Remember the days when kids would line up outside Best Buy for the latest console or Halo edition? Well, if you’ve been pulling the digital equivalent and waiting for your invite to Zwift’s beta, you’ve just made it in the door.
As of today, Zwift has opened the beta to all, letting you sign up and ride in their ever expanding virtual world. Yep, since their limited launch in September 2014, they’ve been continually improving both the virtual island you’ll soon be riding on and the overall functionality and accessibility of it. In February, they added a Mac compatibility, and in March they added a mobile companion app to show your stats on your iPhone and keeping your big screen showing the lush pixel perfect scenery. Heck, they even setup competitions to help you earn a spot on a real, live pro team IRL.
Time to fire up that computer…
The basic service is free to use, you’ll just need a trainer and ANT+ speed/cadence sensor and ANT+ USB dongle or compatible computer. Or, pair up a smart trainer like the Wahoo KICKR. Upgrades are in the works that’ll include training, coaching and event participation opportunities…like the upcoming Richmond 2015 UCI Road World Championships, letting you see just what it’s like to ride the course.
For now, you’ll be able to choose between riding a Pinarello or a Pinarello, with the chance to unlock the latest Pinarello F8. Word is Trek, Canyon, Specialized and others will be licensing their bike’s looks to the island soon, too.
The app gives you control over your rider and acts as a ride dashboard.
And when your virtual ride is over, your digital workout can be sent to your online profiles in Strava, Garmin Connect and TrainingPeaks.
Head on over to Zwift.com to download the software and get started.
