Zwift Unveils Bike Upgrade System and Exclusive Halo Bikes to Prevent You From Seeing that Spring Riding is Around the Corner- Velo

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It’s as if Zwift knows that most folks are set to transition from the indoor smart trainer to heading out on their bikes outside for the first time in who knows how long. They’re doing it by allowing Zwift users to earn and apply upgrades to the bikes in their garage.

These upgrades are oft-requested options asked for by the Zwift community, allowing users to upgrade items such as aerodynamics, cut weight, and optimize drivetrain efficiency.

Also available is a trio of old-school ‘Halo Bikes’ from Specialized, Pinarello, and Cannondale, one of which frankly doesn’t even look like a bike.

If you think about it, Zwift is doing its part to help you stave off those ‘new bike day’ cravings… at least until you decide to head outdoors.

How the Zwift bike upgrade system works

With this update, every frame in a Zwift user’s garage now comes with five stages of upgrades, each targeting a different aspect of the bike’s performance. To progress through these levels, Zwift users must equip their chosen frame and complete specific requirements to unlock the next upgrade for purchase using Zwift Drops.

The five upgrade types include:

• Aero Improvements – Reduce drag and gain speed.
• Weight Reduction – Shave grams for better climbing.
• Improved Drivetrain Efficiency – Maximize power transfer.
• XP Boost (+5%) – Earn experience points faster.
• Drops Boost (+5%) – Increase Drop earnings for more upgrades.

With these options, Zwifters can customize their bikes, just in time for the weather to start to warm up enough to go ride their bikes outside.

New ‘Halo Bikes’ from Specialized, Pinarello, and Cannondale

In addition to the Bike Upgrade System, Zwift is introducing three exclusive Halo Bikes—highly sought-after virtual rides with a deep connection to cycling history and innovation.

• Pinarello Espada – Inspired by Miguel Indurain’s time-trial machine, designed by Fausto Beroglio for all-out speed against the clock.
• Specialized Project 74 – A futuristic concept bike by Robert Egger, celebrating the founding of Specialized in 1974 and challenging traditional UCI design rules.
• Cannondale R4000 Roller Blade – A radical mid-1990s prototype featuring four inline skate wheels instead of a conventional front wheel, showcasing Cannondale’s legacy of experimentation.

Unlocking these bikes won’t be easy—they require a major commitment similar to the legendary Zwift Concept Z1. To gain access, Zwifters must fully upgrade three bikes from the same manufacturer, proving their dedication before they can purchase one of these elite machines.

These Halo Bikes aren’t just collector’s items—they deliver the performance to match their prestige, making them prized additions for any serious Zwifter.