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ThinkRider X7 NEO virtual shifting with Zwift

BikeControl connects to your ThinkRider X7 NEO, runs the gears you set up, and passes the trainer on to Zwift. Zwift needs no virtual shifting of its own.

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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
ThinkRider X7 NEO
Power
111W
Cadence
90rpm
Ratio
×2.4
Gear 12 of 24

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

The ThinkRider X7 NEO 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 ThinkRider X7 NEO directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the ThinkRider X7 NEO 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 ThinkRider X7 NEO at a glance

Status with BikeControl
Confirmed working: the ThinkRider X7 NEO has been tested with BikeControl's virtual shifting. This record was last updated on 2 September 2026.

Riding Zwift through BikeControl on the ThinkRider X7 NEO: what works, what doesn't

  • Shifting: every gear change lands as a resistance change on the ThinkRider X7 NEO.
  • 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 ThinkRider X7 NEO

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
ThinkRider X7 NEO 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.
ThinkRider X7 NEO

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 ThinkRider X7 NEO with Zwift

  1. Install BikeControl

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

  2. Pair ThinkRider X7 NEO

    Pair your ThinkRider X7 NEO directly to BikeControl over Bluetooth, so BikeControl can control its resistance.

    BikeControl's connection card, illustrated with the ThinkRider X7 NEO
  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 ThinkRider X7 NEO itself.

  5. Start virtual shifting

    Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the ThinkRider X7 NEO, and Zwift sees your effort.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ThinkRider X7 NEO support virtual shifting in Zwift?
Yes. The ThinkRider X7 NEO 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 ThinkRider X7 NEO with BikeControl?
Zwift pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and BikeControl stays connected to the ThinkRider X7 NEO. 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 ThinkRider X7 NEO in Zwift.

BikeControl's virtual shifting is part of Pro, a subscription. Try it on your ThinkRider X7 NEO in Zwift for 20 minutes a day first, a daily trial of Pro.