Hi,
A friend of mine decided to start shredding some weight and would love to use Zwift for it. However as the title says he is on the heavy side. I did some research and max weight supported that I can find for hardware is around 130kg. He found a bike that could handle the weight apparently but I am worried about the trainer. Does anyone has experience and maybe tried it successfully?
There is a guy named James Terrell whoâs active on the Zwift Insider Discord that you should contact. He builds all sorts of custom trainers that use Zwift Kickr Coreâs, he actually just posted a picture of a recumbent style setup that may work for your friend. Given your friends weight, I doubt any standard upright bike and trainer set up would be comfortable, easy or safe to use. The recumbent setup pictured looks like itâs beefy enough to support their weight, would be much easier to get in and out of, more comfortable to use, and most importantly, the trainer isnât actually carrying any weight.
He typically just builds things for friends, but he may be able to give some pointers on finding something similar.
he could potentially use rollers, some brands that make steel rollers should hold up to the weight, you would need to confirm with the manufacturer⌠also they can be expensive!
This looks actually like a great idea and makes sense. Will look into it! Thanks a lot
Also, for a heavier rider a recumbent can have a major advantage, there is no way your friend will put excess pressure on his knees by trying to stand. With that said, it is actually possible to blow out your knee on a âbent, had a friend manage it during a 500 mile race (still not sure what he did wrong, and he doesnât really remember either, he was too busy screaming and falling over). Anyway, good luck to your friend on his fitness journey.
@Thirsty_Dog might have some ideas for heavier riders. What equipment do you use Robbie?
Iâve have a Zwift Ride and a Kickr Core 2 for about two months now. Seems to be holding up ok.
I was 184kg down a little to around 170kg now. The Zwift Ride is certainly strong enough and appears to be holding up ok, there does seems to be a bit of play in the bearings on the pedal shaft though. easy as to replace them though.
Kickr has been rock solid too. I was wondering whether Iâd be well served to bolt on some 20mm steel tubing to connect the front and rear stabilizers - the additional steel tubing would create a rigid triangle and resist the legs opening up due to downwards force.
For whatâs it worth itâs been my experience that solid rigid frame MTBs will hold huge weight. Depending on the power and your maintenance habits the chain will blowup or youâll pull spokes through the rim eyelet. I have a 2018 Bombtrack Beyond +1 that has had zero frame issues. I used to break chains on a monthly basis and until I got custom wheels made I kept pulling spokes (all that was when I was a lightweight at âonlyâ 140kg"). The chain issue was largely resolved when I got better with maintenance and selected appropriate gearing rather than go full gusto on tall gearing while at low speed (weâre talking around 250kg static force on the crank - 140kg body weight + me pulling up on the bars to push the pedal down).
Long story short: At 180kg the Zwift Ride (or probably any rigid steel MTB frame) will be strong enough. Kicker Core 2 is strong enough, no worries - might be worth bolting on a steel tube to connect the front and rear stabilisers/legs.
