ auto inclination zwift
I would like to see auto incline (no brained) with an adjustable factor control, e.g. a factor of 0.5X would half the hill gradient. 0.0X factor would be a flat run.