Keep your effort steady with Zwift Watt Lock

 

An easy indoor ride can quickly become something harder. A climb appears, another cyclist overtakes you, and suddenly you’re pushing well above your intended effort.

Zwift Watt Lock gives you a convenient way to hold a chosen power during a free ride without loading a structured workout. It uses your smart trainer’s ERG mode to regulate resistance while you pedal, making it an appealing option for steady winter training. Zwift also supports target adjustments through Zwift Ride, Click and Play controllers.

How do you activate Watt Lock?

You need a connected trainer that supports ERG mode.

1. Start riding at the power you want to maintain, producing at least 50 watts.

2. Open the in-game Action Bar or the Zwift Companion Action Bar.

3. Select Watt Lock.

4. Check that your target wattage and the lock indicator appear on screen.

You can adjust the target in 1-watt steps using the Action Bar, your keyboard’s plus and minus keys, or compatible controller shift buttons.

Select Watt Lock again to disable it. It also switches off automatically if your cadence falls below 25 rpm.

Watt Lock, ERG mode and simulation mode compared

Watt Lock is a way of accessing ERG mode during eligible rides. ERG describes how the trainer controls resistance, while Watt Lock provides the switch and target controls without requiring a workout.

Riding mode	What controls resistance?	When would you use it?
Normal simulation mode	The virtual gradient influences resistance, and you manage your effort through gearing and cadence	Exploring routes and enjoying changes in terrain
Structured workout with ERG	The trainer follows the workout’s prescribed power targets	Planned intervals and sessions with timed changes
Watt Lock	The trainer works towards the power target you select	Steady riding or manually controlled efforts

For example, if you choose a suitable endurance target, Watt Lock lets you concentrate on maintaining a comfortable rhythm rather than repeatedly changing gear to manage your power.

It still requires you to do the work. As with ERG training generally, slowing your cadence means pushing harder on each pedal stroke to maintain the same wattage.

Where can you use Watt Lock?

Zwift allows Watt Lock in free rides, RoboPacer rides, Meetups, group rides, banded group rides and fondos.

It is unavailable in races, individual or team time trials, workouts and group workouts. Entering an unsupported event’s starting pen disables it automatically.

Who is it useful for?

For cyclists fitting training around work and family, the attraction is simplicity. You can decide to ride steadily without first finding or creating a workout.

It could also help if you regularly turn easy sessions into competitions with passing riders. Choosing a sensible target gives your session a clear boundary.

However, fixed power does not guarantee a fixed physiological effort. Heat, fatigue and your condition on the day still affect how a session feels. Choose a target appropriate to you, and reduce it when necessary.

What are the limitations?

The target stays under your control, so Watt Lock does not provide the automatic interval schedule of a structured workout. If you want timed efforts, recovery blocks and prompts, a workout remains the more convenient choice.

Also, don’t confuse a power target with a speed target. Holding steady watts does not mean maintaining the same road speed or staying alongside every rider.

At launch, Zwift also notes that disabling Watt Lock selects a default virtual gear rather than restoring your previous selection. Be prepared to adjust your gearing afterwards.

Do you need a new smart trainer?

If your current setup already supports ERG mode, check it before considering an upgrade.

If you are choosing your first indoor setup, explore our Smart Turbo Trainers guide and Garmin Tacx Nēra Smart Trainer page. Check the specific model’s Zwift compatibility, resistance control and bike fit before buying.

You can also browse our Zwift Deals page for current offers.

For riders who want an uncomplicated steady session, Zwift Watt Lock offers a useful extra way to control their training.

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