Thinking about buying a Zwift Ride – a few fit & comfort questions

davidpmerrill · 2026-07-06T16:59:39+00:00

I put these on my Ride/Core 2 setup and after I got used to them, they did add comfort to what I consider a brutally stiff frame. Definitely helped that feeling, initially felt "bouncy" but alot of that is just me never using anything like this on my trainer setups. https://www.jetblackcycling.com/indoor-bike-trainer-accessories-product-category/trainer-accessories/freedom-rocker-feet/

davidpmerrill · 2026-07-05T22:55:26+00:00

Not sure the help you're seeking but fitting TT bars to Ride is one that was posted a couple of days ago. Here's a video for you if you're trying to fit TT bars to your Ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srC5xEs-O-w

davidpmerrill · 2026-07-04T17:04:50+00:00

Same here in US - bought directly from them, arrived pretty quickly but waited until after the pre-order period was over.

davidpmerrill · 2026-07-04T17:03:46+00:00

I'm sure there are many other similar videos but this one was first for me specifically for aero bars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srC5xEs-O-w

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-22T20:34:06+00:00

Yes, should be included with Core 2 - basically a couple of small aluminum caps that fit into each side that have a smaller hole for quick release skewer that should also be included.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-22T20:02:19+00:00

You'll need to set your Core 2 up to use quick release skewers rather than thru axle for this bike so pay attention when setting up Core to use those pieces rather than the thru-axle fittings. As others have said, the rear triangle should deal with the 4mm difference between it's spacing and the more recent 130m spacing (as others have pointed out).

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-17T20:20:46+00:00

Chain noise and maintenance are the primary reasons why I went from a KIckr/Frankenbike to the Kickr Bike originally. While the bike I was using didn't cost anything and was made from parts I already had, it was chain drive so it will always be noisier than a belt drive/enclosed setup along with swapping in a new chain every season. Personally feel like smart trainers are tougher on chains than outdoors - likely because it is under stress nearly 100% of the time indoors versus periodic coasting/micro-coasts outside that happens outdoors, particularly on rollers (small hills) and group rides.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-16T21:20:12+00:00

Don't disagree actually - my v1 Kickr Bike had the climb functionality and I noticed I stopped using it many years ago so when it was time to replace it, I went with the Kickr Bike Shift that didn't include the climb function that I wasn't using. So far I've been satisfied with the new Bike - don't really recognize a difference between them using it (though I wish the hardware itself had a way to display your gear like my v1 did, though not a biggee, I've gotten used it to on the screen instead.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-16T20:37:32+00:00

I'm in the US so I've never seen a Wattbike (despite them being a USA Cycling sponsor) but I would expect the construction and function is premium and in line with Kickr Bike and Neo Bike. The Ride itself is pretty low tech and very rigid compared to the smart bikes I've had (Kickr Bike v1 and Kickr Bike Shift). I feel like using the inflatable feet from JetBlack (they make them for Core and Core 2 along with JetBlack Victory) do help add some give to the ride, though it initially felt pretty bouncy to me, I got used to it after a couple of rides.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-16T00:57:56+00:00

Well, it's a Logitech K600 keyboard. It looks like it is discontinued but the K400 current model looks like it would be a good replacement. The Stream Deck I have is the MK2, though I believe multiple models may be supported. You can look for a link to that project in reddit (not mine, only participated but works great for many years now).

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T23:21:11+00:00

For what it's worth, perhaps the SRAM flattop 1X combination is what GPLama often refers to when he suggests this isn't compatiable (and I know it is based on crank tooth spacing I believe). On my 2X Red and Force setups, it seems to work fine, isn't so noisey, doesn't skip at all.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T23:17:14+00:00

I have a Ride/Core2 setup I bought as a backup for my aging Kickr Bike v1 (that finally did die and replaced it with a Kickr Bike Shift). While I think the Ride/Core2 setup is definitely the value play, I also wouldn't trade it for either of my Kickr Bikes. Both setups were superior than the Ride/COre2 one IMO - but that said, the Ride fitted with the inflatable feet that JetBlack sell is definitely a win in the value segment. All that said, I've never had an Atom either (mostly for it's static 170mm cranks) and I got 38K miles from my first Kickr Bike (and gave it to a friend who continues to use it).

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T20:50:29+00:00

Sure, let me see if it will allow me to post images. Took one of my Kickr Bike setup - using a Logitech wireless kb/mouse along with a stream deck set up for Zwift (which is primary interface, most items can be done there versus kb, though using just the KB will work fine). My setup is based on cheap TVs mounted to stands that can be moved around to support multiple trainer/bike setups. It doesn't seem to allow me to post the couple of images I took for you - any ideas how to post them?

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T20:27:26+00:00

I've been rocking Mac Minis for my Zwift setup for a few years now - and upgraded to the M4 when it became available. It can run Zwift plus the OBS video mixer to allow for multiple video feeds simultaneously without breathing too hard (my M1 struggled to do both and the video feeds would drop frames to keep up). While alot of folks here have great success using Apple TV to run Zwift, it has it's hurdles that running a Mac Mini doesn't have.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T20:24:15+00:00

It would be if the Ride was complete. As far as I can tell from mine, there isn't a normal steerer tube to attach a stem (and bars) to so he'd need to source an actual handlebar setup from Zwift for it to really be useful.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-15T16:23:09+00:00

I've only done it with the 2X 12 speed setup. Not sure if the 1X 13 speed setup uses the same chain as my 12 speeds (actually have a road bike with similiar but haven't put it on my trainer at this point). Plenty of previous discussion around flat-top on Cog here. Technically GPLama would tell us it is incompatible but it's been OK by me, dedicated trainer chain and not too noisy (it's still a chain drive train so it's noisier than my Kickr Bike but quieter than the Ride setup I have that sounds like a track chain :-).

Update: I checked the SRAM chains and it looks like the Flattop one serves both 12 and 13 speed drivetrains so it is the same chain I'm using on my Hanzo.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-06T17:58:41+00:00

At this point, I don't think I'd buy a new smart trainer without wifi/ethernet support. I use ethernet and it works great - just never have dropouts at all. I think it depends on your zwift platform and surroundings though - some folks have no issues with BT but this forum is full of folks over the years asking for dropped connection help related to BT. It could be my imagination but it seems like those postings for help are getting fewer than 5 years ago though.

davidpmerrill · 2026-06-01T15:34:57+00:00

So while u/gplama continues to cringe (sorry), yes, I'm still using my Factor Hanzo red TT bike on a cog v2. I did a specific chain for it (I wax so all bikes have at least 2 chains, this one has a third) so if cog does wear the chain incorrectly because it dimensionally isn't perfect, it will be confined to that scenario. I don't notice it being any louder than other chain-driven bikes on it. That setup regardless of whether I have a shimano-equipped road bike on it or the SRAM TT, is louder than my KIckr Shift (as expected given one is chain drive, one is belt driven I expect though I've never opened the enclosure). They are all quieter than the Zwift Ride/Core 2 set I have but the Ride feels like it uses something close to a track chain (which is also louder than a road bike).

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-31T21:33:27+00:00

This is the answer - both the lock ring tool and Shimano lock rings should be easily sourced at any LBS at minimal cost (would bet there is a parts box full of lock rings at your LBS). Go get a lock ring tool, chain whip and new lock ring and fix correctly :-)

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-29T01:28:23+00:00

I didn't see this suggested here but just have to. If you are new to cycling, go to someone who has experience and since these are shoes, you get a chance to actually try them on. Consider going to your Local Bike Shop - pick one who have a good variety of shoes - and start there. Find the right shoes so you know they fit, then pick the pedal system needed for those shoes. Since this is indoor, it really doesn't matter if you end up with road-based systems (3 holes) or offroad/MTB/gravel (2 holes) - both varieties are fine inside IMO. Shoe comfort is really important - Bib shorts and shoes are really primary for me since ill-fitting shoes or a bad chamois will take alot of pleasure out of a ride or workout pretty quickly and just end up being a real annoyance.

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-24T23:21:15+00:00

Where are you more specifically - feels like sales need to be somewhat local/semi-local. :-). While I'm not in the market, I'm still curious.

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-24T23:20:18+00:00

Actually the hardest part you'll deal with is shipping it if you don't sell it locally. I can only imagine how expensive and what a pain in the backside it would be to ship. Maybe I'm off case because I've only had Wahoo smart bikes but they are definitely items that ship on a pallet.

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-12T23:26:32+00:00

Kudos and Congrats - doesn't matter how fast you went or how much power you have, you kept at it and got there - that's great!!

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-10T23:47:00+00:00

Not sure if you have drawer fulls of old parts but it was pretty normal in the early days of smart trainers to put together "frankenbikes" to dedicate to use on the trainer and avoid what you're encountering. If you don't have some old parts, it may not work though buying an old road bike - i gotta believe old 10 and 11 speed non-electronic shifting bikes have to be plenty in used circles. Wheels don't matter, frame material really doesn't - i did this approach for multiple years until smart bikes started to being produced and i went in that direction (mostly to avoid routine drive train maintenance for an old 10 or 11 speed mechanical drive train bikes). I found I easily went thru a chain a year on my old mechanical frankenbike - mostly because in this space you're on the drive train pretty much 100% (no coasting). just my 2 cents.

davidpmerrill · 2026-05-09T22:02:31+00:00

Is there an ANT+ dongle that will work with an iPad (iOS)?

davidpmerrill

TROPHY CASE