Multiple fitness apps are dominating the market nowadays, but Zwift stands apart from the rest, posing great competition to many other apps.
An innovative and highly challenging fitness app, Zwift has etched a mark for itself among fitness lovers.
The idea is wonderful—the ability to cycle and exercise on our bike along with other trainers from the comfort of our home.
It is like a game, but the only difference here is that it happens in real-time, in the real world, and with real people competing against each other. The very combination of cycling and a fun-filled exercise routine is simply alluring!
For those who don’t know about Zwift, it is the perfect alternative to indoor cycling routines, where individuals can travel worldwide, taking different real routes through mountains and gardens, be in touch with other exercise lovers, challenge each other, race, and win prizes.
Now we know about Zwift, it’s time to understand what types of exercise bikes are compatible with this app.
Don’t worry, as some of the best bikes gel well with this app, thereby elevating the whole exercise experience to another new level. The app helps in improving the cycling routine and become better at it.
Some of the exercise bikes compatible with Zwift include:
- Schwinn IC8
- Keiser M3i
- Wahoo Kickr
- WattBike Atom
- Stages SC3
- Tacx Neo
- Concept 2 BikeErg
- BodyBike Connect
- Matrix ICR50
All individuals trying to pick the right model that’s compatible with Zwift must consider two important factors:
Can The Bike Control Resistance
Some indoor bike models come with the ability to control actual resistance and can match it with the levels shown on the Zwift app. For instance, when we go on an inclination, the bike actually inclines and when cycling through slopes, the bike will decline, and so on.
The bike is designed with the intelligence to read what’s said by Zwift, interact with the app’s in-game surroundings, and act accordingly.
Can the Bike Transmit Power Data?
Though we cycle at home, we are competing against our friends and thousands of other fitness enthusiasts. For this, the bike must be capable of exhibiting power and cadence.
Power data is transmitted in two ways:
- Through ANT+ (Multicast Wireless Sensor Network Technology)
- BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)
All the models discussed below have power data transmission in either of the two ways or incorporate both the ways in some cases.
Comparatively, BLE is capable of emitting stronger signals and can assure better precise workout data during the rides which is an added advantage.
Given below are the top bike models that are compatible with ZWIFT, all of them have ANT+ or BLE installed, and some of the models work fine without attaching any speed or cadence sensor.
Schwinn IC8
First and foremost, the Schwinn IC8 model doesn’t control resistance with Zwift and transmits power data through BLE (Bluetooth).
Schwinn is a leading fitness equipment manufacturer popular worldwide for its wide range of exercise equipment that guarantees performance and durability.
The Schwinn IC8 model is one of the best-selling indoor bike models created by Schwinn. Individuals can choose from either an elegant black or a bright red color, and the bike is well-designed, giving a great appeal to any room where it rests.
There are 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels, and the model comes with magnetic resistance.
Experience a smooth and quiet cycling experience pairing the bike with a Poly-V belt. Such noiseless rides help us exercise during any part of the day without disturbing anyone in the house.
Connect to Zwift along with the Explore the World and the Peloton app, and experience another new level of cycling.
All these connections are made via Bluetooth which helps in transmitting all required power data including speed and cadence.
Keiser M3i
The Keiser M3i model doesn’t control resistance levels and uses BLE (Bluetooth) to transmit power.
Having a slim and sleek design, the bike might look simple to many individuals firstly, but looks don’t convey the entire picture.
Never underestimate the capacity and power of this model without using it regularly. Frankly, the Keiser M3i was the first indoor cycling bike that passed the EN957-10 European Standard for accuracy and safety.
Coming with magnetic resistance levels and having a Poly V belt in place, the flywheel present in the rear of the bike can self-tension. Also, such a design makes it a low-maintenance model that operates quietly without disturbing others.
The rear positioning of the flywheel is a smart move by the manufacturer as it prevents any wear and tears from sweat.
The pedals come with dual settings—the caged pedals help individuals insert the foot into the pedal and go at any speed without slippages, while it is also possible for trainers to clip in their SPD shoes to secure the pedal tightly around their feet.
Feel free to monitor the workout metrics on the display screen and use the Bluetooth-enabled option to transmit data through the Zwift app or even through their own M Series Apps.
Wahoo Kickr
The model does control resistance level with Zwift and uses both the ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth) technology to transmit power data.
If you are looking for one of the most sophisticated indoor cycling bikes or rather, a Smart bike, choose the Wahoo Kickr bike without a second doubt.
The manufacturer has used the best design and incredible technology to provide individuals with the Wahoo Kickr bike that’s nothing but superb.
So, what are some of the unique features that make the Wahoo Kickr different from the rest?
Comes with an entirely different design compared to most other indoor cycling bikes
Ability to fetch maximum accurate data reading when using Zwift as both ANT+ and Bluetooth technology are incorporated
A Hybrid flywheel weighing 6 kg (13 lbs) that uses inertia generated via the moving rotation and motor combination
Makes use of algorithms (being a smart bike) to provide individuals with maximum accurate data when racing against friends using Zwift
The bike is designed to adapt to real-time grade changes in ascents of up to 20% and descents of up to -15%. When individuals cycling uphill or downhill through mountains or terrains, the bike is smart enough to change its gradient to match the requirements
WattBike Atom
The WattBike model can control resistance with Zwift and can transmit power using ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth). Just now we discussed Wahoo Kickr’s advanced technology, but the Wattbike Atom is yet another model that thrives as one of the most sophisticated bikes but only next to Kickr.
The company has come up with a streamlined and slim design that’s attractive and performance-oriented.
Just like the WattBike Pro, the Wattbike Atom also comes equipped with a large chunky flywheel at the front part of the bike.
Resistance can be applied using both magnetic and air, but the model’s flywheel is only magnetic resistance.
Exercise comfortably, challenge friends in Zwift and monitor all workout-related data by connecting to the Wattbike Hub app.
Metric details, including the time, distance, speed, cadence, Watts, and the grand Polar view is also available here.
The bike is even equipped to allow individuals to know the power with which they drive through each pedaling motion.
Feel free to connect to Zwift or several other fitness apps that can transmit data and allow individuals to change the gradient as and when going on an incline or decline.
The WattBike Atom is a good smart bike that offers individuals all that’s required for optimum performance.
Stages SC3 Bike
Resistance cannot be controlled with Zwift, but the power data transmission happens via ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth).
Having been created by enthusiastic cyclists who wanted to create a better indoor cycling model, the Stages SC3 bike mimics the design and functionality, typically of an outdoor bike but with better features and enhancements.
The SC3 bike comes fitted with a 30lbs (13 kg) flywheel that’s placed at the front and has a magnetic resistance whose control lies in the bright blue turn crank located just beneath the person using the bike.
Located at the turn crank is a high-performing SprintShift.
Add a higher resistance level to the bike by turning the SprintShift in the clockwise direction instead of turning the crank every time to increase resistance levels. Doesn’t this mechanism sound perfect for HIIT training?
Being an EcoSCRN bike, the console display works fine without needing any batteries or AC adaptor.
All that’s needed is the pedaling motion and the flywheel movement for showing data display.
Don’t worry about exercising during any time of the day as the carbon fiber belt minimizes any noise generated, and the bike needs minimal maintenance to work fine.
Coming with its Power Meter that measures all required workout data that’s reflected on the console, the company proudly boasts that this meter is one of the most accurate ones existing in the market.
Another added advantage here is that Stages’ Power Meter was used by Chris Froome for training purposes before he championed the Tour De France.
Connect to the Zwift account and start exercising worrying about nothing as the bike promises maximum accurate readings and showers the cyclist with utmost training benefits.
Tacx Neo Bike
The Tacx Neo bike does control resistance with Zwift and uses both ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth) to transmit power data.
Yet another popular smart bike that’s great to use at home, this model combines the best of both functionality and quality.
The flywheel’s location at the back is perfect, being electric powered. It shines in various colors, right from pink to red based on the individual’s exercising intensity and the power emitted.
The seat could be adjusted using four different points, and the handlebars could be moved up, down, forward, and backward.
The design simply replicates a real race bike as we can change gears, apply brakes, and take total control within the finger’s reach.
Fitted with a console at the front, all workout-related data are displayed accurately, especially in terms of power output.
Right below this is a small tray provision where individuals can store small things such as an energy bar, a towel, or some snacks.
Fitted with two fans on either side, these fans can be adjusted (increase or decrease the power) using the Tacx Utility App.
Don’t assume cycling on the Tacx to be a simple affair as the app lets individuals choose the type of road surface to cycle through, including brick road, concrete, or cobblestones.
One amazing functionality is the bike’s ability to mirror the full power output on the console right in front of you once you connect to Zwift.
Control the uphill or downhill gradients smoothly but all of these smart bike features do hold an enormous price tag.
But, it seems worth the expenditure as the added features and smart functionality makes the Tacx Neo Bike a sought-after model in the market.
Concept 2 BikeErg
The Concept 2 model does not control resistance with Zwift but uses both ANT+ and BLE (Bluetooth) to transmit power data.
One of the latest releases by Concept, a reputed manufacturer, who is popular for good-quality fitness equipment, the Concept 2 BikeErg is designed with the needs of the ‘enthusiastic cyclist’ in mind.
Instead of a flywheel that’s present in many indoor cycling bikes, the BikeErg comes fitted with a fan wheel. Hence, individuals can crank up resistance levels, thereby increasing the workout intensity.
Here, air resistance is the primary form of resistance (like air bikes) which is created by infusing a drag against the blades that are inside the fan wheel.
Sturdiness and stable construction are top-notch, and we can monitor all important workout metrics such as speed, time, distance covered, and calories burned.
Choose this model if you want to connect to Zwift, transmit power data, and enjoy the workout routine.
BodyBike Connect
The model here does not control resistance with Zwift and uses ANT+ to transmit power data.
While the bike’s enormous side covers safeguard against dust and perspiration, this makes it one of the bulkier indoor bike models available.
Still, such protection improves the durability of the bike.
The Poly V-belts assure noiseless operation and the friction-based resistance available with a durable Kevlar brake pad guarantees superb performance of the bike.
Performance is determined using Watt rather than sticking to heart rate measurement. Making use of Watt helps individuals determine how much power they use to push the pedals and also helps to generate more force to work against inertia and keep the flywheel moving.
ANT+ helps in transmitting all required cycling-related data to Zwift and enjoys the app’s various features.
Matrix ICR50
The model does not control resistance with Zwift and uses BLE (Bluetooth) to transmit Power Data.
For those looking out for a new model that’s sure to offer an exclusive indoor cycling experience, the Matrix ICR50 is the chosen one.
A home studio bike model, the Matrix ICR50 comes fitted with an aluminum flywheel present at the back of the bike that helps neutralize any wear and tear.
The magnetic resistance guarantees a noiseless operation besides creating the platform for a difficult workout session. Also, the bike needs minimum maintenance, and the resistance levels can be controlled using the lever at the front.
The lever has better precision control compared to a turn crank. An ability to change the handlebar positions to various levels engages cyclists with a superb cycling experience.
Don’t worry about safety as the handlebars guarantee utmost grip being provisioned with a rubber coating.
There is provisioning to hold a mobile or tablet at the front, connect to Zwift app, and transfer all workout-related data via Bluetooth.
Final Thoughts
Using Zwift is a boon for cyclists as the app not only elevates the exercise routine but also makes individuals look forward with eagerness and energy for their workout sessions.
Mentioned here are some of the best-in-class indoor cycling bikes that are compatible with Zwift.
Choose a model that satisfies your requirements, make use of your efforts to bring about excellent workout data, participate in challenges, compete against friends, and reap the maximum benefits possible.
All information displayed on the console is accurate as they are internal to the model without using any external source.
Enjoy the ultimate cycling experience using any of these bikes and integrating with the Zwift app to stay on par with the technology-driven world.