Virtual Shifting Upgrade Options for Wahoo KICKR Owners!

[@nicklaughton3163]

“Very near future”… my v5 is looking at these videos enviously

[@mikeainsworth4504]

I hope so too. I have a cheap bike as a dedicated turbo setup ( Zwift doesn’t care what your actual bike is). It would be amazing if someone far cleverer than me could replicate the Zwift Play functionality in a set of dummy hoods to replace the real ones.

[@pauldamian2988]

@@mikeainsworth4504 me too. No brakes/cable... Integrating those into something would be cool. Allow me to remove the derailleurs!

[@TroyKasper]

@@pauldamian2988 I've been looking for something too. I was thinking I'd just use my old ones and remove the shifting/brake cables and leaving the hoods. The brake levers aren't really in the way.

[@Christian-vu5lt]

The answer (8.9.24) from my request to the wahoo support: Thanks for reaching out and thanks for the questions. Unfortunately the Zwift Cog will not be compatibel with the Kickr V5. This is due to a fimware constraint that will not allow the Zwift Cog to work.

[@jm892]

@@Christian-vu5lt Same answers from Wahoo and Zwift support !... This is the Wahoo support input : Thanks for writing in. This upgrade kit is only compatible with the KICKR V6, KICKR MOVE, and KICKR CORE. KICKR v5 does not have the same computing electronics as v6 and MOVE. KICKR v6 and MOVE have extra memory that allows them to run Zwift virtual shifting. We currently cannot comment on a timeline for the KICKR V5 compatibility. Who is wrong ?...

[@drcuzo]

Hey Shane I love and appreciate your work. You are my go to for all things Zwift and Wahoo. I am a doctor and prescribe Zwift to lots of my patients and refer them to you for information to get started.. I’m hoping you can use your influence and ‘Kickr’ Wahoo in the arse so we dedicated Australian customers can get the equipment we want and deserve

[@deanmarriott7068]

You're a life saver! I bought the Cog and Click upgrade kit last week without realising it wouldn't fit the Kickr Core, but it was too late to cancel. I was just about to send it back but saw your vid. Just set up the Cog and Click following your advice and it works a treat! (I did the firmware upgrade a few days ago). Now I just need to stop changing gear with the normal shifters and I'll be good to go! Thank you.

[@chawley52]

Job done! Thanks so very much for this video! Immediately ordered Zwift Cog & Click Upgrade kit. The installation and firmware upgrades took less than 20 minutes, thanks to your clear examples. My bike is a 1x gravel setup, and after a very short trial of the new virtual shifting I am enjoying the close ratios and many more "cogs" than I have been used to!

[@nealm6764]

That is pretty cool. I don't do zwift anymore, and as an old man I just do zone 2 riding, so it wouldn't do much for me, but if they had this 20 years ago I would have run out and bought this! Still tried to do mental so gymnastics to try to upgrade to this, but my shifting is so minimal I can't justify it. Thanks for the content Shane!

[@dangilmartin9458]

Awesome thank you - I was about to by a new gear set to allow using both bikes on my Kickr! Just installed, no issues, loving the virtual gears, what a bonus. Brilliant, cheers!

[@JMCyclingVideos]

Thanks for putting this video together. I didn’t want to assume I could adapt the cog to my Kickr straight out of the box and end up disappointed.

[@robertwillemsen368]

I got it working! Thank you. Kickr core software update went oke. Mounting of the cog was very easy indeed. Pairing the zwift click went oke. However lost the HR on my apple tv set. Took me about 15min fidling with the settings. But it works now. First impression, shifting very good. Sound level so so. I think rhe zwift cog is a bit to big ( compared with the shimano) so you can hear the chain. But all together happy with it! Thanks for your video

[@maniastrat]

Thank you for answering the million dollar Q that many have asked. That being we can in fact upgrade a standard Core to the virtual shift single cog...Nice thanks!

[@SimoneChiaretta]

Looking forward for the FW update fir my KICKR with foldable legs. I think virtual shifting is the way to go for indoor riding and finally getting to rest the infamous “trainer difficulty” discussion

[@paulh205]

Thank you Shane for explaining the options, just ordered a Cog and Click from Zwift for my Kickr Core 👍

[@TroyKasper]

I saw this when I Zwifted on Friday. It was great, loved it.

[@damFr]

Thanks for the news Shane, my child with 9 speed will be able to switch and me upgrading from 11 to 12 speed as well. I was waiting for it for Kickr!

[@kublaios]

Another amazing video, can't believe all my problems or questions are resolved by some video of yours :) Many many thanks.

[@th3rush]

Hacks for the win!! Great news for the Kickr owners out there

[@dmigz1647]

Great video and perfect timing! Just today I was looking up how to do this online. I think I am going to wait for the official upgrade kit to be released by Wahoo.

[@gplama]

The only difference will likely be the Cog coming on the same freehub you already have.

[@dh7314]

As my chainrings and cassette will need replacing soon I’ll definitely move to this. Saves the need for cassettes in future and I guess I can even change the bike to a 1x

[@BAKPDLPaul]

Thanks for this update - just installed the cog on my Kickr 👍👍👍

[@TheSueRitchie]

Sorted my problem getting the Zwift click to work, I didn’t know that to enable the virtual shifting you actually have to be within a ride/race/workout for the correct settings menu to appear in Zwift. The shifter pairs fine along with the other Bluetooth devices, but there’s another step to enable the shifting to work. I had to start riding then go into settings and hey presto the virtual shifting menu appears. Lovely smooth shifting now, and original cassette is still on the Kickr in case I want to use Rouvy. Wonder if Zwift will allow 3rd parties to use their shifter in the future as it’s so much better than derailleur shifting. Happy Days.

[@Madtriboy]

Where can the cog and the zwift play controllers be purchased in Australia? The zwift shop only ships to USA.

[@gplama]

One for Zwift/Wahoo support. We still can't get them here.

[@vshawpan]

@gplama how did you get one? zwift gifted or are you US based?

[@rogermayo2910]

Ditto re Zwift contoller players not available in Canada...

[@bm4122]

Thank you for the explanation as I was wondering if I use my cassette what gear in the back im supposed to be in

[@davidrowe8747]

Thanks for taking the time to clarify all this, Shane! Lots of "fake news" flying about KZbin and other sources over the past few days. My preference would be to use the Play controllers, but I have a flat bar (actually, a swept back alt bar similar to Jones) bike ... from everything I've seen, it's not possible to install the Play controllers on a flat bar without it being awkward. But ... glad to know that if flat bar-compatible Play controllers don't appear soon, I can always go with the Cog/Click combo!

[@smithpauld1501]

Very, very nice. I await crunchless shifting up the Bot Bank Wall with bated breath.

[@bradallen8643]

Nice aliteration there 😂

[@chris1275cc]

That's good to know, but unless you are planning on building a dedicated single speed Zwift bike and are 100% dedicated to Zwift for all time, it seems like a no brainer to just leave a cassette on there and not limit functionality with other apps/head units etc. Or am I missing something?

[@ImranShaikh-gh2wd]

Thanks - I have a kickr from a few years ago and am hoping they update it soon - just bought the zwift play controllers

[@tariqkamil7853]

Hopefully, Magene will adopt this system as well.

[@Jerzj]

Very clear and helpful video, many thanks! 👍

[@kovie9162]

Hey Shane, great series of videos on this technology but given all the questions that people keep asking, most quite understandable and legitimate, I think it might make sense for you or others to put up a web page explaining how this works that answers all these questions. E.g. can I use a 7 speed or fixie on this, what about derailleur alignment, does it work with Di2, etc. Turns out that the technology behind this is fairly simple, being mostly done in software and using sensor feedback, and it just seems more complicated than it actually is.

[@joseantoniorodriguezsanche3102]

I like your question...it would be cool to be a able to fit a single speed frame on the hub (horizontal dropouts). That would make a extremely simple permanent zwift bike👍

[@kovie9162]

@@joseantoniorodriguezsanche3102 I don't see why it couldn't be done. Are there single speed bikes that have tensioners to make it easier to swap the rear cog for a different size one without having to add or remove chain links? This might make it easier to install it on the trainer, especially if you have multiple bikes and want to swap them.

[@gplama]

Somewhere like ZwiftInsider would be the place for all this information on a web page.

[@TheJoePavlik]

Cool, soon I can put my Rohloff bike on my kickr v5. Although I don't know where I'll put the controllers due to flat bars.

[@brianhoward6793]

How do you define "recent model" KICKR? I have, what was then called just "KICKR", bought in 2019. Will that model ultimately be upgradeable ?

[@gplama]

Coming soon to Kickr v4 (2018), v5 (2020), v6, and MOVE.

[@kovie9162]

One other point, that perhaps belongs in a general discussion of virtual shifting outside of the specific ways to achieve it, is that the existence of virtual shifting begs the question of why bother to have manual shifting at all, even if it's virtual, and why not enable a sort of "automatic" mode where no matter what the terrain the shifting will be done automatically for you to match your desired cadence, power output or difficulty level (and thus slowing down or speeding up as would be the case in outdoor riding)? Or, you could set upper and lower limits for these so auto mode would be adjustable. I realize that this is basically ERG mode, but in ERG mode your power output doesn't need to match the terrain that you're virtually riding on, while I'm suggesting a mode where it does match it based on your desired cadence or difficulty level, if that makes sense. So, basically, an "ERG Mode" that matches the terrain, and could even be adjustable during the ride itself. It's certainly possible to do this in software so why not add it as an option? Or is there one already?

[@bonesofanidol]

Kind of what the Trainer Difficulty setting does. If you turn it down all the way you won't feel the hills at all, but you'll slow down and speed up based on the incline. So it's like your bike is always in the perfect gear.

[@nealm6764]

I like the way you are going with this, and hope it becomes a reality. No more dirty chain on your indoor bike seems well within reach now.

[@kovie9162]

@@bonesofanidol Interesting. But there obviously has to be some resistance on hills no matter how slow you go, because if it doesn't match what would happen on an outdoor ride then it's not realistic, but another advantage of VS whether manual or auto is that it allows you to downshift to gears that if they existed on outdoor bikes would lead to your falling sideways due to insufficient speed and stabilizing wheel rotation. But I'd prefer an actual Auto Mode in VS, with the ability to set at what point it auto-shifts or maybe the desired power output level. And maybe also the ability to select front and rear virtual gears. It can all be done in software so why not give people that option?

[@paulmorrison30]

Ever informative 🙏🏾✊🏾👍🏾👌🏾👊🏾

[@pauldamian2988]

drat.... I just recently replaced a worn out cassette on my Zwift only bike kickr set up. I could have saved $$$... oh well... next time. Is the cog in the kit replaceable with standard cogs? Is the software adjustable for a cog with slightly different tooth count? With my dedicated bike/kickr set up I could remove the derailleurs and cables right? I already don't have any brakes or cables on it...

[@alastairread9219]

Hey Shane, I'd be interested to know if I could get the click and virtual shifting to work on my wahoo kickr 2015. Any thoughts?

[@TheMikkster]

Thank you, much needed info👍

[@jimmym4933]

how can you buy the play controllers in AUST tho ?

[@gplama]

You can't at the moment.

[@jimmym4933]

😭

[@steve-d0]

@@jimmym4933 You will need to use an international mail forwarder service and purchase from say the EU store. But remember that once you do the currency conversion and shipping costs you are going to basically double the cost. But they are well worth the faffing around to get them.

[@mikergeorge]

Thanks for the great content Shane… By very soon… this month? ( for Kickr move) About to order the Zwift play and wondering if I can wait a bit or whether I need them asap!

[@gplama]

It depends when they're ready to release the firmware. I wouldn't expect it to be more than a month.

[@COYSMike]

This is great thanks Shane. Did my first ride with virtual shifting on my Core today. Just left the cassette on for now and used the clicks. Very satisfying and responsive to use. Was a bit confused in what protocol to use as I used to use ANT+ for everything on my Win11 laptop via a dongle (my HRM is also only ANT+). Bit of jigging about meant I could use both bluetooth and ANT+, although I'm not entirely sure how I did it yet to repeat for next time!

[@gplama]

Ideally, pair everything over Bluetooth. At the minimum, "controllable trainer" and "controllers" over BLE (required for virtual shifting) and the others can still use ANT+.

[@COYSMike]

Thanks Shane. I seems I need to first pair the trainer and controller with BLE, then plug in the ANT+ stick for my HRM to pair that. I'll just look at getting a BLE HRM if this causes any issues.

[@davidrowe8747]

So .... with the firmware update, a Click will work on a Kickr Core without the need for the Zwift Cog? I posted this idea a few days ago (because I couldn't see any reason why not), and was told in no uncertain terms that it wouldn't!

[@gplama]

@@davidrowe8747 A Kickr CORE with firmware 1.3.17 onwards, ANY cassette (including the Cog), and the Click will support virtual shifting within Zwift. Whoever was providing the uncertain terms was uncertain indeed. :)

[@davidrowe8747]

@@gplama thanks, Shane - I knew you'd give me the answer I wanted! ;-)

[@euthiestamos9731]

Thanks for the help. Sense there are a variety of aftermarket speed sensors… I’m looking for the standard they all comply to. I have a few from Cycplus, Magene and others… and they sense and report to all other head units… hence there has to be a industry specification… Zwift denied the existence of an industry specification. That can’t be true, unless everyone is reverse engineering sensors….which is how I wound up asking you. Thanks!

[@gplama]

I'm not really understanding what you're after. Most trainers will report their 'flywheel speed' via ANT+ Speed, or via the Bluetooth FTMS channel. If you're after an industry specification, those are it. The speed reported is simply flywheel speed, or in the case where speed simulation is calculated based on your power input in ERG, not physical flywheel revolutions. Zwift itself is technically a 'head unit' it connects to sensors and computes your virtual speed in-game. The flywheel speed data from the trainer is irrelevant to Zwift with a smart trainer that reports power.

[@Bazza1968]

Better getting a single speed conversion kit with 14T cog and the spacers, plus a chain tensioner, and a cheap set of cranks with a chainring then dial in that chainline for smooth and quiet....

[@n22pdf]

Does option 2 work on Campagnolo ? Cheers Pete 😊

[@gplama]

Likely. One for Wahoo/Zwift support.

[@rutgerweijer9444]

So I have a Kickr Power v5 and cannot use Zwift click because there is no supporting software in the form of a correct firmware update? Is that right? I ordered the Zwift click and loaded the latest firmware on the Kickr, but I don't see anything under supporting Bluetooth equipment.

[@jorn9288]

Hey Shane, it is recommended to use the smaller front sprocket with the cog. Why do you use the large one?

[@gplama]

Smaller will result in a more stable ERG experience, but it'll work with either. 1000W+ sprints are better in the big ring.

[@alejandro.a.m]

⁠@@gplamabut it’s the alignment chain properly with the big ring ?? Doesn’t do it more noise than the small ring ??

[@gplama]

@@alejandro.a.m It depends on the bike / chainline / etc. There's no real correct answer here. Just assumptions I won't make.

[@joseantoniorodriguezsanche3102]

Would you be able to use a simple single speed conversion kit instead of the zwift hub? Just thinking that it would allow to adjust the chain line. Thanks

[@gplama]

Yes.

[@claireoth3]

Hello, after watching your video I bought the Cog + Click, but once installed I now realize my Wahoo v5 does not seem to be compatible with virtual shifting as the Click doesn't appear in the Commands bar when trying to pair it :( so disappointed

[@cristiansan]

you mentioned I can use JetBlack Volt? is compatible with the single cassette and the virtual shifting?

[@gplama]

I mentioned the freehub Zwift are sending out with the Cog is compatible with the JetBlack VOLT, not the virtual shifting (which is done in the trainer firmware).

[@rustn1717]

Is there an advantage to the zwift cog over any standard single speed cog? Just chain retention?

[@michaelnewman4302]

Two things I still don't get. First, what does the Zwift Cog actually *do* that my own cassette won't do? Second, what does the Zwift Click do that the Play Controllers don't do?

[@WowRixter]

I wonder if the API for the Zwift cog is open for other manufacturers to access?

[@gplama]

Apparently it is, or will be.

[@TnFruit]

What about Wahoo Systm and virtual shifting?

[@gplama]

One for Wahoo support.

[@TnFruit]

@@gplama 🤔

[@markrandall4893]

Hey Shane, any news on if cog upgrades are likely to be available in this part of the world (Australia, NZ) for our imminent trainer season? I keep searching, but can only find northern availability.

[@simon2225]

You say recent Kickr. What is the thing that decides whether it can or can’t do this? I ask because I only have an old Kickr but do have Zwift Play and this would be worth a go

[@gplama]

Coming soon to: Kickr v4 (2018), v5 (2020), v6, MOVE. There's going to be some differences in exactly the features they have. I'll cover these when they're released.

[@MrPsychic5]

Oh no, I've got a V3 😞

[@roadkill_toronto]

Wow. You found a use for the rollr. By removing the roller. 😅 Can you please find and share or create a hack for single speed? Please and thank you. The core measures 120mm. Track bikes measure 120mm. I hope its only a matter of time till someone with more money than me does it and shares it so we all know its possible.

[@Waldgeist2k10]

Hi Shane, Is a minimalistic 1-by setup (without any shifting components) possible with the Zwift Cog? It sounds fantastic to use a Zwift setup, so simple and without anything you don't need.

[@gplama]

Yes, absolutely.

[@blrun129]

Great thanks, several reasons why this is brilliant

Hi Shane. Thanks for this brilliant video. Do You know if this Zwift Cog usable in my Kikr V5. Don't want to buy if I'm not sure if it is ok to use in my setup.

[@gplama]

The hardware is compatible. You’ll have to wait for Wahoo to release an updated firmware on the Kickr V5 to support virtual shifting.

OK. Thank You for quick answer. Love the way You do things. Nice work. Just placed an order for it.@@gplama

[@bobchatt1]

Any idea when Wahoo will release the FW for the Kikr V5?

[@speedysteedy759]

when can we start getting the shifters here in Australia?

[@tonyp4536]

I made the switch and as far as shifting goes that is great. kind of wish that the game made some noise to confirm that a shit occurred. Not that it fails but it is easy to mistake and hit it twice. Of course you know but also going down hill you might want multiple shifts. The gear is shown so not a deal killer. However I use Shimano and it is really noisy. I contacted customer support and after several attempts using their suggestions that then said it is normally that noisy. I said I was going back to the cog to see if that was noisy and just never paid attention and no it was really quiet. Their response was great now you have it quiet. forget that I did not just buy the clicker which would have been all I actually use now. So if you like a quiet ride well wait until they sell just the clicker and it works just fine on the cog. Sort of gets rid of the benefit if you thought you could use it on different bikes that use different cogs. But for me the sound like you are not shifted correctly was just too annoying and I live alone. If you have people in your house that would have to listen to the constant clicking well they are not going to be happy.

[@dangerfulmind]

Read a note from Zwift the other day that said the other kickr models will be updated late in the year! Hope that someone at zwift got that wrong and it's soon.

[@gplama]

It's soon.

[@technocynic]

zoon? (old zwiftcast reference)

[@__marshie]

Wahoo needs to distribute the cog, click and play controllers. That would supply Australia and other countries that can’t purchase them. Or they could make and sell their own!

[@technocynic]

how hard can it be to make small items like the hub/click kit or the play controllers available in Australia? via wahoo or even purchase from zwift us or eu shops.

[@COYSMike]

I suspect Wahoo not making their own is all tied into the legal agreement after the court case was settled. I expect Wahoo to sell the Zwift stuff soon though as it's a big market in Australia to be missing out on. Or Zwift to open up selling in Aus!

[@JeremyDawesJezweb]

100% agree

[@overland_adventure_nz]

Hi Shane How can we buy a set of Zwift Play controllers, down under in New Zealand? Do you have any idea where I can purchase a set for myself?

[@gplama]

You can't at the moment. This is one for Zwift support.

[@overland_adventure_nz]

@@gplama thanks for your reply, I’ll try Zwift again and/or I may try to have some mailed to my USA friends addresses and have them send to myself.

[@davidkindler3029]

Still a bit confused. I have a Wahoo kickr v5. Which option works for me to upgrade to virtual shifting? Do I need a firmware upgrade? Zwift community posts seem to indicate firmware update hasn’t happened. Thanks. Great videos btw!

[@gplama]

The Wahoo Kickr V5 will no longer be getting the virtual shifting update.

[@uk-expat]

Hi Shane, I must have missed it in a previous video, but what are you using to support your front wheel, the desk thingy? Thanks.

[@gplama]

It's the front half of the Wahoo Kickr Rollr.

[@egril]

Have you tried the JetBlack Volt roller? To see if it is compatible?

[@gplama]

It doesn’t support virtual shifting at this point in time.

[@jm892]

I installed very easily the Zwift Cog on my cassette body of my Kickr V5 removing the body inside the Zwift cog as shown on the movie. After installing the Zwift click it appears on the Zwift companion where Ι upgraded its firmware. Now began the issues… The click doesn’t appear neither on the Zwift app nor in wahoo app, even the bluetooth of my iOS (iPhone and iPad) doesn’t see it !… I removed and reinstalled both apps but still have the same issue ! Any help or suggestion welcome !… The Wahoo support told me that the Kickr V5 will NOT support virtual shifting : will this explain my issue ?…

[@jm892]

I returned the cog since unfortunately version five of the wahoo Kickr trainer will never be compatible with virtual shifting

[@paulweaver9183]

Is the shifting determined by the cog and shifter hardware, or also the direct drive itself? I notice that this is heavily integrated with Wahoo, but until additions come, if at all, is there any bodge to allow this to work with, say, and Elite Suito? Thinking you swapped out the freehub on this video. Great video as always. Thank you.

[@gplama]

The smart trainer will need a firmware that supports ‘Zwift Protocol’ for virtual shifting within Zwift.

[@paulweaver9183]

​@@gplamaThank you. I'll sit and wait... Would love to have virtual shifting as the turbo and anything that doesn't need mechanical clunking noise the better! Appreciated.

[@tw1npe4ks]

Does it work with Sram AXS setup that has flat-top chain?

[@gplama]

Yes but not optimally.

[@cameronurquhart1515]

Thanks for the video Shane. Can we purchase those lay Controllers in Australia yet

[@gplama]

Not yet…

[@2penniesworth]

Hi GP - do you notice the resistance of the trainer seems to spike too high or drop too low when changing gear? The gear changes just don’t seem to be smooth for me, when changing up a gear for example it seems to make the resistance too high for a couple of seconds before settling down to what I would consider normal (when using a standard cassette), same when I drop a gear, the resistance of the trainer seems to drop too low before settling back to what would feel like a normal gear down resistance. Thanks P.S using a 2024 Kickr core

[@rlsoriano]

Hi Shane, is it possible to get just the click and keep the existing cassette in place and shift to the 14 tooth cassette?

[@gplama]

Yes.

[@alansarahrose]

Are Wahoo planning on bringing out their own cog to adapt the kickr corr. The hack for the zwift cog looks easy but I'd feel better about using Wahoo's own version. Anything in the pipeline?

[@gplama]

All their version will likely be is the exact same hardware on a freehub that’s compatible. Which is exactly what people already have on their Kickrs. There’s absolutely no need for Cog to ship with a freehub other than to reduce the installation complexity.

[@PatParvum]

Nice hack. Thanks.

[@CynthiaAuburn]

Thanks for this info Shane. Quick question: which cog on the cassette is 14 on an 11 speed one? I have the Play controllers, so I just need to wait for the firmware update and then I can virtual shift on the v6. Looking forward to it. 😊

[@kovie9162]

I think that it doesn't matter which chain ring or cog you're on as the software adjusts itself based on sensor readings and results in the same effective range of gears, so long as your driveline is good.

[@troy45uk]

The 14T cog will depend on which 11S cassette you have - easy enough to Google the different combinations for 11-28, 11-32 cassettes etc to confirm which one

[@kovie9162]

@@troy45uk I believe that it's not about cog size but position, so that the rear cog is the center or one of the center cogs on the cassette and makes the driveline with the closest chain ring to be as close to parallel with the frame as possible.

[@technocynic]

count the teeth. it's not rocket science

[@leungkawing132004]

Quick question on the zwift one (still thinking whether I should go for the core, or core one), does virtual shifting means my bike (planning to put a claris road bike on the trainer to start with) can use the zwift one, and became any speed I want it to be (Given that the virtual shifting does not require the chain to be moving anyway) - I am new to cycling, sorry if my question sounded stupid?

[@hughgrainger3766]

Any hope for someone with an ancient Kickr? V2 I think.

[@jssaylor]

Could you purchase a single speed cog setup with the correct spacers and 14 tooth cog as an alternative? I already have the core, and the play controllers.

[@jcps6919]

You dont need to do that. You can have the usual cassette, to leave the chain fixed in a cog of the cassette and to change gears virtually with the play controllers.

[@marcelwaldner8302]

Is the virtual shifting technically depending on a Zwift App Subscription? Can the virtual shifting setup be used without Zwift? could I spare the shifting mechanism on my indoor bike with this setup when using a different Application (not Zwift)? Is the Kickr directly connected (via Bluetooth) to the cog/click Inputs? I assume the zwift app is necessary to bring together the kickr and cog/click connections :/

[@rogermayo2910]

Great videos...too bad Zwift only sells new equipment to UK/US/EU countries...not Canada and the entire Zwift community😢

[@gplama]

End of March for Canadian availability.

[@rogermayo2910]

Thanks for your quick reply...excited re Canada receiving Wahoo Core next month. Do you think the Zwift controllers be available soon??

[@marccale9890]

Thanks for the video...I'm using my normal cassette with the virtual gear shift and I was just using the cog at the back that provided the straightest drive - I've just heard you mention putting it on the 14 tooth cog. I'll try that, but if that's not possible, what's the impact on accuracy? Does it give inaccurate power readings, or just strange gear ratios?

[@gplama]

In short, just a slight offset in the virtual gear ratios. Accuracy should remain ok. (Although that is another rabbit hole…. For another day).

[@marccale9890]

@@gplama thanks. Great channel by the way!

[@euthiestamos9731]

When testing the Zwift hub one… while using the click… and a Garmin, Did you have any issues with speed? … Also, where can I find the communication protocol for the data packaging of speed from a speed sensor to any head unit?

[@gplama]

Speed reported from the trainer? That’ll be over ANT+ and 1Hz to any receiver (Garmin, etc).

[@euthiestamos9731]

…. How is the data packaged? 12 bit and scaling..over a periodic signal… or a pulse that the Garmin uses to compute speed … like a magnet on a spoke? Is the speed packaged in a message or sent by pulse as a function of speed?

[@gplama]

@@euthiestamos9731 You're getting right into the technical side of things now. Best ping Wahoo or Zwift with these specific queries.

[@tylerjenicek4652]

I have the 2020 v5 Kickr…not the kickr core…is it still compatible?

[@jasonbehringer743]

Question - If you are just using your normal cassette, is there a reason why it needs to be in the 14t cog and not a different tooth cog in the rear?

[@gplama]

As I understand - The Zwift Hub / Kickr CORE / (and soon others) that implement the Zwift Protocol for virtual shifting will assume a 14T cog is on the trainer. With that, after a few seconds of pedalling when you have everything paired up it'll use the flywheel speed + your cadence (estimated from your pedalling power profile with each stroke) to determine what chainring you're using on the front. From there it'll adjust the virtual gear ratios and attempt to give you the same 24 gears regardless of the front chainring you're in. I'm not 100% sure exactly when this gear/chainring calculation happens. I assume it's when you drop into the game, not within the menus after everything is paired up. I'll need to test this. I have a MTB with a 32 (or 34?) front chainring I'll mount up and do some testing with. I'm thinking flat road, gear 12, 90 rpm... and recording what power output that results in. Then same test with a road bike with a 36 on the front, then same again in the 53.

[@alejandro.a.m]

@@gplamashow this test in your channel. It will be interesting if different type bikes (mtb, road, gravel…) and different gears and chainrings relations respond in the power results

[@austynhughes134]

This may be a dumb question, but when using virtual shifting is there a preferred gear you should be on on your bike? Or should you just be in a comfortable gear like when you are using ERG mode? I just updated my Kickr Core and am excited to use virtual gearing, but want to make sure I am using it to its fullest potential.

[@gplama]

The virtual gear calculations are all based on using a 14T on the back. On the font it depends. The small ring will typically give better ERG performance/stability.

[@alejandro.a.m]

@@gplama small ring will give us same power than big ring in sprints ???

[@DFlo780]

random question for ya... So I don't use zwift for indoor rides, i just use my Garmin Edge to do indoor training rides. Will the "click" pair with the edge in order to gear change on virtual rides or is this hardware only compatible with zwift for the time being? Thanks, love the content!

[@gplama]

Virtual shifting requires Zwift.

[@bbmh0123]

Hey Shane. As I have written earlier I have a Wahoo KICKR V6. The other day I could use virtuaal shifting, but then yesterday it was not possible. do you have an explanation for it.

[@gplama]

You have to have the Kickr paired via Bluetooth and the Click and/or Play Controllers also paired. It also has to be enabled within the Zwift settings (on by default I believe).

[@AndrewTSq]

Okey, so this is good if you have more than one bike? otherwise its not worth it?

[@brettbolam6671]

Shane will this setup work on AppleTV? are there enough Bluetooth channels available? Cheers

[@gplama]

Yep, it'll all work on Apple TV. Best done via the Companion App for all the BLE connections. Power/Control/Cadence = 1, Click = 1... nothing left for HR. So Companion App is best.

[@brettbolam6671]

@@gplama thanks Shane!

[@nilstills]

Does this mean that I could use my track bike on the Core with the shifter paddles?

[@gplama]

Sure.

[@IanB17]

I’m keen to try virtual shifting so I’m liking the look of the “hack” but I have a Kickr v4. Will I get the necessary firmware update?

[@gplama]

Update: yes.

[@IanB17]

@@gplama You’ve replied to an earlier comment saying V4,5, 6 & Move would get the update?

[@gplama]

Oh, sorry, yes. 4 is on the cards but will likely be updated after the others. Maybe a few weeks.

[@IanB17]

@@gplamaThanks Shane.

[@MikeKolcun]

Looks like lots of Bluetooth connections. Would the companion app be a requirement when using Zwift on AppleTV?

[@gplama]

Yep. That's the best way to keep the ATV happy.

[@steve-d0]

Looks like it's time to update the Volt V2 to a Kickr V6

[@milanbodnar609]

Hello Shane, can i install cog on wahoo KICKR as well?? Please could you do video how to remove and install the cog on wahoo KICKR?? Thank you

[@gplama]

Exactly the same procedure as you’re seeing in this video.

[@milanbodnar7370]

Thank you Shane you are legend

[@desmosoldier]

Greta video as always. doesn't this lock owners into using zwift? Can auto-shifting be used without a zwift membership? If not, it's become the microsoft-365 of trainers, forcing owners to provide a revenue stream to zwift.

[@gplama]

Yes it does.

[@Jesperspanien]

Great review. Links where to buy?

[@gplama]

In the video description. Or just head over to the Zwift website.

[@Jesperspanien]

@@gplama Thanks i found it. But i will be short of BT connections with ATV? Will have to connect via companion app?

[@jimpeyton1459]

Hi Shane. Thanks for the video. Updated firmware for Kickr Core, I have the Zwift Play controllers...opened Zwift and virtual shifting did not show up in the pairing menu. I may hve missed it in the video, what's the Wahoo firmware version that adds virtual shifting capability? 😮

[@gplama]

You'll need to ensure the 'Controllable' part of the trainer pairing is via Bluetooth. The others can be ANT+ if you like, but virtual shifting has to use BLE. Kickr CORE firmware 1.3.17 onwards is what you're after.

[@jimpeyton1459]

@@gplama be nice if I RTFM. Thanks so much for the reply. Specifically says pair trainer via Bluetooth 🙃. Got the trainer all set up and tried virtual gearing. Shifting was smooth as silk. Really eases the strain on my (twice broken) wrists. My only headache is the occasional BT dropout to the Zwift Play controllers...that's been an issue since they arrived

[@gplama]

@@jimpeyton1459 Keep an eye out for firmware update 1.3.0 for the Play controllers. That'll start rolling out from today onwards. The changelog is pretty thin... but I am told there are updates/fixes for some connectivity issues.

[@jimpeyton1459]

​@@gplama UPDATE: New firmware seems to have improved dropouts for Zwift Play controllers. I really dig the virtual shifting. 😊

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

When's it coming to straya?

[@gplama]

Good question. If you know anyone in the US/UK/EU, they can send them over. There's no geo restrictions on these components.

[@paulschulman8131]

Would you say as someone who just uses ERG workouts for virtual riding just getting the cog would be an ideal option?

[@gplama]

No. It's just a 14T cog. If you won't be using virtual shifting (and don't need the Click), and don't need multi bike compatibility, keep with using a standard cassette.

[@MichaelWilliams-iv6dj]

I find it interesting that the single cog supports 8 through 12 speed chains. Can you run into noise or wear problems if your derailleur isn’t well aligned with the single cog? I really like the simplicity of the single cog, but I am suspicious of alignment and tuning issues, especially with 12 speed. It would seem like the solution would be for the cog to have some lateral float, sort of like the slop bui.t into the upper jockey wheels of older derailleurs.

[@kovie9162]

Aren't basically all drivetrains no matter the number of cogs, brand or method of shifting trimmable so that everything is aligned?

[@chris1275cc]

I can't see it being an issue, the reason an 8,9,10,11 speed chain would be incompatible/very noisy with a 12 speed cassette is the OUTER width of the chain will cause it to rub on the neighbouring cogs because the spacing between them is narrower, with the Zwift Hub there are no other cogs to rub. A multi speed bike almost never has a perfect chainline in any gear combo' anyway, the position of the Zwift cog even if less than perfect means the chainline will almost certainly be better than all but 1 or 2 of your gear combo's out in the real world, but even if you do by shear chance have 1 or 2 "perfect gears" on your bike you wont spend all of your time in those gears when out riding so wear on the chain/cassette will be significantly higher overall than on a single slightly misaligned cog that you never move from.

[@kovie9162]

@@chris1275cc Good point and I guess why you can't use a cassette in certain multi-bike situations. But certainly in some situations where chain rubbing wouldn't be an issue. My main concern about the Zwift Hub is that it appears to use a cheap cog that's also noisy. But I suppose that you could always swap in a better quality cog.

[@Spyder2275]

Hi Shane… if I use zwift click and play with Apple TV, will I run out of Bluetooth for other devices like HRM’s etc?

[@gplama]

Yes. The Companion App is your best bet for pairing with the ATV.

[@TheSueRitchie]

Hi Shane, I think you said the Zwift one hub is compatible with all core trainers, is that right? ours is one of the earlier core trainers. I just updated the software to the latest version. Didn’t want to order until sure. Thanks! Really helpful vid. software v 1.3.17

[@gplama]

Yes. All CORE trainers.

[@TheSueRitchie]

Afraid I’ve had no luck connecting the trainer. Just went up climb of the week on single speed! Although the click controller pairs with Zwift on the iPad there is no shifting. I have updated the iPad software it’s the latest. The kickr core software is the latest and the Zwift click also has the latest software. I’ve checked that the Bluetooth connections are all correct and they are. I have even opened the click to see if disconnecting and reconnecting the battery helps. For a fleeting moment I had “gear 12” appear on the in game screen but not managed a single shift. Could be a faulty Zwift click. Wonder how Zwift deal with returns if you have used it with what they say is incompatible??