Zwift Power-up Item Usage Timing: A Complete Guide to Aero, Draft, Lightweight, and Steamroller

How Power-ups Are Triggered

• Randomly obtained by passing through Banners (flag arches)
• Obtained by crossing KOM summit lines
• Obtained by crossing Sprint finish lines
• Each rider can only hold 1 at a time
• Unused Power-ups expire at the end of the event

The 6 Main Power-ups

1. Aero Boost (Feather)

• Effect: CdA reduced by 25%, equivalent to an instant +20-30W
• Duration: 15 seconds
• Best timing:
  • Final 200m of a flat sprint
  • 15-20s before the finish line
  • Attacking from the front of the group
• Not suitable for: Climbs (wind resistance is already minimal on climbs)

2. Lightweight (Feather, different from Aero)

• Effect: Rider weight reduced by 9.1kg
• Duration: 15 seconds
• Best timing:
  • Short steep climbs (last 30-60s of a KOM)
  • Final 1km of Alpe du Zwift
  • Any climb with w/kg > 5.0
• Not suitable for: Flat roads, descents

3. Draft Boost (Rocket)

• Effect: Draft effect +50% (from 33% to 50%)
• Duration: 30 seconds
• Best timing:
  • Within 30m behind the group and needing to chase back on
  • Long flat sections where you want to save energy while drafting
  • Following a sprinter after a lead-out
• Not suitable for: When riding solo (no one to draft off)

4. Steamroller

• Effect: Ignores all surface resistance (cobbles, gravel)
• Duration: 10 seconds
• Best timing:
  • Crossing cobblestone sections (Bologna, London)
  • Crossing dirt sections (Watopia Jungle)
  • Sprinting the final 50m to the finish line
• Not suitable for: Pure asphalt roads

5. Anvil

• Effect: Rider weight increased by 18kg
• Duration: 30 seconds
• Best timing:
  • Long descents (heavier = faster)
  • Leading a TTT on flat roads (reduces being pulled away)
  • Resisting pushes to hold your wheel
• Not suitable for: Climbs, sprints

6. Burrito

• Effect: All opponents within 5m cannot draft (including the draft you provide)
• Duration: 10 seconds
• Best timing:
  • The moment you attack to break away from the main group
  • Opening a gap at the top of a climb
  • Preventing opponents from getting a draft before a sprint
• Not suitable for: When you want to draft yourself

Tactical Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Final Sprint (Flat)

1. Get Aero Boost at the last 500m → save it
2. Start sprinting at the last 200m
3. Activate Aero at the last 100m → gain an extra 25-30W across the line

Scenario 2: KOM Climb Contest

1. Get Lightweight 500m from the KOM summit → save it
2. Activate 60s from the summit
3. Attack to the top

Scenario 3: Chasing Back to the Group

1. 20-50m behind the group, spot a Draft Boost
2. Activate immediately, chase back within 30 seconds
3. Save energy once back in the group

Scenario 4: Breakaway Attack

1. Spot an attack opportunity on the flat
2. Activate Burrito + surge your watts
3. Open a 5m gap within 10s; the group can’t chase without a draft

When NOT to Press

• Already settled mid-group and stable → Aero is wasted
• Riding solo → Draft Boost is useless
• On a descent → most Power-ups are wasted
• Within the first 5 minutes of the race → save them for key moments

Core Principle: Tactical Discipline

• Don’t press just because you see it: Save it for the critical 30 seconds
• Read the terrain: What’s within the next 1km determines what you should keep
• Learn to Drop: Got an unsuitable Power-up? Swap it for a new one at the next Banner
• Hotkey: Press the 1 key to activate, 1 second faster than using the mouse

Using Power-ups correctly can win you 1-2 places. Power-ups are the strategic core of Zwift.

Related Reading

• Zwift Pen Start Tactics: The Value and Execution of Surge Watts in the First 30 Seconds
• Zwift Race Guide: Practical Strategy from Start to Finish Line
• Zwift Indoor Training Complete Beginner’s Guide: Equipment Selection, Workout Plans, and Group Rides
• Zwift Virtual Racing Complete Guide: The Best Way to Stay Competitive Through Winter