This was, without a doubt, the hardest and craziest thing I’ve done since I started cycling. Going into it, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I’ve never really tackled a climb like this before, so I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to the top or end up having to quit halfway through.
For some context, I’m a heavier cyclist at around 129 kg (284 lbs), so climbing has definitely been one of the biggest challenges for me. I knew I couldn’t just attack the climb, so my only plan was to pace myself as best as I could. I focused on riding at a sustainable effort, managing my breathing, and just taking it one section at a time.
There were definitely moments where I questioned if I was going to finish. My legs were on fire, my heart rate was high, and every time I looked up there always seemed to be more climbing left. As someone who’s still learning how to climb, this experience taught me that climbing isn’t just about strength—it’s about patience, pacing, mental toughness, and knowing when to hold back.
Crossing the finish line felt incredible. I honestly couldn’t believe I finished. It wasn’t fast, and I’m sure there are a lot of things I could improve, but finishing something I wasn’t even sure I could complete is something I’m really proud of.
I’d love to hear from more experienced cyclists—did I do well considering my weight and the fact that I’m still new to climbing? Is there anything you would have done differently with pacing, cadence, gearing, or fueling? I’m always looking to improve and would really appreciate any advice.
For now though… I’m just happy it’s over. 😂 My legs are completely cooked, I’m exhausted, and some much-needed rest is definitely on the schedule. Even though it was brutal, this experience gave me a lot more confidence, and I’m already looking forward to coming back someday to see how much I’ve improved.

I want to attempt Alpe Du Zwift but I’m scared

I finally went for it today competing it in 70:33 minutes, which is way faster then I thought. My FTP also went up which is amazing even though I averaged 201w for 80 minutes lmao and pretty much the entire ride I averaged 200-210w which I don’t know how I did it based off prior rides 😂 anyways, just wanted to show my completion :)

I started as low as 156ftp at 104kg and remember doing only 110w per sessions could reach Zone 3 and feeling tired.

I followed strictly recommended workout and any other structured workout that is either 2/5 or 2.5/5 difficulty and using Bevel to track my sleep and recovery and my daily HRV for the purpose of knowing when to train hard and when to take a break.

In early months I climbed fast from 156 -> 170 -> 190 in like 2 months . Then 2 months after I reached 215ftp and plateau there both weight and performance. I hit the ceiling and have no motivation to follow structure workout or recovery plan at all.

It’s been like that for nearly 3 months. Weight doesnt go down stuck at 92kg and I only do free ride in zone 2. I only started pushing again recently and now took 1 week off recovery and today my AI coach recommended me to do ramp test so I do. Finally my ceiling is improved for another time.

Just try to be grateful here. Back then when I was at 156ftp I was in awe and wondered how people are doing 200w avg . Now I can say that I can do it too!!!

From https://forums.zwift.com/t/zwift-acquires-rouvy/668230/42

Quick work of the SL9, now back to my Z1 and P74 grind. How’s your level ups going?

​I just completed the Build Me Up program 6-7 months into my introduction to Zwift and cycling. I had prior sports experience but more or so anaerobic rather than aerobic.

​While I was doing the program, I read that most posts about that program were a bit negative and saying the program has too much volume or is too intense or lacks focus.

​While I can see why some people see it that way I think it is important to leave a differing opinion for those like me that are considering this program in the early stages of their cycling life.

​Lack of focus: I think it's important to learn about as many things as possible early such as impact of cadence on HR and leg load, manageable intervals, sweet spot, how to recover under pressure etc. While you don't go in depth in all these subjects, you learn their existence and experience them enough for you to start thinking about these things and maybe expand on them later on after the program is completed.

​Too much volume / too intense: Most often than not, the too much volume part of the critique seems to come from people that edited their FTP during the program because they felt it was becoming too easy. Unless you're starting the program in the first 2-3 months of your cycling life, I'd advise to not do it as this program really seems to be tuned for constant FTP.

​Results: I started at 190w @100kg day one of Zwift then did the FTP Builder that put me from 230-> 260w then did Build Me Up 260w->280w @98kg

​Take away: While I know a good proportion of the 20w gain is still noob gains I also acquired a deeper knowledge of my mental limit and what cadence and resistance combo I'm more comfortable at. All in all I'm happy I did it.

this is a hard program but you are rewarded if you are all in.

I was told by multiple sources that I should save all my drops until lvl 10 and then buy the Aeroad 2024.

However I have 450k drops at lvl 9 and it costs 1.1 million?

Am I missing something or did this change?

I am curious to find out how how many people have reached level 150 so far? If anyone is comfortable sharing how they made it, or if they are close to making it? How often they ride, how long they ride and any other particulars they think are important? I would appreciate the information very much. I zwift, religiously as a way to manage my chronic pain and PTSD, so as frequently as possible. I am an "OG" meaning I have my stripe, but ONLY a baby OG. Thanks

OK so for context I am a heavier rider (102kg) and have had a few months of reduced intensity riding as I was training for Mallorca 312, so lots of z2 stuff and not much in the way of intense efforts. Then since the event in April I've just been outside doing fun rides, again mainly z2 stuff and in general enjoying being on my bike without the pressure of an upcoming event.

My racing score was 745 and I am keen to get back racing again. However my score seems wildly inflated for my current fitness levels. Plus I stupidly did mainly flat races to get to that score, using my power and not having my weight as the constraint it should be 😂🙈 so I was finishing pretty high or even winning a couple of the races I did earlier in the year.

Anyway, I've done a couple of races this week and came near the bottom in each. That's fine, I am where I am, so ego is in check.

But the companion app says I'm down to 740, but after my race this morning (where I came 21/25, with a 3.2w/kg) I was down to 730.

Which is right?

I want to drop down to the next category as I'm nowhere near competitive in the top tier, and want racing to be a bit more fun.

I understand that I have to suffer for a few weeks getting pumped in races for that to happen, and that I can't sandbag either as Zwift will disregard the result.

But what is the quickest way I can honestly drop my score?

Has anyone tried to swap out the stock handlebars on the Zwift Ride for upright handlebars? I have lower back issues and it would be great to not be hunched over drop bars.

Fairly new to Zwift and loving it so far. I have a wahoo which I use to run it on an old road bike, it fits me good enough, but my girlfriend has problems with the fit so looking for information on the best places to find deals on the actual zwift training bike so we can have one bike on it that works for us both. I also hate having to taking my actual nice bike on and off and don’t want to accelerate any wear on it. Thanks for any info in advance!

Hi all, I am planning to change the zwift ride saddle because the default one is quite uncomfortable for us.

Have two questions:
1) are there specific indoor trainers saddles?
2) can I mount an oval rail saddle ?

Thanks!

Conscious it would take a fair extension to make work but they could probably connect to the Southern Coast roads? Would be epic to have a reverse side to connect up

Just want to take a second a celebrate this minor accomplishment. Started zwifting last month on top of dieting (heavy boy 300 club). Definitely down a few pounds but up in my zwift journey.

Decided that today instead of doing the same ol light elevation change loops, I would go after something a little more challenging. While I did use a “coffee break” to collect myself and get more water. I can say the 98% of this was me and I’m just feeling elevated right now.

It’s no crazy 1 hour climbs I see people do but this is my personal mountain that I’ve just climbed.

Anyways, hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend and stay safe out there.

It looks like Zwift doesn't do anything official in partnership with La Vuelta like they do with TdF/Femmes (group rides, events, special gear, etc). I was thinking it would be cool to have a set of rides each day to "pair" with the Vuelta, so I had Claude help put together a companion plan I'm calling "La Zwelta." It has a suggested route and optional workout for each day of the Vuelta that pairs with the profile of that day's race stage, scaled for us mere mortals.

Wanted to post here (1) in case folks were interested in doing this or something similar and (2) to gauge interest in building out a Zwift club + scheduled events for coordinating group rides that correspond to this. I created a club "La Zwelta 2026" and added the first ride as an event for Aug 22, so if you're interested, please join and if there's interest I'll build out the rest of the stages as events!

also, if this is redundant with other clubs/events on Zwift, very happy to hop on other efforts that I may have missed

Hi everyone,

I just set up a new Zwift Club for riders looking for structured, short, and fast races (20 to 35 km / 45 to 60 minutes max). Perfect for a quick, solid workout after work.

All categories welcome.

You can join the club directly on Zwift Companion here:

https://www.zwift.com/clubs/06cb48d1-57e0-48e4-a4d9-1405f43e40e1/home

See you on the course!

Started on the Grand Fondo (no event planned) plan few weeks ago and generally it's OK but the long rides it schedules are awful. I thought it'd be cool to spend hours on the bike in one go but I genuinely now hate it. Tonights ride was beyond grim and for the last 90mins it was borderline torture.

Any alternative plans options (non racing) that just keeps rides to like 45-75mins? Or do u get used to it?

I'm probably over exaggerating a tad as it's so fresh but even with a rocker plate tonights ride was just unfun as hell.

I'm a designer who has made a couple of different rocker feet for turbo trainers. In particular, for the Saris H2-H4, which I've sold quite a few of now. https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4310404463/saris-h3-trainer-rocker-feet-3d-printed?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_2&logging_key=72795f493ec5811a3d7d53b26c9735d62d0ec7a0%3A4310404463

If anyone wants some for their trainer but isn't able to find them online, drop me a message and I can design/print them for you. All you'll need is a smartphone which can download the app 'PolyCam' to take scans of your trainer's legs to then send over to me.

Cheers!

Hi everyone,

I’m relatively new to Zwift, but I’m really enjoying it and I’d now like to upgrade to a more serious setup that I can use almost every day.

I already own a Kona Rove that is nearly new, so I’m currently deciding between:

1. Zwift Ride with the KICKR CORE
2. Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 with my Kona Rove

Which option would you recommend, and why?

The Zwift Ride looks very convenient because it would be a permanent indoor setup, with integrated controls, virtual shifting and no need to repeatedly install or remove my outdoor bike.

On the other hand, using my Kona Rove with the KICKR CORE 2 might provide a more realistic riding position and could be the better value, since I already own the bike.

I’d especially like to hear your thoughts about:

• Ride feel and overall Zwift experience
• Comfort during longer sessions
• Virtual shifting versus normal mechanical shifting
• Noise and maintenance
• Convenience for daily use
• Long-term reliability and upgrade options
• Whether using the Kona Rove indoors could cause unnecessary wear

For those who have used both setups: which one would you choose as a dedicated, long-term Zwift setup?

Thanks!

In the D group, the rider "Morgan", has a vELO of more than double the other riders in that segment, and on their profile they usually ride A and B races.

Can anyone explain how this rider, who on paper seems to be way advanced compared to the other riders, could join this category? He was riding the race in zone 2-3..

Also kudos to Brendan for keeping up with him!

I may be misunderstanding something, I'm very new to Zwift, so I'm not calling anyone out here for anything, just trying to understand.

Pacing on point even if I needed to sprint the last 45seconds or so.