Zwift Killed the Fatbike

October 2nd, 2018 by Kathy Braginton

I was an early adopter on the fat bake craze.  I absolutely loved the idea of something that would provide with me an incentive to continue to ride through the winter months.  Incidentally, this is the same reason is also why I started cyclocross so many years ago; to keep me riding later in the year than I otherwise would.

For the most part, the fat bike fit the bill.  I went through several fat bikes that got lighter and nimbler, almost like a 29er mountain bike.  But don’t get me wrong, it is still a royal PITA to get all the proper gear and stay warm and interested in significant long winter rides on a fat bike.  I could write an entire blog on the types of boots and gloves that I have tried for winter riding.

I also have the benefit of the Lake Michigan shoreline to spice up my fat bike rides. The shoreline in the winter is like riding on the moon, not a soul around, beautiful views, and sometimes floating rides.  But when Zwift came on the scene, my interest is suffering outside dwindled.  I know find myself routinely opting to Zwift rather than suffer in the winter conditions.

Zwift provides the benefit of quickly prepping for rides, especially if you have a dedicated trainer bike.  So, when faced with riding at night, in very cold conditions, or wet conditions, I hate to admit it, but I often pick Zwift.

Zwift is perfect for monitoring my effort, especially with a “smart” trainer, and gives me that added nudge to keep my limited attention span . . . especially when someone, or a group of riders, pass me.

Also, to support my limited attention span, on very easy trainer rides, I also often watch a movie or TV show.  Which is another draw.  And while I always look forward to riding, I got hooked on Peaky Blinders, Ray Donovan, and countless other shows and movies. I watched all four seasons of Peaky Blinders last February while on the trainer.

Like the old song goes, “Video killed the radio star . . .”, for me, and likely many others, my fat bike is getting far less use in favor of Zwift.

The post Zwift Killed the Fatbike appeared first on Team Athletic Mentors.


Zwift Killed the Fatbike

October 2nd, 2018 by Kathy Braginton

I was an early adopter on the fat bake craze.  I absolutely loved the idea of something that would provide with me an incentive to continue to ride through the winter months.  Incidentally, this is the same reason is also why I started cyclocross so many years ago; to keep me riding later in the year than I otherwise would.

For the most part, the fat bike fit the bill.  I went through several fat bikes that got lighter and nimbler, almost like a 29er mountain bike.  But don’t get me wrong, it is still a royal PITA to get all the proper gear and stay warm and interested in significant long winter rides on a fat bike.  I could write an entire blog on the types of boots and gloves that I have tried for winter riding.

I also have the benefit of the Lake Michigan shoreline to spice up my fat bike rides. The shoreline in the winter is like riding on the moon, not a soul around, beautiful views, and sometimes floating rides.  But when Zwift came on the scene, my interest is suffering outside dwindled.  I know find myself routinely opting to Zwift rather than suffer in the winter conditions.

Zwift provides the benefit of quickly prepping for rides, especially if you have a dedicated trainer bike.  So, when faced with riding at night, in very cold conditions, or wet conditions, I hate to admit it, but I often pick Zwift.

Zwift is perfect for monitoring my effort, especially with a “smart” trainer, and gives me that added nudge to keep my limited attention span . . . especially when someone, or a group of riders, pass me.

Also, to support my limited attention span, on very easy trainer rides, I also often watch a movie or TV show.  Which is another draw.  And while I always look forward to riding, I got hooked on Peaky Blinders, Ray Donovan, and countless other shows and movies. I watched all four seasons of Peaky Blinders last February while on the trainer.

Like the old song goes, “Video killed the radio star . . .”, for me, and likely many others, my fat bike is getting far less use in favor of Zwift.

The post Zwift Killed the Fatbike appeared first on Team Athletic Mentors.