Best Exercise Bike for Zwift?
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Best Exercise Bike for Zwift?
I'm looking for something high quality with a large screen that's readily compatible with Zwift without using a phone or any other complications. My budget is 2k. Thanks for an replies.
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I don’t think such a thing exists, but I’d be happy to be wrong as I’d like to upgrade from my Kickr to a smart bike myself.
The Garmin Tacx Neo is close at $2.5k right now, but would also still require something to run Zwift, like a tablet, AppleTV, or computer.
The Garmin Tacx Neo is close at $2.5k right now, but would also still require something to run Zwift, like a tablet, AppleTV, or computer.
#4
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If you already have a road bike, definitely doable. Here is my setup:
KickR Snap wheel on smart trainer: $500. Can also get the new Zwift device direct drive.
Samsung 58" smart TV. $300 from Costco on Black Friday.
Apple TV 4k. $79, also from Costco.
Klipsch sound bar with subwoofer. $200, pretty darn good for the price. Guess where I got that?
I use my 20 year-old Trek 5200 and off we go. So, about $800 all in.
I need to do some wire management, but was eager to get going.
KickR Snap wheel on smart trainer: $500. Can also get the new Zwift device direct drive.
Samsung 58" smart TV. $300 from Costco on Black Friday.
Apple TV 4k. $79, also from Costco.
Klipsch sound bar with subwoofer. $200, pretty darn good for the price. Guess where I got that?
I use my 20 year-old Trek 5200 and off we go. So, about $800 all in.
I need to do some wire management, but was eager to get going.
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If you're going to ride indoors a majority of the time, you can use a dedicated smart bike and mount a decent tablet on it. I ride a Tacx neo Bike Smart and have used it with a phone, laptop, and iPad. The iPad solution would most closely mimic what you're describing. And it works perfectly.
#10
If you're going to ride indoors a majority of the time, you can use a dedicated smart bike and mount a decent tablet on it. I ride a Tacx neo Bike Smart and have used it with a phone, laptop, and iPad. The iPad solution would most closely mimic what you're describing. And it works perfectly.
But whatever you choose it is very easy to connect a TV, PC, phone, tablet or whatever else to a modern Smart Bike or Trainer.
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Why not a big assed TV for a more immersive experience? When I was re-arranging my pain cave I was forced to use my Kickr Bike with a 13" laptop for a while and I seriously missed the large screen.
But whatever you choose it is very easy to connect a TV, PC, phone, tablet or whatever else to a modern Smart Bike or Trainer.
But whatever you choose it is very easy to connect a TV, PC, phone, tablet or whatever else to a modern Smart Bike or Trainer.
#12
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#14
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For a $2000 budget I'd go with:
Zwift Hub ($500)
Apple TV ($100)
Cheap 32" TV ($150).
This would leave $1250 to find a road bike and any other accessories that might be needed like a mat or a fan.
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#15
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You can get a 32" TV from Best Buy for less than $150 right now. Refurbished Apple TV's are like $80 or less. This is going to be cheaper than the cheapest iPads.
I get that some people may not have space or a room that works for a TV, but on budget it definitely works. The bigger screen is nice - I use a 42" TV for my setup and it's great.
#16
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From a cost perspective it's cheaper to buy a TV and an Apple TV.
You can get a 32" TV from Best Buy for less than $150 right now. Refurbished Apple TV's are like $80 or less. This is going to be cheaper than the cheapest iPads.
I get that some people may not have space or a room that works for a TV, but on budget it definitely works. The bigger screen is nice - I use a 42" TV for my setup and it's great.
You can get a 32" TV from Best Buy for less than $150 right now. Refurbished Apple TV's are like $80 or less. This is going to be cheaper than the cheapest iPads.
I get that some people may not have space or a room that works for a TV, but on budget it definitely works. The bigger screen is nice - I use a 42" TV for my setup and it's great.
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No argument there! In my case it's not the cost, but the environment of my riding room. And I have a pretty decent setup for Zwifting, so no rush for any new gear.
#18
You would have to be nuts to buy a Peloton bike specifically to run Zwift. It makes zero sense unless you primarily want to do Peloton spin classes. It's definitely not the way to go for Zwifting.
#19
I've seen some hacked Peloton setups online, but in order to have controllable resistance you'd have to buy the Peloton Bike "plus" which is $2400, and be comfortable hacking into it. The regular $1400 Peloton bike has a power meter, but uses a manually adjustable resistance knob.
For a $2000 budget I'd go with:
Zwift Hub ($500)
Apple TV ($100)
Cheap 32" TV ($150).
This would leave $1250 to find a road bike and any other accessories that might be needed like a mat or a fan.
For a $2000 budget I'd go with:
Zwift Hub ($500)
Apple TV ($100)
Cheap 32" TV ($150).
This would leave $1250 to find a road bike and any other accessories that might be needed like a mat or a fan.
i.e.
Kickr Bike ($2000)
Apple TV ($100)
32" TV ($150)
#20
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It's worth noting that this setup requires power meter pedals, and still would work like a "dumb trainer" in the sense that it can't control the resistance.
There are other problems with the Peloton bike too - it doesn't accommodate a standard drop bar and there's no way to adjust the reach. The seat goes up/down/fore/aft and the bullhorn style handlebars go up and down. That's it. If you're taller than 5'-10" or have longer torso/arms, you'll likely find the riding position on a Peloton to be really scrunched and upright. This is fine for a 30-45 minute spin class, but kind of sucks for longer rides.
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#22
Yep, both are great solutions. Kickr Bike is potentially a bit more expensive, but with minimum complications for the OP. I've used both setups and find the Kickr Bike most convenient to live with for a dedicated indoor setup.
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#23
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I got a used decent quality projector 3-4 years ago for ~$3-400. Not sure I could downgrade now from my ~11' diagonal screen and still feel the same.
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#25
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Of course, I'm riding behind the seating we use when we use that area for watching movies (so a couple recliners and a couch are between me and the screen making it ~18 feet from my bike). Still, it's an experience. Not sure haptic feedback from Tacx or climbing simulation from Wahoo or Elite (makers of my trainer) would add a whole lot more than the giant screen does - though I would love a full motion rocker plate.