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Top FAQs About Virtual Shifting on Tacx Trainers

Virtual shifting, a feature of the Zwift platform, simulates changing gears on your bike without physically shifting. Instead of physically moving the chain, the resistance of your trainer adjusts to provide the feeling of changing gears, adapting to grade, resistance, or effort. Virtual shifting is enabled on compatible Tacx® smart trainers through the use of the Zwift Cog and Click.

Select a topic below for more information about Virtual Shifting on your Tacx Trainer:


What is the Zwift Cog and Click?

The Zwift Cog and Click offer broad compatibility, allowing your trainer to work with almost all 8-12 speed bikes without requiring a cassette change when switching bikes. The Cog functions as a "one size fits all" cassette replacement, while the Click wirelessly shifts your virtual gears in Zwift. Although the Cog isn't essential for virtual shifting, it simplifies bike installation by eliminating the need for cassette changes.

Tacx Neo 3M trainer with cog installed and click shown

Can I Get Virtual Shifting Without the Cog?

For virtual shifting, you'll only need a compatible Tacx smart trainer and a compatible Zwift controller (Zwift Click, Play, or Ride Frame). The Zwift Cog isn't strictly necessary; it's simply a handy replacement for your cassette, allowing a more universal setup across different bikes on the same trainer. If you're using a regular cassette, we recommend placing your bike in the large chainring (if applicable) and a mid-range gear on your cassette. While other gear combinations might work, extremely low or high physical gear settings on your bike could limit your available virtual shifting range.

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What Tacx Trainers Are Compatible With Virtual Shifting?

NOTE: This feature requires the latest software on your trainer. See How Do I Update the Software on My Tacx Smart Trainer? for instructions to update your trainer.

  • Tacx® NEO 2

  • Tacx® NEO 2T

  • Tacx® NEO 3M

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Installing the Cog and Click

The Click can be installed on your handlebar using the included rubber bands. Installation instructions for the Cog will vary depending on how it was purchased.

I Purchased a Tacx Trainer Bundled With the Cog

Tacx trainers purchased as a bundle with the Cog and Click will ship with a separate box containing the Cog preinstalled on a cassette body. Follow the steps below to install your Zwift Cog:

  1. Remove the cassette body from your trainer.

    • NEO 2T: Use a 5mm hex wrench to remove the drive side end cap.

    • NEO 3M: Use the blue tool to remove the drive side end cap.

  2. Slide the cassette body off of the trainer axle.

  3. Install the cassette body and Cog assembly.

  4. Reinstall the drive side end cap.

I Purchased the Cog Separately

The Cog is installed just like any other cassette, and is compatible with the Shimano/SRAM HG cassette body for 9-11 speed cassettes.

  1. Remove the end cap from your NEO 2T or NEO 3M.

  2. Use a chain whip and lockring tool to loosen the lockring of your cassette.

  3. Remove the cassette and freehub spacer if needed.

  4. Align the thin spline of the plastic carrier on the Zwift hub with the thin spline of the freehub.

  5. Slide the Cog onto the cassette body.

  6. Hand tighten the black plastic lockring with the tool about a quarter turn. The torque specification is 5 NM.

  7. Reinstall the end cap on your trainer.

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Updating the Software on Your Click

The software on the Zwift Click can be updated through the Zwift Companion App. 

  1. Press and hold any button until the LED blinks blue.

  2. Open the Zwift Companion App.

  3. Select More (bottom right)

  4. Go to the Zwift Hardware screen.

  5. Tap Zwift Click Controller.

    • The LED will turn solid blue once connected.

  6. The app will install any available updates and the LED will turn solid yellow.

  7. The Click will restart after the update is complete.

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Is the Zwift Ride Frame Compatible With Tacx Trainers?

The Zwift Ride Frame is compatible with the Neo 2T, as well as type 2 NEO 2 Smart trainers. It is not compatible with type 1 Tacx trainers. The Zwift Ride frame installs using the 12x142mm end caps.

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