Zwift has added a virtual store to its online world, where users can purchase new bikes and wheels for their avatars.
The 'Drop Shop' will operate via a Wattopian currency of 'Drops', which can be earned through using the game, through a combination of miles, feet climbed and calories burned whilst in the virtual universe.
>>> Zwift: everything you need to know
Today, all Zwifters will receive a bonus supply of 'Drops', paid directly into their new Wattopia bank account to kick off the shopping spree.
With a Canyon Speedmax priced at 710,000d, we're guessing the exchange rate isn't comparable to sterling or the Euro.
The Drops cannot be purchased or traded, and have no real world value - so whilst you'll be able to use your Zwift miles to purchase kit from the likes of Specialized, Trek, Cervelo and ENVE, you won't be able to get your local bike shop to honour their value (sadly).
Up until now, new kit was earned when riders managed to 'Level Up' - this will continue to be the case, based in total milage completed.
However, the kit received when you go up a level will only by accessories, used to customise your appearance - jerseys, helmets, glasses and shoes - with the exception of 'special unlocks' received for completing challenges, like the Concept Z1 bike.
Outside of these special unlocks, all bikes and wheels will all be available at the 'Drop Shop' alone.
The good news is, with all the Drops and kit being virtual, there's no limit to the amount of space in your garage (hall way/bike room), either...
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is Cycling Weekly's Tech Editor, and is responsible for managing the tech news and reviews both on the website and in Cycling Weekly magazine.
A traditional journalist by trade, Arthurs-Brennan began her career working for a local newspaper, before spending a few years at Evans Cycles, then combining writing and her love of bicycles first at Total Women's Cycling and then Cycling Weekly.
When not typing up reviews, news, and interviews Arthurs-Brennan is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 190rt.
She rides bikes of all kinds, but favourites include a custom carbon Werking road bike as well as the Specialized Tarmac SL6.
Height: 166cm
Weight: 56kg
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan on Instagram
-
-
Mathieu van der Poel stuns with one-day race victory despite back injury
The Dutch superstar says chances of riding Paris-Roubaix and World Championships are 'now higher than 50/50'
By Alex Ballinger •
-
Rival teams lend spare bikes to BikeExchange after thieves steal 12 machines at Tour de l'Ardeche
The Australian team managed to start the fifth stage after help from Trek Segafredo, Liv Racing, and Movistar
By Ryan Dabbs •
-
Best exercise bikes: smart indoor bikes for home workouts
Looking to get a pedal fix indoors? Here's our pick of the best exercise bikes and best smart bikes to keep you riding at home
By Cycling Weekly •
-
Fitness under lockdown - What now?
In any ordinary April we’d be ramping up the intensity and preparing to hit peak form. What to do with our winter fitness now? Chris Marshall-Bell goes in search of inspiration in this week's issue of Cycling Weekly magazine, dedicated to indoor training.
By Simon Richardson •
-
Online talent spotting - what it takes to get noticed on Zwift
The pathway to the top tier of cycling looks like a map of the London Underground. Starting at Club Network, the high-aspiring cyclist will be calling at the Development Centre, the Regional School of Racing, the National School of Racing, the Junior Academy, the Podium Programme and finally fame, glory and a summit finish victory in yellow on Mont Ventoux
By Simon Richardson •
-
Indoor cycling as effective in treating Parkinson's Disease as medication, study finds
Indoor cycling is effective, and right now seniors can take part in a World Championships of their own
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Zwift Academy 2019: win anything from in-game socks to a pro contract
Every 10 graduates from the men's Academy grants a life transforming Quebeka bike to people in need
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Canyon announces world's first professional eRacing team
The bike brand says the new team is about being 'different to the mainstream and embracing the freedom that comes with that'
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Zwift unveils 'Fuego Flats' course to suit sprinters and time triallists
The new course delivers 20 kilometres of deliciously flat terrain
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan •
-
Sir Bradley Wiggins: ‘My son comes home from school and gets on Zwift instead of Fortnite’
Sir Bradley Wiggins has revealed his son comes home from school and jumps on Zwift rather than playing other hugely popular console games.
By Alex Ballinger •
