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The Zwift Tron Bike, officially called the “Concept Z1,” is one of the most coveted items in the Zwift cycling universe. Known for its neon glow and high performance, itโs the ultimate status symbol in the game. Hereโs a straightforward guide on how to get it, including tips to speed up the process.
KEY TAKEAWAY
To get the Zwift Tron Bike, you must join the Everest Challenge, i.e., climb 8,850m (not all at once) and then climb another 41,150 m, a cumulative 50,000 vertical meters. The best route for this is the Road to Sky, which gives you 1,052m of elevation on 17.9 km, and it’s also the most direct route to the Alpe du Zwift.
Step 1: Join the “Everest Challenge”
To start your journey towards the Tron bike, join the “Climb Mt. Everest” challenge in Zwift. Follow these steps:
- Open Zwift.
- Navigate to the “Menu”.
- Select “Challenges”.
- Choose the “Climb Mt. Everest” challenge.
If youโve already completed a different challenge, donโt worryโprogress towards the Tron Bike begins after finishing the first 8,850 meters (29,028 feet) required to “summit” Everest.
Step 2: Climb a Total of 50,000 Meters
To unlock the Tron Bike, you must climb a cumulative total of 50,000 meters (164,042 feet). This includes the initial 8,850 meters of the Everest Challenge.
What’s the Best Route for Climbing 50,000 on Zwift?
The most efficient climbing route is the Road to Sky, which is the most direct route to the Alpe du Zwift mountain. Each ascent of this virtual climb totals 1,036 meters (3,399 feet) in elevation gain. The completion of the entire route gives you a few meters more (1052m)
How Many Times Do You Have to Climb Alpe du Zwift?
Since you first have to get to the Alpe du Zwift, let’s assume you only ride the Road to Sky route. In that case, the calculation is as follows:
50000/1052=47.5
This means that the Zwift Tron bike will unlock during your 49th ascent of the Alpe du Zwift (assuming you rode this route from the beginning).
How Long Does It Take to Get the Zwift Tron Bike?
Completing the Road to Sky route three times per week will take you about 14 weeks (three and a half months). I know it might sound like a lot, but trust me, you can do it if you have a high level of determination! But how much time is this expressed in hours?
If we assume you weigh 75 kg and can produce 200 watts steadily (2.67 w/kg), then Road to Sky will take you 01:21:07. After multiplying this by 47.5, we get roughly 64:13:03. In other words, getting a Tron Bike will take you around 64 hours, depending on your fitness.
I recommend using this tool from Best Bike Split to calculate the time needed to complete the route with your power and weight.
Tips to Unlock the Tron Bike Faster
Here are a few tips to unlock the Zwift Tron bike faster.
1. Reduce Your Trainer’s Difficulty
A smart trainer with gradient simulation adds realism and helps you sustain power efficiently on climbs. But Alpe du Zwift has an average gradient of 8.5%, with ramps exceeding 10%, which is a lot for beginners. That’s why I recommend at least halving your trainer’s difficulty in Zwift settings, so you don’t have to spin such a low cadence.
2. Be Consistent
Depending on your current fitness, set a target of completing the climb 1-5 per week to build momentum. You will be surprised how quickly you start to get closer to reaching your goal.
3. Update Your Weight
Update your in-game weight to match your real-life weight for accurate power-to-weight calculations. Make sure to update it if you lose weight in real life. As your power increases but weight decreases, your higher watts per kilogram (W/kg) allow you to climb faster, reaching higher average speeds.
4. Join Group Rides
You can join group rides or events on climbing routes to stay motivated and break the routine. The social aspect of Zwift makes the grind less monotonous. Thanks to drafting, you will also ride a bit faster.
5. Split the Goal into Smaller Goals
Instead of focusing on the daunting 50,000 meters, aim for milestones like 10,000 meters or completing a set number of Alpe du Zwift climbs per month.
6 Pace Yourself
Remember, it’s not about how fast you finish the route. It’s about consistently riding it for several weeks without burning out. Your goal should be accumulating vertical meters, not beating the KOM. So, slow down and make the grind more enjoyable by riding slowly and enjoying the scenery (or your favorite TV show).
7. Use Lightweight Bike and Wheels
When leveling up in Zwift, you will unlock more and more equipment. Zwift Insider has an excellent guide on what to buy and when. It will help you to optimize marginal gains and climb a bit faster. So, take advantage of each drop you earn!
8. Rest
Balancing intense climbing with recovery rides ensures you maintain energy and motivation throughout the challenge. If you feel too tired, consider taking one more day off. Three months of such a training load can be a lot, even for experienced riders. So, eat and rest well.
Is the Zwift Tron Bike Worth It?
The Tron Bike isnโt just about looks. It offers competitive aerodynamics and is among the fastest bikes in Zwift across flat and rolling terrain. So, whether you are racing or casually riding, the Tron Bike provides a performance edge.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Zwift Tron Bike requires dedication and persistence. It’s going to hurt. It’s going to take time. There are no shortcuts or cheats. However, with the strategic approach and tips I presented above, itโs an achievable goal. Focus on consistency, leverage Road to Sky with the Alpe du Zwift climb for efficiency, and don’t forget to rest. Once you see that neon glow beneath you, every virtual meter climbed will feel worth it.
