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When Zwift introduced the Zwift Cog and its virtual shifting feature, no other indoor cycling app could integrate Zwift’s proprietary hardware (the Zwift Hub, later renamed Wahoo KICKR Core Zwift One). This feature kept people who bought these smart trainers locked to Zwift, as they could not shift virtually in other apps.
Now, after about two and half years, ROUVY has finally added support for virtual shifting. This marks a significant milestone, allowing ROUVY users to experience smooth and precise gear changes using the Zwift Cog. While Zwift’s delay in opening up its hardware likely stems from a strategic business decision to retain users, the move towards broader compatibility would be a game-changer for virtual cycling.
As DC Rainmaker pointed out, ROUVY reverse-engineered the communication of the Zwift Protocol. So, Zwift has not officially opened its protocol yet. This makes things a bit more complicated and limiting. ROUVY is not compatible with Zwift Play controllers. It is only compatible with Zwift Click at this moment.
Why Did It Take So Long?
The delay in ROUVY (and other platforms) adopting virtual shifting was likely due to Zwift’s reluctance to open its protocol to competitors. Zwift ensured continued loyalty (and revenue) by keeping users locked into its ecosystem. However, with the increasing demand for more flexible indoor cycling setups, the pressure was high, and other apps had to find a way to implement virtual shifting to their platforms. ROUVY developers reverse-engineered the Zwift Protocol and were able to make the virtual shifting work.
What This Means for the Future of Virtual Cycling
With ROUVY leading the way, I expect other indoor cycling apps like MyWhoosh will follow. This shift will make virtual cycling more accessible, particularly for those using smart trainers without built-in electronic shifting. Riders who invested in the Zwift Cog can now use it outside of Zwift, increasing their training flexibility and value for money.
And that’s not all. You don’t even need a trainer with Zwift Cog. You can use any smart trainer compatible with virtual shifting and a standard cassette. You only need the Zwift Click buttons.
You can check out the following table that summarizes the pros and cons of virtual shifting and why this news is a pretty big deal.
| Type of shifting | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual shifting (Zwift Cog) | • Improves compatibility with bikes that have different number of gears¹ • Eliminates cross chaining • Allows setting different gear ratios² • Quieter | • Less similar feeling to riding a bike outdoors • Slower when changing multiple gear • The position of the shifting buttons is not ideal • Not currently supported by applications other than Zwift and ROUVY |
| Traditional shifting (cassette) | • Faster when changing more gears at once • Realistic shifting • Ideal position of the shifters | • Higher risk of cross chaining • Worse compatibility with bikes that have different number of gears • Won’t allow you to change gear ratios³ • Noisier |
¹Assuming a Zwift Cog is used.
²Currently on smart bikes only
³Assuming you don’t change cassette or chainrings
Conclusion
ROUVY’s adoption of virtual shifting signals a significant shift in the virtual cycling landscape. This update enhances training options, improves accessibility, and gives riders greater control over their indoor cycling experience. As more platforms integrate Zwift’s hardware, the future of virtual cycling looks more inclusive than ever. But we will see whether this will have any legal backlash from Zwift.
Stay tuned for further updates. I expect other platforms like MyWhoosh will also integrate this feature, expanding options for indoor cyclists worldwide.
