NEW Zwift Hub One smart trainer eliminates the cassette, works with 7- to 12-spd bikes
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- čas přidán 17. 07. 2024
- In our nerdy bike world where many products are very similar, the new $599 Zwift Hub One smart trainer is actually quite unique in that it works easily with almost any bike - from 7- to 12-speed, quick release or thru axle - without changing a cassette - that’s this part of the bike - because there is none.
You just pop on your bike, align the derailleur so the chain falls into the slot, and from there, the game controls the resistance and you can shift or adjust difficulty with this two-button Click.
Now you’ve got a smart trainer that automatically adjusts resistance to mimic the hills in the virtual riding world of Zwift, or to the prescribed wattage turrets of guided workouts. Oh, and it comes with a year’s subscription to Zwift, which is worth $150. You can assemble the thing from the box and set it to work with virtually any bike with just this one tool, nothing else needed. It’s a compelling pitch.
In this video I’ll tell you all the details of how it works, share my experience riding it, and offer comparisons and context to all the other major trainers out there on the market of which I’ve tested a couple dozen, dumb vs smart, wheel on vs direct, as well as explain what Zwift is.
Zwift Hub One: us.zwift.com/products/zwift-h...
CORRECTION: The Hub One has 24 virtual gears, not 18. Sorry for the mistake.
0:00 intro
1:51 Zwift
4:17 smart v dumb
4:54 direct v wheel-on
6:15 cost
7:15 set up
9:54 shifting
11:38 ride impressions
15:42 conclusion
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Let's get Ben up to 50k subscribers asap. Provides too much quality knowledge and videos
Best reviews!
I guess his videos somehow are not landing on the right side of you tubes algorithm to be feed to more people.
I have had a lot of trouble getting my shifting to work properly when using the Zwift hub I bought about 8 months ago. This would seemingly clear up that issue. I will probably buy the upgrade kit. Glad this option is available now as I also have other bikes with different numbers of gears!
Kudos to Zwift. This is the way to go. 👏👏👏
Makes sense. I keep my chain on the 14 or 15 and leave it there. This simplifies installation.
Great review as always.
Great video Gary!
Appreciate the review.
Never heard of Epic Ride weather! Wow, I’ve been under a rock. Small mention but glad you mentioned it.
Yeah, it's sweet. velo.outsideonline.com/gear/tech-wearables/four-great-cycling-apps-you-need-to-download-now/
Great product. My wife rides an 11 speed 105, I have 12 speed SRAM Force. With this, I think we can share one trainer
Thanks for the video! Just ordered one🤞
You're welcome. Please let us know how you like it.
I didn't like it! The mechanical setup was fairly straightforward, but after spending an hour trying to get the controls and software to work, I gave up. Just sold it on marketplace. When it's too cold to ride, I would rather hike outside, then be inside anyway...
I got a Zwift Smart Hub when it first came out over a year ago. Then upgraded it to the Smart Hub One adding the Zwift Plays when those became available. I had an older Trek Madone with Di2 components and decided to strip everything not needed on it. This left me with just the frame, handlebar, front wheel, seat, and crankset. In place of the Di2 shifters, I installed some stoker pegs. In place of the rear derailleur, I installed a Surly chain tensioner. I love this setup, however, I’m now looking to get a complete Smart Bike Trainer like a Wahoo Kickr Shift Bike. The only complains I have with the Zwift Smart Hub (One) is that there is no carry handle for moving the trainer around.
I don't love that it probably fixes you to zwift, but its still compatible with a regular cassette which makes it suddenly super rad.
If you want to switch to another software you can always install a normal cassette though.. at least that was my thought process
Pretty slick. Ironically, it's ideal for erg mode which doesn't really seem to line up with Zwift's virtual racing
With virtual shifting you can probably keep the same cassette on and swap out various bikes of differing speeds and with different drivetrains and be ok with just some quick minor trimming each time you swap out a bike, and it might even be quieter than with the Hub One as its cog appears to be on the cheap end with higher teeth that might accout for its noisiness. However chain rub might be an issue if you're going from an 8 to a 12 speed so some people will still need the Hub One. But it's not absolutely needed.
My fan is louder than any trainer. It's not that loud in the grand scheme. Definitely can get more people at home riding without getting a smart bike (yet).
I want the same for my Tacx Neo.
The new new . Interesting!
Thank you for this review. I bought a 12 speed Sram aero bike and I read everything and nothing about the compavility with the cassette 😅. So this resolve everything!
Weird question but I have 0 knowledge so please bear with me : when you have disc brake, you have to put a little card type thind when you retire the wheel to prevent the brake to stuck together right? So you have to do it when you put the bike on the home trainer?
Kinda neat if you’re building up a cheap dedicated beater bike for the trainer, however if you already have a 10/11/12spd bike I guess I don’t see the point? But then I still haven’t gone to electronic shifting, so I just an old coot anyway.
Very nice review, was about to buy a Tacx Neo 2T but I like this simplicity and it’s also half the price 😊
Although I have a question, can we use it without Zwift membership ?
The Neo 2T is a much nicer trainer in many respects. Way quieter/folds up/works without power/makes a little laser light show underneath...
You can *kinda* use the trainer without Zwift. The two-way smart interaction works with other platforms in that they will read the power and control the resistance. However, you won't be able to shift.
You can remove the 'Cog' from the trainer and there's an 11spd hub body under there. So you could install a 11spd cassette and then use if like normally - shifting your bike's gears - with other platforms.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaneyso you're saying if we skip the smart cog and use a regular cassette, even the one provided by zwift, we would be able to use the zwift hub on other applications than zwift?
@paigeh2294 you can use it with any software as is. But the Cog only lets you shift in Zwift. So if you want to use TrainerRoad and shift, you just pull the Cog off and put a cassette on.
Steering, does no one steer 😂 my old tacx had a front frame. You mentioned those pads done steering ( i pressume there are some internal sensors ) but if you dont buy that how do you steer.
Does it come with 148 boost adapters for MTB? thanks
I’m buying my first trainer, kickR core with cassette is the same price as the zwift hub one. What would you buy ??
Hello. I presume you can just leave it on the 14 sprocket of a normal cassette and just use the click to simulate the gear changes? Thanks
Thanks Ben. Do you know if it can be used unplugged like the Neo?
It does not, no.
Hi Ben! New to Zwift (not new to cycling). Any workouts you recommend? Thanks.
Hi David. My favorite thing about Zwift is the interaction with other riders in group rides and races. Not necessarily talking/chatting, although that is cool too. So joining a group ride and then maybe a race is what I would recommend.
Workouts are a can of worms. It is easier for me to wrap my head around workouts when there is a goal in mind, and then you train towards that. But just sampling a random workout by available time and internet in the intensity is pretty common. Just start trying stuff and see what you like. But yeah - I like the interactive part.
Cool, thanks Ben. @@TheRidewithBenDelaney
For the last few days I was wondering how I will get my Campagnolo Ekar 1x13 to work with a smart trainer. It seemed like an erg mode only setup would be the only way and I felt like going for a full on smart bike like the Stages SB20. Now I have to re-evaluate again.
The Hub One isn't compatible with the narrow 13spd chain, unfortunately.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney According to my research, the 13 speed chain is .3 mm narrower than a 12 speed, but still has .4 mm of clearance. Since there won't be any shifting and the chain could be perfectly aligned all the time, it might work.
@@andreaslindenthal6654 I can confirm that it's working well with my Campagnolo EKAR 1x13.
The software open to other applications to make their gear or apps work with this.
Hi! I'm torn between this and the Tacx Neo2T! What I'm not sure if either of those trainers is compatible with my MTB (NorthRock XC27). Your help would be much appreciated!
I would get the Hub One, your mountain bike should work with both, but the Tacx will use the stock gearing which on mountain bikes are too high for training, whereas the Hub One will use a simulated gear set while your stock gears stay in the lowest gear.
How would you use the Swift Hub One for a scheduled TrainingPeak workout... Got my Fascat winter workouts ahead ;-)... or is the set up only for Zwifting along? Sorry in advance, I currently only speak dumbtrainer.
You could definitely use it for workouts from TrainingPeaks. Info here:
help.trainingpeaks.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020392591-Connecting-Zwift-And-TrainingPeaks-Accounts
Muy Interesante! @TheRidewithBenDelaney
Any idea of the durability of the cog vs a regular cassette?
Short answer: no idea!
Longer answer: I would suspect it would be as good if not better since there is no shifting friction. What I'm curious about is how a single cog could affect the longevity of various chains. I'll ask.
Just to clarify, Ben: You can use the Hub One with TrainerRoad, but only in erg mode. The connectivity with the TrainerRoad app is all there and making power/intensity changes via buttons on the app communicates those changes to the Hub One. Is this correct?
Not exactly. TrainerRoad can read data from Hub One and control the resistance, but it doesn't recognize the Click shifter, so you can't shift or adjust intensity remotely, you'd have to do that on the computer/tablet/phone. Zwift is hopeful that others will adopt remote shifting, but I don't know how motivated other companies are to integrate a competitor's technology.
So I've had the Zwift Hub One for a couple of weeks now and find it very noisy in spite of adjustments made to my derailleur, is it just me or is that a known problem ? I'm coming from a Wahoo Snap wheel-on that felt less noisy TBH. I'll replace the "One" cog by a standard cassette to see if it helps.
EDIT - actually the noise I'm hearing is pretty similar to what you have at 0:06 in your video so I guess it's "normal", it's pretty annoying though and bothers me a lot more than the noise I got with the Wahoo Snap.
I received my Hub One yesterday and have the exact same issue. I even exchanged the cog that comes with it to another cog from Shimano that fits my groupset. But the noise remained and is too loud. I think I am sending it back. It's a nice concept but I want something effortless and quiet.
@@PuttMeetsHelios I swapped it for a spare 11 speed cassette I had and that took care of the problem, give it a try. I don't understand why more people don't complain about the racket made by the cog!
I've seen people removing the plastic parts and putting spacers too but you'd derail if you change speeds by accident I suppose.
@@Peakabike its noisy as hell. I tried every adjustment I could think of or they suggested but watching reviews that noise is typical as they said. if I had aa spare cog I might swap it out and might try to buy a cog if that is possible. However, I just put the cog back on and it is dead quiet expect for the noise of the chain which is not much. The shifting still works when that clicker works which I have had an issue with lately but it might be using apple tv. getting video adaptor for ipad to see if things connect quicker.
@@tonyp4536 So you also put back a spare cassette ?
what are the virtual gears equivalent to? i.e. a 11-34 cassette with what chainrings?
Zwift says 53/39, 10-38. And it's 24 gears, not 18 as I said in the video.
No 1:1 or less, huh. That’s surprising
Thx
Would rather use a cassette to know that my gearing is the same as my on the road bike and don't like the idea of having to use new buttons in a different location to shift gears. I use Zwift and Rouvy as both can get a little boring at times but it is cool to be able to switch between them from time to time. There are some great Italian routes on Rouvy including the Stelvio Pass from Prato and its 42 switchbacks.
Wait a minute Ben, you still have a full stable of rim brake bikes?
Not a full stable; I've just got my 2011 Tarmac from when I worked at Specialized global marketing and hit a deer and broke the seatstay on it. Love that bike!
This works with Campagnolo 11-speed, isn’t it? That’s a game-changer for me then.
Somewhere I read it doesn’t work with campagnolo
Yep. Just not 13spd.
You say it's 18 gears but GPLama showed 24, has there been an update that explains the difference ?
Thanks for asking. It's 24. They originally had it at 18, and I missed the update to 24. GPLama was right.
Still riding my 30 year old Klein quantum, it’s going on a Zwift hub in a few days the old 6 speed cassette wouldn’t work on the original zwift
A 6spd chain might not be compatible. Officially Zwift lists the Cog at 8-12spd. I tried it with my daughter's 7spd and it works fine. I don't have a 6spd here to test with.
Did this end up working on the 6 speed? Currently have an old Bianchi with a 2x6 using a wheel on trainer but this looks tempting
The Swift web site says the COG will work with 8 to 12 speed. Yet your video mentions 7 speed as being compatible. I have a backup bike with a 7 speed cassette so I was curious what the source of your information is.
I tried it with my daughter's 7spd and it works fine. I'm not sure if I was originally told by Zwift that it was 7-12. But I am sure that the 7spd Giant I have here at home works fine.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I setup the Triban RC100/ 7 speed Shimano Tourney- and it works quite well so far. The drop out is 130mm which is critical- as I have read that older 7 speed bikes may be less than 130 mm. The Zwift Hub One requires 130mm or 135mm (Quick Release).
@LJG999ab ah! Good feedback, thanks. I didn’t think about the spacing on older bikes. Thanks for following back up here.
@@LJG999abI have a 7 speed with a 135mm thru axle. Would that be compatible with this hub or is it different since it’s not quick release?
During the first ride, while riding, there was a noticeable slip in the cog, and then it seem to catch again, but from that point on no movement was sent from the unit to my iPad.
I took the cog off replaced. My cassette got rid of the clique and still, my Swift hub is no longer sending information I guess even when the drive is engaged. Frustrating!
Arrrg, that is frustrating. Sorry. I'd recommend you call or chat Zwift to get it sorted. Technology is so cool when it works, and so maddening when it doesn't!
Would you get this or get the new wahoo kickr rollr?
Option 3: I'm happy with the fixed Kickr.
Prob I had with the fixed kickr is the cassette doesn’t line up perfectly so have to keep adjusting and I only have 1 bike
This is sorely needed. I've been looking at trainers but the cassette and everything associated around it made everything a pain. It was one of the mains reasons I instead looked towards a full setup.
Also, Zwift costs $160/yr? Jeez that is expensive. Still might get this, at $600(assuming no shipping cost) this is a lot better than a $400 secondhand (Wahoo) trainer and then dealing with cassette, through axle, Zwift sub etc. whereas this just solve all those issues without costing an arm and leg compared to a full smart bike trainer than a wheel-off one.
No. It costs $180/year. I agree it’s very expensive.
Can a ZWIFT HUB ONE run a Cassette if I was to change my mind and want to run that instead ?
Yes. There is an 11spd body underneath the “Cog”, so you just remove that and pop on a cassette. Zwift also sells an XRD adapter for 12spd SRAM cassettes.
Whoa; very interesting. This was released right in the middle of my "I'm gonna get a smart trainer to prepare for winter" research.
It sounds like this is just the existing Zwift Hub, but with the new "click" shifter and fancy doodad cassette replacement (Zwift Cog)? Do you know if that means it includes everything needed to run it traditionally if you do have a spare cassette? Or would I need to pick up some other parts? I've already picked up a spare cassette for my road bike anticipating this, but would appreciate the flexibility of being able to slap my gravel bike or a potential future road bike on without too much "faff" - especially since my current road bike is 9sp.
I was leaning towards a Tacx Flux S (or maybe 'splurging' for the 2) because I can get a discount on them and "Garmin ecosystem" and whatnot, but this might be too handy of a feature to pass up. I've never used a smart trainer before so don't really know what I'd be missing going for the "lower end" Zwift model. 🤷♂
Yes, this is the existing Zwift Hub but with that One piece in place of the normal freehub body. It does not come with a freehub body. Zwift is selling the One piece separately with the Click shifter to convert Zwift Hubs to Hub Ones; let me ask if they are also selling freehub bodies to convert in the opposite direction.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Ah, got it, I assumed the Zwift Cog used the freehub body as the attachment point; good thing I asked - Thanks, Ben!
How does it account different chain spacing? 10, 11, 12? There must be some kind of teeth in the hub.
There is no need? The single cog doesn't move. You make the teeth small enough to fit a 12 speed chain and then its good for any of the others...
Yep, that's correct. Just can't fit a 13spd chain.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Thanks. I thought there might be more chain wear with different speed chains.
Is the Hub 1 convertable to the cassette version?
Yes. The Cog unbolts and slides off - then you have the Zwift Hub.
Gotta say, I was recently disappointed to find out that my older wahoo kickr was not xdr compatible. After commiting to sram for all my bikes I was excited to have EVERYTHING set up for 12 speed axs. Unfortunately I’m stuck with the shimano driver on the kickr which means I’m running a 12 speed shimano mtn bike cassette. This does seem to solve my compatibility issue and the price is pretty tempting. What say you Ben, would it be a noticeable downgrade if you moved from an older gen kickr to the zwift hub?
Totally happy running 12sp shimano cassettes with SRAM flat top chains and visa versa.
Not a huge downgrade, no. I suspect the power measurement might not be as good - based on my very limited testing thus far and their 2.5% accuracy claim vs Wahoo's 1%. Also a bit louder. I'll test more for a future video.
SRAM has a 12spd gravel cassette now that works on an 11spd driver. So that could be an option.
How does this work with a campagnolo 11 speed?
Should work just fine. It can't do 13spd Campy, but that's because the chain is so narrow.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanks 🙏🏻
Have you seen this work with a 7 speed? The site says 8 minimum.
My daughter has a 7spd. Lemme go try it.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thank you! I look forward to hearing your findings!
Okay, I just tried it with a Liv 7spd and it works just fine. I wish we could post pictures here so I could show your the chain clearance.
Just picked up a cheap decathlon bike today, the Triban RC 100 which is a 7 speed to have as a permanent turbo trainer. I can confirm it works perfectly with the Zwift cog. Not sure why it states 8-12 speed?! The 24 ratios are superb👌🏻
@Ryan-oe3mg cool. Thanks for sharing your experience.
24 gear options?
Yes, sorry. I was referencing an older info sheet and they updated it before launch. Doh!
So does this mean that I can use virtual shifting on any other direct drive, smart trainer?
No, just this one.
When I was still using Zwift I never used the gradient simulation features anyway. Zwift's downfall are the training plans, they're simply bad. As are most of their individual workouts.
Hmmm maybe they should add a way to make custom workouts. Ah, never mind they have that already.
People who've never done structured training before don't know how to plan and structure workouts properly. They depend on good training plans and workouts.
Quick release really, is this still 1999, and if this wanted to be competitive it would interact with your SRAM, Shimano electronic shifters. No thanks I’ll stick with the Wahoo kickr.
The Trainer is not new…
I am a Zwift Member July 03, 2015 Not 2016.
24 ‼️ Not Only 18 Gear Options
Most smart trainer now has ERG, and you just buy a cassette yourself, which makes this cassette-free solution looks unncessary...
Is that a rim brake sworks…. OMG you are so old 😜. (Or shall I say we are so old.)
2011 SL4. Love that bike!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I recently sold mine, I had the pro model for years. I regret selling it. Joking aside that’s a forever bike.
Way too loud, I’d rather just use a cassette that matches the one on my wheel, and not being able to use your normal shifters to shift undermines the point in trying to replicate the experience of riding outdoors. Definitely a nope from me.
Need practice using your shifters or something? The noise in an issue but it's not like riding inside is anything like riding outside. The shifter is the biggest non-issue of non-issues
I also worry about button placement. As for sound you should be listening to music while you ride!
Less stress on my rear mech and shifter, no cassette wear…it’s intriguing.
I've put a cassette and the noise is gone, I still use the click thoigh, it's fast and convenient
Don’t do it!!! Broke my Zwift trainer first ride!!!
What happened?
This is NOT good. We want to use our bike shifters.
No “we” don’t.
It's remarkably simple and practically the same thing as using your brifters
Use your shifters then man 😂 absolutely no reason that you can't
I got a Zwift Smart Hub when it first came out over a year ago. Then upgraded it to the Smart Hub One adding the Zwift Plays when those became available. I had an older Trek Madone with Di2 components and decided to strip everything not needed on it. This left me with just the frame, handlebar, front wheel, seat, and crankset. In place of the Di2 shifters, I installed some stoker pegs. In place of the rear derailleur, I installed a Surly chain tensioner. I love this setup, however, I’m now looking to get a complete Smart Bike Trainer like a Wahoo Kickr Shift Bike. The only complains I have with the Zwift Smart Hub (One) is that there is no carry handle for moving the trainer around.
Cool. Thanks for sharing your experience.