Virtual Shifting

 

 

Are you ready to take your indoor cycling experience up a notch with virtual shifting?
ROUVY virtual shifting lets you fine-tune your ride without any mechanical shifting. Here’s a quick guide to get you started.

⚠️ Virtual Shifting controls in the ROUVY Companion App and on your Riding screen

With app version 4.3.5, you can control Virtual Shifting directly in the ROUVY Companion app or using the buttons on your riding screen.

Follow the steps below to turn on Virtual Shifting controls.


⚠️ Zwift trainers compatibility

Zwift Click V2 (previously unsupported) is now compatible with ROUVY, and you’re free to use it in your setup.
Zwift Ride is now fully compatible.

If you experience any issues, please let us know agents using this link. We’re actively monitoring performance and working to improve compatibility where needed. Button controls are explained below.

Zwift Play is not supported at the moment. We’re continuing to work toward broader compatibility with current and future Zwift hardware.

 

What is Virtual Shifting?

Virtual shifting allows you to simulate changing gears on your smart trainer or bike without the need to manually shift gears.

Virtual Shifting brings your indoor training closer to the dynamics of outdoor cycling by mimicking the resistance changes that happen when shifting gears on the road. This technology creates a smooth, realistic cycling experience without the need for mechanical shifting.

 

Virtual Shifting Controls

To add virtual shifting controls to your screen,

  • in the ROUVY app, click on your profile icon in the top-left corner,
  • in the menu, choose 'Settings',

menu settings.png

 

  • in the 'Settings', locate 'General' tab;
  • find 'Features' section, and toggle on 'On-screen virtual shifting'.

settings for virtual shifting.png

 

  • To change gears, use the controls on your Riding Screen (works for touchscreen) or press + and – keys, or comma ( , ) and period ( . ) keys on your keyboard.
  • In the Companion app, gear-switching buttons are available on all Companion App Riding Screens.

Ride (Virtual Shifting).png

 

Compatible Trainers

IMPORTANT:
The following list is merely suggestive.
To check if your trainer supports virtual shifting, follow the instructions below to connect your trainer, and take it for a virtual ride!

 

BKOOL Smart Bikes and virtual shifting
Virtual shifting is supported on BKOOL Smart Bikes starting with ROUVY app version 4.4, but there are a few limitations:
 

  • Virtual shifting controls on the screen must be turned on in the app. If it's not enabled, shifting won’t work, even if the bike is connected.
  • Bike shifters are not supported. This applies to all BKOOL Smart Bike models, including the newer ones. Users need to use the on-screen shifting buttons in the app to change gears.
  • Bluetooth (BLE) connection is partially supported. The bike will connect as power and controllable only. Cadence data may not be available over BLE.
  • ANT+ connection is not supported.

 

Compatible Smart Trainers

Elite

Avanti
Direto X/ XR/ XR-T
Justo
Justo 2
Rivo
Suito
Suito-T

Note: Please make sure your trainer's firmware is up to date. 

JetBlack

Volt2
Victory 

Tacx

Neo 3M

VanRysel

D100
D500
Wahoo
 

KICKR Version 6 (Note: earlier versions are NOT compatible);

KICKR MOVE (Note: please update firmware to v1.5.24);

KICKR CORE.

Note: Get help identifying your Wahoo trainer here. Instructions on updating your firmware are here.

Please note: The Tacx NEO 2T has been reported to work. 

We recommend updating your firmware and giving it a try. We’ll officially test and confirm full compatibility soon.


Compatible Smart Bikes


With app release 4.0.4. we introduce Virtual Gear Indicator for Smart Bikes.

This means that your current gear will be visible on the ride screen.
Tacx

Neo Bike

Wahoo

KICKR BIKE
KICKR BIKE SHIFT

Wattbike

Atom
Proton
Proton X

 

Compatible Remote Controls

CYCPLUS BC2
Remote Control

The CYCPLUS BC2 is a compact remote clicker designed for Virtual Shifting. 
It allows you to control shifting directly from your handlebars using simple +/- buttons.

  • Compatible with ROUVY Virtual Shifting
  • Works with trainers that support Virtual Shifting
  • Features two buttons only: increase (+) and decrease (-) resistance
  • Wireless handlebar-mounted control for easier shifting during rides

You can find more about the device here:
https://www.cycplus.com/products/bc2-shifter

Zwift Click 
(all versions)

Zwift Click devices are handlebar-mounted remote controllers designed to support Virtual Shifting. They let you adjust resistance or shift gears without reaching for your keyboard or screen.

Zwift Click V1
The original version of the Zwift Click. A simple wireless controller with +/- buttons for basic shifting control. Compatibility may vary depending on your setup.
Zwift Click V2
The latest version, now compatible with ROUVY. It offers improved responsiveness and reliability, allowing smooth gear changes directly from your handlebars.

Zwift Click devices are designed to:

  • Control virtual shifting using +/- buttons,
  • Provide a safer, more natural riding position,
  • Reduce the need to interact with on-screen controls during rides.

Note: Zwift Play is not supported at the moment.

If you experience any issues with any version, please let us know

 

How to Set Up Virtual Shifting

Warning: Limited BLE Connections with Virtual Shifting on Apple TV

When using a trainer with virtual shifting connected to Apple TV, please note that one of the two available BLE connections is used by the virtual shifting feature.

As a result,

  • both BLE connections will be in use, and
  • unfortunately, you will not be able to connect an extra sensor.

We recommend planning your setup carefully; you might need to choose between connecting virtual shifting or a heart rate sensor.

If your trainer supports Wi-Fi connection, we suggest switching to that method for more flexibility.


Connecting Virtual Shifting:

  • Make sure your smart trainer or bike is on and that Bluetooth is enabled;
  • Make sure your virtual-shifting switch or clicker is on;
Virtual Shifting works only with trainers connected via Bluetooth!
ANT+ is not supported.
  • Connect your device to the ROUVY app as usual:
    • Log in to the ROUVY app;
    • Click on the sensors icon in the top-right corner;
    • In the window that appears, choose "Add Trainer" and follow the prompts. 
      Detailer instructions are here.
Once connected, a new field labeled "Virtual Shifting" will appear in your sensors list. 
IMPORTANT: the field will ONLY appear AFTER a trainer that supports virtual shifting is connected!

Settings (Cycling Devices with Virtual Shifting).png

 

  • Click on the "ADD" button in the Virtual Shifting field;
  • Choose your device to connect, make sure it is connected, then click Save and Close.

Settings (Cycling Devices, Virtual Shifting).png

 

Virtual Shifting is now connected.
You can see an additional Virtual Shifting symbol in the top-right corner of your ROUVY App dashboard.

bf7aff34-d7b4-4d34-9195-6a72c247922b.png

 

Virtual Shifting During Rides

The ROUVY app’s riding screen will show your current gear on the bottom left. 

Don't forget that you can customize your riding screen - read more on the topic here.

Ride (Gear Indicator) (1).png

 

Button Functions for Remote Gear-Shifting Devices

Button behavior in ROUVY differs slightly depending on whether you're riding a Route or doing a Workout.

 

While riding Routes

+ and - buttons

Shift virtual gears up or down.

Z button

Pause or resume your ride.

Y button

Send a Kudos. More info on Kudos is here.

B button

Acts as Escape, where supported.

 

While in Workouts

+ and - buttons

Increase or decrease your target power.

Z button

Pause or resume your workout.

Y button

Skip the current interval.

Note: this button of the first version of the device will send a Kudos. More info on Kudos is here.

B button

Acts as Escape, where supported.

 

 

We hope you enjoy using virtual shifting to enhance your indoor cycling sessions!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

 

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