Once again, virtual riding in Zwift just got a little more realistic. Of course, this isn’t the first time that you’ll find the ability to actually steer your bike in the virtual world. But now, that FutureWorks Steering has been opened to all of the roads within Zwift and it includes a special new partnership with Elite.
Called the Sterzo Smart Steering Plate, this bluetooth (and ANT+) compatible fork block moves with the front wheel to allow you to “steer” in the game. That means you’re no longer forced to use a smart phone strapped to your handlebar for less than accurate steering input.
Powered by AAA batteries and rated to 500h of run time, the Sterzo Smart is wireless, and connects to Zwift via bluetooth. As mentioned, it’s also ANT+ compatible, but for now that is not supported through Zwift. Designed to hold tires up to 56mm wide, the Sterzo smart allows for up to 34° of rotation to each side.
Initially launched only on Repack Ridge, Zwift’s FutureWorks steering is expanding to all of Zwift’s roads which means a few new features. While you won’t be able to steer directly into another rider, you will be able to position yourself behind other riders to pick up the perfect draft. Note that as other riders move through the game, if you don’t move with them, you’ll risk losing their wheel and the draft.
It seems that you’ll also be able to take better lines when cornering for the fastest line which will only make races feel even more real. Note that your avatar will no longer “ride through” other riders. If you want to get around someone, you’ll actually have to steer around them just like IRL.
For the moment it seems like the game-wide steering feature is exclusive to the Elite Sterzo Smart and Zwift. We wouldn’t be surprised to see other options in the future though. For more info on how the steering will actually work on Zwift, check out their How-To section here.
Available directly through the Zwift Shop, the Elite Sterzo Smart is priced at $109.99.
