I would like to use Zwift Cog and Click with Xert. I know that I can use the Cog in ERG mode, but any other modes don’t give me any shifting options AFAICT.
QZ Fitness has figured out a way to integrate with the Zwift Click, so it seems like it should be possible to Xert: [search Google for “Revolutionizing Indoor Cycling: QZ App’s Integration with Zwift Click”], the forum won’t let me post a link.
I use the Hammerhead app, but I’d switch to iOS or even buy a Garmin if that’s what it took to make this work.
You need to connect your devices to Zwift on your computer using Bluetooth, this will allow you to use the shifting. You then need to connect Xert to the trainer using ANT+. No idea how this works on a Hammerhead, I use the phone app with a USB-C Hub and and ANT+ Dongle on Android (you just need to install an app to get ANT+ connectivity). You can then get realtime data and record the ride using the Xert App.
I’m trying to avoid Zwift. I don’t like the video game thing, I don’t want to set up two workout tracking apps, and I don’t want to pay for two things when I find no value in Zwift.
I just want to use mixedmode (and slope) workouts without having to shift with my bike’s gears. Ideally I’d be able to use the Zwift Ride Frame with Xert on all modes. It sounds like I’ll have to wait for the Elite Square.
I don’t think you can. I remember watching some videos before buying the cog that it was specific to Zwift. You can use it on other apps but only in erg mode, I belive.
I use what Nipheon said to do workouts inside group rides for example.
Unfortunately that is not possible at the moment because they use a proprietary Zwift protocol. So unless someone reverse engineer that or Zwift is opening up you are out of luck.
I have a cog + click with a Hammer (Saris) H3. I normally ride ERG workouts so it’s good, but just found that the other software I regularly use, icTrainer.de, has implemented virtual shifting, so I can ride their courses in SIM mode. They also can connect to Xert and download workouts/upload results.
This is something I’m interested in as well. I don’t like Zwift but I like the idea of their cog+click and not having to put a cassette on my trainer. Also, having the ability to use the virtual shift button would allow for better control when intervals change quickly. I use the Xert EBC app to do almost all my indoor structured workouts.
The QZ app (qdomyos-zwift) mentioned in the original post may work - it connects to trainer (and other devices including click) and simulates Wahoo direct connect protocol - although I am not sure if Xert EC support it (but most other apps do).
I haven’t tried this my self though - I don’t like QZ’s UI.
Cool idea but it’s not going to happen unless it becomes an open standard. That’s up to Zwift and the industry-at-large.
DCRainmaker –
One shouldn’t overlook the fact that Garmin has held back on doing Zwift Cog/Click. My discussions indicate they are keenly aware that if they were to jump into that arena, without protocol openness, it’d pretty much kill off the rest of the indoor trainer apps within 1-2 years.
Long story short, as with before, the main benefit of COG+CLICK is really multi-bike scenarios for consumers. And for Zwift/trainer companies, it’s the ability to only have to stock a single casette type, rather than a multitude of cassettes (some of which cost a heck of a lot more than the cost of a Zwift Cog).
As another Zwift Cog and Click user, I’m looking for solutions to using virtual shifting with Xert workout players, particularly to do SMART workouts. Rouvy and other apps have figured out how to use the Click to adjust resistance in slope modes, so it’s definitely possible for any app to support it.
The cog and click are becoming more and more popular and trainers like the JetBlack Victory come with it pre installed, for good reasons.
Would love to be able to do smart workouts indoors. Ideally, I’d like to do a ride in Rouvy to replicate the outdoor riding experience, including shifting, and have an Xert workout player, either on my phone, Karoo, or computer dictate and record the workout.
Hello everyone! New to Xert and ended up here as I’m trying do the same thing as the original poster and Jesse above me. Any updates as of 2025? @ManofSteele@xertedbrain
I have a Tacx Neo 3M, Zwift Cog and Click + Karoo 3.
Any way for me to complete MIXED MODE workouts without taking off the Zwift Cog and putting on a cassette?
Also, is my assumption correct that SMART workouts are ERG mode only? So the Zwift Cog works?
I’m also assuming that SMART workouts completed within Zwift are static but when completed via pairing my phone (Xert iOS app) to the trainer for resistance control, that would actually be dynamic and “SMART”.
I actually just ordered a Click/Cog V2 recently to experiment with my Neo 2T. I’ve had some success using Virtual Shifting for riding in Zwift & using Magic Buckets, but I opted not to install the Zwift Cog yet. Since I have a permanent/indoor bike for the trainer, I don’t really need the single cog anyways, so I left my 11sp cassette on, which means I have the option to do Mixed Mode workouts with physical gears using the Xert EBC apps.
I’ve been meaning to get a ‘how to’ combine Magic Buckets, SMART workouts, etc. with various indoor apps/platforms. I’ll get my initial thoughts put down & shared so others can begin experimenting and see what works best for their needs & interests. There are many different ways to use Xert, so you’re likely to find some solution that works best for your needs.
I also have a single cog / click on my trainer. I probably do 95% of indoor workouts just fine, but I do wish that virtual shifting via the click hardware were an option. Even if virtual shifting were available as buttons inside the EBC app, I think it would be too cumbersome for me to use for slope mode workouts.
I’ve done a couple mixed mode workouts and completed them. I’m just stuck in whatever power setting ERG mode was last in for the slope interval and then it goes back to ERG mode. Since the slope intervals are generally supposed to be max effort go as hard as you can, the power is lower than what I’d be able to do if I could change gears. So you’ll miss out on possible peak power breakthroughs and would have to rely on something like a virtual Zwift ride to set those. I don’t know if Xert interprets these “under performing” intervals in other ways as well.
Full slope mode workouts (like the fitness tests) are basically just not an option with a single cog and no virtual shifting available.
SMART workouts are (almost?) all in ERG mode. There might be one or two that have a single slope interval in them (to reduce MPA and get you tired before the real intervals), but you can still do the workouts without issue. I’ve never had any problem running a SMART workout with a single cog.
Yes, you are correct that if a SMART workout is imported to Zwift and controlled by Zwift (or any other non-Xert platform) that the “SMART” features of the workout are lost (variable power and/or duration based on performance during the workout, and smooth curve power ramps). I started out doing SMART workouts in Zwift and Rouvy, and now just use the Xert player & EBC app. To be honest, I’ve never noticed any significant difference between a SMART workout performed on or off Xert, and I don’t ever notice any variability during SMART workouts using the EBC app. You need to dig into the workout designer to figure out what type of SMART features a workout is using unless it states it up front in the description. I can’t recall any interval power readings ever being more than 1 or 2 watts different from the workout’s structure unless I caused them to move by a sudden increase or decrease in my intensity. I’ve never seen an interval duration differ from the workout’s structure. It’s possible this is maybe because the workouts chosen / prescribed closely match my fitness signature and training plan, and others might have different experiences. In any case, just ride in whatever virtual environment you like best.
You can also control the workout (power) from the EBC app, but record the workout (read the power) from Zwift. You don’t get the fancy UI integration from within Zwift like the interval rings and HUD, but it would enable the SMART features of the workout in the EBC app. When you open up Zwift, you just need to decouple “trainer control” but leave everything else connected; and in the EBC app ensure “trainer control” is enabled but nothing else.