What is Zwift Cog and Click? Setup, Compatibility, and Virtual Shifting Explained

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If you’re into indoor cycling on Zwift, you’ve probably heard of Zwift Cog and Click. But what exactly is it, and how can it elevate your indoor cycling setup? Let’s dive into all of the question marks around Zwift Cog and Zwift Click.

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What is Zwift Cog and Click?

Zwift Cog is a single sprocket designed to fit most 8-13 speed bikes, simplifying your setup by eliminating the need to swap cassettes. 

It’s ideal if you:

• Share a trainer with someone else
• Frequently switch between bikes, whether that’s road, hybrid or MTB
• Want a hassle-free Zwift setup with minimal mechanical adjustments.

Zwift Cog and Click makes getting into Zwift easier and more accessible, so you can focus on the fun part: riding.

How does Zwift Cog work with Zwift Click?

You combine Zwift Cog with Zwift Click, a pair of compact wireless controllers, to unlock the power of virtual shifting, steering and game controls. Zwift Click allows you to shift gears directly in-game without touching your bike’s physical drivetrain. 

Mount it anywhere that feels natural—drop bars, aero bars, or flat bars—giving you full control of your ride with the click of a button. As well as changing gear, you can also navigate menus, give Ride Ons, and control the whole of Zwift from your handlebars.

What Are Virtual Gears?

Virtual gears replicate the feel of mechanical shifting by adjusting the resistance on your smart trainer to simulate real-world gear changes. 

Using Zwift Click or Zwift Play controllers, you can cycle through 24 silent, instant virtual gears without ever moving your bike’s actual chain. This ensures:

• Quiet virtual shifting: No more clunking as you shift gear – changes are silent, meaning you won’t wake anyone up.
• Perfect shifts every time: There is no need to worry about shifting under load since every shift is perfectly executed, every time. 
• No more wearing out expensive cassettes: With just a Zwift Cog there is no longer any need for a cassette.
• Customisable gearing: Choose your preferred style of shifting and the exact range of gears you prefer. This means your gears can be tailored to suit the terrain you’ll be riding. With a traditional cassette you’re locked in.

Why Zwift Cog Matters For Your Indoor Cycling Setup

At the core of Zwift’s hardware ecosystem, Zwift Cog is the key to unlocking Zwift’s most advanced features. It works with Zwift Click to deliver precise, in-game gear shifts that adapt to your ride. It’s also adjustable, meaning you can get optimal chain positioning, reducing the risk of a dropped chain and will mean you’ll receive a smoother, more comfortable indoor training experience. 

But Zwift Cog does more than simplify your setup, it’s designed for versatility. Compatible with most 8-13 speed drivetrains, Zwift Cog makes switching between bikes effortless, saving you from the hassle of changing cassettes and working out bike compatibility. Simply mount your bike and ride. And if you decide to opt for or upgrade to the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, Zwift Cog integrates flawlessly, future-proofing your setup for the next stage of your Zwift journey.

Why Upgrade to Zwift Cog and Click

If you’re considering upgrading your indoor cycling experience, here’s why Zwift Cog and Zwift Click should be on your radar:

• Streamlined Setup: Zwift Cog eliminates the worry of choosing the right cassette, working with most 8-13 speed bikes to make trainer setup a breeze. Whether you’re riding your summer bike or winter bike, it’s all plug-and-play.

• Enhanced Experience: With Zwift Click, you unlock 24 virtual gears—silent, instant, and efficient. Forget about mechanical shifting and enjoy seamless gear changes right in the game.

• Future-Proofing: As your Zwift setup evolves, Zwift Cog is designed to grow with you. Whether you add Zwift Play controllers or upgrade to the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, your Zwift Cog will integrate flawlessly, making it the foundation of your indoor cycling ecosystem.

Which Trainers Are Compatible with Zwift Cog

You can find out which trainers are compatible with Zwift Cog and Click by heading to the product page and using our simple calculator. Enter your trainer make and model to see if your trainer is compatible.

If you’re getting started with indoor training and want to make sure you’re Zwift Ready, check out Smart Trainers Around $ / £ / € with Zwift Cog and Click.

How to install Zwift Cog and Click

Installing Zwift Cog and Click on your trainer is simple. For a full video tutorial head to the Zwift Cog and Click Setup Guide. For a quick rundown, read down below:

How to Install Zwift Cog

What you’ll need

• Zwift Cog (comes pre-assembled on a freehub body)
  
• Zwift multi-tool (included in the box)
  
• Wide spacer (included in the box)
  
• Thin spacer (included in the box)

Step 1: Get the trainer ready

Use the Zwift multi-tool to loosen and remove the nut or adapter holding your freehub in place.

Set aside the nut/adapter and the tool, you’ll use this again later.

Step 2: Take off the cassette

Pull the cassette (and freehub) straight off the trainer axle.

Look for a wide spacer on the axle:

• If it’s already there, leave it.

• If not, slide the wide spacer onto the axle now.

Step 3: Install the Zwift Cog

Slide the Zwift Cog onto the axle.

Rotate it counterclockwise until it clicks into place.

If it doesn’t engage: pull it halfway off, push it back on, and try again.

Step 4: Insert the thin spacer

Slide the thin spacer around the axle, next to the Cog.

Step 5: Re-secure the nut or adapter

Screw the nut/adapter back on by hand until it’s finger-tight.

Use the Zwift multi-tool to give it about a quarter turn more.

Done! Your Zwift Cog is now installed and ready to ride.

How to Install Zwift Click

What’s in the box

• Left and right Click controllers

• Two bar mounts

• Four rubber attachment bands
  
• Quick start guide

Step 1: Mount the Click controllers

For flat or TT bars

• Place the bar mount and Click controller together.

• Hook two bands on one side.

• Position them on your bars where you want.

• Stretch the bands around the bars and loop them over the hooks.

• Make sure they’re tight so the controller doesn’t slip.

For drop handlebars

• Start with one band per controller (you may not need the bar mount).

• You can place the controllers where you like but we recommend placing them on the inside of your hoods, within thumb reach.

• Hook the band on one end, stretch it around the hood, and loop it onto the hook.

• Tuck any extra band out of the way.

Do a wiggle test:

• A little movement is okay.

• If it’s too loose, tighten by moving the band to the next loop.

Step 2: Update firmware

• Download the Zwift Companion app on your phone.

• Turn on both Click controllers by pressing any button (LEDs will pulse blue).

• In the Companion app, go to the Hardware tab then head to Zwift Click and connect.

• LED will turn solid blue when connected.

• If a firmware update is available, install it.

• The controllers will restart automatically when the update finishes.

Step 3: Pair with Zwift

• Open the Zwift app and log in.

• On the pairing screen, first connect your trainer.

• Then select your Zwift Click controllers from the list of detected devices.

• Make sure the LEDs are pulsing blue when pairing.

• Once paired, the LED will turn solid blue.

Step 4: Get ready to ride

• Check the battery status in the Zwift app.

• Tap “Let’s Go” to start.

• The app will guide you through a tutorial if it’s your first time.

• You can also set your controller orientation so the D-pad works correctly.

Step 5: Power behavior

• If not connected, your Click will turn off after 60 seconds (LED off).

• While connected to Zwift or Companion, they’ll stay on and ready to ride.

Done! Your Zwift Click is installed, updated, and paired, time to ride in Watopia.

Wrapping Up

Zwift Cog and Click are more than just gear-shifting tools—they represent the future of smart indoor cycling. Whether you’re simplifying your trainer setup or enhancing your ride with silent virtual gears, Zwift Cog and Click transform your Zwift experience.

Ready to take your Zwift game to the next level? With Zwift Cog and Click at the heart of your setup, you’re not just riding—you’re unlocking a smarter, more connected cycling world.