Zwift on a budget

mikesavo2003

Probably asked loads of times before but trying to set up zwift wondering what do I need. What I have is :

Elite Volare Mag Trainer (not smart trainer)
Good laptop
Garmin edge 200 or forerunner 220 (neither much use for zwift from what I've read but don't really want to buy any more garmins)

Wondering do I just need a speed and cadence sensor to use it? I know ideally smart trainer is d way to go but can't afford dat at the moment so looking for cheapest option to get started

Not very computer / tech literate so if you can keep replies as simple as possible for me to follow be great thanks ðŸ˜ðŸ˜

Beasty

Moved from Cycling Training Logs

tuxy

https://support.zwift.com/hc/en-us/articles/203968635--Setting-up-zPower-Classic-Trainer-Rollers

iwillhtfu

If you want to use zwift as intended with automatic control etc. pick up this and you won't need a garmin although the heart rate monitor is handy if you train to heart rate.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-flow-t2240-smart-turbo-trainer

You'll need one of these also

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anself-Compatible-Garmin-Forerunner-011-02209-00/dp/B00LIIMHP4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478684136&sr=8-2&keywords=ant%2B+dongle

and pick up one of these if laptop is a ways away from trainer

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasics-Male-Female-Extension-Cable/dp/B00NH136GE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478684212&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+extension+cable

Budget option

Speed cadence/sensor and the ant+ dongle above. To be honest though without the automated set up you may aswell just stick on youtube and belt away. No point paying the monthly subs.

ht9zni1gs28crp

iwillhtfu wrote: »

If you want to use zwift as intended with automatic control etc. pick up this and you won't need a garmin although the heart rate monitor is handy if you train to heart rate.

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/trainers/tacx-flow-t2240-smart-turbo-trainer

.

Wow that's not a bad deal!

iwillhtfu

Rylee Straight Radiator wrote: »

Wow that's not a bad deal!

It's not to bad if you apply the axa discount which afaik are allowing 15% sometime this month.

It can be bought cheaper again out of season but unfortunately it's peak season for turbos now.

Macy0161

iwillhtfu wrote: »

To be honest though without the automated set up you may aswell just stick on youtube and belt away. No point paying the monthly subs.

I use Trainerroad with a non smart trainer and it works fine, so if Zwift really needs the smart turbo, that could be another option.

godtabh

iwillhtfu wrote: »

It's not to bad if you apply the axa discount which afaik are allowing 15% sometime this month.

It can be bought cheaper again out of season but unfortunately it's peak season for turbos now.

I'm trying to dig out an axa discount. Any one know you need to buy the policy direct? My sister has an axa policy through the AA.

Macy0161

godtabh wrote: »

I'm trying to dig out an axa discount. Any one know you need to buy the policy direct? My sister has an axa policy through the AA.

If it's an axa tax disc, she should be eligible (I got one just sent to me on a policy got via a broker). The tax disc should work as well - you shouldn't need the card if you have the disc.

godtabh

So I can bring the disc with me and thats that? Sound!

Macy0161

godtabh wrote: »

So I can bring the disc with me and thats that? Sound!

I don't work for Halfords, and different stores (even different staff within stores) can apparently be funny about the AXA discount, but I have used an axa insurance disc several times! So I would try it anyway, rather than wait to find or replace the actual card.

jinkypolly

One minor thing is that your laptop will have to be a 64 bit machine, zwift no longer supports 32 bit windows.

mikesavo2003

Cheers guys have speed and cadence sensor ordered will try out to free trial and see from there. Will try trainer road 2 thanks

mackeminexile

I recently set up with the Tacx Blue Matic deal from Halfords inc. the ant+ sensors. I connected them through an ant+ dongle that came with my Forerunner 910xt and it all syncs up. No power meter so using the estimated power curve in the game. So far I've been using it for 2 weeks and love it. Let me put that in context; I've bought and sold 1 turbo due to my hatred. Then bought rollers with the misguided idea that they'd be more fun/less tedious. They sat unused in the spare room, I'd rather cycle in the rain. Then Zwift and the new (cheapo) set-up. I'm following a programme after doing the FTP test and I'm aware there may be inaccuracies in the power calculation but it's a good indicator of RPE at the very least. Actually able to look forward to 1 1/2 hour sessions indoors now!

GreyEagle

iwillhtfu wrote: »

It can be bought cheaper again out of season but unfortunately it's peak season for turbos now.

I'm setting myself up with a smart turbo trainer for next winter. If we are now in the low season for trainers there should be good deals going. Anybody know of a deal on a Tacx Flux or other direct drive trainer? Any news on new models for winter 2017 - 2018.