Spreading virtual thumbs up throughout the indoor trainer world, Zwift adds three new trainers to its virtual shifting list. Now, the Elite Direto XR, JetBlack Volt V2, and Decathlon’s Van Rysel D100 can utilize the Zwift Cog and Click Upgrade Kit.

This means that with the Zwift Cog and Click upgrade, you can take your indoor training setup to the next tier by unlocking virtual shifting. The system is compatible with any 8-12-speed bicycle, as well as fully compatible with other gear in the Zwift ecosystem.

So, What is Zwift Cog and Click?

The virtual shifting system is designed to “simplify and elevate your Zwift experience.” When you use the Zwift Cog and Click upgrade, the Cog replaces your existing cassette – no more swapping your cassette from your bike to your trainer, or purchasing an additional cassette just for the trainer. The Cog is compatible with any 8-12-speed and offers optimal chain alignment, so it also makes it easier to mount bikes with different drivetrains to the same trainer.

The Cog is paired with the wireless Zwift Click controller and can be mounted anywhere on your current setup. The system gives you the instant ability to run a wide range of 24 virtual gears.

Why Upgrade?

Access to virtual shifting can change the way you interact with your trainer. When you eliminate physical gear changes, you eliminate drivetrain wear. You will have a smoother, quieter experience while enjoying uninterrupted resistance transitions. This means more immersive Zwift sessions that will allow you to focus on your ride.

Plus, upgrading to the Zwift Cog and Click system will make your trainer compatible with the Zwift Ride Smart Frame. This would provide an “always-ready” all-in-one indoor Zwift setup.

Cog and Click Retail and Features

Retail: $80

• Virtual Shifting: Enjoy silent, instant shifts at the press of a button, with no chain movement.
• 24 Virtual Gears: Always have the right resistance at hand, whether climbing, cruising, or sprinting.
• Wide Compatibility: Fits 8-12-speed bikes

Find out if your trainer is compatible by checking here. Also, get more info on the Cog and Click system by going to their website at the link below.

Zwift.com

The post Zwift’s Cog and Click Virtual Shifting Expands, Adding Three New Compatible Trainers appeared first on Bikerumor.

The new Wahoo KICKR Desk v2 does everything the original did – whether you are looking to be productive or distracted while riding your indoor trainer – yet adds new features and a significantly lower price. The updated version of Wahoo’s indoor cycling training desk is really just a few useful tweaks here and there, but lowering its price from $300 to $200 makes this feel like a much more viable option for cyclists looking to have a laptop or tablet, snacks & drinks in reach while riding the indoor trainer through the off-season!

Wahoo KICKR Desk v2 indoor cycling training desk

Few products stick around in the cycling industry for a decade unchanged like the original Wahoo Kickr Desk. And even fewer pop back up years later with added features and a lower price!

The key feature of the Kickr Desk is its U-shaped base and adjustable height design that allows you to set the desk within reach however you prefer to ride on an indoor trainer. Keep it lower and just in front of or over your handlebar for when you ride leaned forward over the bike. Or pop it up higher and roll it back over the bike for easy access while sitting upright on your saddle.

The third use is actually without the bike involved at all, it’s said to function well as a standing desk, too!

All of that functionality carries over unchanged.

So, what’s new?

The big new updates are a couple of recesses cut into the slip-resistance top to keep 2 water bottles from bouncing around as you ride, a new arrangement of wheels, new fold-away hooks, and a new optional add-on tablet holder.

The Kickr Desk v2 now sits on 4 wheels – 2 fixed wheels closer to your bike and 2 swiveling casters, which Wahoo thinks will be both more stable and easier to rotate into perfect position as you ride vs. the old 3 fixed wheel layout.

The new hooks on each leg are designed to hang your wheel when you ride a trainer that has either the front removed (i.e. Feedback Omnium), the rear wheel removed (any of the Kickr family with their recent price drops), or both wheels off (if you also have a Kickr Climb attached). Or just fold them closed if you are old school and riding rollers (even a Kickr Rollr) or have one of those fancy dedicated trainer machines, like a Kickr Bike or Shift. Or you could also have a dry towel there to soak up the sweat from your workout.

Lastly, there’s also a couple of new holes in the back to slot in an add-on tablet holder that sits out beyond the desk, in the style of the Kickr Run treadmill’s device rest. The trick here is that the new tablet accessory is not available yet (but it’s “coming soon”). So, we don’t know how much more it will cost, or when exactly. So in the meantime, you can just angle your tablet into either the front or rear slots like you always have.

Wahoo also says there’s some new cable management, although I don’t see anything different there.

Tech details

• widely adjustable height: raise or lower the desk to sitting, riding, or standing positions
• desk height 35-47″ (88-119cm) from the floor
• font & rear built-in tablet or smartphone slots
• new 4 wheels for easier movement & stability
• slip-resistant rubber desk surface
• new 2 folding wheel hangers
• new 2 bottle recesses
• cable management loops at the rear corners
• new add-on tablet stand (coming soon)
• 27.5″ wide x 29.5″ base (69.8 x 74.9cm)
• 28″x14″ desktop (71.1 x 35.6cm)
• weighs 25.5lb (11.6kg)
• max rated desk load of 50lb (22.67kg)

Wahoo Kickr Desk v2 – Pricing & availability

The newly updated Wahoo Kickr Desk v2 indoor trainer table now sells for $200 / 200€. That’s a full hundred bucks less than it would have cost you last week, and even thirty bucks less than when we reported on the original Kickr Desk launch 9 years ago!

Officially, Wahoo says the new desk is available now through your local shop, or in Wahoo’s own webshop. It looks like, at least for the time being, it’s out of stock in their EU webshop, so check with your Wahoo dealer if you don’t find one online now.

WahooFitness.com

The post Wahoo Tweaks Long-Running KICKR Desk in V2, Lowers Price 1/3 Almost a Decade Later! appeared first on Bikerumor.

If you’re a Wahoo fan, you’ve undoubtedly seen the leaked photos and speculation of their unreleased “top secret” cycling computer. The computer in question is the all-new Wahoo ELEMNT ACE, and it is a firm step outside the box for Wahoo. The large head unit separates itself from the ELEMNT line with a touch screen (along with classic buttons), wind sensor, updated mapping, turn-by-turn voice directions, and much more. So, if a new cycling computer is on your gift list this season, keep reading because the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE has exceeded our expectations. 

What is the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE? 

The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE is the new flagship computer from Wahoo. It signals Wahoo’s entrance into the touchscreen (cell phone-size) head unit market — joining players like Garmin, Hammerhead, Polar, and Bryton. But unlike that format, the new ELEMNT ACE comes with more than one category first, including a wind sensor. 

The ELEMNT ACE is a new design in a familiar package. For those familiar with Wahoo, you’ll notice that the ELEMNT ACE “feels” like a Wahoo computer but is much larger. It comes with a durable aluminum mount and tether to make sure it doesn’t take flight over bumps or off road.

Bigger and Brighter Screen 

Wahoo keeps its classic three-button design but updates to a 3.8-inch transflective touch screen, the largest in class. The screen is anti-glare and helps with high-contrast visuals, and reading in direct sunlight with an unlimited color palette for more easy readability. Don’t worry if you’re not a touchscreen fan. The unit also has traditional buttons on the bottom and sides for operation. 

Long Battery Life 

With the updated screen comes an updated battery life, 30+ hours to be exact. The updated battery life comes with dual-band GPS and real-time data tracking. Since Wahoo envisioned the ELEMNT ACE as a traveling companion, more significant battery life was non-negotiable. 

Is That a Wind Sensor?

One of the main “is that?” questions with the ELEMNT ACE is the new wind sensor. This feature isn’t new to cycling, but it is usually a stand-alone device and has never graced a cycling head unit. The new Wahoo Wind Dynamics™ (WWD) measures real-time air resistance. So riders can see if they have a headwind or tailwind or are in “neutral air.” The WWD will provide post-ride insights into wind effects, drafting benefits, and aerodynamic efficiency. More on this later in my ride impressions.

Enhanced Navigation 

One of the more significant updates the ELEMNT ACE tackles is navigation, which Brings Turn-by-Turn voice directions for safety and convenience. The updated mapping dashboard is made better by the new touch screen and updated Wahoo user interface. Riders can use the touch screen alone or when exploring routes and the buttons en route. 

Digital Bike Bell

The feature we’ve all been waiting for is the Digital Bell. It seems trivial, but it’s effective, and when you don’t have a bell on your bike, sometimes you wish you had one. I use this feature on the Garmin 1050, and it’s a nice bonus when on the rails-to-trails and in the city. 

Wahoo ELEMNT ACE Specs

• Weight: 208g
• Dimensions: 126mm x 71mm x 24mm; 4.9mm x 2.75in x .78in
• Display Size: 96.7mm // 3.8in
• Resolution: 480 x 720
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion
• Water Rating: IPX7
• Charging: USB-C

Ride Impressions and Feature Breakdown 

I’ve had many rides on our demo unit Wahoo ELEMNT ACE computer, enough to give my thoughts. However, Wahoo also assures us that many updates are coming, so these impressions are limited to the current firmware version. We do see good things on the horizon, especially for the WWD features. 

Unboxing 

The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE is a big unit—it’s nearly cell phone size. Wahoo does make good use of all the space and doesn’t have much (if any) excess around the screen. It’s slightly thicker than other ELEMNT units, but I attribute that to the larger battery size. 

There is little excess inside the box. The unit arrives with an alloy computer mount and an elastic tie to secure it to the bars. The mount doesn’t arrive with shims or rubber grommets. When you mount it, it’s alloy to carbon—slightly scary if you value the carbon finish on your bars. 

Wahoo ELEMNT ACE Setup 

I wish there was more to elaborate on, but the setup is uneventful and easy. Like other Wahoo units, you scan the QR code, which pulls up the Wahoo app. If you have the app, then all your information is ready to transfer to the new unit. After dialing in a few initial setup questions, you’re good to pair your sensors.

Pairing sensors for the ELEMNT ACE is done from the unit, not the app. A home screen allows the user to add sensors by hitting the ‘+’ button. The ACE scans for the sensor and then reports back with the findings. So far, I’ve had zero trouble pairing power meters, trainers (TACX and Wahoo), shifting, and heart rate monitors. The only piece I’ve had a slight issue with is the Trek Carback Radar, but I imagine it will clear up after the initial wave of updates. 

First Ride

My first rides on the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE were very pleasant. When I have a new head unit, I usually have to move things around and add/delete screens and outputs. The ACE was plug-and-play. I’m usually a Garmin user, so this came as a surprise to me as well. I’ve tested and ridden lots of Wahoo gear but never preferred their head units until the ACE. 

Ride Profiles 

As of right now, there are two ride profiles to pick from: Cycling and Indoor Cycling. It’s simple and easy, though I do like the option of having a ‘mountain biking’ setting on my Garmin, but I rarely use it.

Data Screens

The data screens are laid out similarly to the other Wahoo head units. There is a zoom-in/out for the various metrics you’d like to see. When you add a sensor, the Wahoo ACE asks you if you’d like to add the data to the screen. Then, it adds the data to the grid of outputs. Unlike Garmin, it doesn’t dedicate a full screen to the new data; it adds a small output on the grid, which I prefer. 

There are many data outputs; you can customize what you’d like. However, the default ones are pretty extensive. If there’s too much data for you, simply zoom in, and you’ll have less to worry about. 

Though the colored LED lights on the side of the unit are gone, they are there in spirit. When you’re in a specific zone, be it power or heart rate, the box around the data will appear in a corresponding color. This color corresponds to the zone you’re in, and it is a great way to see if your power and heart rate are decoupling. 

Lap Summary 

When you hit the lap button (all buttons are labeled as well—super helpful), a screen populates with the previous lap output. This gives you a small breakdown of the data, but no further.  

Indoor Riding 

Riding indoors with the ELEMNT ACE is enjoyable (or as enjoyable as riding indoors can be). I selected “Indoor Cycling” as my ride workout profile, and aded the TACX NEO2 trainer and off I went. I was able to easily control my Wahoo KICKR Headwind Unit speed and NEO2 resistance from the ACE, which is a nice added convenience.   

App Integration: Getting my Training Peaks, Strava, and other apps all set up was easy enough. The list of Integrated Apps is short right now, but it will likely grow.

Strava Segments and Routes

If you’re looking for segments or want to find the nearest route on the map, it’s pretty easy. I didn’t go for any, but it didn’t take me long to pull up some that were nearby.

Wind and Aero Data 

I haven’t done a deep dive into the wind data, but it seems promising. As of right now, you can see Airboost (tailwind) and Airdrag (headwind) and then a percentage of your ride’s amount spent where. 

Much like the color change power and heart rate data, the WWD will display a color corresponding to your current status in the wind. 

Wahoo, let us know exactly what these colors mean: 

• Dark Green: The Airspeed data field will highlight dark green when you are in a “Heavy Airboost” scenario. This will occur when your ground speed is significantly greater than your Airspeed, such as in a heavy tailwind or if the rider is in a very good drafting position.
• Light Green: The Airspeed data field will highlight light green when you are in a “Light Airboost” scenario. This will occur when your ground speed is moderately more significant than your Airspeed. This occurs in a light tailwind or moderately good drafting position.
• Blue: The Airspeed data field will highlight blue when your ground speed and Airspeed are relatively the same.
• Orange: The Airspeed data field will highlight orange when you are in a “Light Airdrag” scenario. This will occur when your ground speed is moderately less than your Airspeed. This typically occurs in a light headwind.
• Red: The Airspeed data field will highlight red when you are in a “Heavy Airdrag” scenario. This will occur when your ground speed is significantly less than your Airspeed. This typically occurs in a heavy headwind.

Below is the output from a 2:00 hour gravel ride on the Montour Rail Trail with output from the Wahoo App.

How does Wahoo validate its WWD claims? To confirm their initial results, Wahoo’s Sports and Data Science team conducted comparison benchmark testing versus other similar devices in the market. In addition, they constructed a one-cubic-meter miniature wind tunnel at Wahoo HQ capable of providing consistent, laminar (smooth and orderly) airflow. Lastly, the Wahoo analytics teams conducted real-world testing sessions by renting a velodrome in Europe to test the sensor’s accuracy in a controlled setting. 

What about CdA and other aero-metrics? Wahoo says, “The hardware capabilities included in the device will support a range of increased functionality in the years to come.” In the future, you’ll have a way to measure which helmet is faster and which skinsuit is really worth $1K, etc., but until then, you’ll have to settle for how much time you’re in the draft and how much time you’re in the wind. 

Navigation 

The navigation and mapping screens are straightforward to read. It’s similar to the ELEMNT ROAM and uses routes and the “take me to” style navigation. The screen is super sensitive, and when you’re trying to see more of the map, there’s a chance you’re going to a different page. The pinching to zoom out is slightly complicated and can make wanting to navigate less appealing. As of right now, I haven’t fully taken advantage of the navigation features and only used the route creation. It’s lovely for following routes, though it would be nice to have in-ride routing. 

Battery Life 

The ACE’s battery life is very good so far. I haven’t needed a recharge. Wahoo claims 30+ hours, though I can’t fully attest to that. I can say it’s ticking down battery life slowly. 

Bell-Yeah! 

Did I mention there’s a bell? It’s a nice touch, though I’m not sure if users will know that it’s a feature until they accidentally happen upon it. Unlike the newer Garmin units, the bell isn’t easily called out. However, when you find it (a double tap on the screen), you’ll be happy you did. 

Final Impressions 

My experience with the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE has been very enjoyable thus far. The ACE will need a number of updates to live up to its billed potential, but that seems more and more common industry-wide as over-the-air updates became commonplace. It’s a heavy piece of gear, and I don’t see it flying off the shelves as an XC race computer. However, I do see many riders finding it to be a top-notch training partner and race companion. 

Look for a long-term review as we have more time on the Wahoo ELEMNT ACE. 

Pricing and Availability

• US: $599.99, CA: $849.99, EU: €599.99, UK: £549.99, AU: $999.

For more information, visit WahooFitness.com.

The post The Wahoo ELEMNT ACE Lands with Wind Sensor, Increased Battery Life appeared first on Bikerumor.

That’s right. Zwift and Truemed can help you use your pre-tax HSA/FSA Savings for at-home fitness. Using their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), eligible customers can now purchase Zwift Ride Smartbikes and hardware via Zwift.com. When paying from tax-deferred accounts, consumers will save, on average, 30% off the current retail hardware prices.

Employers often offer individual healthcare plans where tax-deferred HSAs and FSAs are key components of the plan. These HSAs and FSAs allow for coverage of health-related expenses at discount rates. They also play a big part in preventative care that can help treat or prevent chronic conditions, like obesity and diabetes.

Empowering Consumers

Truemed helps consumers prioritize their health by streamlining processes to invest in and save on health products and services. Mix that with Zwift’s unique community-driven fitness platform, and this could be something great.

“HSA/FSA funds substantially expand access to root cause interventions. The biggest barrier to using our HSA and FSA savings is not consumers’ commitment to leading healthier lives; it’s clarifying the HSA/FSA process and making it more intuitive,” says Calley Means, co-founder of Truemed.

With Truemed’s integration with Zwift’s online store, qualified purchases are as easy as any other online shopping experience. Everything needed to qualify for a purchase with HSA/FSA funds can be done via the usual checkout process. It all happens in three easy steps:

• At checkout, consumers select the payment method “Pay with HSA/FSA funds”, which redirects to the Truemed website.
• Then, take the brief health survey. Once done, enter an HSA/FSA card or credit/debit card to finalize the checkout.
• Submitted responses get reviewed by a licensed medical provider. If eligible, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) will be issued. (If a credit or debit card is used for payment, reimbursement from HSA/FSA can be requested).

Qualified customers can start saving now on indoor cycling equipment by hitting the link below.

Zwift.com

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The quick gist is that Old Man Mountain & Silca have teamed up to support a collective of 5 amateur bikepacking racers from any background and anywhere around the world. Each member will get a $2000 stipend to help cover costs to get them to the races. Then, on top of that will be a whole bunch of free Old Man Mountain gear, prototypes to test, a full suite of Silca goodies to make your bike faster, more free gear & industry deals, plus help figuring out a training plan for your individual racing goals.

Loam & Gravel Society – Experimental Bikepacking Team

Call it a mix between the birth of a factory bikepacking race team and a call out for ultra-distance influencers.

Any way you look at it, OMM (they abbreviate their own name like that, and I’ve already grown tired of typing Old Man Mountain) was looking for a way they could support some of the cyclists on the bikepacking & ultra racing scene. And at the same time grow their visibility amongst more competitive bike riders, while testing and refining their next crop of products still in development.

My personal take on it is then. It seems like OMM are strongly hinting that they are also working on more race-oriented gear-hauling products. The majority of the current offerings (and their existing crop of brand ambassadors) lean more toward the heavy-duty, utilitarian way of carrying gear on your bikes, or classic loaded touring just off-road; think: burly racks & baskets. But OMM also already created some interesting things like their Axle Packs. Those provide a great way to mount gear on bikes not normally well-suited for bikepacking – like lightweight race bikes.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of that show up on bikes of the new Loam & Gravel Society experimental bikepacking team.

“We commit to nurturing a lively and inclusive cycling community by focusing on shared experiences and collective joy. We see bikepacking and ultra racing as a means to connect, explore, and grow together while also pushing ourselves further. Our team represents the heart of camaraderie and adventure, engaging in races, community events, supporting fellow riders, and celebrating the journey itself. We want to push what we can do on a bike and through our collaborative spirit, we hope to inspire others to embrace adventure and find joy in every mile. Go beyond the podium.”

– Loam & Gravel

Nuts & Bolts

OK, so 5 riders will get picked, get 2 grand & a bunch of gear, and will help test some next-gen prototypes, too.

OMM is looking for riders of any age, gender, or background who want to test their own limits at some of the most grueling bikepacking races out there. “Winning isn’t everything, but effort matters.” But they will be prioritizing racers that mix determination, self-sufficiency, speed, and good communication skills.

Applications are open starting today through December 2nd. Fill out the online form at: OldManMountain.com here, now.

Want to support an experimental bikepacking team, yourself?

BTW, if you work for another bikepacking or endurance-adjacent brand and the experimental bikepacking team concept sounds interesting to you, OMM’s Loam & Gravel Society is still hunting for additional sponsor support. If OMM can round up more backing, their goal is then to bring all 5 riders together for a week this winter for a training camp where everyone can get to know each other and support one another’s racing goals.

OldManMountain.com

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A virtual road bike replica collaboration between Zwift & Pinarello creates a real super limited edition Dogma F bike that you can now ride on real-world roads, just like the one you ride around Watopia in the off-season. Just 50 of the bright orange & pink Pinarello x Zwift Dogma F road bikes will be made. So snap one up fast if you feel the need to rep your virtual in-game training cred out on the real streets next season…

Pinarello x Zwift Dogma F limited edition carbon road bike

Combine real-world Italian road racing bike tech then with the virtual in-game vibes of the most popular indoor training platform. This limited edition Pinarello x Zwift Dogma F road bike is one of the few ways to bridge the gap between the virtual online world and meatspace. You get one of the most advanced road racing bikes on the market, and in with a unique look to show off your year-round dedication to training.

“Only 50 DOGMA F framesets have been ‘Designed in Watopia’, utilizing Zwift’s bold and playful brand colors, each one adopting Pinarello’s popular ‘cut’ paint scheme. This will be a special collector’s item for Pinarello and Zwift fans worldwide.”

What’s new, recently?

Debuted just this summer, the latest Pinarello Dogma F is one of the fastest road bikes in the pro peloton. This new Dogma F is lighter than ever, but also Pinarello’s most aerodynamic all-rounder.

The asymmetric carbon road bike with a nose features a narrower headtube flowing into a reduced-thickness downtube, then a 3.5º-canted “Aero-Keel” bottom bracket shell. Inside the lower volume headtube, there’s a new proprietary headset and newly oval steerer tube on the Onda fork – narrowed front-to-back to allow for sleekly integrated, full internal cable routing. That also created a more compliant ride, while maintaining top-tier handling stiffness.

Tech details

• 30mm tire clearance
• integrated headset cable routing
• shorter 12mm thru-axles with aero closed ends & aero derailleur hanger
• new 7° flare Talon Fast integrated cockpit, then with 4° or 7° ergonomic inward bend, depending on size
• 108g weight savings vs. previous ~865g Dogma F. 6.63-6.88kg claimed complete bike weights (53cm without pedals)

Pinarello x Zwift Dogma F – Pricing & availability

50 individual framesets will be available of this Pinarello x Zwift Dogma F road bike in 11 sizes (43-62cm), on a first come, first serve basis through Pinarello dealers. Starting with the uniquely painted $6950 / 6700€ frameset – the same price as standard edition paint jobs – your local dealer can build up your dream bike however you want. Complete bikes will start around $14,500 but that’s with a suitably premium build kit.

“The DOGMA F is the pinnacle of performance and design. This limited edition frameset combines the spirit of Watopia with our racing heritage and offers this unique opportunity for Zwift riders who demand both beauty and performance to elevate their outdoor rides.”

– Fausto Pinarello, President of Pinarello

Pinarello.com

The post Ride a Virtual Zwift Pinarello Dogma Road Bike in the Real World! appeared first on Bikerumor.

Zwift is turning back the clock while looking to the future with the return of Jarvis Island, the platform’s original virtual cycling world. Initially launched over a decade ago, Jarvis Island gave a new dimension to indoor training. As part of Zwift’s 10-year celebrations, the island has re-emerged, blending nostalgia with modern enhancements.

2025: Return to Jarvis Island

Nestled off the coast of Watopia’s famous Volcano Mountain, Jarvis Island 2025 is more than just a nod to the past—it’s a full-on upgrade.

Expect to spot revamped landmarks, goofy references to the early days (blue bots, anyone?), and even a Banjo Man Café. For those new to Zwift, this expansion offers a chance to ride a piece of history. For the OG beta testers, it’s a homecoming.

Six New Routes – Endless Riding Options

• Deca Dash: Ten laps spanning 52.4 km of climbs and sharp turns. Pushing riders to their limit on every pedal stroke.
• Wasted 8: An eight-lap, 30.7 km route traversing deserts and ocean views, ideal for those craving flat yet scenic rides.
• Loopin’ Lava: A fiery 18.3 km ride around Watopia’s volcanic landscape. Designed to keep the heat on for riders seeking a demanding climbing challenge.
• The Classic: Experience the timeless beauty of Watopia. This 8.8 km route combines elements of old and new. Showcasing Zwift’s origins and some of the most scenic roads on the island.
• Coast to Coast: A diverse 24.1 km journey starting at the southern shore and featuring the Sasquatch Sprint. Woodland Sprint, Jarvis KOM, and Jarvis Sprint to challenge Zwifters on every stretch.
• Triple Twist: Ideal for riders looking to test their speed over 24.4 km with three tight loops incorporating the Zwift and Jarvis KOMs and Jarvis Sprint and Lap segments for pace improvements.

Each Zwifter will experience the dramatic reveal of Jarvis Island upon their first visit, complete with sights, sounds, and a touch of surprise. To learn more about the comeback of Jarvis Island and the expansion of Watopia, check out zwift.com/watopia-expansion.

The post Zwift Returns to Jarvis Island Celebrating 10 Years of Indoor Cycling appeared first on Bikerumor.

We’ll be the first to admit it: Fueling for long events is challenging, especially if you don’t have a game plan or it’s your first event. With the rise of longer and more intense gravel races and events, proper fueling is more critical than ever. If you’ve ever questioned what and when to eat on the bike, this podcast will improve your fueling game.

A Guide to Gravel Race Fueling

This conversation isn’t just for first-timers or elite gravel grinders; it’s for everyone. I’ve often gotten my fueling strategy wrong, and I still do sometimes (and I’ve been at this for years).  Whether it was not eating enough, not eating the right food, or the dreaded “I’ll eat later” followed by a dreaded BONK and vision quest for the finish line. We can all work on our fueling for training and racing, no matter how many races we have under our belt. 

For BikeRumor Podcast Episode 103, I sat down with the Fuel Good Nutrition (formerly Rider Box) team to dispel fueling myths and clarify what a race nutrition plan can look like. 

So, should I eat as many gels as I can? No, this isn’t a laundry list of 20 gels and 50 blocks for over 250k of racing. It’s a real-food and practical look at what riders can do (and stomach) to achieve the most from their training.

From Training to Race Day

We discuss what a fueling plan looks like from the very start. Please look at the week leading up to the big event (gravel race in our scenario) and forward from there. We are tackling not only what but also how to get in the correct amount of carbs and other fuels to stay robust and fresh over your ride. 

Bottle Strategy and Pack Prep

Are you going to go bottles or pack? How many? What should I put in them? These are the big questions for a longer (hot) gravel event. The last thing you want as an athlete during an event is dehydration. It affects not only your ability to perform but also your mental capacity.

Do you know what kind of sweater you are? Are you someone who needs more sodium or electrolytes? We discuss sweat rate and how to find your sweat type. Whether you jump on the scale pre and post-ride or check your rate with the NIX biosensor – knowing what you need to replenish is vital.

Post Gravel Race Recovery

After the race, you need to replenish, recover, and rebuild. We discuss re-fueling, recovery meals, drinks, and strategies so you can be stronger in the next race.

Learn more about FuelGoods.com

The post Podcast #103: A Guide to Practical Gravel Race Nutrition appeared first on Bikerumor.

Let me start with an acknowledgment that the cost of top-tier multisport GPS smartwatches is eye-watering, yet this new Coros Pace Pro manages to bring the best tech and genuinely long battery life a bit more into reach. The generally more affordable Coros Pace family of GPS-tracking multi-sport smartwatches goes Pro with a new top model promising an improved display, faster processor, and all-around improved performance. Plus, it keeps the Coros core of super long battery life – up to 38 hours of GPS activity tracking or 20 days of regular smartwatch use – light weight from just 37g, and affordability…

Well at $350, at least it’s relatively affordable compared to the top-tier multi-sport watches from trusted brands…

Coros Pace Pro affordable premium GPS smartwatch

A year ago, I only really knew of Coros anecdotally as a smartwatch brand used by ultra-distance runners because of the watches’ light weight, GPS accuracy, and super-long activity-tracking battery life, and their relative low-cost compared to the legacy names in sport trackers.

Then we heard at the start of 2024 that Coros was preparing to bring their low-cost, lightweight & super long runtime strategy to cycling, my interest was piqued. Even before we got any details on what would become their $250 Dura GPS cycling computer with awesome 120-hour battery life. So I wanted to try out their Pace family of smartwatches to see how they worked on- and off-the-bike.

So, I strapped a Pace 3 around my wrist and have pretty much not used another smartwatch since. Its in-app and on-watch menu navigation took me a while to get used to (mostly because these days new devices don’t come with much in the way of explanatory operating instruction manuals). But once I figured it out (and flipped the watch’s band & its electronic face around 180° so that my wrist didn’t accidentally press the pause button during activities), I’ve been perfectly happy with the Pace for tracking runs, mountain bike rides, hikes, XC skiing & spilt-boarding. Plus, generally tracking my fitness, sleep & recovery when I want to know more.

And now, there’s a faster, brighter, more powerful Pace Pro that does everything I already love with the regular Pace 3 better, plus the mapping capabilities of smartwatches more than 2x as expensive.

Comparing it to the Pace 3

I know you might not know the $230 Pace 3 that I already use, but it has excellent GPS tracking capabilities. It is thin, smooth-edged & weighs just 40g. And I only have to charge it really once-a-week when I use it to track rides, or could go 2 weeks when I am tracking cycling activity with by Wahoo Elemnt Roam or more recently with the Coros Dura (which coincidentally has the same display just with touch added). Really, I usually stick it in the charger every other time I hop in the shower for 15 minutes or so, and it is always charged.

So what’s new?

So, now the more powerful Pace Pro gets a 3x better resolution AMOLED vs. LCD that is also brighter and can be always on. It has a 2x faster processor, 3x more RAM, 8x bigger memory, 3x faster WiFi up/download speeds, and new full mapping & navigation capabilities.

Plus, it still has the same 38-hour GPS-tracking runtime, but now with all GPS systems tracking at the same time for increased accuracy thanks to a 46% higher capacity battery. That also means that everyday use tracking lasts 33% longer for 20 days of regular stress & sleep tracking between charges. Coros says the Pace Pro is 4mm bigger in diameter, half a millimeter thicker, and 7g heavier (10g heavier comparing the standard silicone watchbands) – all minimal enough changes to probably feel the same around your wrist. Although, I do hope to test out the new watch soon to see how I like the updates.

One other upgrade from Coros’ more-premium Vertix expedition family of watches is a new ECG sensor, presumably for better exercise recovery analytics. And with that, I think the only thing that the $700 Vertix 2S does better than this Pace Pro would be its much longer runtime.

Lastly, the Pace Pro upgrades to a new USB-C charging cable with a dongle that will fit on a keychain, for what appears to be another new proprietary charging interface, but an improved port for better connection.

Ultra-long runtimes

• 345mAh battery
• All GPS systems active battery life: 38 hours, 28hr with Always-On display, 10hr with Always-on & offline music playing
• Dual Frequency GPS tracking reduces to 31hr, 24hr & 10hr, respectively
• Daily Use & Sleep Tracking battery life: 20 Days or 6 Days with Always-On display
• Less than 2hr complete charging time

Tech details

• 1.3” 416x416px always-on full-color AMOLED Display, 1500 Nit auto-adjusting brightness
• Scratch-resistant mineral glass screen
• Fiber-reinforced polymer bezel & body
• stainless steel Digital Dial control button & separate back button
• All-Satellite Dual-Frequency GNSS Chipset for tracking (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS)
• 5 LED 4 photodetector optical Heart Rate sensor
• optical Pulse Oximeter for blood oxygen level tracking (SPO2)
• barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, 3D-compass, environmental thermometer, and new Electrocardiogram sensor
• downloadable Global Landscape maps or Regional Topo maps for navigation
• Compatible with 3rd Party Apps: Strava, Komoot, Training Peaks, Apple Health, Ride with GPS, Rouvy, and 40+ more including many running training apps
• Bluetooth & WiFi connectivity, with over-the-air updates
• 32GB internal memory (1200hr of Activity tracking)
• water-resistant to 5ATM (50m depth)
• 46mm diameter crown x 12.25mm thick
• 22mm quick-release band
• 49.1g typical weight with standard silicone watchband (just 37.1g with nylon band)

Coros Pace Pro – Pricing, options & availability

Again, smart GPS multi-sport watches with a full suite of sensors and full mapping capabilities are expensive. The top Garmin Epix, Polar Grit X2 Pro, Suunto Vertical, or even Apple Watch Ultra 2 all start at over $800. So while not exactly cheap, Coros’ new Pace Pro is certainly more in-reach for someone looking for a do-it-all smartwatch.

The new Coros Pace Pro multi-sport GPS smartwatch sells for $350 / 400€ direct from Coros with a silicone band standard, in your choice of black, light gray, or navy blue. It is available not, although only in black, with the other colors and optional $29 matching lightweight nylon watchbands shipping later this month.

Coros.com

The post Coros Pace Pro GPS Smartwatch w/ Top Tech, Extra-Long Battery Life & Affordable Price appeared first on Bikerumor.

TrainingPeaks has acquired indieVelo and rebranded itself as TrainingPeaks Virtual. The coaching software company sees this as a way to give coaches and athletes a fully integrated training ecosystem. The real question is whether TrainingPeaks Virtual can stay in the pack with names like Zwift and MyWhoosh or will they be dropped on the first climb?  

What Makes TrainingPeaks Virtual Different?

To understand the whole picture of TrainingPeaks Virtual, you must know TrainingPeaks. For those unfamiliar with TrainingPeaks (TP), it is training software that coaches employ to program workouts, see athletes’ training results, and analyze power data. The software was similar to Today’s Plan (RIP) and Golden Cheetah but now takes on another identity as a place to train and upload your workouts. This acquisition comes as no surprise, as TP recently acquired Train Heroic (a strength training software), adding another dimension to athlete programming. 

Better Than Zwift? 

I’m not touching that one, but it does offer some unique features that only TrainingPeaks (or a similar coaching software) could offer. TrainingPeaks Virtual claims it sets itself apart with a custom physics engine designed for more realistic and accurate virtual riding. TP claims the platform better represents real-world dynamics like drafting, cornering, braking, and line choice, to better reflect the demands of outdoor riding.

Now, we can’t attest fully to those claims without trying it. However, integrating training accurate zones and syncing structured workouts from their coach to the TrainingPeaks Virtual will be a welcome addition. In the future, TrainingPeaks plans to introduce other integrations, including workout compliance and syncing of TrainingPeaks zones and FTP.

Keeping the Athlete-Coach Connection

This acquisition follows the launch of the TrainingPeaks Strength Workout Builder, which is helping coaches streamline training insights and track how athletes incorporate all workouts into their routines. 

“We want to ensure coaches have a seamless onboarding experience for their athletes. A lot of friction creates challenges for coaches, and this acquisition helps introduce athletes to that world more easily.”

TrainingPeaks President Lee Gerakos.

Features – TrainingPeaks Virtual

• Realistic Riding: In TrainingPeaks Virtual, tactics matter. With proprietary real-world physics, including drafting, cornering, braking, and line choice, you get a more realistic indoor experience.
• Seamless Integration: All your workouts where and when you want them. With TrainingPeaks Virtual as part of the TrainingPeaks ecosystem, you’ll never waste time finding or transferring your data.
• Credible Racing: TrainingPeaks Virtual offers various event types, including team racing, keirin, elimination, and more. DS Mode helps your team strategize, and unparalleled sub-millimeter accuracy guarantees results everyone can trust.
• Community Features: Join or create realistic group rides with dynamic features to keep your team riding together. Don’t have a crew to ride with? Choose your goal and join a group of Racebots to keep you motivated.
• Access: All new and existing TrainingPeaks athlete accounts will have free access to the beta version until March 2025. After March 2025, TrainingPeaks Virtual will be a Premium feature.

TrainingPeaks Virtual Beta Launches Free Through March 2025

The beta version of TrainingPeaks Virtual is now free, syncing with new and existing TrainingPeaks athlete accounts. Athletes and coaches can dive into the platform’s features without a cost barrier until March 2025, after which TrainingPeaks Virtual will be available through a $125.00/yr TrainingPeaks Premium membership, making it less expensive than Zwift ($200/yr).

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