Zwift's New Era: Bike Upgrades, Drop Shop Shakeup, and More in Version 1.86

Zwift's latest update, version 1.86, represents a major leap forward for the virtual cycling platform, marking its most substantial release of the year. This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a comprehensive overhaul impacting core gameplay mechanics, in-game economics, and even the competitive landscape. The update introduces a long-anticipated Bike Upgrades system, significant performance changes to existing bikes and wheels, new bikes in the Drop Shop, and several other enhancements and bug fixes. Let's dive into the details.

1. The Game-Changer: Bike Upgrades

The headline feature of version 1.86 is undoubtedly the "Bike Upgrades" system. First announced in September 2024, this functionality allows Zwifters to enhance the performance of any bike frame (including handcycles) in their garage. This adds a significant new layer of progression and strategic decision-making to the game.

Each bike can be upgraded through five stages. Each stage improves a specific aspect of the bike's performance, although Zwift has not specifically said if this is related to Aero or Weight, the two metrics used to define a bike and wheelset's performance. To unlock each upgrade stage, you'll need to complete specific in-game challenges while riding that particular bike. These challenges vary by frame and can involve:

• Distance Ridden: Accumulating a certain number of kilometers/miles.
• Elevation Gained: Climbing a specific vertical distance.
• Time Ridden: Spending a set amount of time in the saddle.

Once an upgrade is unlocked, you'll need to spend your hard-earned "Drops" (Zwift's in-game currency) to purchase and apply it. This system introduces a compelling new dynamic: do you spread your Drops across multiple bikes, upgrading them incrementally, or do you focus on fully upgrading a single favorite frame?

To find the upgrades, Zwifters have to follow these steps.

1. Open the Garage
2. Select frame from My Garage.
3. Select a frame to upgrade.
4. Complete requirements.
5. Select the Drops price to buy the upgrade.

For more detailed instructions and an FAQ, Zwift has created a helpful guide on their Support Hub. An icon will appear next to upgraded frames in the Zwift Garage.

2. Performance Recalibration: A New Era of Speed

To complement the Bike Upgrades system and enhance in-game realism, Zwift has comprehensively adjusted the performance characteristics of nearly every bike frame and wheelset in the game. This is a massive undertaking.

Key changes include:

• Across-the-Board Adjustments: Almost all road frames and wheelsets have seen their performance metrics (weight and aerodynamics) altered. Last week, Zwift Insider published preliminary details on these changes, providing a crucial resource for competitive Zwifters.
• Tron Bike Tweaks: Even the iconic Concept Z1 (Tron) bike hasn't escaped the performance overhaul. Details on these changes are forthcoming.
• Beyond Road Bikes: Performance adjustments extend to Time Trial (TT), Mountain Bike (MTB), and Gravel frames, promising a more balanced and realistic experience across all disciplines.

3. New Rides in the Drop Shop: Four New Bikes + Three "Halo Bikes"

New bike day is always exciting, and version 1.86 delivers several new options:

• High-Performance Road Bikes:
  • Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL8: Unlockable at Level 40+, priced at 1,750,000 Drops (4 stars weight, 3 stars aero).
  • Specialized Tarmac SL8: Unlockable at Level 35+, priced at 700,000 Drops (4 stars weight, 3 stars aero).
  • Cannondale Super Six EVO LAB71: Unlockable at Level 40+, priced at 1,750,000 Drops (4 stars weight, 3 stars aero).
  • Cannondale CAAD13: Unlockable at Level 14+, priced at 500,000 Drops (3 stars weight, 3 stars aero).

• "Halo Bikes": A New Tier of AspirationThese "Halo Bikes" represent the pinnacle of in-game achievement. They are not directly purchasable. Instead, Zwifters must first unlock the opportunity to buy them by completing extensive upgrade paths on other bikes. This adds a significant long-term goal for dedicated players. The Cannondale R4000 is particularly unique, having four inline skate wheels in the front.
  • Specialized Project 74: (2 stars weight, 3 stars aero, 10,000,000 Drops).
  • Pinarello Espada: (1 star weight, 4 stars aero, 10,000,000 Drops).
  • Cannondale R4000 Roller Blade: (2 stars weight, 3 stars aero, 10,000,000 Drops).

4. Drop Shop Economics: Price and Level Changes

The introduction of Bike Upgrades has also triggered a re-evaluation of the Drop Shop economy:

• Pinarello Dogma F (2024) Price Increase: The price has risen slightly from 1,400,000 to 1,750,000 Drops.
• Widespread Wheel Price Increases: Nearly all wheelsets have seen significant price increases, in some cases more than doubling. This makes wheel upgrades a much more considered investment. Some examples:
  • Zwift 32mm Carbon: Increased from 32,000 to 100,000 Drops.
  • Zipp 858/Super9: Increased from 550,000 to 750,000 Drops.
  • Roval Alpinist CLX: Increased from 634,300 to 550,000 Drops.
• Level Unlock Adjustments: Four wheelsets have had their unlock levels changed, reshuffling the early-game progression:
  • HED Vanquish RC6 Pro: Level 17 to 10
  • Shimano C60: Level 10 to 17
  • FFWD RYOT55: Level 18 to 6
  • Mavic Cosmic Ultimate: Level 6 to 18

5. New Routes to Explore

Version 1.86 adds three new routes, expanding the virtual worlds available to Zwifters:

• La Guardia After Party (New York): 20.8km, 326m elevation gain.
• Neon After Party (Makuri Islands): 17.3km, 88m elevation gain.
• Hilltop Hustle (Watopia): 16.3km, 346m elevation gain (event-only initially).

These routes offer new challenges and scenery, along with the coveted route achievement badges.

6. Retirement of Older Bikes

In a first for Zwift, many older bike models have been "retired" from the Drop Shop. This means they are no longer available for purchase. If you already own one of these bikes, it will remain in your garage, but new players will not be able to acquire them. The retired models include several from Specialized, Cannondale, Pinarello, Canyon, Cervelo, and Scott. A complete list has been compiled, showing that the Specialized 2015 Shiv is one of many bikes removed.

7. Additional Tweaks and Bug Fixes

Beyond the major features, version 1.86 includes numerous smaller improvements:

• Improved reliability of "The Zwift Big Spin" reward spinner.
• Enhanced Home screen navigation and appearance.
• Fixes for issues related to running progress, virtual shifting, and Bluetooth connectivity on various platforms (Windows, iOS, Android).
• Video Screenshots are now disabled by default on lower-spec Windows devices (less than 8GB RAM or fewer than 4 CPU cores) to improve performance.

Key Takeaways

Zwift version 1.86 is a landmark update that significantly alters the game's dynamics. Here's what you need to know:

• Bike Upgrades are a game-changer: They add long-term progression, strategic choices, and a new way to spend Drops.
• Performance has been redefined: Expect a different feel to your favorite bikes and wheels, requiring re-evaluation of race setups.
• New bikes and routes offer fresh challenges: Explore new roads and chase aspirational (and expensive) new rides.
• The Drop Shop economy has shifted: Wheel upgrades are now a more significant investment.
• Older bikes are being phased out: This adds a layer of exclusivity to some existing bikes.

This update positions Zwift for continued growth and provides a wealth of new content and challenges for both casual and competitive cyclists. Get ready to ride, upgrade, and explore!