Wahoo KICKR Core 1 virtual shifting with Zwift
BikeControl connects to your Wahoo KICKR Core 1, runs the gears you set up, and passes the trainer on to Zwift. Zwift needs no virtual shifting of its own.
PROTry it 20 minutes a day, a daily trial of Pro.Base and Pro compared
Live demo: BikeControl's ride screen
- Power
- 111W
- Cadence
- 90rpm
- Ratio
- ×2.4
Interactive demo of BikeControl's Ride screen. The readings are simulated.
Zwift can shift the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 without BikeControl
On current firmware, the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 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 Wahoo KICKR Core 1 in Zwift
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 comparedConnecting Zwift to the trainer
Zwift doesn't pair with the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 directly any more: it pairs with the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. BikeControl keeps the connection to the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 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 Wahoo KICKR Core 1 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 Wahoo KICKR Core 1 has been tested with BikeControl's virtual shifting. This record was last updated on 12 October 2026.
Riding Zwift through BikeControl on the Wahoo KICKR Core 1: what works, what doesn't
- Shifting: every gear change lands as a resistance change on the Wahoo KICKR Core 1.
- 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 Wahoo KICKR Core 1
Every time you shift: the trainer comes in, BikeControl applies your gear, and Zwift sees a smart trainer with the right resistance.
Pairs with BikeControl over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Each gear sets its resistance.
Confirmed working
Runs on your phone, tablet or computer and shifts the gears when you press your buttons.
Pairs BikeControl like any smart trainer. The overlay can show your gear on top.
How to get virtual shifting on Wahoo KICKR Core 1 with Zwift
Install BikeControl
Install BikeControl on iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
Pair Wahoo KICKR Core 1
Pair your Wahoo KICKR Core 1 directly to BikeControl over Bluetooth, so BikeControl can control its resistance.
Configure gear ratios
Customize gear ratios inside BikeControl to match your real bike or preferred range.
Connect Zwift
In Zwift, pair the trainer BikeControl publishes, over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, instead of the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 itself.
Start virtual shifting
Shift with your controller: BikeControl applies each gear as resistance on the Wahoo KICKR Core 1, and Zwift sees your effort.
Ride the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 in your app
- ZwiftYesBikeControl hands Zwift a smart trainer to pair.This page
- MyWhooshOfficial partner, OpenBikeControl built inYesBikeControl hands MyWhoosh a smart trainer to pair.Set up with MyWhoosh
- RouvyOfficial partnerYesBikeControl hands Rouvy a smart trainer to pair.Set up with Rouvy
- BiketerraYesBikeControl hands Biketerra a smart trainer to pair.Set up with Biketerra
- TrainingPeaks VirtualOfficial partner, OpenBikeControl built inYesBikeControl hands TrainingPeaks Virtual a smart trainer to pair.Set up with TrainingPeaks Virtual
Other Wahoo trainers with Zwift
Frequently asked questions
Does the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 support virtual shifting in Zwift?
Does Zwift need to support virtual shifting natively?
How does Zwift connect to the Wahoo KICKR Core 1 with BikeControl?
Can I customize the gear ratios?
Is virtual shifting free in BikeControl?
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 Wahoo KICKR Core 1 in Zwift.
BikeControl's virtual shifting is part of Pro, a subscription. Try it on your Wahoo KICKR Core 1 in Zwift for 20 minutes a day first, a daily trial of Pro.