Best products from r/Zwift

I wanted to say thank you everyone for your ideas. Some of the stands suggested are things I never would have thought of. For now I have a cheap iPhone mount (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010OPQVUS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Been playing around with TrainerRoad too and really like it. I like the portability of an iPad, which is what I'm leaning towards for now. If I find a better place in the house that is more permanent, I'll probably do the AppleTV and monitor thing. Appreciate all the help!

A lot of good comments here already. I’ll throw in my 2 cents. I got the off-brand wahoo table on Amazon. It raises up enough where it clears my handlebars. I did some casual email and phone calls the other day and it worked fine. Since you’re just doing it to move your legs, I’m sure you’ll be fine.

I’m usually a big proponent of finding a good fitting saddle and just roughing out the pain with some good bike shorts until your butt gets used to it. But if you’ll be using this setup for extended time while working, I might look into a secondary saddle and seat post. Maybe something more comfy and chair/stool like.


Portable Fitness Desk- Adjustable Height Workstation for Bikes or Standing-Work and Cycle Indoors on Laptop or Tablet by RAD Cycle Products
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQZY9RL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WU0ADbZN5C7TZ

hmmm . . . . fans . . . . essential for indoors (you don't get the airflow you have biking outside) .. ... these are pretty good value https://www.amazon.com/Lasko-Pro-Performance-Blower-4900/dp/B001DNGSCM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549474949&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=Lasko+2265QM+20-Inch one is good, two are ideal.

You will need the ANt stick - I don't think the garmin speed/cadence sensors broadcast over anything but ANT. You can pick it up on Amazon. There's the official garmin one which will definitely work, and also the decooler knock-off which is cheaper but IME is a little hit and miss in if it will work or not. I've got two of them and one of them is a total dud. To be on the safe side I'd probably just order the Garmin one, especially since they've reduced the price on it to something more reasonable (it used to be more like $50 - looks like right now it's $36. [ant stick]
(https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-USB-Stick-Fitness-Devices/dp/B00CM381SQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478775373&sr=8-1&keywords=ant+stick)

I haven't personally used bluetooth, but Ant+ works really well. It will pick up the signal from the trainer, cadence sensor and heart rate monitor easily. You just need to confirm if your HRM broadcasts via Ant+.

You can pick up an Ant+ dongle for somewhere between 15 to 30 bucks (this is mine -> https://www.amazon.com/Anself-Forerunner-Compatible-CycleOps-TrainerRoad/dp/B01M3VQP6Z/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=anself+ant%2B&qid=1570811268&sr=8-2 )

Lasko makes some nice powerful fans. Something like this one has worked for many years for me. Multiple speeds and a remote so you can adjust while riding.

Edit: the tilting makes it superior to a box fan.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001VE936Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1509895762&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=lasko+fan+remote&dpPl=1&dpID=511XYmS8qLL&ref=plSrch

I know this post is a bit old, but thanks for making it!


I just ordered a Wahoo Trainer and a NUC to run Zwift. This post helped me make up my mind on what to buy. I have a 1080p LCD TV that is getting older, which I want to dedicate to my workout room. I think the NUC will be a great pair for it and the trainer I picked up.


Here's the NUC I bought.


https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KJMNDYD/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I'm looking forward to getting started.

Like others have said, multitasking, conference calls and studying at low intensity works fine, but concentrated work on the bike - not so much. I have a bike desk set-up and a treadmill desk setup. I prefer the standing desk. It is easier to type, better for posture and I can wear normal clothes and shoes. I do real work at walking pace all day (1 mph). I don't track any metrics. The pace is too slow for a footpod to work properly. If I need to sit I put an exercise ball on top of the treadmill. I chose this sit/stand desk frame after reading dozens of reviews. It's heavy and sturdy at full height https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYS42HL

You're welcome. One thing I discovered since making this post is that the ANT+ signal quality is much better if the ANT stick is connected via a short extension cable instead of being plugged directly into the NUC. I used this cable, which is one of the ones recommended by zwiftalizer.com. If you don't know about zwiftalizer.com, it's a useful site for diagnosing Zwift connectivity and performance problems. You can upload the log file from a Zwift session, and it will show you graphs of frame rate and ANT+ signal strength for the session.

I like my schosche rythm+ armband. Wearing on the arm is more comfortable than the chest to me and it seems very accurate and good battery life. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JruCCbN9V0D18

I have this one. It’s in my garage for the same size iPad. It works great, is solid/heavy, and easily adjustable. I recommend it.
CTA Digital Height-Adjustable Tablet Floor Stand with Gooseneck and Metal Base for https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFRYAGQ

You just asking about what kind of stand to buy? I think it probably depends more on how your room is set up. Do you need something that stands on the floor and holds your iPad up at eye level, like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Tablet-Rotating-Adjustable-Carrying/dp/B07PJJ5M2C/

Or do you have a table you're going to put it on? Or did you want to try mounting it to your bike?

And yes, you can use your phone and your iPad at the same time if you want- if they're on the same WiFi network you can have one device running Zwift and the other running the Zwift Companion. Or if you were just asking if you could use your phone to make calls and send texts, normal phone stuff... well, I wouldn't do those things if Zwift is also running on your phone. I think it will pause your workout, which (I think) would also kick you out of group rides or races.

Other stuff - Some modern phones natively support Ant+. You might be able to connect Ant+ only sensors to a phone, and use the Zwift Companion app to send data to the game.

https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/4644/what-android-phones-are-ant-hardware-enabled&ved=2ahUKEwixhu2k7f7jAhWnV98KHSXEB2UQFjABegQICBAH&usg=AOvVaw0ZPNuY1vsJ0eoEBv0qCJcc


If you find that Bluetooth is a limiting factor, recent Android OS releases support Ant+ receivers like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M3VQP6Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FAIuDbEGDTSFZ

More info here: https://www.thisisant.com/consumer/ant-101/ant-in-phones&ved=2ahUKEwjnzJn97P7jAhUOTN8KHcrID7kQFjASegQIBxAB&usg=AOvVaw0ab7N6wXkMKtiwUSE10EEu

>plus it’s too cold with the fans blowing!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Y983PS Best $20 I've ever spent. You get three remote switches to turn on each fan one at a time and the remote is tiny - just sits on my keyboard platform.

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(and it says BEAST on it)

I use these Israeli arms:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CTFZSXZ/

...one for the keyboard (I used JB Weld to permanently attach one of the threaded knurled disc/nuts to the bottom of the keyboard) and another one for the phone. I've bought five of these things now. The first one was a lemon and broke immediately (even prompted me to give a bad review) but the others have been awesome. I use one for my phone in the car and another on my headboard in the bedroom. When loose, you can position them pretty much exactly where you want (within reach of the arms, obviously). Once tightened, they don't budge; AT ALL.

Although Bluetooth is easily the better of the two technologies, ANT+ is the well-beaten path in the fitness industry.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-USB-Stick-Fitness-Devices/dp/B00CM381SQ

I bought this trainer for $60 on amazon. Been using it for a year with zero problems on both my road and mountain bikes. I had tested my friends smart trainer at first and realized I did not like the feeling so I bought this on a whim just until I figured out what I really wanted...now I don't really plan to upgrade at this point. Works fine for zwift.

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https://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Trainer-Portable-Exercise-Magnetic/dp/B0094KIVQW/ref=pd_day0_hl_468_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0094KIVQW&pd_rd_r=9569397f-eb42-11e8-b188-2fb63616cf11&pd_rd_w=3Na8Q&pd_rd_wg=qIBkN&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=PTJXYMW6DEVKH65G1TCY&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=PTJXYMW6DEVKH65G1TCY

If you decide you need to go from ant+ to Bluetooth get a cable. It works like a charm. https://smile.amazon.com/CABLE-Connect-ANT-to-BLE/dp/B071S929ZC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550425700&sr=8-1&keywords=cable+north+pole

yeah, i don't know details but there's definitely one for the old ipad (30 pin connector).

there's also a Bridge device you can get that takes all your ant+ signals and turns them into a single bluetooth signal
https://www.amazon.com/CABLE-Connect-ANT-to-BLE/dp/B071S929ZC

Get something like this for your front wheel to elevate it and make steering work better. Don't need to save that long, $13.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FH72BRV/ref=twister_B0713ST9MY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I run this:
https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-USB-Stick-Fitness-Devices/dp/B00CM381SQ

Plus this:
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Internet-Connected-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01E0BUPW2

and HDMI out from my PC to an old spare TV for my setup, works great w/ a kickr snap. It seems to work just as reliably as mobile link.

I have one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Cycle-Laptop-RAD-Products/dp/B07BQZY9RL

(I think mine is the conquer fake). Mine seems sturdy and the platform at the top is plenty big, although the closed U end of the stand sticks further forward than I actually have room for.

I actually run zwift off my desk top and just run a long HDMI cable to the TV and put a little wireless keyboard on that stand.

Here's what I mean by projector stand, there are many varieties: https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Projector-Rolling-Adjustable-Presentation/dp/B06X9CBY6Y

Here is the one I bought. It’s great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BQZY9RL?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

A cadence sensor is one thing you don't actually need. What you will need if using a 'classic' trainer is a speed sensor, Wahoo RPM speed sensors are excellent. But if you're buying a trainer from scratch get one which will transmit all this for you. This is about as cheap as they come http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-blue-matic-t2650-smart-turbo-trainer?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Turbo+Trainers-_-Trainers-_-212792&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=atqpqlpqx&istBid=tzxm&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:868641114|agid:42483203943|tid:pla-329276419814|crid:203186067057|nw:g|rnd:18082421964709484587|dvc:c|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9046802&gclid=Cj0KCQiAl8rQBRDrARIsAEW_To8ZjkqYombRPVzh0AEFR5dLUyEE1mYBFXnCAdZr6gPFgriBfjhG0mgaAjV5EALw_wcB you won't need any more sensors but keep in mind this trainer does not adjust grade. For that you want the Tacx Flow which is £220.

Bluetooth for PC is not supported on Zwift. So you'll need an ANT+ dongle instead. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suunto-Movestick-Mini-Pen-Drive/dp/B0050GL5GM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511169246&sr=8-1&keywords=sunnto+mini+move+stick

Also keep in mind that it doesn't run on every PC or at least not brilliantly.

It's a tablet FLOOR stand. I put it on the floor in front of my bike and it has a flexible neck that I bend over the wheel to be closer to my face.

Standzout Standzfree 48" Universal Pro Tablet Floor Stand, Black (AI-16-001B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZZHNQI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_eUa9Bb6WX7S3D

CTA Digital Height-Adjustable Tablet Floor Stand with Gooseneck and Metal Base for 7-13’’ Tablets, including 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad (2017), iPad mini, iPad Pro 12.9, Surface Pro 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFRYAGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_9Ua9BbNS0GKGB

Is a cheap one from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQZY9RL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5TLVCbZ09391K

Get a CABLE from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/CABLE-Connect-ANT-to-BLE/dp/B071S929ZC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=cable+bluetooth+ant&psc=1&qid=1571829327&sprefix=CABLE+blu&sr=8-3

Is your HRM ANT+ only? You could use CABLE to bridge it. Or you could just buy a Bluetooth/ANT+ HRM for the same money.

there are two routes you can do:

1. The Kickr Snap connects to the PC or laptop thru a ANT+ USB dongle you need to purchase. https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-USB-Stick-Fitness-Devices/dp/B00CM381SQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482528180&sr=8-1&keywords=ant%2B+usb
   
   The PC or laptop need to be in the garage with you. The ANT+ devices can't communicate wirelessly very well from more than 10 feet.
   
   You can use the IOS app (mobile link) for interactions and don't need a keyboard.
   
   
2. You can ignore your PC or laptop entirely. Zwift just released the application on iOS devices. If you have an ipad or an iphone, you can run the application on these. Your SnAP would communicate directly to the devices via bluetooth.
   
   
   I think this answers your questions. Zwift will keep you in shape thru the winter months!