ZWIFT COG V2 Full Details // COG V1 Comparison // Sound Check // Q & A

[@ginomordocco4710]

If you have a Shimano 14 tooth from a cassette laying around you can use it on the V1 cog and it makes a HUGE difference in sound. No need to get the V1.05 or V2.

[@Lacking_something]

I wonder what's different about the Shimano sprocket that changes the sound?

[@Whirlee79]

​@@Lacking_somethingQuality

[@bate-r8j]

Would it make any difference if I already have the V1.05 cog?

[@gehtsnoch502]

Will this work with every 14t Shimano?

[@Lacking_something]

@@gehtsnoch502 I believe it would, as long as the 14T sprocket fits on current shimano freewheels.

[@flipmarais]

Your editing goes the extra mile. I especially liked the speaker icons in three back to back sound samples.

[@fluxkompensat0r711]

Your video helped me more than the Zwift setup video, since I managed to take all parts apart 😅 great content mate!! Cheers from Germany

[@timcorso6337]

I'm hanging out for the Rouvy COG 🤣

[@desbrug]

He has the Victory! Was waiting on the review before ordering mine. Looking forward to that!

[@gplama]

Soon! 👌🏻

[@alexfirth]

@@gplama Can't wait, also waiting to hear your thoughts before I "add to cart"!

[@franzs1]

@@desbrug ordered mine today because there was a 'price drop' from 499 to the advertised 449€

[@k1mfor]

@@gplama quick comment - is it good (worth waiting)?? Thanks for the video!

[@lainerrr]

@@franzs1 thx for info. I was checking two days ago and it was 499EUR. Order mine after reading your comment

[@aarons1073]

I bought a 14T single speed conversion kit that includes an assortment of spacers to adjust the chainline where you want it. It's wayyyyyyy quieter than the Zwift Cogs, probably because it doesn't have the plastic echo chamber surrounding the cog itself. The only downside is it takes a bit more work if you want to adjust the chainline from bike to bike. The significant noise reduction is nice though.

[@richardhill2836]

Do you mind telling me where you purchased the conversion from? Thanks!

[@kovie9162]

What's the point of swapping a perfectly fine cassette for the Cog or a single speed kit, unless you only have one good cassette and don't want to keep swapping it between the trainer and rear wheel if you ride both indoors and out? In fact, even if you only have one good cassette you can probably use one of your bad ones, that are worn and skip, because almost certainly there's at least one good cog on it and you can use that in VS mode and Zwift takes care of the rest. Of course if it's the biggest or smallest you'll wear out your chain faster. But you can just move it closer to the center by removing bad cogs and replacing them with spacers.

[@aarons1073]

@@kovie9162 the advantage is being able to use multiple bikes on the trainer with different gearing. It’s also less rotating weight/mass.

[@altern8tive]

worked perfectly on my _"12-speed Giant"_ Two chainrings x 1 cog = two-speed Giant :)

[@Dexxyh]

Cant wait for the elite,.to see how they'll tackle virtual shifting. Even though i use zwift all winter i still want the.option to use something else + a belt drive seems so much nicer for indoors

[@Funkmasterors]

Just bought Zwift frame with the kickr I can confirm that v1 is installed. Br from Germany

[@MiegmaishMenas]

Same and mine came without the V2 in the box even if they said it should. I contacted support and they’ve sent me the V2. It’s on the way now.

@@MiegmaishMenas where you can find information that v2 is included? I see EU website of Zwift Shop, and they write that they sell Zwift Ride with Wahoo and with Cog v1 not v2.

[@jamiesharp3421]

White shoes and black socks, watch out for the Chris Miller cycling fashion police 🤣

[@cs8sz]

I use a standard Shimano cassette with virtual shifting which is a great setup.

[@ericma7345]

do you just have the play controllers/zwift click and just use that with the shimano cassette?

[@onmyway111]

Thanks for the very informative detailed video , appreciated 👍🏻

[@edray5217]

As far as I can tell this, like any single speed adapter kit this would effectively transform any combination of outdoor bike and compatible Turbo Trainer into a Stationary Smart bike such as those from Wahoo, Tacx, Wattbike, Stages , albeit without any electronics built into the handlebars, as is also the case with Zwift's "Ride" frame. As others have noted, with virtual shifting it is actually possible to use one cog on your existing cassette for "simulated" gear changes, though this would only be suitable for the bike it belonged to, unless others shared a very similar chain width!

[@wullxz]

A constructive feedback: That sound comparison was well done conceptually. If you say nothing when the sound changes to the next item or just something brief like "next one", it's easier to compare in all detail. The first two cogs were such a massive difference that you probably could've read the complete series of Lord of the Rings between and we still would know that it's a difference. It was hard to tell apart the specific aspects of the sounds created by V1.5 and V2 though. Apart from that: keep up the good work and great quality of your videos. I've watched a lot of your videos because of my newly bought Garmin products and they helped a ton!

[@hill160881]

I have run 7, 11, 12 and now my new rotor 13s with wheeltop eds Tx system on my H1 or original hammer trainer. Never found a Shimano hg compatible cassette that won’t work no matter how many gears it had. I did have to sand the plastic down to avoid rubbing with the 12 and 13 speed but it works and hits all but the 1st 36 tooth cog. I can now use virtual shifting on IV. So my gen 1 trainer still works great. It’s nice to see a cheaper option with trainers taking advantage of the virtual shifting.

[@davidrowe8747]

I think your point regarding ride "feel" is important, and rarely mentioned. People often compliment virtual shifting because it is so smooth, but that's also a potential negative. When you use real gears, not only do you feel the gear changes (often a negative if it's a clunky shift - or you throw a chain!), but riding small/large (uphill) vs. large/small (sprinting) has a very different feel that you just don't capture with virtual gearing because you are always in 42T/14T. Even the change of gear doesn't feel "real" - when you go down or up a mechanical cog, you feel it and hear it, but shifting a virtual gear, there's nothing to hear and often, very little to "feel". Not a huge negative, but I imagine for serious riders training for the outdoor season, it could be a bigger factor in choosing whether to go virtual.

[@MrZiggenpuss]

Just purchased a wahoo kickr with v2 cog pre-installed, first attempt last night another go shortly. But this was one of the immediate things that threw me, missing that change/feel of real gears.

[@kovie9162]

A gear ratio is a gear ratio and all other things being equal the resistance felt at a given cadence for a given virtual terrain should be the same whether it's a "real" gear combo or a virtual one. In a sense there are three "cogs" when you use virtual shifting, the front chain ring and rear cog, and the virtual one within the trainer that "shifts" up or down to get the desired gear ratio. So what does it matter what the first two are so long as the third one dials you in just right? Feels the same.

[@davidrowe8747]

@@kovie9162 have to agree to disagree as in my experience, virtual shifting has a completely different feel from mechanical shifting. And is certainly less noisy so has less auditory feedback.

[@markojarvenpaa2486]

For me it was definitely an improvement to go from the original Cog V1 (at least I think so - bought kickr core back in April 2024) - to Cog V2 when I got my Zwift Ride Frame. Cog V1 on Zwift Ride was really noisy when compared to the previous installation when I had the trainer attached to my road bike.

[@efusco]

It's ever so tempting to upgrade to the quieter v2, but the reality is that my fans make way more noise than the hub does anyway and I just wear airpods while riding on the trainer anyway.

[@smithy1011]

Wow excellent video and great comparisons, really fantastic how you explain and show everything that matters and not going into your much

[@fabianmolyneux2308]

I’m waiting for the Elite square bike trainer. I think it’s coming out in February. My Wahoo Kickr is only 3 years old and Zwift Hub is not suitable.

[@LuiisSiilvaa]

Was not expecting it to work outside

[@UloPe]

You can DIY something very close to V1 with a single speed conversion kit and a 14 tooth cog. The adjustability of the V2 is nice though.

[@scourbase]

My Zwift Ride (bought in August 2024) came with a (updated?) V1 cog.

[@SonnyDarvish]

I'm glad they added Direto XR :) it's coming in winter 🤞

[@tarapitagaming3284]

Thank you, very good explanation.

[@johngardner1898]

As the owner of a Wahoo Kickr v5, (which I will continue to enjoy without virtual shifting 😢), I have lost all confidence in trainer technology and Wahoo in particular. I won't be buying new hardware until future upgrades have been out for at least five years!

[@saracen888]

My v5 has been flawless. Gold standard trainer

[@mitchleblanc]

@@saracen888 You're missing the point. The V5 isn't compatible with virtual shifters. Only the V6 is. And the Kickr Core.

[@saracen888]

@@mitchleblanc I couldn’t care less about the cog or virtual shifting. V5, regular cassette, bombproof.

[@MrRaptoos]

@@mitchleblanc how isn’t it incompatible with virtual shifters?

[@davidh7414]

@@mitchleblanc Amazing how the V5 is not compatible but the core, which is older, is?

[@markgunn6680]

I use a normal cassette AND virtual shifting. Gives me the option to use normal shifting if I choose and quieter too when using virtual

[@cocm81]

I just received the Zwift Ride. I’ve put in approximately 90 miles on the first week and overall it’s good enough for me for indoor structured workouts. One thing off the bat I’ve noticed is the hoods are a bit uncomfortable. I feel Zwift should have included some type of silicone covers to make it more comfortable on the hands.

[@n22pdf]

I bought the v2 it’s brilliant 😊 great review 😊 Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@davidrowe8747]

Another very insightful video, Shane, thank you - the Cogs are much more simply constructed than you'd think! Just a piece of information that might be useful - the Cog has 14T and the Zwift Ride chainring has 42T, for a gear ratio of 3.0. I'm towards the end of a 6-month journey with Zwift Support trying to resolve an "erratic resistance" issue with virtual gearing that appears to be related to gear ratio. Early recommendations when the Click came out were to use the small chainring on your own bike, and the straightest chain line, which on many bikes (especially 2x set-ups) results in quite a low gear ratio, closer to 1.5. Since moving onto my larger chainring and a smaller cassette cog, replicating the Ride's 3.0 gear ratio, these issues appear (so far) to be resolved. Bottom line is that if people are using their own bikes, resistance issues may be resolved by setting their gearing to a larger gear ratio, ideally close to 3.0 - or at least switching to the larger chainring.

[@Enukia]

Might be looking at getting the victory to get virtual gears since wahoo isn’t going to make my kickr v4 compatible.

[@eddiejensen3369]

I've just sold my V5 since they weren't going to update. Buying the Victory.

[@rednal4451]

@@eddiejensen3369 Exactly the same. I was able to sell my v5 for € 500 and will buy a Victory for the same amount of money :) (even a bit less, and with 2 months of Zwift for free)

[@SutherlandBoswell]

I'm holding out hope that someday wahoo will support virtual shifting outside of Zwift so I'm not locked into a subscription to be able to use it. I'm guessing they're not allowed to as long as their close partnership is ongoing.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Rumors are there's work ongoing with other companies. Nothing has been made public by either Wahoo, Zwift, or any of the other companies. I wouldn't expect a Christmas miracle either, but who knows.

[@kovie9162]

There are 3rd party apps that let you hack VS on other platforms.

[@ericwhite4719]

@@kovie9162tell me more?

[@_Old_Andy]

Cheers for that Shane. Are you planning on doing a review of the Jet Black Victory?

[@Gixer750pilot]

Still no update on the V5 virtual shifting . Have they given up ?

[@morneauh]

Yes, they gave up

[@MisterZwifter]

FIRST! Literally just ordered mine yesterday evening! My thinking is that it's time for a new cassette on my KICKR anyway - so it may as well have been a Zwift Cog, at least giving me some additional gears through the virtual shifting and better shifting under load. Ideal for Zwift Crit Races!

[@DAZ1925]

I assume one disadvantage of this system is being locked into Zwift platform and their pricing

[@Abomai]

or using ERG forever

[@DanChamb067]

You remove the cog and put a cassette.

[@barryhambly7711]

The version 2 hub that comes with Ride frame is the one with know freehub as you say it's mounted like a new cassette on a plastic cone only thing is it falls off the cone with the blink of an eye and as I was not expecting that I had to work out what they had sent me and how it went together as I seem to have a spare metal washer.. Anyway quite pleased with Ride and hub it's much better than using a bike in my opinion I find it better for out of the saddle and sprinting in fact better all round. Pretty quite though I have a slight click from somewhere but long as it does not get worse/ I do not notice it while on Zwift.

[@mitchleblanc]

Curious why they didn't use a bigger chain ring? It seems like my trainers are much smoother on bigger rings.

[@marceloaraujo723]

obrigado, foi muito útil seu vídeo, estava com exatamente essa duvida....

[@asewamu]

My zwift ride kit did not include the new 2.0 fyi. Not that its an issue for me just thought I would mention it. I received it October 2024.

[@davidpatterson5313]

Hi, Thanks for very informative videos on indoor trainers and alike. I'm a bit confused though. I am in England and Looking to but a wahoo kickr core Zwift one. But I've emailed zwift just before checkout as there is no mention of a 1 year free subscription. Zwift say it is included in the price but there's no mention through checkout. So I messaged wahoo and they say you have to add it at checkout and it's a discounted £130 so total price is £579.99 which is not what the bundle says. Do you have any info on this? Have the bundle been dropped??

[@emilsalman2734]

Hey Shane, thanks for the comparison and insights. A somewhat unrelated question about compatibilty-do the trainers that use these cogs, like the zwift one, play nice with smaller bikes? Specifically a 24 incher? There are 3, potentially 4 prospective users in our household, and one of them is 10 on an 8 speed 24 inch Trek road bike. Another is on Campagnolo 12 speed, so that's another potential issue(?). Thanks!

[@gplama]

Compatibility is all down to the rear dropout width. 130/125 quick release or 142/148 thru-axle is required.

[@agent3012]

While I don't actually need it, I wish there was a real option to upgrade from the original V1 Cog to the V2 without having to purchase the now more expensive kit with the Click that I already have.

[@nicholastopley7611]

GP Lama👊 great job again. The Zwift Ride is supplied in the UK with the 1.05 version so may upgrade if they wont supply for free. Question 1. Will the seat clamp take a saddle with carbon rails? Bet it won't fit the Bontrager Aeolus with its huge 7x9 unique rails. Question 2: The chain has some factory lube on it? Whats the future plan with lube or shall I wax the chain?

[@danjo1967]

ZWIft Ride Bike & trainer comes with V1 hub on the CORE. Purchased 2 weeks ago - so unless they gave me a 1 year old CORE, thats what it came with:: my downside to Virual shifting is you cant HEAR the change, its so smooth, you dont know you've changed immediately - there is a very very very very faint sound effect - that ONLY dogs can hear. ive asked them to increase the click sound effect by about 5000%

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

I agree. Especially if you are in an event where there are hundreds of tires buzzing on the roadway.

[@MontyGravel]

Hey - do you know which version of the zwift cog comes with the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One on the zwift store? Looks like its a V1 but is it the upgraded V1 do you know?

[@drewcama2488]

Wow so much tech info! Can you talk about how it performs and why the upgrade?

[@gplama]

It performs exactly the same as the previous version with a 14t. V2 has micro adjustability.

[@6ft8incyclist]

BRILLIANT

[@stemc9]

Any idea when the Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One will come with the Zwift Cog v2 instead of a Zwift Cog v1? Both versions of the Cog were the same price in the upgrade kit so it feels like they’re shifting old stock by continuing to sell it with the v1 Cog.

[@dixonlaaron]

That's exactly what they are doing, I asked them and they didn't beat around the bush. Once current stocks are are used to they will start using the latest Zwift Cog version

[@andreaswilms3847]

I think that part makes no sense because it doesn't work on other platforms like Fulgaz! also it doesn't work with the kickr 5! Greatings from Germany!

[@gplama]

It makes selling the Zwift Ride a lot easier/possible.

[@Zvent]

Really wanted to get the cog and the frame but my 2018 kickr isn't supported and works perfectly so not worth buying a new kickr core for it as well. Shame only the new kickr is supported for this.

[@gplama]

Any Kickr Core supports this.

[@lingvarion]

Sondosent matter wich version? Bought mine qround 2022ish. ​@@gplama

[@thelmaviaduct]

​@@gplamawould love a v5 exposé, Wahoo need embarrassing into sorting this issue out.

[@gplama]

@@thelmaviaduct Here's the response from Wahoo on this topic: The technical details of why we have not brought this functionality to v5: The Zwift Virtual Shifting capability depends upon a custom communication protocol called Zwift Protocol. It's a bespoke protocol that Zwift invented and virtual shifting is only possible via that protocol. When we did our preliminary assessment, we believed that we could add this protocol successfully into KICKR v5. Unfortunately, it has proven infeasible because the storage space on our PCBA is insufficient to accommodate our existing code base plus the size of the Zwift Protocol on top of that. We tried to run this and it led to overall instability issues which caused the KICKR to crash unexpectedly. The memory storage was upgraded when we built v6 because we also had to add Wifi as part of v6 as well. So in other words, the PCBA of v6 is different from prior KICKRs. We have assessed our code base and believe we could not make both Zwift Protocol and the existing KICKR firmware code fit, even with extensive code optimization. Unfortunately there is not a path here.

[@darinsteele7091]

But if you have two bikes a thru axel and a quick release you'll have to change a few parts, which is my scenario which sucks

[@C.Connell78]

Shane, I believe there is currently a pretty significant hardware issue - but I'm not sure if it's the COG V2, Kickr v6, or some combination therein. I recently became intrigued by another KZbin Zwifter's livestream, where he was accused of cheating. This had to do with the rider getting "free watts", but there was a lot of back and forth. Well, I typically dual record my rides, but I had taken my power pedals (Assiomo Duals) and moved them to a different bike. However, I started to notice that when coasting in-game, my RPMs appeared to be inaccurate. Given I race, I swapped out my pedals - and I'm seeing power discrepancy that I had never noticed, prior to running Zwift Play, Cog v2, and the Kickr v6. If this is an issue, it is likely impacting more than a few people. Given your knowledge and in-depth reviews, I thought I'd try to raise the potential issue here.

[@gplama]

Was this being called ‘Sticky Watts’? In regard to power accuracy, using the Cog is no different to using a 14t on a standard cassette. There are a few edge cases where smart trainers will over/under report, usually related to flywheel speed.

[@ekalvi]

It's not sticky watts. Zwift has confirmed there is an issue with the combo of kickr V6/core, virtual shifting and their auto calibration. Essentially once auto calibration happens, the trainer can overreport watts by varying amounts much greater than 2%. I know because it's happening to me and I've done a bunch of dual recording and can recreate with multiple Assioma pedals as a reference

[@C.Connell78]

@@gplama no, I believe this is different. I really encourage you to look at this. There is an active thread in the forums - "virtual shifting, free watts". Wahoo and Zwift have acknowledged, but have published little. They have apparently told the pros to avoid using this setup - a setup the rest of us are actively purchasing. I have dual recordings to support the issue. I have a Kickr v6, updated firmware, and cog v2. It is not effecting all people. I am getting a 10-15% performance benefit, across the board. Wahoo has stated they are coming out with firmware to address, but current workaround is factory spin down. I just don't think it's right that this is going on.

[@C.Connell78]

@@ekalvi likewise

[@C.Connell78]

@@gplama if you do have interest in replicating the problem, many believe that the Kickr auto calibration in high virtual gears (22-24) acts as a potential trigger. I see the issue happening in lower gears, but that is a data point to try. I'm aware of this issue with at least the Kickr v6 and the Kickr core, I don't know about other trainers.

[@rednal4451]

@gplama Would you recommend virtual shifting with a normal cassette above the cog v2, taking into account your mentioned downside regarding flywheel speeds (and regarding noise)?

[@AdamWebb1982]

I got a gates carbon belt system on one of my bikes, i wonder if i could put a belt sprocket on this

[@erickmuriithi5799]

What are the options if you don’t have a shimano?

[@ClaraSophieFinchen]

The Wahoo Kickr Core is not compatible with the Canyon Ultimate with rim brakes because the chain/trainer rubs against the bike frame. Could this problem be solved by using the Zwift Cog?

[@gplama]

No. The Cog doesn’t change anything related to trainer/frame clearance.

[@massimilianogilli1164]

Which COG version comes in the bundle of the zwift ride+core?

[@ShadLife]

I just got a whole new trainer setup. I wanted virtual shifting so I replaced my Kickr v5 to a Kickr v6. I also ordered this Zwift Cog V2. I have a GRX 810 2x drivetrain. It seems I can only get a good alignment if I am in the small front ring (even at the 10th click over). I could not get the cog alignment in the large ring up front. To me it feels like the gearing is too easy. When I am at 0% grade I can easily pedal in the virtual 24th gear. 2 questions. 1, does the gear ratio of the bike matter (which front cog I am in)? 2, do I have to do some sort of spindown (which it says I don't have to do) in order to get the trainer to have the correct resistance per gear? Also, could I remove the Zwift Cog from the cassette and space it out more so I can line up the big ring if that would resolve the issue?

[@gplama]

Zwift say there's an auto-chainring detection process as each session starts to ensure you're given the equivalent resistance per gear regardless of what size chainring you're using. I'll dig into this one day with my MTB (32T chainring) vs gravel bike 42T.

[@ShadLife]

​​​@@gplama FYI. I did a route today and things seemed to work more sensibly now. When on the flats I was in gear 15 or 16 mostly. For 4 and 5ish percent grades I would virtual shift to 12 or 13. My RPMs seemed normal for how the resistance felt. So all seems good. I used Race Mode also and it was much nicer on rolling hills and such where my watts would power up much more quickly. I got higher average watts on my route and I assume that's because it's more accurate to my effort with a more responsive trainer. My guess is that when I tried it immediately after assembling the Zwift Cog and setting up the trainer it just took some time to calibrate and work right.

[@martindimbleby1439]

Great video Shane. Can you use the zwift cog with the Kickr climb? Thanks

[@gplama]

Yep, that'll work fine.

[@randomdude5938]

Does anyone know if you can replace the cog with a gates belt drive cog? I’d love to have a belt drive for by indoor trainer. So clean and quiet.

[@MrMattie725]

Help me think this through: given the small cog which is 'fixed', my flywheel speed would always be quite high at a decent pedalling RPM? I'm running into slippage problems on my Zwift Hub when I need to use the 34 teeth cog on radio tower for example. I assume because generating the required resistance on such low flywheel speed is difficult. I also think higher flywheel speeds might reduce the thermal effect I tend to experience. Intervals sometimes get easier during a workout, especially when I was a bit far up the cassete. I assume due to thermal drift. This one is much less 'provable' than the slippage though. I'm actually considering the Cog V2 as an upgrade this indoor season! :) (Just the Play or buttons for virtual shifting would do the trick if I think about it)

[@davidrowe8747]

It's not just the size of the Cog that's important, it's the overall gear ratio. Zwift Ride chainring is 42T so Zwift Ride gear ratio is 3.0 (42T/14T). Even when virtual gear changes, the relationship between pedal rpm and flywheel revolutions/speed is constant. Using virtual gearing, I have had very bad problems with what you call "slippage" (pedal revolutions suddenly slipping?) and after 6 months working with Zwift Support, it's beginning to look like gear ratio is a factor - that when gear ratio is closer to 1.0, resistance is very erratic, primarily on steeper climbs. As you say, you don't really need the Cog, just the Play or Click controllers. If you do this, put your chain on the larger chainring and try to replicate a gear ration closer to 3.0, to see if this works optimally.

[@MrMattie725]

@@davidrowe8747 Given my current setup, I would have a 50/17 ratio with a straight chain using the middle of the cassette. The slippage feels indeed like suddenly losing resistance. As if my backwheel is slipping through some mud whilst I push down on a pedals. I only have this issue in the small chainring and biggest cogs, which gets below a 1:1.3 ratio. So I might consider the Play as this might solve the issue with the added game features. Kind of sad that you need extra hardware to unlock purely software features but that's business I guess.

[@pavlej91]

Hi Shane, thanks for the great overview. Is the Cog compatible with Elite Avanti? Couldn’t find any info online. Also, any chance you are planning to review Avanti?

[@gplama]

No compatibility with the Avanti. I’ll do a review if I can get a production unit to test.

[@renedavila5900]

Shane, thank you for consistently keeping us updated with this information… I have a Garmin Tacx Neo 2t, and I am researching the Zwift bike frame. Though, as far as I understood, I can’t use this frame with my Neo 2T, the issue relays on the virtual shifting since the frame uses the Cog instead of a cassette. However, there is an app named as QZ which will work as a bridge between the neo and the Zwift play controls over ant connection to do the virtual shifting on Neo 2t… I have not tried myself. Do you know if this is accurate?, is there any hope from Garmin to have this in the near future?. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[@gplama]

Garmin/Tacx do not officially support Zwift Protocol for virtual shifting, so there's no easy/native/supported way of using the Zwift Ride frame on any Garmin/Tacx smart trainer at this point in time. Garmin will not give any insight into future products or plans, so we don't know what they're working on. What we do know is they're slowly fading away from the conversation by not offering any new products other than the 3M (US$2000) with less features than the upcoming JetBlack Victory (US$399). RE: QZ. I'm planning on digging into this but my spidey senses are pinging that it's not going to be an optimal working solution for virtual shifting. It also adds another layer of complexity. I'll know more on this once I've had a chance to test and compare it to the native Zwift Protocol style of virtual shifting.

[@tylerrudder8994]

Any reason the v2 wouldn’t work with a single speed bike?

[@jackvssharks]

Does zwift politely ask you not to mention 3rd party apps to enable non ‘zwift ready’ trainers to use virtual shifting? I understand if they did, I mean they have immortalised you in llama form! Just curious. I have og neo (2017) and virtual shifting. Love it.

[@gplama]

I have that on the cards to cover in a whole video soon. What app are you using for virtual shifting?

[@DrGarzon1]

Since you used the Cog outdoor, could it be used on an old style trainer like the tacx flow smart?

[@gplama]

It’ll physically install but won’t work as the trainer needs to support virtual shifting.

[@cyclingjunkie]

Shane, in your personal opinion (based on previous releases) - should i buy kickr v6 (while it's still low priced), or should i wait for v7 (if it might show up soon)? And great video as allways! 😊

[@garner145]

I got the zwift ride on release and i think it comes with V1.5 and its loud. Is it worth getting V2? Seems very quiet

[@clivecharles9512]

When is this coming to South Africa

[@jarekp1437]

If only wahoo v5 would be compatible 😢😢 Very disappointed to be honest

[@TheHalo14aus]

Infuriating - bought my V5 July last year thinking I'd be compatible for years to come.

[@darrencole2000]

As a V5 owner, I feel this ... the low end kickr core is supported, but last years flagship still isnt?!

[@sandrost4243]

Do we know if v2 has any improvements for sprints over 1100 watts? On v1 you really have to be in the big ring or you lose some power (iirc), I was hoping this was addressed. Cheers!

[@gplama]

There’s no difference between v1 and v2 in that respect.

[@hutzell73]

I just recently installed the Cog V2. I like it and it wasn't hard to install and set up. It's a little noisy IMHO.

[@Zone41]

Shane, with the new Cog v2 ( updated from the V1) my Zwift hub lose power while pedaling! And then it’s very difficult to get again tractions. I’m tempted to buy a new free hub to solve this issue. What’s the part number for the Shimano freehub? Thanks.

[@gplama]

Changing the Cog hardware isn’t the cause here. Sounds like a trainer issue. One for Zwift Support to dig into.

[@Zone41]

Shane, many thanks! I will contact their services! And thanks for your excellent work!!!

[@ashleyhouse9690]

The other downside of virtual shifting is you are locked into Zwift and can't use it with any other training app unless you just stick to erg mode.

[@ace_oneseven]

On the Zwift Shop there are 2 Versions of V2 Cog: -> Freehub Type: Multi-Trainer -> Freehub Type: No Freehub i dont understand this, i would buy a Cog for the Decathlon Ride D100. Can anyaone help?

[@julianj9417]

Odd, online it says zwift ride comes with the v1 cog on their website

[@gplama]

It'll be the 1.05 / updated tooth version, so the quiet version. I'd be surprised if they're still selling the OG louder 14T version.

[@AntoineThisdale]

If i want to load on Zone2 for the winter (4months), is this a good idea or should i just go for a standard gear setup like the Wahoo Kickr?

[@gplama]

Either will work.

[@bradallen8643]

I missed and explanation of why the adjustable chain clearance on the V2 is an improvement. The chainline is not changing during virtual gearing changes. I couldn’t hear a big improvement on sound from the V1*.

[@gplama]

For bikes that just won’t dial-in without an adjustment to the rear derailleur. It’s not an essential feature. It will come in handy for some.

[@marccale9890]

Hello! Great video as ever. I take it if you're using a quick release bike, the comment about the 142 mm Thru-axle set-up doesn't apply?

[@gplama]

If you’re using a bike with quick release then it isn’t the Zwift Ride, so you’ll need to use the QR adapters.

[@marccale9890]

​@@gplamathanks...yeah sorry. Bit of a dumb question. I blame tiredness 😂

[@kovie9162]

If you only intend to ride on Zwift indoors, or in ERG or single gear mode on other platforms, then this is a viable alternative to a cassette. But if you intend to ride in sim mode on other platforms, want to be able to shift gears to match the terrain and cadence, and don't want to mess with 3rd party apps, then you need a cassette because at present no other platform offers native virtual shifting. Which makes me think that one of the main purposes of the Cog is to lock most people into Zwift. Which is their right, of course, but people should be aware of this before committing. Of course even if you only have the Cog you can always install a cassette and it doesn't have to be high end because weight isn't a factor.

[@gplama]

Covered in-depth in my other videos on the Cog/Virtual Shifting.

[@davidstihler9689]

I don’t quite understand so if I buy a kicker6 or move does it have a free hub installed that the cog will fit on so would I order no freehub if I order the v2 cog

[@gplama]

All smart trainers ship with a Shimano HG compatible freehub. The Cog (all versions) will install onto those.

[@jeffreycamphens2191]

No fix for sram flat top chains unfortunally. It does work with the OG kickr core (latest firmware) right?

[@gplama]

Will work with all Kickr Core units (with the latest firmware applied).

[@WowRixter]

I hope Rouvy supports this soon

[@stevesimpson6021]

Any idea on when the wahoo Kickr v5 will be included?

[@morneauh]

According to Wahoo, never.

[@gplama]

Here's their position on this topic: The technical details of why we have not brought this functionality to v5: The Zwift Virtual Shifting capability depends upon a custom communication protocol called Zwift Protocol. It's a bespoke protocol that Zwift invented and virtual shifting is only possible via that protocol. When we did our preliminary assessment, we believed that we could add this protocol successfully into KICKR v5. Unfortunately, it has proven infeasible because the storage space on our PCBA is insufficient to accommodate our existing code base plus the size of the Zwift Protocol on top of that. We tried to run this and it led to overall instability issues which caused the KICKR to crash unexpectedly. The memory storage was upgraded when we built v6 because we also had to add Wifi as part of v6 as well. So in other words, the PCBA of v6 is different from prior KICKRs. We have assessed our code base and believe we could not make both Zwift Protocol and the existing KICKR firmware code fit, even with extensive code optimization. Unfortunately there is not a path here.

[@ipaterson]

​@@gplamathanks for sharing a real technical answer finally. I wonder if a PCB replacement would work into a v5. Not really into testing it myself but some mad scientist might.

[@larscederhill1823]

Can I buy the upgraded v1 cog somewhere. I have the zwift hub one so would like to just upgrade the cog with flatter teeth.

[@richardresendesjr3335]

Love my Saris H3 just wish they would roll out support for this however I fear this is a pipe dream at this point

[@gplama]

Saris have indicated they're up to something.... I assumed they were in "Weekend at Bernie's" mode. Maybe we'll hear something from them on this soon.

[@toddtannenbaum7092]

Same here!

[@toddtannenbaum7092]

@@gplamaplease keep us posted on this, thanks!

[@TnFruit]

Is it possible to use the swift cog with all 12 speed or 13 speed derivatives?

[@1984rbarker]

Can i used a larger cog- like 28t? Would that add less "miles" to the Kickr odometer?

[@gplama]

You can, but it’ll feel very sluggish with such a low flywheel speed.

[@StuartLynne]

Any news on Virtual Shifting for Kicker v5? Then I would need one of these :-)

[@gplama]

Wahoo have said it now won’t be coming to the Kickr 5.

[@COYSMike]

Great guide thanks Shane. Can i just ask please. I already have the cog v1and click, but want the new v2. This means I will have a 2nd set of clicks. Can I pair both clicks at the same time (via the companion app on android to a windows laptop with bluetooth)? i fancy having one click on the tops and one down in the drops. Thanks!

[@gplama]

I haven't had any luck pairing two Zwift Clicks at the same time. I've managed to pair the Play controllers + Click, but not Click + Click. (Only tested on a Windows 11 PC).

[@COYSMike]

@@gplama Thanks for replying. That's a shame, but I guess I can have a spare in case of finding one of them has a dead battery when I go to ride.

[@milanbodnar609]

Hello can i use v2 cog on wahoo kickr now ?? Is it compatible??

[@Mooza1]

When released in Australia?

[@rsevarg]

At 1:35m of the video we hear that "the Zwift Cog V2 is compatible with any Zwift-Ready Trainer". But if I want to ride off-line (using, for example, my Garmin Edge to control the trainer) will it work?

[@gplama]

Physically compatible. It’ll work with any software/head unit that controls the trainers in ERG.

[@rsevarg]

@@gplama Thanks! I"m pretty old though (70), need to downshift after X minutes to control my heart rate. From what I have read about ERG mode, it would prevent me from doing that?

[@simonupton2530]

But when will it be available in australia? apologies for not scrolling through all comments - if this has already been answered

[@gplama]

Wahoo AU have the Click and Cog v2 in their web store.

[@David-r3b7f]

I see you have The Victory are you doing the review any time soon? I ordered mine a few weeks ago looking forward to hear what you think

[@gplama]

Yes. Coming soon.

[@albertoperini4563]

hi I wanted to ask you if it is possible to use my tacx flux s with the Zwift Ride Smart Frame hi thanks

[@gplama]

The Flux doesn’t support virtual shifting, so it’d be only good for ERG workouts.

[@bran0]

any info about SARIS H3 support?

[@gplama]

No. I wouldn’t expect it either. We don’t know what true position Saris are in with their corporate sale/transfer/etc.

[@adamminshull4576]

@gplama can you give a view on the noise of the v2 on a regular bike with Shimano chain - better or worse than v1 ?

[@gplama]

Not at the moment, I’m 8500km from the Lama Lab. Hit me on Insta or similar next week as a reminder and I’ll get a quick test video for you.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

with elite putting it on the direto, do you think they will put it on all their trainers down the road?

[@gplama]

Unsure.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

They should though. Same with wahoo for the v5 as it's not any dumber than the kickr core 😂