Switching from Zwift: Using the Zwift Cog with Rouvy

Can you use a Zwift Cog with Rouvy?

You can use a Zwift Cog with Rouvy. However, caveats exist, and depending on how you use your trainer, those caveats might be important to you.

What is the Zwift Cog

The Zwift Cog is a universal sprocket compatible with 8-12 speed bikes, eliminating cassette swaps when sharing trainers or switching bikes. It simplifies your Zwift setup so you can just ride. You can use the Zwift Cog instead of a standard bike cassette on your trainer.

As the product’s name implies, it’s designed to work with the Zwift indoor cycling app. I still use the Cog even though I’m not a “Zwifty.”

Life is complicated, so I try to keep my training as straightforward as possible.

I recommend that time-strapped athletes optimize for “ease of training.” The less time you spend gearing up for a ride, the more time you can spend in the saddle.

The Zwift Cog is a helpful tool in simplifying my indoor cycling training.

Why I like the Zwift Cog:

• Easy to swap out bikes
  • Easier for multiple people in the same household to share a trainer
  • My tri bike has a 12-speed cassette, my other bikes don’t. The Zwift Cog doesn’t mind.
• Less bike maintenance
  • Shifting gears wears a bike’s drivetrain. The Zwift Cog allows the bike to function as a single-speed bike, so no shifting is required.

What bums me out about the Zwift Cog:

• It’s a bit expensive for what it is
  • The Cog feels priced on the high side, especially when considering that the included “Zwift Click” virtual shifting device only works with the Zwift app.
  • You don’t need a high-end cassette for indoor training. You might be able to track a cheap cassette down for less than the cost of the Zwift Cog.

Using the Zwift Cog with Rouvy

Yes, you can use the Zwift Cog with Rouvy*.

You can’t change gears manually when using the Zwift Cog, and Rouvy doesn’t support virtual shifting yet.

As of the writing of this post, Rouvy only works in “Erg Mode” when using the Zwift Cog.

You should be able to use any indoor cycling app with the Zwift Cog as long as it supports “Erg Mode.” With that said, I haven’t tried them all! Your mileage may vary.

If you’re interested in virtual shifting with Rouvy, I dedicated another post to my experience attempting to workaround Rouvy’s virtual shifting limitations. It ended up being more hassle than it’s worth. I recommend waiting for Rouvy’s developers to implement virtual shifting, or picking another app to train with if the feature is immediately important to you.

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• 8 weeks of progressive base training workouts
• Train on any platform
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Caveat: Erg Mode Only

Virtual shifting can be fun if you’re cruising around or racing online. Erg Mode is ideal for focused, targeted training sessions.

ERG mode automatically adjusts resistance based on your cadence to maintain a set power output. It ensures you hit target watts regardless of how fast you pedal.

I’m training for a few upcoming triathlons during the winter. For my use case, the Zwift Cog’s “Erg Mode” limitation doesn’t negatively affect my indoor training sessions.

I’m excited by the recent indoor cycling app development. The increased competition in the space is improving the options available to cycling enthusiasts. I’m having a great time experimenting with the different apps and configurations.

I haven’t had an issue using the Zwift Cog with Rouvy, TrainingPeaks Virtual (formally IndieVelo), or TrainerRoad.

My Indoor Cycling Setup

If you’re curious, here’s my current setup:

• Wahoo Kickr Core
• Zwift Cog
• 2021 BMC Timemachine ONE Triathlon Bike
• An electric standing desk (doubles as a work station)
• Box Fan

My indoor training space isn't perfect, and I'm concocting plans to enhance the setup. Stay tuned for updates and photos!