Elite Direto virtual shifting with Zwift

Elite Direto is an FTMS-compatible smart trainer likely to work with BikeControl virtual shifting on Zwift. Pair the trainer directly to BikeControl, customize gear ratios, and ride on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.

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How to get virtual shifting on Elite Direto with Zwift

  1. Install BikeControl. Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
  2. Pair Elite Direto. Pair your Elite Direto directly to BikeControl over Bluetooth, so BikeControl can control its resistance.
  3. Configure gear ratios. Customize gear ratios inside BikeControl to match your real bike or preferred range.
  4. Connect Zwift. In Zwift, pair the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, instead of the Elite Direto itself.
  5. Start virtual shifting. Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the Elite Direto, and Zwift sees your effort.

How Zwift fits in

Connecting Zwift to the trainer
Zwift doesn't pair with the Elite Direto directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the Elite Direto and changes its resistance when you shift, so Zwift needs no virtual shifting of its own.
Zwift actions on your controller
Shifting happens in BikeControl, but the other buttons can still control Zwift: its default mapping covers steer left and right, U-turn, open the action bar, use a power-up, select, back, and Ride On bomb, sent over Network, Bluetooth, or Accessibility.
Platforms
Zwift on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, macOS, and Windows. BikeControl itself runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Official support
Zwift is not an official BikeControl partner, and BikeControl is not affiliated with it. Virtual shifting still works, because Zwift only sees a normal trainer.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Elite Direto support virtual shifting in Zwift?

The Elite Direto is FTMS-compatible, so it is expected to work with BikeControl virtual shifting. Pair the trainer directly to BikeControl and it adds virtual shifting in Zwift, even if the app has no native virtual shifting support.

Does Zwift need to support virtual shifting natively?

No. BikeControl sends the gear’s resistance to the trainer; Zwift just sees a normal trainer, so virtual shifting works without native support in the app.

How does Zwift connect to the Elite Direto with BikeControl?

Zwift pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and BikeControl stays connected to the Elite Direto. Zwift runs on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, macOS, and Windows.

Can I customize the gear ratios?

Yes. Gear configurations are fully customizable in BikeControl with 1 to 30 gears, named configurations, and a drag-to-tune curve preview.

Is virtual shifting free in BikeControl?

Virtual shifting is included for up to 20 minutes per day in the free/base version. BikeControl Pro (around 2.50 EUR/USD per month) removes the time limit.

Use the Elite Direto with other apps

More about the Elite Direto, the Virtual Shifting hub, or download BikeControl — free to try on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.