However, fear not, many of these firmware changes are also coming to existing JetBlack VOLT V1 trainers, including the automatic calibration. The timeframe for that, according to JetBlack, is by the end of October.
These two cards are designed to let you figure out exactly what size thru-axle or quick-release setup you have on your bike. The upper portion is a template that just slides into the rear drop-out of your bike, allowing you to instantly see which one you have.
There are other minor things that the KICKR CORE has in terms of the ride experience that the Zwift Hub lacks, such as integration with the Wahoo CLIMB, or multi-Bluetooth connections. Obviously, the CLIMB gradient simulator would enhance the riding experience, but also reduce your wallet by $700.
The Zwift Hub properly follows virtually all of the trainer transmission and control standards in the industry today, meaning it works with not just Zwift, but any 3rd party app as well, given it follows all of these standards.
Further, I successfully paired up the trainer to a slate of different watches and bike computers, using the standard ANT+ power meter transmission (which temporarily went missing back in September, but has returned for good).
And for fun, I even split this entire workout in half, basically doing the first half in the small ring, and the second half in the big ring, to demonstrate no meaningful difference in accuracy here from the Zwift Hub (the variations are due to my cadence):
So I then did two calibrations (as seen below, I did two because I forgot to get screenshots the first time). After which, the Zwift Hub basically floats 1-3w below Rally (great!) for the rest of the ride. Though frankly, the power had already stabilized by this point anyways.
(Note: All of the charts in these accuracy sections were created using the DCR Analyzer tool. It allows you to compare power meters/trainers, heart rate, cadence, speed/pace, GPS tracks, and plenty more. You can use it as well, more details here.)
I use Apple TV for Zwift the vast majority of the time, but also just for watching YouTube/Netflix/etc on the trainer. The Apple TV remote sucks though. This $8 case fixes that, it's a silicone strap that makes it easy to grab, but also has a strap to easily place on the edge of your handlebars. Boom! Note: Not compatible with 2021 Apple TV Edition.
Here's the thing, some people like front wheel blocks, some don't. I'm one of the ones that do. I like my front wheel to stay put and not aimlessly wiggle around. For $8, this solves that problem. Note some trainers do come with them. Also note, I use a riser block with *every* trainer.
I've got three of these $12 fans floating around the DCR Cave, and I frequently use them on rides. They work just fine. Sure, they're not as powerful as a Wahoo Headwind, but I could literally buy 20 of them for the same price.
This desk is both a knock-off of the original KICKR Desk, but yet also better than it. First, it's got wheel locks (so the darn thing stays put), and second, it has two water bottle holders (also useful for putting other things like remotes). I've been using it as my main trainer desk for a long time now and love it. Cheaper is better apparently. Note: Branding varies by country, exact same desk.
This is by far the best value in trainer desks, at only $59, but with most of the features of the higher end features. It's got multi-tier tablet slots, water bottle holders, non-stick surface, adjustable height and more. I'm loving it!
One of the most popular trainer fans out there, rivaling the Wahoo Headwind fan in strength but at a fraction of the price. It doesn't have smartphone/ANT+/Bluetooth integration, but it does have secondary outlets. I've been using it, and a similiar European version lately with great success (exact EU variant I use is automatically linked at left).
got mind the other day, and after a test to set up i did a moderate hour ride at average 180 W, ( with high cadence) in a cool 18degC room, at the end there was a slight burning smell ( new electrics?) but the rear non drive side ( resistance) box was too hot to touch . is this normal, heat energy has to go somewhere but id have thought the heat dissipation would have been better ?
I shall do a harder fide later ans see how it goes ( or burns !)
Hi Vassili, the only main difference between the v1 AND v2 is the frame shape to allow more Disc Mounted bikes. Saying this using a pedal spacer solves 95% of compatiblitly issues with disc mounts. A couple of other hardware upgrades internally but all firmware is updated to v2 Specs. Hope this helps. Cheers Murray
1. Great Review
2. Can the zwift companion app allow users to operate the trainer in ERG mode by selecting a desired wattage, or in simulation mode, by selecting a certain grade or difficulty level? Similar to how I believe the wahoo app lets you set those and just ride without needing TrainerRoad or Zwift or any other app?
be careful of the kinetic rick and roll ( fluid and control) if your on the heavier side, i got through three, the welds on the arms broke on all three, first two were replaced no problem ( lifetime guarantee) they got very iffy about the third, wanted me to pay for carriage from states to uk at an extortionate cost.
Bought a road machine frame for less, and moved the control/ wheel on over.
Love the feel of the rock and roll, but happy with the road machine, ( but niw getting erratic power readings, ERG response seems to have deteriorated, or wheel is slipping more ?) replacing with wheel-off zwift hub.
1. No, you do not need to have an active, paid subscription to Zwift for Hub use and FW updates in the Companion app. You DO NEED a Zwift account to access through the companion app, but the free access you get just by creating a Z account is all you need.
I have been helping a VI rider with getting set up for training indoors, as well as piloting him outdoors for races etc. Personally, I still use dumb trainers (jet fluid, tacx rollers and a cyclosimulator) so we are well outside my actual experience when talking about smart trainers and zwift and other platforms.
Once set up, to what degree can the zwift hub, and zwift, be used for daily use through a voice recogniton app? (E.g. Google assistant or ios siri)
I have received an E-mail from Zwift yesterday evening (October 20th) that the Hub was available again.
And when I use the lin provided in that E-mail, it really is available, with the exception of 12-speed version.
But when I go to Zwift web page directly, it only shows I can join the waiting list.
So, if you would like to buy the hub, maybe it is a good idea to join the waiting list and receive such E-mails.
I wonder how support works for the Zwift Hub if it is only being sold online.
When something goes wrong, who would repair it?
Under warranty I have to ship it over somewhere, but I have not found any indication where that might be and how much the shipping would cost.
And what happens after the warranty has expired?
For example, I have a Reebok eliptical trainer that is being even sold in local shops in my country, but there is no service center for it, so I need to call a technician from another country to repair it.
1. Will Zwift pay for shipping within the warranty period?
2. And, after the warranty is gone, will Zwift still provide repairs for the product, and if yes, where will the repair center (for Europe or specific countries) be located?
ive just purchased a hub, to replace my Kinetic road machine control
I used garmin V3 pedals so power measurement is constant across my bikes.
I always found the Kinetic calibration out, and had to tighten my back wheel ( with training tyre) as tight as it would go, with V3 pedals no calibration needed.
Using ATV so able to pair hub, hrm, and V3 pedals without zwift companion app
(Hub is selectable on zwift as control with V3 pedals as power/cadence source without the select kinetic to all first then change workaround)
I think the Core will be a nice upgrade from my Kickr Snap wheel-on trainer. The Core has known accuracy and support, and the price dropped below the point I was looking for. I also considered the Saris H3 that people have snagged for a great price (at or below $400 USD). I had the H3 in my cart for a couple days while I went down the review rabbit hole, and then the discount code stopped working.
Is it possible to use the Zwift hub without any kind of subscription? For instance, is it possible to connect it with a free app where it is still possible to change the simulated grade? If so, can you name such app? Many thanks!
I have just received my new Zwift Hub and using the Thru Axle measuring card I have fount out that my bike has 135mm Thru Axles. I am trying to find a solution and wondered if Zwift or JetBlack or someone else offer an after market insert/converter for 135mm thru axles?
As the Zwift Hub does not send speed data over ANT+ or Bluetooth, how does the Zwift (or any other) software know how fast to move your avatar?
Does it calculate speed indirectly from power and gradient data?
Also, what does the improved speed reporting mean in the firmware update release notes, if the trainer does not send speed data?
If I change mode from fixed power on wahoo to something else, like to 20% resistance, I immediately notice that speed drops and I have to use lower gearing (power and cadence stays the same), so then riding feels normal again. So this issue is with fixed power mode.
I agree, Zwift seems to ignore SRAM 12sp XDR users, does bot mention it clearly on their webpage, and it should b mentioned in a review.
I have purchased the Hub even though my bike is SRAM XDR, but I am using the hb with another bike. I hope they will come with a working XDR freehub at the end of the day.
While the features and feel of the hub are very nice, many of my fellow early adopters have had significant hardware and software problems. The Zwift support forum is reasonably dense with the issue of failures to connect, failures to update firmware and failed firmware updates that break the unit. The QC is pretty terrible.
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