What?! Nobody has anything to say about the 50% price increase on ZWIFT?
11-17-17, 06:03 PM
#51
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Well, most of them anyway. Gotta do something through the winter.
11-17-17, 06:06 PM
#52
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I still contend that if Zwift wants to make real money, they need to sell "passes" alongside the subscriptions. I live in SoCal, and have no need of a monthly subscription to Zwift. I would probably use it 2-3 times a month, and only about 3 months of the year. Say a single-day, "all you can ride" for 99¢ a day.
11-17-17, 06:59 PM
#53
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I have friends that will spend fifteen bucks for one spin class. It's all relative.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
11-17-17, 07:13 PM
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11-17-17, 07:18 PM
#56
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Since you bring it up... yea, as soon as winter is over and I cancel for Spring, Summer and Fall again, I’m done with Zwift.
I’m that guy who was complaining that Zwift is overpriced and that they need a lower priced option for those of us who do less than 100km on Zwift a month. There is no way in hell im paying $15/Mo for something I only use 10-20 times a year.
I’m that guy who was complaining that Zwift is overpriced and that they need a lower priced option for those of us who do less than 100km on Zwift a month. There is no way in hell im paying $15/Mo for something I only use 10-20 times a year.
11-17-17, 07:27 PM
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The interesting part of the $15/month move is how many users will now cancel during the summer months as opposed to keeping it on auto pay because $10/month for the chance of a rainy weekend isn't so bad. That could make the move backfire. Otherwise, I suspect most users like myself will pay the rate hike.
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
11-17-17, 07:33 PM
#58
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The interesting part of the $15/month move is how many users will now cancel during the summer months as opposed to keeping it on auto pay because $10/month for the chance of a rainy weekend isn't so bad. That could make the move backfire. Otherwise, I suspect most users like myself will pay the rate hike.
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/...pps-guide.html
11-17-17, 08:34 PM
#59
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PeriPedal. PerfPro. GoldenCheetah. Huge piles more.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/...pps-guide.html
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/...pps-guide.html
In those other training tools there's no scenery, no terrain, no social aspect (outside of going to a PerfPro studio) with riders around the world, no racing or group rides or drafting or accelerating to pass that next rider, or chatting, no sprint jerseys or KOM jerseys or segment PRs, no climbing to the radio tower with Hayman or Boswell or Cavendish, no gamified challenges, etc. etc.
Last edited by Athens80; 11-17-17 at 08:37 PM.
11-17-17, 11:34 PM
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Zwift has something like $45,000,000 invested into it so far. Maybe more by now. What do you think is the percentage this "long time BF member" is left with? Maybe enough to retire if everything plays out nicely (wish him luck people) but most likely the voting power of that percentage is close to zero.
11-18-17, 05:57 AM
#62
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If TrainerRoad is a needle in the eye, PeriPedal, PerfPro and GoldenCheetah are too. Those are substitutes for Zwift if you are interested only in erg-mode-like interval workouts (and plans, at least in TrainerRoad and PerfPro). Those will do fine if you strictly want a computer telling you how many watts to put out for how long. Like what people lament about Froomey's style uphill -- do we like seeing him staring at a stem to put out X watts for Y minutes?
In those other training tools there's no scenery, no terrain, no social aspect (outside of going to a PerfPro studio) with riders around the world, no racing or group rides or drafting or accelerating to pass that next rider, or chatting, no sprint jerseys or KOM jerseys or segment PRs, no climbing to the radio tower with Hayman or Boswell or Cavendish, no gamified challenges, etc. etc.
In those other training tools there's no scenery, no terrain, no social aspect (outside of going to a PerfPro studio) with riders around the world, no racing or group rides or drafting or accelerating to pass that next rider, or chatting, no sprint jerseys or KOM jerseys or segment PRs, no climbing to the radio tower with Hayman or Boswell or Cavendish, no gamified challenges, etc. etc.
But you talk about needle in the eye - to me, riding a bunch of laps of a pre-determined course against people who may or may not be cheating seems incredibly boring. It seems to be the right cuppa for a bunch of people though. But there are options, and lots of them, for people who want trainer workouts.
11-18-17, 06:49 AM
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I did a big long survey for Zwift a while ago. Pretty sure there were a bunch of questions on pricing; what you'd be willing to pay, what would be too much, what'd be the best value, etc., things like that if I recall correctly.
I think I put 15 as being a fair price that wouldn't drive me a way. I imagine a whole bunch of other people did, too. I'm sure they've done a significant amount of market research regarding the matter.
In any case, it's only $10 for the next year if you already have a subscription, which I can definitely appreciate.
I only use it for the races in the winter months. It serves that purpose extremely well. I imagine those whose athletic lives seem to revolve around it won't mind, either.
Those that get a subscription and only use it 1-2x a month will probably rethink it a bit, but that's always the case.
11-18-17, 06:51 AM
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I still contend that if Zwift wants to make real money, they need to sell "passes" alongside the subscriptions. I live in SoCal, and have no need of a monthly subscription to Zwift. I would probably use it 2-3 times a month, and only about 3 months of the year. Say a single-day, "all you can ride" for 99¢ a day. Still outrageously more expensive than a subscription, but I'd be 100% fine with paying a buck to use it for a 24 hour period.
11-18-17, 08:11 AM
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11-18-17, 09:57 AM
#66
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they should have tiered pricing. make it 15 for the pro version where you can select the map of your choice. or to get some licensed training program. or to participate in contests and challenges. etc.
11-18-17, 08:31 PM
#67
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If TrainerRoad is a needle in the eye, PeriPedal, PerfPro and GoldenCheetah are too. Those are substitutes for Zwift if you are interested only in erg-mode-like interval workouts (and plans, at least in TrainerRoad and PerfPro). Those will do fine if you strictly want a computer telling you how many watts to put out for how long. Like what people lament about Froomey's style uphill -- do we like seeing him staring at a stem to put out X watts for Y minutes?
In those other training tools there's no scenery, no terrain, no social aspect (outside of going to a PerfPro studio) with riders around the world, no racing or group rides or drafting or accelerating to pass that next rider, or chatting, no sprint jerseys or KOM jerseys or segment PRs, no climbing to the radio tower with Hayman or Boswell or Cavendish, no gamified challenges, etc. etc.
In those other training tools there's no scenery, no terrain, no social aspect (outside of going to a PerfPro studio) with riders around the world, no racing or group rides or drafting or accelerating to pass that next rider, or chatting, no sprint jerseys or KOM jerseys or segment PRs, no climbing to the radio tower with Hayman or Boswell or Cavendish, no gamified challenges, etc. etc.
As you note, Zwift gives a completely different experience, and one which is not substitutable. Zwift is to indoor cycling for cyclists as Facebook is to social media.
11-18-17, 09:00 PM
#68
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I use zwift, I like zwift, but since I got my smart trainer this past winter (cycleops hammer) I've actually become more attached to trainerroad and their structured workouts. I had expected to find zwift even more enjoyable with a smart trainer, but erg mode with trainerroad is just magical for me. The quality of my workouts has increased dramatically.
I think the big thing that disappoints me with zwift and a smart trainer is the draft effect. I was under the impression that it behaved sort of like the real world, where you would have a drop in resistance if you had someone's wheel but that's not exactly how it works, apparently. I still jump on to zwift races but the appeal has sort of passed in favor of just doing focused workouts (also, while I have a B level ftp, I basically have nothing over threshold so those race starts kill me). I've had good success in regaining some lost watts with the trainerroad sweet spot base programs this past summer (from 230 back to 260ish), and hopefully next season I can actually follow a progression of base-build-specialty.
I think the big thing that disappoints me with zwift and a smart trainer is the draft effect. I was under the impression that it behaved sort of like the real world, where you would have a drop in resistance if you had someone's wheel but that's not exactly how it works, apparently. I still jump on to zwift races but the appeal has sort of passed in favor of just doing focused workouts (also, while I have a B level ftp, I basically have nothing over threshold so those race starts kill me). I've had good success in regaining some lost watts with the trainerroad sweet spot base programs this past summer (from 230 back to 260ish), and hopefully next season I can actually follow a progression of base-build-specialty.
Truthfully, I just don't find the need to get drawn in to a tv screen watching some avatar of myself pedal a bike while I'm working out on the trainer. Some music in my ears and a good, quality workout program (erg mode really helps too) to get me suffering works great. I'll watch Netflix if the plan is calling for an easier/non interval endurance workout that day. Come to think of it...I've never been one for gaming either. Maybe that is why Zwift never caught on with me.
I did like the Sufferfest videos, but when they went app only I didn't subscribe. I still will throw in the videos I paid for through Trainerroad though...it helps if my motivation is lacking. I find Sufferfest stuff to be way more interesting than Zwift.
But, they certainly have a product that people seem to want...I'm just not one of those people. Trainerroad plans and workouts are great...and the Sufferfest for me.
11-18-17, 10:27 PM
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The interesting part of the $15/month move is how many users will now cancel during the summer months as opposed to keeping it on auto pay because $10/month for the chance of a rainy weekend isn't so bad. That could make the move backfire. Otherwise, I suspect most users like myself will pay the rate hike.
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
What else is there? Trainer road - seems like it would be more fun to stick needles in my eye. Road Grand Tours is an interesting beta, but still in development, completely dead from a user perspective and lacking of any gaming aspects (i.e. ride x miles and earn new wheels). The four courses all feature over to well over 100/ft per mile of climbing, not exactly what most people are looking for based on what I see on Zwift.
Zwift has elevated indoor training from pure torture to actual fun (only couple of months use so far). Yes, I'll pay $15...
For me, Zwift makes trainer work into a scratch on the arse vs a needle under the finger nails without Zwift.
One benefit of Zwift you probably haven't considered / taken advantage of: It gives me an excuse for all kinds of stuff non-bike people would never understand.
* You ride your bike inside, but it doesn't go anywhere? Wha?
* You ride your bike hard enough to sweat? Wha?
* You ride your bike every day? Inside? During NBA/NFL/NHL season? Whut?
"Hey man, it's like a game you just move with your legs thats all."
"Oh yeah! Cool!"
11-19-17, 12:02 AM
#71
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I was thinking of signing up but not now....Trainerroad is looking more attractive by the day.
11-19-17, 06:12 AM
#72
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Your mileage may vary, but I've retired early, can do whatever I like, and I do not get bored anymore.
I am very glad I joined Zwift. I ride bicycles for the joy of it and I feel the same way when I peddle in Zwift as I do riding the same old MUT's everyday. Just like on the trails, I come across people that ride in a similar fashion as I do and we just ride along together. I've seen heart rates I haven't seen in 25 years and the only voice in my head was saying "don't quit", not "this is boring".
I've got 4 winter months to get through and it will cost me $60 instead of $40.
I can remember when there were no computers and this is pretty darn cool.
I am very glad I joined Zwift. I ride bicycles for the joy of it and I feel the same way when I peddle in Zwift as I do riding the same old MUT's everyday. Just like on the trails, I come across people that ride in a similar fashion as I do and we just ride along together. I've seen heart rates I haven't seen in 25 years and the only voice in my head was saying "don't quit", not "this is boring".
I've got 4 winter months to get through and it will cost me $60 instead of $40.
I can remember when there were no computers and this is pretty darn cool.
11-19-17, 08:49 AM
#73
Senior Member
Just got a Wahoo kicker and started on Zwift but briefly signed up for Bkool and cancelled before using it. They now are offering a 50% discount on an annual subscription as a "we want you back." Any experienced folks with both programs please share your thoughts.
Thanks
Thanks
11-19-17, 09:07 AM
#74
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I came out riding a given 57 miler over 20 mins faster (repeatedly), and have set new pr's on all my rides.
11-19-17, 11:25 AM
#75
Blast from the Past
Been on since Beta. Even in the best South Texas weather I rarely go a week without getting on Zwift. Typically due to lack of daylight vs length of planned training rides.
For whatever reason I can easily knock off a 2 hr Z2 ride, or a 2x20 threshold session on Zwift when the same "ride" w/o it would drive me insane. Zwift and a Kickr have been the only reasons i can stay on a training plan and keep up my work/life schedule. And they have been improving and adding road. So the increase is still well worth it for me.
For whatever reason I can easily knock off a 2 hr Z2 ride, or a 2x20 threshold session on Zwift when the same "ride" w/o it would drive me insane. Zwift and a Kickr have been the only reasons i can stay on a training plan and keep up my work/life schedule. And they have been improving and adding road. So the increase is still well worth it for me.
Last edited by Voodoo76; 11-19-17 at 11:30 AM.