If you want to go ‘Full Zwift’ with your multi-gear home trainer, it has never been easier. With the Zwift Cog and Click, you can quickly swap your cassette and freewheel body for a single speed sprocket and with the Zwift click, you have virtual shifting.
The video makes it look easy – And it was
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: I’ve been addicted to Zwift (other platforms are available) since around 2019, when I did ‘Zwift on a Shoestring’. Things have changed a lot since then. Now I have a Wahoo MOVE and CLIMB, run through an Apple TV onto a big screen TV, but for me the biggest advance has been the invention of Zwift’s virtual gear system.
Ready for the upgrade – Maybe it’s time for a new training mat?
All you need is in the box
On different home trainers, I’ve always had a cassette, handy if you want to ride one of the other virtual training platforms, but I’ve always come back to Zwift, especially with the virtual gears and the ‘Zwift Play’ shifters. So, why have the cassette? It was time to upgrade to the ‘Zwift Cog and Click’.
The spanner does the job
All like new in there
The upgrade looks easy to do in the video by Zwift, but you never know, anything where sweat and power (not much in my case) are involved, there is the chance of seizing. I shouldn’t have worried, the inside of the hub was still like new.
The Zwift Cog just slides on
Nearly ready to go
The ‘Cog and Click’ box includes: The Zwift Cog v2 (mine with freehub), Zwift Click (and bar fittings), two spacers and a tool. I took the cassette off the freehub on my Wahoo MOVE, you don’t need to, as the cassette and freehub come off together, but it was easier for the photos. With the 14mm spanner on the tool you undo the freehub retainer, which is bellow whichever adapter you use for your frame to fit the trainer. I thought it would be ultra tight and the tool wouldn’t manage, but it unwound without a problem.
Dial in the best chain line
The freehub and cassette just slide off the axle. There is a spacer to swap, then the ‘Zwift Cog’ just slides on. I put a little bit of grease on the freehub pawls, but there was some already there, so you probably don’t need to do this. There is a little spacer to go in and then screw the retainer back in place. Then it’s just a case of putting your bike back in place and you are nearly ready to go.
Pair in the usual way
You do need to dial in the correct position for the Cog to get the chain line right. I went through all the numbers and found ‘8’ was just right, no ticking as the gear is trying to change up or down. Next you have to pair the ‘Zwift Click’, which is a case of just clicking on it on your device, in my case the Apple TV, and away you go. I tried the ‘Zwift Click’ and it changed up and down the gears as it should, but I use the ‘Zwift Play’ shifters, so I paired them as usual and everything worked perfectly. The feel is the same as before, but I would say it is quieter.
Gear 8 and gear 17 – All working well
Apart from it looking nicer and being quiet, it does mean I can use my other bike with Shimano 11sp as well as my old bike with Campagnolo 10sp, without having to change the cassette. Yes, I’m tied to Zwift due to the virtual gearing, but it was so easy to change from the cassette to the ‘Zwift Cog’, 10 minutes maximum, if I wanted to swap back, it’s no big deal, but as I wrote when I started this review: ‘I am addicted to Zwift’.
Time to Zwift
What Zwift Sez: Unlock the full Zwift experience with the Zwift Cog and Click Upgrade Kit. Enjoy seamless virtual shifting and a smooth ride with adjustable sprocket alignment for optimal chain positioning. The new Zwift Cog multi-trainer freehub expands compatibility, ensuring it fits a wide range of smart trainers and bike types, so you’re always ready to ride.
Zwift Cog
Our second-generation Zwift Cog comes with a multi-trainer freehub or with no freehub. The multi-trainer freehub is for easy installation for a wide variety of smart trainers. Check the extensive list here.
Experience compatibility with almost any 8-12-speed bike and enjoy the ease of virtual shifting. It even comes with a chain guard for mess and maintenance-free riding, keeping your drivetrain smooth and secure.
Multi-Trainer Freehub
Majority of smart trainers come with a pre-installed freehub body. This is what the cassette or Zwift Cog is installed on. Zwift has developed a multi-trainer freehub that is compatible with the majority of Zwift Ready trainers.
No Freehub
The No Freehub Zwift Cog is the right choice for trainers that are not compatible with the Multi-Trainer Freehub. Instead, you can mount the Zwift Cog on the freehub that’s already on your trainer. You will require a cassette chain whip and a lockring tool to remove your cassette and replace it with the Zwift Cog.
Adjustable Sprocket Positioning
Zwift Cog v2 offers adjustable sprocket alignment for wider bike compatibility and optimal chain positioning. The anti-chain drop housing ensures secure rides, while compatibility with 8-12 speed drivetrains and a multi-trainer freehub expands your options. Finished in Zwift’s signature orange, it adds style to your setup.
Zwift Click
Take control of your ride with wireless, virtual gear shifting through Zwift Click. Easily mount it wherever you prefer—on drop bars, flat bars, or aero bars—and enjoy shifting control right where you need it.
Virtual Gears
Conquer any terrain with a full range of 24 silent and instant virtual gears. Whether you’re spinning up climbs or flying down descents, virtual shifting adjusts trainer resistance to perfectly emulate a real gear shift, all triggered by your Zwift Click or Zwift Play controller.
Zwift Play Compatible
Elevate your Zwift experience by pairing Zwift Play wireless controllers with Zwift Cog. Unlock the ability to navigate menus, steer, brake, and shift gears—all from the convenience of your handlebars.
Tech Specs
- Zwift Cog v2 Specs
- 14-tooth single sprocket
- 10 sprocket positions for quick chain alignment
- Designed to fit a Shimano/SRAM freehub body
- Weight: 140 grams
- Dimensions: 103 mm x 42 mm H
- Product Life: Tested for 25,000 miles
- Material: Plastic housing and lock ring with steel sprocket
- For use on Direct Drive Indoor trainers only
Zwift Click Specs
- Communication: Bluetooth®
- Power: Battery, coin cell CR2032
- Product dimensions: 47 x 47 x 13mm
- Product weight: 51 grams
- Battery life: > 100 hours
- Click here to see if your smart trainer is compatible.
- More info on Zwift at: www.zwift.com.
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