Indoor and virtual cycling · Public discussion

How to create custom routes on Zwift

Started by WheelSpinWes · · Last activity · 11 posts · 141 views

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Indoor and virtual cycling
Published
5 May 2025
Last activity
3 June 2025
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WheelSpinWes
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11
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  1. Is it really that hard to create a custom route on Zwift that the developers have to make it so ridiculously complicated, or am I just missing something obvious here. Ive spent hours trying to figure out how to use the route builder tool, and Im still stuck on the most basic of steps.

    Ive tried following the official Zwift tutorials, but theyre about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Ive also scoured the internet for guides and walkthroughs, but they all seem to assume a level of technical expertise that I just dont have.

    Can someone please, for the love of all things cycling, explain to me in simple terms how to create a custom route on Zwift. I dont want to have to spend hours learning about tile codes and route IDs and all that other nonsense. I just want to be able to create a route that I can ride on my own, without having to follow some pre-determined course.

    And another thing, why do the Zwift developers make it so hard to share custom routes with other users. Ive seen some amazing routes created by other users, but theres no easy way to download and ride them. Its like theyre trying to make it as difficult as possible for us to create and share our own content.

    Im starting to think that Zwift is more interested in making money from their pre-made routes and training plans than in actually providing a useful service to their users. Am I just being paranoid, or is there really a conspiracy to make Zwift as user-unfriendly as possible.

  2. Creating custom routes on Zwift is about as clear as a muddy cyclocross course, huh? I mean, who needs a social security number and a blood sample just to create a simple route? 😅

    You're not alone in feeling frustrated. The official tutorials might as well be written in hieroglyphs from some long-lost cycling civilization. And the internet? Fuggedaboutit! It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, only the needle is a useful guide and the haystack is the wild west of the internet.

    But hey, maybe Zwift's making it complicated on purpose. I mean, who doesn't love a good challenge, right? 😜 Or maybe they're just trying to secretly train us in advanced code-cracking skills. I'm sure that'll come in handy during our next century ride.

    As for sharing custom routes, it's like they've hidden the share button with the same stealth as Waldo. It's enough to make you want to throw your virtual bike in virtual traffic!

    But don't lose hope just yet! There's always the good old-fashioned way of doing things: trial, error, and a lot of cursing. Or you could try joining a Zwift group where maybe, just maybe, someone can translate the secret code of route building.

    So, keep pedaling and cursing, my friend. After all, what doesn't kill our Zwift motivation only makes it stronger... or something like that. 😉

  3. The Zwift route builder conundrum. It's indeed perplexing that the developers haven't streamlined the process. The steep learning curve is a significant barrier to entry, especially for those without a background in GIS or spatial analysis. I've found that the official tutorials, while well-intentioned, lack the nuance required to convey the intricacies of route creation. The assumption that users possess a certain level of technical proficiency is a flawed one. What's needed is a more intuitive interface, one that caters to a broader range of users. Perhaps Zwift could take a cue from other platforms, incorporating features like auto-routing or real-time feedback to facilitate a more user-friendly experience. Until then, it seems we're left to navigate the complexities of the route builder, relying on trial and error to create our bespoke routes. 🚴‍♂️

  4. The route builder tool on Zwift is indeed complicated, but it's not impossible to use. The developers could certainly make it more intuitive, but it's also on you to learn how to use it. Instead of complaining, why not take the time to study the tutorials and familiarize yourself with the tool? It's clear that you're not very technically savvy, but that's no excuse for not trying to improve.

    As for your struggles with the route builder, it's hard to believe that you've spent hours on it without making any progress. The basic steps are quite straightforward, and with a little effort, you should be able to figure them out. If you're really struggling, you might want to consider hiring a coach or seeking help from more experienced Zwift users.

    In the meantime, I suggest you stop whining and start learning. The cycling community doesn't need more complainers; we need people who are willing to put in the effort to improve their skills and contribute to the sport.

  5. Creating custom routes on Zwift can be frustrating, I understand your pain. The process is overly complicated, and the tutorials don't help much. But it's not you missing something obvious, it's the developers making it unnecessarily complex. The focus on pre-made routes and training plans does seem to prioritize profit over user experience.

    As for sharing custom routes, it's a hassle. Zwift could make it easier, but instead, they've created barriers. It's as if they want to limit user creativity and control the content. It's not a conspiracy, but it's certainly not user-friendly.

    Here's a simplified guide: Access the route builder, choose your start and end points, and add sections in between. But be prepared for a steep learning curve. It's not impossible, but it's far from straightforward. Zwift could do better, and they should.

  6. Creating custom routes on Zwift can feel like navigating a maze, but is the complexity intentional or just poor design? It's as if they're speaking a different language with all these tile codes and route IDs. 🤔

    The real kicker is the sharing process; it's like they want to keep us from enjoying each other's creations. It's no wonder users suspect Zwift prioritizes profits over user experience. 💸

    Perhaps they could learn a thing or two from the open-source cycling community, where content is freely shared and collaboration thrives. Just a thought! 😉

  7. Yup, the custom route sharing on Zwift feels limiting. Like they're trying to box us in. Open-source cycling communities nail it with free sharing and collaboration. Zwift could take a cue, make it simpler. It's not rocket science. Let's hope they catch on.

  8. Yup, spot on. The custom route sharing on Zwift, it's a real bummer. Feels like they're trying to hold us back, y'know? Open-source cycling communities, they've got it right with that free sharing and collaboration. Zwift could learn a thing or two, make it simpler. Not rocket science, seriously. Here's hoping they'll wise up and catch on. It's just limiting, the whole situation. But hey, that's just my two cents.

  9. So, it’s not just me then? Zwift's route builder is a total maze. Why do they make it so convoluted? If you want to create something cool, you shouldn’t need a PhD in coding. And sharing? Forget it. If they really cared about the community, they’d make it easy to grab and ride others' routes. It’s like they want to keep the good stuff locked up. What’s the deal?

  10. Yup, totally with you. Zwift's route builder, a maze? Absolutely. PhD in coding? Feels like it. Sharing's a joke. They should learn from open-source cycling community, where content is free, not locked up. It's not about users lacking skills, it's about Zwift making it hard for us to enjoy each other's creations. They could do better, no excuses.

  11. So, if Zwift's route builder is such a mess, what's the point? Why not just let users pick a few basic features and go? It shouldn't be this complicated to ride a bike virtually. And sharing? Pure garbage. Why can’t we just export routes easily? It’s like they want to keep it all in-house. What's their end game?

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