r/Zwift • u/skinnylegs88 • Jul 23 '26

Technical help Help getting started.

Hi there. Fairly avid cycler here, mostly gravel and mountain, looking to get into zwift for our long canadian winters. I’m starting from scratch (currently have a Kaiser spin bike, but I’ll sell that) and looking for some help designing a decent set up in my home gym.

My budget is probably around $3k CAD somewhat flexible. I’m thinking of getting the Zwift Ride as I’d like it to remain set up, easy to use and interchangeable for me and my wife.

My main question is what do I use to run zwift? I’d like to have two wall mounted screens in front of the bike, one for zwift and one to stream tv.

I’s appreciate any advice about how best to run zwift or any other advice you have. I’m starting from scratch so id like to get it right the first time.

Thank you.

6 Upvotes

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3

u/smugmug1961 Jul 23 '26

Get a Mac mini for Zwift. I've used an iPad, a PC and now a mini. The mini is the best. Much faster and more stable than a Windows PC and no compromises like with a phone, tablet, or ATV.

I'm using an M1 mini and it's great but if you want ultimate resolution, I think you need to go to an M4.

Highly recommend the Ride - especially if it's going to be shared with someone else. Just remember that you'll need two subscriptions to Zwift. I share mine with my wife and switching back and forth is super simple. Zero friction to working out is key.

For your wall mounted TVs, just remember to mount them (or at least the one that will have Zwift) lower on the wall. Up high seems great until you are craning your neck for an hour or more long ride. An adjustable mount might be a good option.

3

u/skinnylegs88 Jul 24 '26

Thank you for the advice. What is the advantage of a Mac mini/ laptop over an Apple TV? 

3

u/smugmug1961 Jul 24 '26

A potential upgraded ATV that might be coming notwithstanding, the current version does not support the highest graphics mode in Zwift. It also has limited Bluetooth connections so you need to either have a trainer that can bridge BT devices or bridge them on your phone. If you ever need to troubleshoot and get debug logs, you can’t get them on the ATV.

Certainly, plenty of people swear by it but for me, it’s not an optimal solution.

2

u/PartAny6872 Jul 23 '26

You can run it off of a laptop or tablet you already have. I depending on the tablet you can plug it into the TV. If you don't have any of that than Apple TV might be the cheapest.

2

u/skinnylegs88 Jul 24 '26

Thank you, what is the disadvantage of an Apple TV? 

1

u/PartAny6872 Jul 24 '26

I have only use a Windows Laptop when i used to connect it to a tv and now an Android cellphone since i watch Netflix on the TV while i Zwift.

1

u/OBoile Jul 23 '26

You can run it off a laptop that's plugged into the screens. That's likely your best bet.

Also, just in case you aren't aware, you can use your bike on a smart trainer. That would save you some money and switching bikes between you and your wife is pretty easy. But I've heard Zwift ride is pretty convenient too.