Depending on which cyclist you ask, the Tuesday after Labor Day signals either the start of cyclocross or Zwift season. There is, of course, a third cyclist who rolls their eyes at both of these things. That is, perhaps, the person Zwift aims to reach with its new Zwift Hub trainer.

While Zwift has exploded in popularity with riders, becoming a verb for riding indoors amongst many. Despite this popularity, there are still hurdles for many riders seeking to access the platform, ranging from cost to hardware compatibility. The Zwift Hub focuses on lowering the cost of an immersive Zwift experience with its incredibly low price of $500.

Though it has “Hub” in its name, Zwift Hub is a direct-drive style trainer, not a bicycle part. This is one of if not the cheapest trainers that interacts with Zwift. While more affordable trainers on the market will measure power and transmit that to the game, they do not allow Zwift to adjust the resistance to simulate in-game terrain (a feature which allows for a more immersive experience.)

If the $500 price point is still too much for your budget, check out this story we did on the cheapest way to get started on Zwift.


Zwift claims a +/- 2.5% power accuracy, 1800 watt maximum, 16% max incline simulation, and both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity.

Other features include:

  • ANT+ FE-C Controllable
  • Bluetooth FTMS Controllable
  • Broadcasts ANT+ Speed, Power, and Cadence
  • Ability to serve as a BLE or ANT+ bridge for Heart Rate via Bluetooth
  • Spin Down Calibration in Zwift (with Auto-Calibration coming soon)
  • Firmware updates via Bluetooth


zwift hub
Trevor Raab

To help make hardware compatibility easier, Zwift ships the new trainer with everything riders need to get started (excluding a bike). The Zwift Hub comes pre-installed with a cassette included in the $500 price. Riders can specify cassette compatibility for 8-speed through 12-speed systems when purchasing. Zwift has a handy guide if you're unsure which cassette you need.

Cassettes are 11-28T range for 8, 9, 10, and 11-speed drivetrains and 11-30T for 12-speed systems. They are also compatible with Shimano and SRAM drivetrains.

Shipping the trainer with a pre-installed cassette decreases the overall cost for users. It also removes the need for customers to source an additional part, know how to install it, and have the necessary tools for the job.


zwift hub
Trevor Raab

To make fitting your bike to the Zwift Hub easier, Zwift has created color-coded thru-axle templates. It ships the trainer with cards that riders can use to measure their bike's rear dropouts. Each card is printed with an axle size and has the corresponding axle adapter attached to it. These cards should make figuring out which axle your bike has and which adapter you need to use with your trainer as easy as matching a few color-coded pieces.

Zwift entering the hardware game will likely have a broader impact on the trainer market. Up to this point, Zwift and the trainer companies have successfully worked together, and Zwift was very careful in its presentation to reiterate that it values these partnerships. But the reality is that many riders purchase a smart trainer specifically to use on Zwift.

zwift hub
Trevor Raab

How competing trainer brands—such as Wahoo and Elite—respond will be interesting to watch. But, I wouldn't hold my breath on top-tier indoor trainers getting any cheaper soon. Especially since the new Zwift Hub only claims 2.5% accuracy and Zwift's top-level racing league requires the use of trainers with 1.5% or less accuracy. But other brands may do everything they can to be competitive with their lower-priced trainer offerings.

Ride Impressions

The ride itself is quite good. In terms of feel and inertia, it’s as good as the pricier Wahoo Kickr Core. It’s also essentially silent. The only noise you’re likely to hear will be either your drivetrain or your fan. Really the only meaningful critique I can make of the Hub is that it doesn’t fold up or have adjustable legs. But if you’re not tight on space and have pretty even floors, this is the most cost-effective way to get the full virtual training experience that Zwift and other apps can offer.

Zwift Hub

Zwift Hub

Zwift Hub

$499 at zwift.com
Pros
  • The most affordable trainer for the full Zwift experience
  • Choice of 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12-speed cassette
  • Silent with good ride feel
Cons
  • Doesn't fold
  • Can't adjust legs for uneven floors
  • No built in handle for moving
Headshot of Dan Chabanov
Dan Chabanov

Test Editor Dan Chabanov got his start in cycling as a New York City bike messenger but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross racing, competing in professional cyclocross races from 2009 to 2019 and winning a Master’s National Championship title in 2018. Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer.