How many watts do I need to ride with Bernie on Zwift?

Multiply your weight in kg by 1.5. A 70 kg rider needs 105 W. An 80 kg rider needs 120 W. Use the calculator on this page for your exact number. That's the flat-terrain baseline — drafting mid-pack typically cuts effort by 20–25%.

What W/kg is Bernie on Zwift?

Bernie rides at 1.5 W/kg — third easiest of all 10 RoboPacers. All RoboPacers weigh 75 kg and are 175 cm tall, putting Bernie's raw output at 113 W on flat terrain.

Is Bernie good for beginners?

Bernie is a good target for beginners who've built some basic fitness. 1.5 W/kg requires real aerobic output — it won't feel easy for a first-week rider. If you're just starting, begin with Sofia or Taylor and work up to Bernie over a few weeks.

Bernie vs Miguel — what's the difference?

Bernie rides at 1.5 W/kg and Miguel at 1.8 W/kg. For a 70 kg rider that's 105 W vs 126 W — a meaningful step. Bernie is comfortable recreational pace; Miguel starts to require consistent aerobic fitness. Move to Miguel when Bernie stops being a challenge.

What FTP do I need for Bernie?

To ride Bernie comfortably you'd want an FTP of around 1.8 W/kg or above, so 1.5 W/kg sits at around 83% of FTP — a moderate tempo effort. Riders with an FTP below 1.8 W/kg will find Bernie a genuine workout rather than a comfortable cruise.

Riding with Bernie on Zwift — How Many Watts Do You Need?

Your watts for Bernie

—W

at your weight on flat terrain

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−1 kg

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Your weight

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+1 kg

⛰️ Flat terrain baseline. Bernie uses dynamic pacing: up to +10% uphill, up to −20% downhill. Mid-pack draft typically cuts effort by around 20–25%.

Meet Bernie

★ Fan lore — unofficial & written for fun

Bernie is where recreational cyclists find their rhythm. 1.5 W/kg needs real aerobic output — not enormous, but enough that you know you're working. The group around him is purposeful without being intense. People ride Bernie because they're building something: base fitness, consistency, the ability to hold a conversation at a pace that isn't purely a Sunday stroll. He's steady, reliable, and perpetually mid-pack — the kind of pacer you look back on fondly once you've moved to Miguel and realise how far you've come.

Who suits Bernie

Bernie is the first pacer where you're genuinely training rather than just riding. That shift matters.

Riders who've graduated from Taylor and want to start building real aerobic fitness. Bernie sits comfortably above Zone 1 for most people.
Recreational cyclists who ride occasionally outside and want Zwift sessions that actually feel like training.
Anyone targeting weight loss — 1.5 W/kg sustained for an hour is a meaningful calorie burn without leaving you wrecked.
Riders working their way towards Coco over several months. Bernie → Miguel → Maria → Coco is a well-trodden path.

Bernie sits at roughly the intensity where aerobic adaptations start to accumulate in less-trained riders. If you can ride him comfortably for 60+ minutes, you're actually building your engine — not just spinning it.

What to expect in Bernie's group

Bernie's group is steady and consistent. Not the enormous sociable crowd of Sofia or Taylor, but still large enough that you always have riders around you.

Group size

Medium-large

Draft benefit

~20–25% mid-pack

Zwift category

Cat D territory

Dynamic pacing

+10% climbs / −20% descents

The pace is consistent on flats but you'll notice Bernie's dynamic pacing on hilly routes — a 1.5 W/kg pacer at +10% becomes 1.65 W/kg on a climb, which for less-trained riders is a genuine challenge. Check the RoboPacer schedule if you want to stay on flatter ground.

See your watts for all 10 RoboPacers at once — map your full progression from Bernie upwards.

Full Calculator →

Common questions about Bernie

How many watts do I need to ride with Bernie?

Multiply your weight in kg by 1.5. A 70 kg rider needs 105 W; an 80 kg rider needs 120 W. The calculator above gives your exact figure. That's the flat-terrain front-of-group number — mid-pack draft typically cuts this by 20–25%.

Is Bernie good for building fitness?

Yes, for less-trained riders. 1.5 W/kg is above Zone 1 for most people, which means you're in the range where aerobic adaptations happen. Regular Bernie sessions — 3–4 times a week — will noticeably improve your base fitness over 4–8 weeks. Once he starts feeling comfortable for a full hour, it's time to consider moving to Miguel.

Bernie vs Miguel — how big is the jump?

Bernie is 1.5 W/kg and Miguel is 1.8 W/kg — a 0.3 W/kg gap. For a 70 kg rider that's 105 W vs 126 W. It's a real step up, particularly on climbs. If Bernie feels manageable but not easy, give it another few weeks before trying Miguel. The jump is easier if you're consistent rather than rushing it.

What is Bernie's watt output on Zwift?

Bernie produces 113 W on flat terrain. All RoboPacers weigh 75 kg — 75 × 1.5 = 112.5, rounded to 113 W. On climbs this can rise to around 124 W; on descents it drops to around 90 W.

Is Bernie good for Zone 2 training?

It depends on your FTP. If your FTP is around 2.0–2.5 W/kg, Bernie at 1.5 W/kg puts you in Zone 2. If your FTP is higher, Bernie is Zone 1. For proper Zone 2 work, you generally want to be riding at 55–75% of your FTP — use the full calculator to compare Bernie against your own numbers.

Building your Zwift fitness from scratch?

Bernie is a solid base. Get on Zwift, find your rhythm here, and the rest follows.

Get Started on Zwift →

Check where Bernie is riding today. Routes change week to week.

Today's Routes →