Zwift's AI coach wants to get you moving (with a shiny new smart bike)
New AI recommendations, smarter controllers, and upgraded bikes from Zwift promise to make indoor cycling appealing to everyone.
On the few occasions in my life when I've dragged myself to the gym, the exercise bike is never at the top of my list of exercise equipment to use.
Zwift has been on a mission to change that since 2014, and this month it pulled out the big guns to really entice people to join up.
With new Click controllers, AI personalised recommendations and an updated version of the Zwift Ride home training bike, it's like the universe is telling me I should start doing more exercise.
The standout feature in Zwift's latest announcements has to be their AI-powered personalised recommendations, launching in November.
The system will analyse your recent training load, riding preferences, and personal goals to serve up tailored content with just one click. Whether you're into structured workouts, scenic routes, group events, the AI is designed to know what you need before you do.
The intelligence extends beyond just picking your next ride. If you've connected your outdoor cycling computer from brands like Wahoo, Garmin, or Hammerhead, Zwift will factor in both your indoor and outdoor activities to automatically adjust your weekly goals.
For those who prefer immediate gratification, the updated handlebars-mounted Zwift Click controllers now include integrated navigation and shortcut buttons, which give you the full Zwift experience without needing to fumble with your phone or computer mid-ride. At $129.95 for the upgrade kit, they're compatible with all handlebar types and can be customised to match however you prefer to mount them.
But perhaps the most wallet-friendly news comes from the Zwift Ride smart bike updates. The complete setup now comes with Wahoo's new KICKR CORE 2 trainer, which brings WiFi connectivity, improved heart rate monitoring, and what they're calling "Race Mode" for near-instantaneous power response. You're looking at $2,299.95 for the Zwift Ride with KICKR CORE 2, which is definitely an investment.
Beyond the hardware improvements, Zwift is launching "Zwift Unlocked," a new tour which features 10 new routes across multiple virtual worlds and double XP rewards. The tour culminates with rides through a massively expanded New York map – Zwift's largest expansion in years – complete with subway routes and a new "Power Segments" feature that challenges riders to maintain maximum wattage rather than just speed.
For competitive types, there's a revamped racing system with 11 categories based on Zwift's Racing Score algorithm, plus new anti-cheating detection powered by AI.
The question remains: will all these updates actually get people like me off the couch and onto a bike? With AI doing the thinking, controllers handling the navigation, and prices becoming more accessible, Zwift seems determined to remove every possible excuse.
If I'm going to embarrass myself exercising, I guess I might as well do it in the comfort of my own home with a personalised AI coach cheering me on.
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Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
Nick Broughall
