The Hub is clearly based on the Volt, but it’s not the same. Firmware, for one thing, is being managed on Zwift’s side. Additionally, while the Volt has some frame compatibility issues with certain disc brake bikes, Zwift explained to us that the Hub’s body has been modified to maximize compatibility with framesets.
The wording on “firmware managed on Zwift’s side” is really vague. But it does sound like they have “forked” the original Jetblack. If those changes aren’t incorporated back into the original product, I see absolutely no reason why anyone would want to buy that? (Apart from dumping the price, but that would also be undercutting themselves).
Yes, from a tactical perspective they can expect so see more sales driven by this deal. But it’s really hard to see the strategic perspective for them. But you’re right that this could be an indicator of how tough the trainer market is right now. Maybe they think they this can help them buy time?
Unless I missed something, I don’t think this is right. Yes, Zwift is doing their own firmware, whether in house or contracted out who knows. Yes, there were some accuracy issues when @dcrainmaker and others tested which did/do NOT exist w/Jet Black branded Volt trainers. Speculation is that Zwift dorked up the original firmware from Jet Black. Lastly, Zwift integrated the firmware update into the Zwift Companion app vs a standalone app for the Zwift Hub. If anything, Jet Black is saying, “There are no issues w/our firmware, but Zwift hosed their own version of it. So feel free to come buy our problem free Jet Black.”
Right…my point was what occurred when the agreement was made, not what has happened since then. By agreeing to let Zwift do their own firmware, JB was making at least some concession that something was lacking in their own firmware as far as Zwift was concerned….hence allowing Zwift to change the firmware.
Whether Zwift mucked it up after then wasn’t what I was referring to. Sorry I didn’t make that clearer.
At a minimum in Bluetooth/ANT+ the Hub needs to appear as Zwift Hub and not JetBlack Volt. Firmware update required. And support firmware updates via Zwift companion app. Likely requires a firmware update.
The Zwift Hub is supposed to come out here (UK) on Monday. I want one, or a Volt. The Volt currently is more expensive (£495) than the Hub is supposed to be (£449). (None of those $400 sales sadly)
Question is, is it worth waiting for a price drop? Maybe until black Friday? Anyone good at guessing if either of the two will go on sale?
Given the product has been announced, the hardware/software details are known, the release date has been locked in. All that’s left to cover is the “Well, does it work like they say it should?” analysis. It’s likely going to be the most detailed technical analysis of any trainer we’ve seen.
So I see it is now for sale. Something that strikes me as odd is: The price is the exact same with or without cassette. And the price is the same for all cassette speeds.
I have 10 speed bike dedicated to my trainer, and have a batch of 10 speed cassettes… so I was thinking about getting 12 speed cassette and ebaying it to offset the cost of the trainer. I’m assuming 12 speed cassettes will go for more than 11 or 10?
Right now it only comes with Shimano hyperglide freehub. The Zwift site is almost devoid of information on SRAM XDR or Campy freehubs.
Over on the JetBlackCycling site the Volt XDR freehub can be viewed, but not yet available on JetBlackCycling.com- JetBlack Cycling and if you’ve got Campy no Volt freehub even shown on that page at this time.
Tough choice here between this or spending the extra money on the Kickr to resolve those small power inconsistencies. Fingers crossed we see those v5 Kickr sales we’ve been talking about for a while now.
Curious how stock will hold up as I see the 9 and 12 speeds are already gone. Wish they’d give a slight discount on the cassette-less one.
I am thinking of buying one as my first smart trainer to replace my CycleOps Fluid 2. In the UK Zwift are offering it at £19/month for 2 years with 0% interest.
I was put off by @GPLama’s review but am now reassured by @dcrainmaker’s review that the power discrepancies shouldn’t be much of an issue for me at that price point.
