# Bike Upgrades FAQ > What are Bike Upgrades? Bike Upgrades let you improve the performance of any bike frame you own in Zwift. Each frame has up to five upgrade stages, with... Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/bike-upgrades-faq-Bk9NDECjyx Last updated: 2026-06-30T23:59:09.466Z # Bike Upgrades FAQ What are Bike Upgrades? Bike Upgrades let you improve the performance of any bike frame you own in Zwift. Each frame has up to five upgrade stages, with each stage improving a different aspect of the frame's performance. To unlock an upgrade, ride your selected frame in Zwift and meet its required distance, elevation, or time goal. Requirements vary by frame. Once you've unlocked an upgrade, you can purchase it with Drops. What are the benefits of upgrading a frame? Each frame can have up to five upgrade stages that provide subtle performance improvements. Not every frame offers the same upgrades, and not all frames include Drops or XP boosts. Available upgrades include: * **Aero Improvements:** Improve aerodynamics. * **Weight Reduction:** Reduces frame weight. * **Improved Drivetrain Efficiency:** Improve drivetrain efficiency. * **Drops Boost (5%):** Earn more Drops while riding that frame. * **XP Boost (5%):**  Earn more XP while riding that frame. Fully upgrading three frames from one select manufacturer—Cannondale, Pinarello, or Specialized—unlocks that manufacturer's Halo Bike for purchase. How do I upgrade a frame? Select the frame you want to upgrade and ride it in Zwift until you meet its required distance, elevation, or time goal. Once you've unlocked an upgrade, purchase it with Drops. What are the requirements to upgrade a frame? Requirements depend on the frame type: * **Climbing Frames:** Ride for a required elevation. * **Road and Race Frames:** Ride for a required distance. * **TT Frames:** Ride for a required amount of time. You'll also need enough Drops to purchase each upgrade after it's unlocked. Do outdoor rides count toward bike upgrades? No. Only distance, elevation, or time ridden in Zwift on your currently selected frame counts toward bike upgrade progress. Outdoor rides that sync to Zwift don't contribute toward bike upgrades. Which frames can be upgraded? All bike frames you own in your garage can be upgraded. Where can I view my upgrade progress? You can view your upgrade progress by selecting a frame in your in-game garage. You'll also see progress for your selected frame in your Progress Report. Can I upgrade the Zwift Handcycle? Yes, the Zwift Handcycle can be fully upgraded. Can I upgrade the Zwift Concept Z1 bike? Yes. You can upgrade the Zwift Concept Z1 after fully upgrading any three other Zwift-branded bikes, including the Atomic Cruiser and BMX Bandit. What are Halo Bikes? Halo Bikes are special high-performance frames you can unlock for purchase after fully upgrading three frames from the same manufacturer. * Cannondale R4000 RollerBlade * Pinarello Espada * Specialized Project 74 You can also upgrade the Zwift Concept Z1 after fully upgrading three other Zwift-branded frames. Do I have to purchase an unlocked Bike Upgrade to earn progress towards the next upgrade stage? Yes. You must purchase an unlocked upgrade before you can begin earning progress toward the next upgrade stage. Any progress beyond the requirement carries over to the next upgrade stage only if you purchase the upgrade immediately after the ride that unlocked it. If you end your session before purchasing the upgrade, the additional progress isn't carried over. Can I upgrade multiple frames at once? No. Only the frame you're riding at the time earns upgrade progress. You can have multiple frames at different upgrade stages, but each ride contributes progress to only one frame. What happens if I join an event with an assigned frame? If an event assigns you a frame, you'll continue earning upgrade progress on the last frame you selected in your garage. During the event, you can switch to another frame from your garage to earn progress on that frame instead. What happens if I join an event that doesn't allow TT frames? If you join an event with a TT frame and TT frames aren't allowed, you'll be switched to the Zwift Steel frame and earn upgrade progress on the Zwift Steel frame. During the event, you can switch to another frame from your garage to earn progress on that frame instead. What happens if I join a RoboPacer with a TT frame? If you join a RoboPacer with a TT frame, you'll be asked whether you want to switch frames—you won't be able to draft with a TT frame. If you stay on your TT frame, you'll earn upgrade progress on that frame. If you switch, you'll be placed on the Zwift Steel frame and earn progress on the Zwift Steel frame. While riding with the RoboPacer, you can switch to another frame from your garage to earn progress on that frame instead. Does my past activity on a frame count toward upgrading it? No. Only activities completed in game version 1.86 or later count toward bike upgrade progress. Do wheels have an upgrade system? No. Currently, only bike frames can be upgraded. What do the star ratings for each frame mean? Frames are rated from one to four stars for aerodynamics and weight to indicate their performance. A higher Aero rating means the frame performs better on flatter terrain. A higher Weight rating means the frame performs better on climbs. Frames with the same star rating may still perform slightly differently. Does upgrading a frame change its star rating? No. Upgrading a frame improves its performance but doesn't change its displayed star rating. The star rating always represents the standard version of the frame. ## Related Articles * [The Drop Shop](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/the-drop-shop-SJ0kODv3F) * [Tracking Outdoor Activities in Zwift FAQ](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/tracking-outdoor-activities-in-zwift-faq-HJdC_S_61g) * [Your XP and Level in Zwift](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/your-xp-and-level-in-zwift-SJYHuPI_i) * [Upgrading Your Bike](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/upgrading-your-bike-S1QtwE0okx) * [Your Progress Report](https://gozwift.kustomer.help/en_us/your-progress-report-SkJeye5GWe) * [Cycling RoboPacers](https://support.zwift.com/cycling-robopacers-SJ8YOts2F)