Using Zwift hub without Zwift (doable if you know this)

Zwift Hub is Zwift’s first smart trainer: a direct drive trainer sold at only $499. Generally, indoor trainers with similar specs are at least $200 more expensive than Zwift Hub. Therefore it is quite interesting to consider buying this trainer if you don’t have a direct drive trainer yet. But being developed and sold by Zwift, does it mean you have to use Zwift for indoor cycling? Or is it like any other indoor trainer, where you can choose the app of your choice to ride indoors?

Can you use Zwift Hub without a Zwift subscription?

You can use Zwift Hub without a Zwift subscription but you will have to calibrate your trainer within Zwift. It is possible to perform the calibration without paying for a subscription but you will be required to download the Zwift application. Zwift hub calibration cannot be performed outside of Zwift.

How to use Zwift Hub without a Zwift subscription?

• Connect to another indoor cycling app

Simply connect Zwift Hub to the application of your choice. It is compatible with ANT+ FE-C, ANT+ Power, Bluetooth Smart Trainer Control, and Bluetooth Smart Power. Therefore it is compatible with all indoor cycling apps such as TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Fulgaz, etc.

I will cover a list of indoor cycling apps to use as alternatives to Zwift later in this article, including some free alternatives!

• Just ride (no apps)

It is possible to use Zwift Hub without running any app. You can just hop on your trainer and ride. In this case, you won’t have access to all the features, especially the ERG mode where the resistance of your bike is directly set up by the software to match a given value for your workout.

Without connecting the Zwift Hub to an app, your trainer will be in resistance mode. It will provide a set resistance and you can adjust the gearing on your bike to make the pedaling torque more or less easy.

In my opinion, this is not worth it. This is exactly like riding a dumb trainer.

• Connect to a GPS bike computer

Another solution is to ride using your GPS bike computer, or a sports watch. You just need to connect the device to your trainer and then you can control the trainer resistance with your device as you wish when riding.

Note: This option is not available on some models of bike computers and watches. For Garmin models, refer to Garmin support list of devices that can control a smart trainer.

With Garmin compatible devices, once you have paired your Zwift Hub, you have 3 options:

• Use the Garmin as a remote control to set the resistance and ride it. Of course, you can modify the resistance while riding.
• Use the Garmin to ride an existing workout indoors. It will show you a virtual partner and use ERG mode to control the resistance throughout the ride.
• Use the Garmin to ride a prepared structured workout. You can create these workouts in Garmin connect and export them to your Garmin devices.

With a Zwift Hub do you still need to use the Zwift app?

There are two essential reasons why you will need to use Zwift when you own a Zwift Hub. None of these reasons require you to pay for a Zwift subscription, but still, you will have to download both the Zwift app and the Zwift Companion app.

Reasons to use Zwift when owning a Zwift Hub:

• For calibration

You will need to calibrate your trainer regularly for accurate power results. Calibration is recommended to be performed once a week. For accurate calibration results, it is always best to perform the calibration within the manufacturer’s app: Zwift app in this case. Actually, I haven’t seen any other app proposing to calibrate Zwift Hub trainers for the moment.

• To update the firmware

You should double-check for firmware updates from time to time. This is done using the Zwift Companion app.

How to calibrate Zwift Hub without paying for a Zwift subscription?

1. Create a Zwift account (go to https://www.zwift.com/sign-in)
2. Download Zwift app (on your phone, laptop, or tablet…)

Note: be careful to download Zwift app (orange logo) and not Zwift companion app (blue logo)

3. Launch Zwift app
4. Login (can be automated)
5. Pair Zwift hub to Zwift app
6. Pedal for 10min on the start screen or pairing screen

This step is essential to obtain accurate results. The spin test must be performed only when the smart trainer components had time to warm up and be representative of riding conditions.

7. Go back to the pairing screen (if needed)
8. Press the tool wrench next to your trainer

9. Start the calibration
10. Follow on-screen instructions to perform the spin-down calibration
11. Once completed, you can exit the app

As long as you do not ride in-game, it’s ok not to buy a Zwift subscription. You will always be able to perform the spin-down test.

Calibrating a bike trainer is important for it to operate at its optimum performance. But reducing its vibration is also something that can do no harm. Go have a look at my dedicated article on how to reduce your bike trainer vibrations.

Alternative indoor cycling apps to use with your Zwift Hub

The Zwift hub also works with Rouvy, TrainerRoad, Fulgaz, Kinomap, and Wahoo SYSTM.

List of alternative apps to Zwift for your Zwift hub:

• Rouvy ✅
• Wahoo SYSTM ✅
• TrainerRoad ✅
• Kinomap ✅
• Fulgaz ✅

Are there any free indoor cycling apps to use with Zwift Hub

The Zwift hub works with free apps such as MyWhoosh, Wahoo RGT, TrainerDay, and Golden Cheetah.

List of free apps to use with a Zwift hub:

• MyWhoosh ✅
• Wahoo RGT ✅
• TrainerDay ✅
• Golden Cheetah ✅