Zwift caters to road bikes as all the tracks are on the road but you could use a MTB with it as long as it'll fit on the smart trainer. Most will but I'd suggest getting a slick tire for the back because you'll beat the hell out of a knobby tire on a trainer.
Zwift also introduced running last year so you can use a treadmill with it. Which is kind of fun to see people running along the same routes as you when to ride by. If you have a smart treadmill too and like to switch up your activities this would be great for training.
You can run Zwift through your phone, iPad or computer. I run it through my computer so I have the larger screen but I link the computer to my phone so I can send messages, turn if I want to go a different route or use power ups (30 sec benefits you sometimes get in the game). You can also see the entire list of all the people riding around you and send them "Ride Ons" (like kudos) or see how fast their going, their wattage or their profiles.
Zwift is $10 US/month ($12.73 CAN last month)
These are the three most popular smart trainers for people on Zwift. These prices are from The Bike Shop website so you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere:
- Wahoo Kickr Snap: $899
- Tacx Vortex: $699
- Kurt Kinetic Trainers Rock And Roll: $650
You can spend more if you want to remove the back wheel and connect directly to the bike. It saves your tire and cassette but, in my opinion, isn't worth the extra $600-$1000 for most people. Those trainers run in the $1600 range.
Other expenses that aren't necessary:
- Heart rate monitor - I use the Wahoo one because I have their trainer and their computer on my bike
- Fan - this is actually necessary unless your workout room/basement is a cooler
- Laptop stand - I just use a bar stool but a stand would be nice to bring the laptop up to eye level
- Workout mat - I put a towel under the bike because I'm a pig and don't want to ruin my basement laminate. A mat might be better.
