In recent years, the popularity of stationary bikes and indoor training rollers has increased. One of their advantages is the ease of training without leaving home and the low investment cost in equipment. Indoor cycling is gaining followers even among those who enjoy outdoor cycling, as a complement to their training or on occasions when bad weather prevents them from going out with the bike. Thanks to virtual reality, it is now possible to recreate outdoor training from a roller inside the house, and even compete with other cyclists located anywhere in the world. This is the experience offered by the virtual platform Zwift.

Zwift is a virtual multiplayer platform through which you can make contact with other cyclists and compete with them, also enjoying the sensation of riding different routes around the world, and even listening to the sounds of bikes and some ambient noises. In other words: it is an interactive video game where each cyclist can immerse themselves in a carrera or virtual reality training from their stationary bike or roller. The platform is still in the testing phase, although any cyclist can try it by downloading the application from the Zwift website. With this beta version, they will be able to evaluate the quality of the simulation program and leave their opinion on the details that the company should adjust before launching its final version.

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Measuring performance

One of the most interesting features of this virtual reality platform for road cycling
is the possibility of measuring the performance achieved during the ride, whether it is a training session or an online carrera with other users. It records data such as heart rate, speed, distance, and power. These data are then encoded by the system and allow, among other things, to establish rankings with the best times and parameters of carrera. 2015/06/zwift-4.jpg">

According to the company, to take measurements, you only need a stationary bike or a roller and some speed and cadence sensors that are compatible with ANT+, which is one of the most widely used wireless communication standards in sports today by companies like Garmin and Adidas. You also need a smartphone or any other device that works as an information transmitter. This version is available for free for Mac and Windows, and on mobile devices for iOS and Android.

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