Caveworks Rivet In-Depth Review: Is It Better Than Zwift Ride?

Introduction to Indoor Bike Frames

• 💡 Indoor bike frames offer a permanent solution for indoor cycling setups, eliminating the need to mount and dismount real bikes.
• 🎯 Options range from full smart bikes and repurposed road bikes to dedicated frames like the Caveworks Rivet, Zwift Ride, and Elite Sterzo.
• 🔑 The choice between these options depends on individual needs and what each platform does best.

Caveworks Rivet: Versions and Setup

• 🚀 The Caveworks Rivet comes in three versions: frame only, single speed, and fully geared Shimano GRX.
• 🛠️ Setup is straightforward, with the single-speed version weighing around 27 lbs, significantly lighter than the Zwift Ride.
• 🔧 All necessary tools, including an Allen wrench set and a torque wrench, are included for assembly.
• ⚙️ The frame uses a 12x42 mm through-axle and offers adjustable front feet spacers for different trainer types.

Fit and Component Customization

• 📏 The Rivet frame accommodates a wide range of riders (4'10" to 6'6") and allows for multiple users in a household.
• 🧩 Most components are off-the-shelf, offering flexibility for customization, unlike the Zwift Ride's proprietary parts.
• 🔧 Users can swap out the seat post, cranks, saddle, and handlebars, and even replace the dummy brake levers with preferred ones.
• ⚠️ The geared version includes a large 48T chainring, which might be challenging for steep virtual climbs in some apps.

App Compatibility and Ride Experience

• 💻 The single-speed Rivet is compatible with Zwift virtual shifting (with Click or Play controllers) and ERG mode-based platforms like Trainer Road.
• 🚴 The ride feel is stable, with handlebars that do not move side-to-side, offering a different experience than the single-leg Zwift Ride.
• ⛰️ A significant advantage of the Rivet is its compatibility with Wahoo Kicker Climb and Elite Riser elevation simulators.
• 🔊 The sound profile is comparable to other smart bike trainers, with the V2 Zwift Cog offering a quieter experience due to chain line adjustment.

Durability and Value Proposition

• 💧 Early models showed some rust in the seat tube and head tube, but a frame saver application is now standard to prevent this.
• ✅ Hardware components have held up well, with no visible rust on bolts or the proprietary stem.
• 💰 While the Zwift Ride is cheaper, the Rivet offers greater modularity and customization due to its use of standard components, making it a more flexible long-term investment.