ThinkRider A8 Plus virtual shifting with Biketerra

ThinkRider A8 Plus is a confirmed-working smart trainer with BikeControl virtual shifting on Biketerra. Pair the trainer directly to BikeControl, customize gear ratios, and ride on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.

Last updated:

How to get virtual shifting on ThinkRider A8 Plus with Biketerra

  1. Install BikeControl. Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
  2. Pair ThinkRider A8 Plus. Pair your ThinkRider A8 Plus 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 Biketerra. In Biketerra, pair the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, instead of the ThinkRider A8 Plus itself.
  5. Start virtual shifting. Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the ThinkRider A8 Plus, and Biketerra sees your effort.

How Biketerra fits in

Connecting Biketerra to the trainer
Biketerra doesn't pair with the ThinkRider A8 Plus directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the ThinkRider A8 Plus and changes its resistance when you shift, so Biketerra needs no virtual shifting of its own.
Biketerra actions on your controller
Shifting happens in BikeControl, but the other buttons can still control Biketerra: its default mapping covers navigate left and right and toggle the on-screen UI, sent over Accessibility.
Platforms
Biketerra on iPhone, iPad, Android, macOS, and Windows. BikeControl itself runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Official support
Biketerra is not an official BikeControl partner, and BikeControl is not affiliated with it. Virtual shifting still works, because Biketerra only sees a normal trainer.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ThinkRider A8 Plus support virtual shifting in Biketerra?

Yes. The ThinkRider A8 Plus is confirmed to work with BikeControl virtual shifting. Pair the trainer directly to BikeControl and it adds virtual shifting in Biketerra, even if the app has no native virtual shifting support.

Does Biketerra need to support virtual shifting natively?

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

How does Biketerra connect to the ThinkRider A8 Plus with BikeControl?

Biketerra pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and BikeControl stays connected to the ThinkRider A8 Plus. Biketerra runs on iPhone, iPad, 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 ThinkRider A8 Plus with other apps

More about the ThinkRider A8 Plus, the Virtual Shifting hub, or download BikeControl — free to try on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.