There are a few discussions similar to this. I’m responding here mostly because the other threads are old enough they’ve become archived and seem to therefore be closed to replies. For example: Zwift Handicapping for group rides Handicaps - #3 by Erik_Schumm ftp handicap - #12 by Martin_Firestone_III
A handicap feature seems like a really good idea, enabling riders of different abilities to socialize together while also getting the workout they want during that time. How it would work for racing is another matter.
We can do it manually by changing our weight in the profile, but that’s more complicated than, for example, a slider accessible from the main screen. Also, since I don’t know all the math that goes into Zwift’s platform, I wouldn’t know how much to adjust it, or if I need to adjust other things too, like height or the 0-100% realism slider.
An even more expedient feature would be a button that would immediately impose a handicap based on the the history and specs of the person you wanted to ride with. Including history would take into account fatigue (ATL) or Training Stress Balance.
While we await such a feature, have any of you developed tried-and-true formulae or methods for setting a handicap manually? Does the method proposed by the originator of this thread work well? That is, weight and FTP?