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Elite Direto XR virtual shifting with Zwift

The Elite Direto XR is confirmed working with BikeControl. It is the only Direto confirmed so far: the Direto X and the original Direto are listed as likely to work, so the generation matters when you read this page.

BikeControl connects to your Elite Direto XR, runs the gears you set up, and passes the trainer on to Zwift. Zwift needs no virtual shifting of its own.

Get BikeControl on App StoreGet BikeControl on Mac App StoreGet BikeControl on Google PlayGet BikeControl on Microsoft Store

PROTry it 20 minutes a day, a daily trial of Pro.Base and Pro compared

Live demo: BikeControl's ride screen

Ready to rideYour buttons are reaching Zwift.Demo
Virtual shiftingPRO
Elite Direto XR
Power
111W
Cadence
90rpm
Ratio
×2.4
Gear 12 of 24

Interactive demo of BikeControl's Ride screen. The readings are simulated.

Zwift can shift the Elite Direto XR without BikeControl

On current firmware, the Elite Direto XR shifts in Zwift without BikeControl once it has a Zwift Cog and a Zwift Click (sold as an upgrade kit, or included in Zwift Ready bundles), or with Zwift Play or Zwift Ride. BikeControl is for everywhere else: it brings the same shifting to MyWhoosh, Rouvy, Biketerra, and TrainingPeaks Virtual, lets you set your own gear ratios, and lets you shift with controllers Zwift doesn't read.

The Elite Direto XR in Zwift

Last updated:

Status

ConfirmedTested

Tested with BikeControl's virtual shifting. If something doesn't work, tell us through in-app support.

What you need

PROBikeControl's own virtual shifting is part of Pro.

Try it 20 minutes a day, a daily trial of Pro.

Base and Pro compared

Connecting Zwift to the trainer

Zwift doesn't pair with the Elite Direto XR directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the Elite Direto XR 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 Local.

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.

The Elite Direto XR at a glance

Shifting in Zwift without BikeControl
Yes, on current firmware with a Zwift Cog and Click, or with Zwift Play or Zwift Ride; BikeControl is optional there.
Status with BikeControl
Confirmed working: the Elite Direto XR has been tested with BikeControl's virtual shifting. This record was last updated on 12 October 2026.

Riding Zwift through BikeControl on the Elite Direto XR: what works, what doesn't

  • Shifting: every gear change lands as a resistance change on the Elite Direto XR.
  • Grade: climbs and descents in Zwift still come through to the trainer.
  • Rolling resistance, wind and drafting effects in Zwift are not passed on to the trainer.
  • ERG mode can behave inconsistently on some trainers.

What BikeControl does on the Elite Direto XR

Every time you shift: the trainer comes in, BikeControl applies your gear, and Zwift sees a smart trainer with the right resistance.

Learn about virtual shifting
Elite Direto XR pairs with BikeControl. BikeControl shifts the gears and sets the trainer’s resistance for each one; Zwift pairs BikeControl like any smart trainer. The minus and plus buttons try it out.
Elite Direto XR

Pairs with BikeControl over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Each gear sets its resistance.

Confirmed working

Virtual shiftingDemo
BikeControlPRO

Runs on your phone, tablet or computer and shifts the gears when you press your buttons.

Zwift

Pairs BikeControl like any smart trainer. The overlay can show your gear on top.

How to get virtual shifting on Elite Direto XR with Zwift

  1. Install BikeControl

    Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.

  2. Pair Elite Direto XR

    Pair your Elite Direto XR directly to BikeControl over Bluetooth, so BikeControl can control its resistance.

    BikeControl's connection card, illustrated with the Elite Direto XR

  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 XR itself.

  5. Start virtual shifting

    Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the Elite Direto XR, and Zwift sees your effort.

Ride the Elite Direto XR in your app

All about the Elite Direto XR

Other Elite trainers with Zwift

All supported trainers

Frequently asked questions

Does the Elite Direto XR support virtual shifting in Zwift?
Yes. The Elite Direto XR is confirmed 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 XR with BikeControl?
Zwift pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and BikeControl stays connected to the Elite Direto XR. 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?
BikeControl’s own virtual shifting is a Pro feature. Without Pro you can try it for 20 minutes a day, a daily trial of Pro. Pro has no daily limit and costs about $2.50 a month (less when billed yearly); each store sets its own regional price.

What riders wrote in the stores

Seven reviews from the App Store and Google Play, quoted word for word.

  • “The high quality of both the app and customer service really makes it value for money.”

    NicoGoogle Play review

  • “it works, many possibilities, like the screenshot ability to simulate finger touch.”

    CedricGoogle Play review

  • “Works perfectly with my Zwift Cog and Click on my Xiaomi tablet.”

    MaximeGoogle Play review

  • “Because of this app I bought zwift ride. It unlocks zwift ride to be used with Mywhoosh. You can see the amount of work done by the developer through the huge amount of features.”

    VladGoogle Play review

  • “Great job by the developer! Using Cycplus BC2 on the iPhone and on the Mac. Now I can virtually shift MyWhoosh and TrainingPeaksVirtual on the Mac.”

    WaltApp Store review

  • “Works great in general, and now with SRAM. No Zwift click needed anymore which is especially helpful for ROUVY.”

    RedirApp Store review

  • “Works much better with click v2 on iPhone and MacOs myWhoosh app after the latest update. All in all, very useful app.”

    r4deApp Store review

Shift your Elite Direto XR in Zwift.

BikeControl's virtual shifting is part of Pro, a subscription. Try it on your Elite Direto XR in Zwift for 20 minutes a day first, a daily trial of Pro.

  • Get BikeControl on Microsoft Store
  • Get BikeControl on Mac App Store
  • Get BikeControl on Google Play
  • Get BikeControl on App Store
Windows: direct download, without the Microsoft Store