ThinkRider X5 NEO virtual shifting with Rouvy

ThinkRider X5 NEO is a confirmed-working smart trainer with BikeControl virtual shifting on Rouvy. 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 ThinkRider X5 NEO with Rouvy

  1. Install BikeControl. Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
  2. Pair ThinkRider X5 NEO. Pair your ThinkRider X5 NEO 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 Rouvy. In Rouvy, pair the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, instead of the ThinkRider X5 NEO itself.
  5. Start virtual shifting. Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the ThinkRider X5 NEO, and Rouvy sees your effort.

How Rouvy fits in

Connecting Rouvy to the trainer
Rouvy doesn't pair with the ThinkRider X5 NEO directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the ThinkRider X5 NEO and changes its resistance when you shift, so Rouvy needs no virtual shifting of its own.
Rouvy actions on your controller
Shifting happens in BikeControl, but the other buttons can still control Rouvy: its default mapping covers back, kudos, and pause and resume, sent over Network, Bluetooth, or Accessibility.
Platforms
Rouvy on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, macOS, and Windows. BikeControl itself runs on iOS, iPadOS, Android, Windows and macOS.
Official support
Rouvy supports BikeControl officially since Rouvy 4.5.4, over Network or Bluetooth.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ThinkRider X5 NEO support virtual shifting in Rouvy?

Yes. The ThinkRider X5 NEO is confirmed to work with BikeControl virtual shifting. Pair the trainer directly to BikeControl and it adds virtual shifting in Rouvy, even if the app has no native virtual shifting support.

Does Rouvy need to support virtual shifting natively?

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

How does Rouvy connect to the ThinkRider X5 NEO with BikeControl?

Rouvy pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and BikeControl stays connected to the ThinkRider X5 NEO. Rouvy 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 ThinkRider X5 NEO with other apps

More about the ThinkRider X5 NEO, the Virtual Shifting hub, or download BikeControl — free to try on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.