The indoor cycling season is heating up as the temperature dips in the colder in parts of the world, but the battle to elevate the standard is heating to a boil.
In the next phase of virtual cycling’s one-upmanship, the two major players, Zwift and Wahoo, have released significant game updates in the span of two weeks.
On October 25, 2022, Wahoo RGT (opens in new tab) announced the release of several highly prized upgrades (opens in new tab). “Daylight savings mark the start of the indoor training season for many,” according to Wahoo spokesperson Dana Berry-Monroe, “so we timed our exciting new features and updates to launch at this time.” The release included the first-of-its-kind Voice Chat feature and several other elements.
Zwift (opens in new tab) responded on November 9, 2022, with a package of improvement upgrades highlighted by the addition of never-before-ridden virtual roads to the delight of its subscriber base.
(Image credit: Zwift)
The November 2021 introduction of Neokyo, Zwift’s take on the neon lights and hustle-bustle of urban Tokyo, included the serene coastal landscape of the fictional Makuri Islands.
The newly introduced Urukazi is an expansion of the Makuri Islands consisting of 27.2km of roads portioned into eight individual routes.
Zwift opens Urukazi Roads
(Image credit: Christopher Schwenker)
“Urukazi (woo-roo-kah-zi) is the combination of two Okinawan words – “uru” means “shore,” and “kazi” means “breeze,” Zwift explains, and “the combination of the two words is meant to evoke the serene, untouched character of the southern Japanese archipelago.”
From the popular Makuri Island roads, users descend 60m through a slot canyon or a cavern to the sea-level shores of Urukazi. There the intriguing scenery and ambient game sounds stimulate the senses providing a pleasant distraction from the physically demanding terrain.
From the comfort of their indoor cycling space, Urukazi transports riders to a workout world where they can hear kites flapping in the wind and discover “easter eggs” like bats, cats, and ocean monsters at every turn. Zwift’s interpretation of the island’s scenery takes riders over varied surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and the newest reveal – sand.
(Image credit: Christopher Schwenker)
It may not mean much until you discover that each has a unique rolling resistance and there’s a “best” virtual wheel and bike combination for every route. It also may be lost on the traditional cyclist whose…