Caveworks launches the Rivet indoor bike as a rival to the Zwift Ride

Caveworks claims the Rivet competes with the Zwift Ride on value, quality and practicality

By Jack Evans

Published: Tuesday, 02 July 2024 at 16:00 PM

Caveworks has launched the Rivet, calling it the “premier indoor bike for all indoor riders and the best value on the market”.

The Colorado company says the Rivet is a “robust, high-performance indoor cycling frameset” that can fit nearly every rider.

Like the recently launched Zwift Ride, the Caveworks Rivet frameset stands on legs at the bottom of the fork. 

Caveworks says the Rivet can be mounted on most thru-axle, direct-drive smart trainers. 

You can buy the Rivet as a frameset at an introductory price of $699.99. If you don’t want to add your own drivetrain, then singlespeed and geared builds are also available for additional cost. All three options will ship from October. 

“Specifically designed for indoor use”

You have a big choice of crank lengths. – Caveworks

The most common indoor cycling setups comprise of a road bike mounted to a turbo, or a dedicated indoor smart bike. 

The former enables you to take the bike off the trainer between turbo sessions if you don’t have a dedicated indoor training space, or want to ride the bike outside. 

Weighing up to 20kg, smart bikes, on the other hand, are harder to move and can’t be ridden outside, but multiple people can use the same bike because their fit is adjustable. 

With the Rivet, Caveworks is trying to provide the best of both worlds.

Owners of carbon bikes may be concerned that indoor cycling will damage their carbon frame. Caveworks, however, says the Rivet’s steel frame is built to withstand the strain of indoor riding. The accompanying sweat won’t corrode it either.

Caveworks Rivet geared indoor bike
The geared spec is supplied with 1×12-speed GRX. – Caveworks

The brand adds that the Rivet removes the need for people who own multiple bikes to leave one on the turbo trainer – or, if you have one bike, to have to use it both indoors and outdoors.

Weighing a claimed 13.5kg in all build options, the Rivet will be easier to move around than a smart bike, according to Caveworks. It is also said to occupy a smaller footprint than an outdoor bike.

Widely compatible and adjustable 

Caveworks adjustable stem on Rivet indoor bike
Caveworks says its proprietary stem is highly adjustable. – Caveworks

Zwift has hinted that the Zwift Ride will eventually be sold as frameset, enabling you to mount it to different smart trainers and customise its components. But for the time being, the Rivet is designed as a more customisable option. 

Its 12x142mm rear hub spacing ensures compatibility with most thru-axle, direct-drive smart trainers. And the 12x110mm front axle will enable you to use indoor cycling accessories, such as the Wahoo Kickr Climb. 

Caveworks says the Rivet frameset will also be straightforward to build up to your preferences because it uses common industry standards. The 68mm threaded bottom bracket, for example, works with most cranksets and a 30.9mm seatpost will be relatively easy to source. 

Caveworks also describes the Rivet as “one-size-fits-most”. The frame is suitable for riders ranging in height from 4ft 10in (147cm) to 6ft 6in (198cm), according to the brand.

The handlebar and saddle height, plus the reach, are adjustable so you can replicate bike fits for different disciplines, including mountain biking and gravel riding, according to Caveworks. 

Caveworks Rivet vs the Zwift Ride 

Caveworks Rivet indoor bike singlespeed build
The singlespeed build relies on virtual shifting or ERG mode from a smart trainer. – Caveworks

Caveworks claims the Rivet competes with the Zwift Ride on value, quality and practicality. 

For £1,199.99 / $1,299.99 / €1,299.99, the Zwift Ride includes a Wahoo Kickr Core. The equivalent singlespeed build of the Caveworks Rivet costs $999.99 without a smart trainer. Add in the cost of a smart trainer, though, and the Rivet will be more expensive. 

However, Caveworks says its modular indoor bike incorporates less plastic and more metal so will be more durable, and yet is lighter. The Rivet will also fit a wider range of riders and components, according to the brand. 

We haven’t tested either the Zwift Ride or the Caveworks Rivet yet, so keep an eye out for our reviews. 

Caveworks Rivet specifications and pricing 

Saddle on Caveworks Rivet indoor bike
Items like the saddle and seatpost can be replaced. – Caveworks

The Rivet will initially be available in three builds:

Rivet frame, proprietary stem, seat collar, thru-axles, clamps, UDH, ready to customise

Complete build, ready to ride out of the box, designed for use with single-cog, virtual shifting-enabled smart trainers or for use in ERG mode

   Complete build, ready to ride out of the box, Shimano GRX 1×12 speed drivetrain