All About Zwift Cog: Versions, Installation, and More

The Zwift Cog made its first appearance when the Zwift Hub One trainer was announced in October 2023. It’s a single-sprocket replacement for a standard bike cassette, designed to be used on trainers that support Zwift’s virtual shifting.

Read all about virtual shifting on Zwift >

Zwift’s big goal with the Cog and virtual shifting overall is to simplify indoor bike setups, making it easier for Zwifters to set up their station and swap between bikes if needed. As hardware continues to evolve, Zwift has been evolving the Cog, releasing three versions we know of.

Before we get into the differences between the versions, let’s talk about what they have in common:

• There are sloped spacers on either side of the sprocket that act as chain guides, keeping your chain on the sprocket even if it isn’t perfectly lined up.
• Compatible with Shimano HG (Hyperglide) compatible freehubs.
• No electronics are included in the Zwift Cog. It’s a simple piece of plastic and metal.
• Compatible with most 8-12 speed drivetrains.
• Product life tested to >25,000 miles.

Zwift Cog Versions

Version 1

• Sprocket: 14-tooth
• Color: Black
• Tooth Profile: more pointed (~2mm across), thinner
• Noise Level: 5/10
• No longer sold

Version 1.05

• Sprocket: 14-tooth
• Color: Black
• Tooth Profile: less pointed (~3mm across), thicker
• Noise Level: 4/10

Version 2

• Sprocket: 14-tooth (for all trainers except Elite, which uses an 18-tooth
• Color: Orange, with Zwift logo
• Tooth Profile: same as v1.05
• Noise Level: 2/10
• Adjustable across 10 different positions left to right
• Includes rubber rings and other housing changes for noise reduction
• Available as a standalone product from Zwift with new Click v2
• Ships with the Zwift Ride smart frame

Zwift Cog Installation

If you buy the Zwift Cog as a standalone product, you’ll need to install it onto your smart trainer. There are two installation methods depending on your situation, and Zwift explains both on this support page (including tutorial videos).

Method 1: Keep Your Current Freehub

If you purchase the Zwift Cog without a freehub, you’ll need a chain whip and lockring tool to remove your current cassette and install the Zwift Cog. (Here’s an affordable set of these two tools on Amazon, or Zwift sells a set as well.)

Zwift walks you through the process:

Method 2: Replace Your Current Freehub

If you buy the Zwift Cog with the freehub attached, you’ll need to remove your trainer’s existing freehub, then install the Zwift Cog and freehub in its place. Once again, Zwift shows the way:

Zwift Cog FAQ

Do I need the Zwift Cog in order to use virtual shifting?

No. In fact, I’ve ridden thousands of miles on Zwift using my road bike with a standard cassette and virtual shifting via Play and Click controllers. In fact, many riders (including myself) have found their chain is quieter and smoother on a standard cassette than on a Zwift Cog!

Zwift Cog v2 offers easy adjustability and compatibility with various bikes, so it’s nice to have if you’re swapping bikes on and off the trainer. But if you’re only using one bike, and especially if it stays on the trainer (so no need to ever tweak your shifting to be smooth on your trainer and outdoors), there’s no need to get a Zwift Cog. If you have Click virtual shifters or Play Controllers you’re ready to go, provided your trainer supports Zwift virtual shifting (see list below).

Should I upgrade my Zwift Cog version 1 to version 2?

Entirely up to you. The version 1 Zwift Cog is functional, it’s just louder than the v2 and doesn’t have that easy left-right adjustability. If either of those features are worth the investment for you then by all means, purchase a v2 Zwift Cog.

If I install the Zwift Cog on my trainer will that let me use Zwift virtual shifting?

Only if your trainer supports Zwift virtual shifting and you have a virtual shifter. Remember, the Zwift Cog doesn’t have any electronics in it – all the magic happens between the shift controllers (Zwift Click or Play), the Zwift game software, and your trainer.

What trainers are compatible with the Zwift Cog?

That depends on what you mean by “compatible.”

The Zwift Cog will install on any Shimano HG-compatible freehub, which means it can be installed on basically every direct drive smart trainer in the world. But – and this is a big but – you don’t want to install the Zwift Cog on your trainer unless it supports Zwift’s virtual shifting. Because without virtual shifting, your trainer with a Zwift Cog just makes your bike into a single speed! (Or two speeds, I suppose, if you’ve got two front chainrings.)

Here’s a current list of trainers that support virtual shifting.

And here’s a post discussing which trainers will be supporting virtual shifting in the future.

Questions or Comments?

Got more questions I can answer about Zwift Cog? Got an experience to share? Comment below!