JetBlack Victory
In October of last year, I impulsively ordered a new smart bike trainer after a colleague’s enthusiastic recommendation. If you’re unfamiliar with smart bike trainers, like most things, there’s a vast array of manufacturers, types, and levels of smarts, as well as price points. This particular trainer was designed to seamlessly integrate with an application called Zwift, a virtual world where you can ride through while working out on the bike trainer. The Victory, JetBlack’s latest trainer, is relatively affordable at $399 in the world of smart trainers. Considering JetBlack’s reputation in the industry, this price is quite reasonable compared to many comparable trainers that range from $500 to $1000 for similar smarts and capabilities. Initially, the trainer was scheduled for delivery to Southern California for use during the winter and spring. However, it faced several shipping and customs delays, and it wasn’t until December that it finally arrived. Upon unboxing and setting up the trainer, I noticed a strange noise emanating from the belt or flywheel as it spun. After a few weeks of back-and-forth with the manufacturer’s support and additional delays due to the holiday season, we discovered the issue. It turned out that the flywheel was hitting a plastic housing that covers many of the electronic components. A simple push of the plastic to the side resolved the problem, and the trainer resumed working as expected.
With the trainer fully working, I got it paired with my AppleTV which runs and displays the Zwift app to a projector which displays Zwift onto a wall and provides visuals while doing rides. This includes a virtual world with many real and fictional places you can ride as well as all your telemetry information being fed from the various sensors.
The setup of Zwift includes pairing of many sensors from the JetBlack trainer, including: power, speed, and cadence. Zwift also pairs with a heart rate monitor, and for that, I use a Polar H10 heart rate strap. All these sensors and data points emulate your effort in the virtual world, where you can perform workout programs or compete against other athletes from all over the world.
Gameplay video of Zwift from a fictions world called Watopia
I embarked on a journey to boost my cycling skills, starting with Zwift’s “Fitness Jumpstart” series—a dynamic sixteen-workout program designed to elevate your fitness level. These sessions harness the power of Ergometer mode, or ERG mode, which automatically adjusts the resistance to keep your power output steady. This means you can concentrate solely on your cadence, while the trainer ensures you hit the target power levels set by the program. Unlike my old “dumb” trainer, which demanded constant gear shifts and cadence management, ERG mode acts like an autopilot, allowing you to focus on crushing your workout without the hassle.
In "High-tech Cycling." Training intensity is the toughest variable to measure. Speed is a poor measure, as it relates more to terrain and wind. Heart rates provide a rough gauge, but they vary in response to temperature, humidity, altitude, hydration, fatigue, caffeine intake and exercise duration.
~ Jeffrey P. Broker, University of Colorado Biomechanics Professor
After five weeks and over 200 miles on the Victory, I can confidently say it’s been an incredible journey. As a newcomer to smart trainers, the ERG mode has completely transformed my indoor rides, turning what I once dreaded into an enjoyable experience. I love switching between the Zwift game interface and catching a football game on the iPad while Zwift runs seamlessly on the AppleTV. Overall, it’s a fantastic indoor trainer experience, aside from the shipping hiccups and minor issues at arrival, which I easily resolved myself.
If you would like to try out Zwift you can use my referral link for a free month: https://www.zwift.com/invite/HjHMJswL7w