(Part 2) Best products from r/Zwift

Before winter set in another redditor suggested a TacX Vortex, and suggested I buy from Germany, here: https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/tacx-t2180-vortex-virtual-smart-trainer-246764

It was the cheapest I found after looking and although it took some time to get here from germany it arrived just fine.

If you are in the US you will need a plug which can be had on amazon for super cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HYNR022/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uHlazbTW37BVF

You will also need a ANT+ Dongle if you don't already have one and a trainer tire but sounds like you might be set there from your dumb trainer.

I logged about 700 miles on it over winter and it was great. I headed into this season so much stronger.

Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.
I am trying to be honest in what I chose but not sure how to make it more accurate. I think I'll just buy a smart trainer sometime...
I had to choose the 'other' options in the trainer selection.

This is mine https://www.amazon.com/Forza-pdh70022-Sunlite-F-2-Trainer/dp/B000QRMUHI

I got this one on Amazon. Works great.

TCL 49S405 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYGISTO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_iXVXST7fWbaoj

I have a pedestal fan (quite large and powerful) from Lowe’s connected to a smart plug controlled by voice through Amazon echo dot (which also controls my music). After a couple of minutes warmup — “Alexa, turn fan on”

https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Double-Blade-Pedestal-White/dp/B07BNXBRTC/ref=zg_bs_3737621_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X9TVWPRRFEV90TB3EYA1

I didn't have one at first and am glad I got one - a sweat catcher. This one is cheap and has been working well for me to save my frame from my sweat.

I got the tacx official sweat catcher one but I’m not sure how useful it is. I got this fan Honeywell HT900E Turbo Fan https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001VEJFT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KuWVCbPF2RQR2

Excellent.

Someone told me I need a smart trainer as well. Is this true or do I just need the dummy one that lifts back wheel up and spins due to me using the wahoo sensor

Edit: Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019X2NI18/ref=mh_s9_acsd_top_bEHPz_c_x_2_w/147-4820656-9734260?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-3&pf_rd_r=EH86CR578ZT59G63P3VB&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=1c9f63b1-cbf6-59e6-b057-207ebedbaae2&pf_rd_i=3403551

Thanks for the detailed response!

I didn't mean to imply that I wouldn't need a power meter at all, just that if a power meter was substantially better than getting something like a speed / cadence sensor, which I believe Zwift can use to approximate power. Something like this appears to be able to take place of a power meter, but it seems like it's just an approximation and just not that much cheaper than the power meter that I can purchase with the Stac Zero.

1 - The bike I have has mostly aluminum in it, but has a steel pin that is detailed on the Stac documentation, which means the wheel would pulse while riding. It sounds unpleasant, and a wheel upgrade is probably doable.

2 - The wheels say on them that they are 700c, so hopefully they aren't outright lying.

VIVO Single LCD Monitor Desk Mount Stand Fully Adjustable/Tilt/Articulating for 1 Screen 13" to 27" (STAND-V001) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B21TLQU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_peF2Db7Z4WRMC

This is what I used. I think it's the cheapest one on amazon. Works great and looks decent too.

Hey pal! Others have already nailed it by saying "ride as you like".

I'd add that I'm not even on a bike - I hooked a rowing machine up to Zwift via AppleTV + TV screen. (I'm the insanely slow dude pulling 2W/kg at 18RPM)

I stream Spotify via AirPlay from an iPod Touch which still lets me hear Zwift's environmental sounds. Rowing (and I'm sure cycling too) is way more entertaining with something interactive going on.

Noise-wise, I'm also in an apartment and I've asked my neighbours if they can hear me row. Answer: nope, and my rower is likely noisier than a bike on a new-fangled "silent" smart-trainer. (disclosure: carpet floors)

If you're concerned, put interlocking foam tile under your trainer to absorb any vibration that might transmit through a hard-surface floor.

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 disagree wholeheartedly. I have a Kickr Climb that I absolutely love, and I would put this in that same bucket, not needed but very much enhance the ride and make it much more enjoyable.

That said, $1200 is ridiculous. This should be $800, based on the SBR rocker pricing. If it was $600 I would have already preordered it.

Edit: It’s $1000 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WS281KN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nyrADbQ88YT02

Why would he need to reach out to Hunter Allen?

Given what OP is asking about here, he'll just end up asking Hunter about things already covered in his book: Training and Racing with a Power Meter

I mean, you can also just read the various beginner guides in /r/Velo, listen to a few podcasts, and get enough knowledge to train yourself effectively. Coaching, especially from someone at the top of the field, can come after you've mastered the basics.

I got the Terry Liberator Y Gel for Men. I was worried about buying a saddle online, but decided to gamble on it since Terry had very good return policy.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0188C1TYC/

bought this off amazon a while ago and its worked fine for me so far. ANT+ and bluetooth, so it should work with the garmin. Definitely works in zwift.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XG8VY4X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get a small blower type fan that is normally used by carpet cleaners. They move a lot of air in a concentrated path. You can set it up just far enough away to hit your entire upper body. I have this and it works well : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O6FA22/

I read that I need both Ant+ and Bluetooth since I'm utilizing my PC. Does that sound right to you?

I'm looking at this one: USB ANT+ Stick https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077YDL2KL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ldVyDbPFXBDEK

My motherboard has built-in Bluetooth, so I think I'm good there.

These work better than a mat. I just put them under main contact points of my trainer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BVEMLR4/

Thanks. I think I'm going to order this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007M4I8G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Did some searching on Amazon and this looks like the one I'm getting - Aleratec 8" Rotating TV Swivel Stand/Lazy Susan with Steel Ball Bearings and Rubber Feet - Black. It's rated at 100lbs and I'm betting the force of my front tire is probably between 50 - 100lbs. And $8.99.

https://smile.amazon.com/Aleratec-Rotating-Swivel-Bearings-Rubber/dp/B07DF7SXBL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=lazy+susan+zwift&qid=1570048439&sr=8-1-spell

EDIT: This is a 12" version with 200 lbs capacity for $12.99

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