Zwift, the indoor trainer videogame, added a substantial new mountain section to its virtual course, allowing riders to do a steady climb for about 30 minutes — and then bomb down the other side.
As with the rest of Zwift, getting access to the game requires a $10 / £8 monthly fee, a bike, a computer, a trainer, a USB dongle and either a power meter, a speed/cadence sensor or a smart trainer.
BikeRadar took a test spin of the new section using a Kickr smart trainer, and we were impressed by the quality of both the graphics and the simulated slopes, which hover around 6% for the main climb and kick to 14% for a little offshoot bonus climb at the top.
Zwift mountain update
Zwift rides can be automatically uploaded to Strava and TrainingPeaks
While you don't need a smart trainer for Zwift, having the resistance controlled to match the course definitely adds a level of engagement. And with the mountain expansion section, it forces you to put out a decent effort, instead of just putzing along the flats.
Related: The best smart trainers tested and ranked
"The Mountain Expansion is the latest of many exciting product release scheduled for 2016 and as always, we’re determined to keep things fresh, do things differently, and build a uniquely evolving platform for our community of users and industry partners to benefit from," said Mike McCarthy, Zwift's vice president of partnerships.
One of the fun things about Zwift is the ability to customize your avatar and gear. Besides gender and skin color, you can also choose from different wheels, clothing styles and bike frames — including Pinarello and Specialized.
To get a BikeRadar jersey and bibs, press "P" once signed in and then enter 'BIKERADAR' to unlock our Cuore kit.
Zwift riders are doing an organized group ride on the new section today at 6pm PDT/ 8pm CDT / 9pm EDT. You can find other group rides at www.facebook.com/gozwift/events.
Read our full review of Zwift here.
