Zwift Release 1.86 & Upcoming Events

THIS INFORMATION IS UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL March 18th, 15:30 UTC // 11:30 AM EST // 08:30 AM PST

RELEASE NOTES for 1.86 - UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL RELEASE IS LIVE

Here is what you can expect in the upcoming release and what events are on the horizon. The release is expected to go live Tuesday, March 18th at approximately 15:30 UTC. This release will be a rolling release, meaning we will scale up the percentage of people with the release over a few days to minimize bugs or crashes. Below you will find the updates included in this release. 

All Platforms

• The Zwift Garage now features a Bike Upgrade system that lets Zwifters upgrade any bike and hand cycle to five (5) upgrade stages for increased performance.

• New Bikes (S-Works Tarmac SL8, Cannondale CAAD13, Cannondale Super Six EVO LAB71) and Halo Bikes (Specialized Project 74, Cannondale R4000 Roller Blade, Pinarello Espada) are now available in the Drop Shop.

• New Badge Alert! La Guardia After Party (New York) and Neon After Party (Makuri Islands) are now available for free ride.

• The Pinarello Dogma F (2024) has had a price adjustment to bring it in line with other newly released 2024 high-end bikes.

• Improved the reliability of The Zwift Big Spin reward spinner.

• Improved the navigation and appearance of the tabs shown on top of the Home screen.

• Fixed an issue that caused Running progress to incorrectly count towards the Factory Tour challenge.

• Fixed an issue that could cause the Shift Style and Gear Range settings to appear for trainers that do not support virtual shifting.

• Windows: For Windows devices that are compatible with Video Screenshots, Video Screenshots is now disabled by default for devices that have less than 8 GB of RAM or fewer than 4 CPU cores. Video Screenshots can be re-enabled at any time for these devices under Settings → Video Screenshots.

• iOS: Fixed an issue that could cause Bluetooth devices to not automatically reconnect if Zwift was open for an extended period of time.

• Android: Fixed an issue that could prevent Bluetooth devices from automatically reconnecting after a disconnection.

More Information on Garage Updates:

Hello, Bike Upgrades!

New Bike Day is the highlight for almost any cyclist, but the next best thing is a shiny new upgrade, a well-earned reward that might just help them get an edge over their riding buddies. You will now see that every frame in your garage will display a sequence of upgrades. Five stages of upgrades are possible, each improving a specific aspect of your bike’s performance. From launch, there will be five upgrade variants:

1. Aero Improvements

2. Weight Reduction

3. Improved Drivetrain Efficiency

4. XP Boost (5%)

5. Drops Boost (5%)

At the top of the upgrade stack, you’ll find the dream rides, the pinnacle of the upgrade system: the Halo Bikes. We’ll be placing our halo bikes in-game at a price point not many Zwifters can afford (10M). For Zwifters to earn and lust over these, they’ll need to put the time in and spend the drops to max out 3 bikes within the brands collection.

More information on Bike Upgrades:

• New race bikes have touched down in Zwift! The Specialized Tarmac SL8, both stock and S_Works addition, as well as Cannondale's Super Six EVO LAB71 and infamous CAAD13 are available in the Drop Shop, locked at various levels.
• Catch halo bikes in action from March 18 to April 7in your local 24/7 group rides, powered by RoboPacers on the Zwift tarmac. Hit the pavement and you might see Big Mig powering the Pinarello Espada, Jacques on the Cannondale Rollerblade, or Coco on the Specialized Project74 lighting the way.
• We went to the Win Tunnel, checked our numbers, and it has the Drop Shop feeling like new. Bike and wheel performance now better reflect performance differences between bikes that’s seen outdoors, making your choice of bike for specific terrain an easy one to make.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Check out the details for events that are coming up in the next month. All events are available to be covered in marketing promotions beginning the date of registration or first in-market dates

Registration Live: 24 February

Events Live: 4 - 30 March

Zwift Games is back for its second year and here are what's coming back and what's new for this year:

Returning:

• 5 Stage Campaign, scheduled like our biggest tours 

• Can be done in any order (including makeup)

• Unique and limited edition unlocks 

• Take on the same challenge as the pros or do it your own way 

• The biggest field sizes in racing 
• Equipment neutralisation for the community and elite racing

• Sprint stages during the week, harder stages at weekends. 

• Elite racing as the culmination and highlight of the season’s calendar

New for 2025:

• All events will be using  ZRS with 3 categories available

• 5 new routes with 1 PU per race  

• No split events - everyone at every level will do the same races

• Enhanced scheduling
• Women’s only events

• Route completion challenge 

• Elite - transition to a stage race format rather than separate championships, 3 broadcasts instead of 6

• GC results on web

Registration Live: 24 February

Events Live: 3 - 30 March (Make ups: 31 March - 6 April)

The Big Spin also returns for its second year and this year's landing with a theme that will have you feeling groovy. Spin through four stages and win gear that's inspired by the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. We are also bringing back some unlocks that will be available to win though all stages:

During the month of March, every day is an opportunity to choose your fun. Whether you are seeking that Type 1 "feeling lucky" fun or that thrill-seeking Type 2 fun, The Big Spin and Zwift Games are here for you.