Running has a heartrate only mode, is it possible to make this work in cycling mode so I can use Zwift while travelling? Not having to bring a power meter or speed meter would be excellent. I don’t mind if I’m locked out of racing etc in this mode but I would still like the motivation of zwift while using a hotels stationary bike.
HR2VP app can do this
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Yes I read about this but to make it work you need two devices one to run Zwift and a second to run the HR2VP app. This might work for some but I don’t carry two devices wile travelling.
I’m not aware any other solution unless you want to wait indefinitely for what I would say is a very unlikely possibility that they add this feature for you. A $30 used phone would be enough to do it.
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I was told by zwift to mention my request in the forums for the developers to find out if anyone else is in the same situation as me. I personally only need this feature for one month a year but there might be others who like to travel light but keep training? It already works in running mode and I assume if it gets enough traffic they might move the feature to cycling too.
Using HR for cycling power is not a good option, regardless if others might want to add the feature it just doesn’t work well. HR is delayed by quite a bit when increasing power so it would be more of a frustration that it doesn’t respond to your immediate power fast enough.
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There were some things like CycleOps Powercal (a heart rate strap that purported to give power as well) but it was quite unrealistic (and I’m being charitable). You could end up with world tour pro power levels (while being beginner level fitness).
I also do not recommend the HR2VP app.
What about power meter pedals? Provided the hotel stationary bikes can have the pedals replaced, take your pedals, shoes and a tool to fit the pedals and you are good to go.
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“post it on the forum” is what you get when they’re not going to push it to the product people and you probably won’t get the feature. I think HR2VP is a reasonable option if you configure it correctly and just build some low intensity volume while you’re away. You could easily end up in a higher racing category or ruin all of your PRs if you go astray with that app. An old smart phone could be less than 10% of the cost of power meter pedals and no need to take a wrench to swap pedals. Of course power meter pedals would be vastly more accurate.
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I read about the delay in power via the heart rate app but in my specific use case zwift is more for motivation than accurate tracking of power. I do concede it may be useless for racing but I’ve also read it’s ok for tracking power as an average over a ride as long as there is not a lot of varied effort. Obviously it’s still not very scientific more motivational.
Unfortunately the kind of travelling I do (bike touring or backpacking) space and weight are at a premium. Two devices is one too many and moving my pedals is out of the question.
Why not with power meter pedals? Yes, it’s not a cheap solution, but the easiest one.
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Generally, unless I have to, I try not to change anything while bike packing to avoid the chance of making a mistake or things going wrong. The idea of ending a bike trip early because I cross thread a pedal makes me feel a little nauseous 
not that it’s ever happened but there is always a first time 
I wouldn’t worry too much about that, when I’m going overseas with a bike I always take the pedals off when the bike is packed in the travel bag. I also remove the rear derailleur, even though the Scicon bags give you a “guard” that you can put over the rear derailleur but I don’t trust it.
I’ve never had issues putting the pedals back on - just go slowly and it’s not a problem. More the worry is broken handlebars, which I did have one time courtesy of rough treatment by the airline.
Fortunately I was able to borrow a bike from Mavic for two days (Canyon Aeroad CF SLX) and then I had mine back when Mavic had put new bars on it. From then onwards I got more savvy with protecting the bars and never had any further issues.
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There are many less expensive power meters you could put on your bike, doesn’t have to be pedals. Put a crank style pm on or something like that.
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Sorry if I wasn’t clear, I already have power pedals on my bike and they are not expensive. Second hand power cranks are not even $200 here in Aus but I’m not changing things on my bike while bike packing that’s asking for trouble. Merry Christmas everyone:)
Sorry to hear about your handlebars, had to bend these back after a flight to the Philippines a couple of tours back. I’m happy to put pedals on at the start of the trip. Maybe it’s just me but I would rather press heart rate mode (like the runners already can) than swap out my pedals a dozen times a trip just to use zwift.
