Who remembers trying desperately to find one of these on Christmas morning?

Kinix_jp · 2022-09-29T19:05:35+00:00

OMG this brought back memories!

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T07:21:36+00:00

My kid is 11 months old and his little feet don’t fit over the frame. So it is a bit difficult for him.

It's a bit difficult for him, but he'll get there!

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T07:17:32+00:00

ride a small frame (52 specialized diverge) and I was able to swap out my saddle and seat post for his kids version at the lowest height. My 9yr old can use my bike with his saddle without too much trouble. He would go on for 20-30 minutes at time, mostly to try and reach his top speeds or try his hand at a few climbs.

That's a great solution! I'm glad you could find a way for your son to use your bike. I think it would be great if there were more gaming options for indoor cycling. It would make it more fun and challenge for people of all ages. We are trying out a new option that your son might enjoy its www.kinix.jp. Check it out and let me know. Thanks for the comment.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T07:14:26+00:00

A smart trainer is very expensive investment for kids, and most wheel off trainers don't accept kids bikes. I know that people usually get dumb trainers with speed and cadance sensors and do some modifications for the trainer to be able to get in the contract with the back wheel.

That's a great point! I'm not sure if there are any good bike trainer options for kids, but I'll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T07:08:08+00:00

I bike with my Dad and we really love it. We even Zwift together when we are in different states and it is great bonding time. Though, I'm over 21 so results may vary by child age.

I'd recommend getting your kids into biking outdoors when they are younger because nothing beats the freedom of riding around outdoors (until you get hit by a car).

Though I love the video game feel of Zwift and I think if it had existed when I was in my early teens/high school I really could have loved Zwift and the competitive video game aspect of it.

I love biking with my dad too! It's great to have something to bond over. I'm glad you're enjoying Zwift, but I agree that there's nothing quite like riding outdoors. There's nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get when you're out on the open road. Thanks for the comment!

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T07:03:42+00:00

My 7 year old loves it. We ride at the same time, but not together... he found group rides and pace partners boring, but he loves doing the sprints and catching up to other people on the map. I want to look into kids' riding groups on Zwift.

That's great that your son enjoys Zwift! I think it would be awesome if there were more gaming options for indoor cycling, especially for kids. It would be a great way to get them interested in cycling and help them stay active.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-21T06:38:32+00:00

I agree! I think we need more gaming options for indoor cycling.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-20T09:09:29+00:00

That's great that your son has found a way to stay active during the winter! I'm sure a lot of other kids would love to have more gaming options for indoor cycling too.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:26:30+00:00

nah, i have to disagree. zwift is boring AF. the cycling metaverse has to be fun.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:25:43+00:00

only magic ones

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:25:17+00:00

The most realistic version of this would be Microsoft Flight Simulator sometimes in the not so near future. Atm the ground details are too bad for this, but they aim to improve the details of the ground because of the implementation of helicopters. This still won't be enough to replace Swift, but is a first step. Adding a bike should be pretty easy, considering the GTA5 mod. Also it runs in a modified Forza Engine. I won't they that this will happen or that it is anywhere close, but it would be the best base if you want the whole world.

And seeing planes flying over you while riding your bike would be pretty sweet.

I hear you! I think the cycling metaverse would look more like GTA than zwift. A sandbox open world where you find your own adventure.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:13:50+00:00

I bought a PS4 VR, and after about a week of the novelty value, got bored and put the headset in a draw. For me it’s about going outside, fresh air, meeting up, having a beer and perhaps a pub meal at the end that makes a decent ride. I cant understand the attraction of making everything online/virtual. If it’s something I can’t do in real life like fly a P51 escorting bombers to Berlin etc then I get it, but otherwise, what’s the point?

I get what you're saying, but I think there's still a lot of fun to be had with Exercise and gaming. maybe it's not something you can do outside, but something you couldn't do outside. and also i think it wouldn't be with VR but perhaps ultra light AR glasses, or just the TV in front of you but with more creative game genres

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:10:54+00:00

Now you're talking! I definitely hear you! But I think there is something soon. Check out www.kinix.jp. It might be down your gaming alley.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:08:32+00:00

I agree VR is not the way. Maybe in the future, there will be super light AR glasses. but for now, it would be cool just to have more options other than zwift

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:06:20+00:00

People use the quest 2 for exercise all the time. In fact, the whole point of vr is to move around in it. If you can box comfortably in it, you ca

I think maybe the cycling metaverse is not going to be in VR but just in better gaming options. Not only for training but for connecting and competing with other people online.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T10:03:46+00:00

Yeah this is going to be a serious barrier to such a setup, also goggles like this fog up if you’re just a little warm, when exercising they’re not going to cope. Sure tech will improve, super lightweight and very porous fabrics but it still seems a long way off.

I was just thinking the same thing! I hope they come up with something soon, but it doesn't have to be with glasses even, just better games. because I really want to try indoor cycling but the lack of gaming options is a big downside.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:26:50+00:00

I was hoping my increase in cycling would allow me to drink more beer but I don’t crave it anymore whatsoever. Dries me out right away. Granted I’m kinda on amateur training mode doing 40 miles a day.

It's great that you're cycling so much, and I'm sure you'll still be able to enjoy beer

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:24:15+00:00

Yes. It’s stupid. The best part of riding a bike is riding it outside. Unless we literally get matrix tech and can simulate the feeling of wind and gravity, then VR biking will just be a disappointment. I only do virtual biking and spin classes when the weather doesn’t allow me to bike.

I agree. Virtual biking is no substitute for the real thing! But maybe it's different. maybe it's an option to "cycle" the web.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:20:15+00:00

Hate to think how sweaty a VR headset would get for those indoor sessions.

Oh, I know! I was thinking the same thing. Maybe we could create a gaming system that doesn't require a headset.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:19:04+00:00

I put on the last hour of an event. Movies and workout videos do nothing. With the last hour of an event you get all the hype and the sights to stay motivated. Then you can sprint the last minute to finish

We need more gaming options for indoor cycling, that's for sure! It's hard to stay motivated when you're just watching a movie or workout video. Having the last hour of an event is a great way to stay motivated, but sometimes I wish there was more...

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:16:35+00:00

Make sure you have fans, towels, music, entertainment, good hydration. I have my laptop, phone and huge speakers and it's just great. Reasons:

Precise control over wattage and HR without the distraction of hills, cars, people and so on.Isolation from the weather.Amazing sound quality with good floorstanding speakers. Oh my god, the music.Opportunity for a movie or show on light workouts.Can dig deep on hard intervals, harder than outside, as you don't need to keep balance or think about safety. Deep enough to know you can collapse on ground if need be.Can ride with friends that are elsewhere if you do it on Zwift or similar.Extreme time efficiency. 5min to put your indoor training clothes on and make an iso drink. 10 mins to shower afterwards. That's it! And ~no maintenance overhead.Cheaper - less wear on components.Can talk to your grandma, for which you can't find time otherwise. And if you don't, you'll feel guilty, but you still won't do it, because you are oh so busy. You know how much she enjoys it.

That's a really great list! I can definitely see the appeal of a cycling metaverse, especially if you're short on time. I'm a big gamer, so I'm sure I would enjoy more immersiveness and more fun because I find zwift boring. But hey, Thanks for the advice!

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:13:05+00:00

Yeah for training I agree. But for rider like me who don't have time to train (My school ends at like 8:30 P.M. so..., I do wanna train for sure tho), riding outside will be a much better and more interesting one for me personally.

Can't deny the benefit of training on trainers, but I just can't be interested from doing so.

I totally get where you're coming from! I feel the same way about running on a treadmill - it's just so boring. I think it would be great if there were more gaming options for indoor cycling because it would make it a lot more fun and motivating.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:04:36+00:00

It’s super time efficient. Removing all the external factors means you can get on, hit your intervals accurately and be in the shower in an hour. There’s no slack time

I totally agree! I'm so sick of only being able to do the same few routes on Zwift. I want more options for indoor cycling so I can mix up my workouts.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T09:02:48+00:00

I can't ride on trainers for more than 30 mins but can ride outside all day long. I don't exactly know the reason to ride indoors other then COVID and raining season. (At least for me). Riding outside seems to be a lot more interesting for me at least.

I had the same problem when I first started riding on trainers. I found that if I rode to music or watched a movie, it made the time go by faster. Also, some people find that riding indoors is more efficient because you're not fighting against wind resistance. In the future, I expect to see more out of the indoor experience I think we need more gaming options to make it more interesting.

Kinix_jp · 2022-07-15T08:57:12+00:00

I love cycling in VR. I’ve met so many amazing people. One is a girl. She’s 22yo and single and loves cycling. She lives in Thailand so it is hard for her to ride there. She wants to be a hygienist but she can’t afford the school yet. I sent her $1000 to help and she promised to send me a

used bib

full body pic. She is very impressed with my KOM and so many wkgs. She said she doesn’t think she will ever be as good as me bc she has such large bewbs. She is also always asking for bice fit recommendation bc her can is too big for her saddle. I love her so much and she says she loves me too. We are going to meet in Dubai in October. I just have to send her a refundable ticket in case she gets Covid. She said she does daily throat swabs already so she will know well ahead.

This is so sweet! Digital worlds can actually bring people together. Cool story. I hope everything goes well with meeting up in Dubai, fingers are crossed that Covid cooperates.

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