How to Use Zwift on Any Bike with Your Apple Watch and iPhone

Zwift is a fantastic way to stay active and motivated, especially during winter or when outdoor riding isn’t an option. The best part? With this setup, you can:

- Use your Apple Watch to measure heart rate and estimate power.
- Avoid installing complex sensors or buying a smart trainer.
- Ride at home or even at your local gym!

Watch the video tutorial:

What You Need

A bike: Spin bike, exercise bike, or dumb trainer.
Apple Watch: To monitor heart rate and estimate power output.
iPhone: To run the HR2VP app and connect to Zwift.
Another device: An iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Windows PC to run Zwift.
Optional accessories:
- Towel to manage sweat.
- Fan to keep you cool.
- Yoga mat to protect your floor and reduce vibrations.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Set Up Your Bike

Position your bike in a well-ventilated area.
Place a towel nearby and keep a water bottle within reach.
Consider using a fan to stay cool during intense rides.
Add a yoga mat underneath the bike for stability and floor protection.

2. Install the HR2VP App

Download the HR2VP app from the App Store on your iPhone.
The app will also install on your Apple Watch automatically.
Open the app on your phone and grant all permissions (e.g., heart rate access).

Download HR2VP for iOS

3. Configure the HR2VP App

Ensure BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) broadcasting is activated in the app.
Adjust the power smoothing slider:
- For quick responsiveness, leave it on “accurate.”
- For stable power output, move it toward “smooth.”
Enter your personal parameters:
- Minimum heart rate: Your resting heart rate while awake.
- Maximum heart rate: The highest value you can achieve during intense effort.

4. Start the Apple Watch App

Open the HR2VP app on your Apple Watch.
Grant permissions if prompted.
Tap the bike icon to begin broadcasting your heart rate.

5. Pair HR2VP with Zwift

Open Zwift on your secondary device (iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or Windows PC).
Go to the pairing screen and connect:
- Power source: Select the HR2VP signal from your iPhone.
- Heart rate monitor: Pair the heart rate signal from your Apple Watch.

6. Begin Riding on Zwift

Start pedaling and watch your avatar move in Zwift! Your power output will be calculated based on your heart rate, so any effort—whether pedaling or wiping sweat—will impact your wattage.

Pro Tips for Zwift

Anticipate delays: Heart rate-based power estimation has a slight lag. If you’re riding in a group, increase your effort slightly before climbs to stay with the pack.
Add a cadence sensor (optional): For more accurate power estimation, pair a cadence sensor to HR2VP. Higher cadence = higher wattage!
Stay cool and hydrated: Keep water and a fan nearby to ensure a comfortable ride.

FAQs

1. Does this setup work at the gym?

Yes! You can use this on stationary bikes at your gym, provided you have your Apple Watch and iPhone with you.

2. Is the HR2VP app free?

The app costs approximately $3.50/month or $32 for lifetime access. It’s a small investment for such a versatile tool!

3. Can I use Android devices?

This guide is optimized for Apple devices, but Zwift and HR2VP are compatible with Android. However, Bluetooth connectivity between iOS and Android may be less reliable.