I’ve been using Zwift with my Bowflex C6 bike for about a year, since I first got the bike. Discovering Zwift was a happy accident; it was listed as a compatible training app, and after trying a few options, Zwift became my preferred platform. Initially, my rides were solo or structured workouts, but I’ve since ventured into races and found the competitive aspect enjoyable. However, I’ve encountered an issue with how Zwift interprets the Bowflex’s power settings, which impacts my racing experience.
The Zwift app doesn’t seem to fully align with the Bowflex C6’s resistance levels. In races, I typically select a single resistance setting for the entire duration, usually around 50 out of 100. This often results in my watt readings fluctuating significantly, sometimes reaching 400-700 watts, depending on the effort needed to keep pace with the group. I was initially placed in the C group for races but recently moved up to B due to repeated flagging. While I don’t consider myself an exceptionally strong cyclist, I was frustrated with being flagged.
Adding to the frustration, I’ve experienced harassment from other racers accusing me of “sandbagging,” which is not the case. Seeking clarification, I contacted Zwift customer service and was advised to purchase additional equipment costing $400. While I’m not inclined to invest more money for virtual racing and can accept limitations on race participation, being unfairly targeted and accused of cheating is disheartening. I expected more transparency from Zwift regarding potential compatibility issues with Bowflex Bikes for users considering their service. Furthermore, I had hoped for a more supportive and understanding virtual cycling community. It’s surprising to see such negativity and accusations of cheating in what is supposed to be a friendly environment.
