SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Strava's Premium members will now receive two consecutive free months of Zwift, the multiplayer online indoor cycling program. Strava, an online cycling activity tracker, offers free memberships and a Premium program for $6 per month. Zwift launched last year with a free beta program and is transitioning to a paid subscription system this fall.
"We want Premium (Strava) athletes to have the most engaging experience possible – all year long, whether they're indoors or outdoors," said David Lorsch, Strava's vice president of strategy and business development. "This makes for a natural and compelling partnership with Zwift. Strava Premium cyclists will now have access to an incredibly engaging indoor platform and will get even more value out of their membership."
Zwift had initially planned to end its free beta on Thursday, but announced on Twitter this week that it is extending the beta another week.
Strava Premium members will receive their first two months on Zwift free, and that two-month period will repeat annually. In addition to two free months of Zwift, Premium Strava members will have access to a new suite of indoor cycling features, including customizable indoor training plans, videos and coaching tips.
"We're teaming up with Strava to dramatically improve the way that cyclists ride indoors," said Mike McCarthy, Zwift's vice president of partnerships. "There is a natural synergy between the social indoor experience Zwift delivers and the social network Strava has built around outdoor activities. Riding indoors more often with greater motivation and access to data helps build fitness that helps riders enjoy their outdoor rides much more."
Strava has also updated its feed to distinguish Zwift activities. Virtual miles ridden with Zwift and other trainers will now be split from outdoor activities and real-life outdoor segments. Trainer activities will have their own leaderboards, providing indoor cyclists greater engagement and delineation between indoor and outdoor rides.
