Whether it’s EAFC, Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto, really serious gaming is all done online these days. But why should pasty-faced gamers have all the fun? Thanks to Zwift, cyclists can pit themselves against others via the magic of the internet as well.
Technology, though, develops at quite a pace, and if you haven’t already familiarised yourself with the Zwift eco-system, just getting your head round where to start – and how much to spend – can be a huge barrier for aspiring e-cyclists.
Thankfully, the turbo-trainer masters at Elite have the answer in the form of the Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click.
This compact direct-drive smart trainer arrives set up for Zwift, straight from the box. Cost-wise, it sits at the accessible end of Elite’s range – during the upcoming promotion, it’ll be available for £/€399, similarly priced to wheel-on and non-smart trainers. Yet it offers features typically found on more expensive smart training units, like WiFi, automatic firmware updates, stand-alone modes, and ±2.5% power accuracy.
The Rivo also includes the ability to perform Zwift virtual shifting, which is officially a very big deal in online cycling because it means the system can offer electronically-controlled resistance to match your selected virtual gear, without your actual chain ever having to swap sprockets. The result is the ability to change gears while stationary, and smooth, quiet gear changes in motion that are consistent, regardless of cadence or power.
Zwift Cog and Click
Before we get too deep into all the virtual cycling possibilities open to the Rivo owner, let’s examine why it’s so easy to use. The answer is Zwift Cog and Click technology.
The way it works is thanks to a dedicated ‘Cog’ – which is a Zwift freehub that replaces the hub you’d normally need to install on a wheel-off trainer – and the ‘Click’ – which are two control units, very similar to the direction pad and button pad you’d find on an Xbox or PlayStation control, which you can strap to your handlebar.
All three components – the Zwift Cog and the two control panels – feature tool-free installation and everything is quick to set up. Essentially, you simply whip off the rear wheel from your bike, clamp your frame onto the Rivo body, seat your chain on the Zwift freehub, and away you virtually go, without ever leaving the room.
With Zwift Cog and Click, you have full control of Zwift from your handlebars. Complete with 24 silent, instant virtual gears for a real-ride feel, less chain wear, and no noise, you are able to shift, steer, navigate menus, and give Ride Ons all from your handlebars.
The Rivo completes Elite’s range of Zwift Ready Smart Trainers – which also includes the Justo 2 and the Avanti.
Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click Q&A
Q: Who is the Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click perfect for?
A: Riders buying their first smart trainer who want a simple set-up with no cassette to choose or install. Or owners of wheel-on or basic trainers looking to move to direct drive without a big jump in budget. Or experienced riders who want reliable data, automatic resistance, and Zwift virtual shifting in a trainer that’s easy to store and move.
Q: Do you need any special technical ability to get it set-up?
Not at all: Zwift Cog comes pre-installed and replaces the cassette that you’d normally find on a direct-drive turbo trainer. It is compatible with eight to 13-speed bikes, and no derailleur adjustment is needed. The Zwift Click controls mount onto the handlebar with the provided straps, allowing for 24 virtual gears, plus steering, menu navigation, and Ride Ons.
Q: And what if I want to use different software, not Zwift?
A: Easy, the Cog is removable. With a nine to 12-speed cassette fitted, the Rivo will work with all major apps – MyWhoosh, Rouvy, Kinomap, as well as others. But if your reason for not choosing Zwift is because you’ve never used it before, Zwift also offers a dedicated subscription promotion for new users.
Q: Finally, didn’t you mention there was a deal on Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click that was better than ever?
A: Ah yes! Starting on October 30, Elite will be running a one-week promotion on the Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click, where the price will be just £/€399.
Key specs: Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click
- Power accuracy: ±2.5%
- Max simulated gradient: 18%
- Max power: 2,000W at 40 kph
- Flywheel: 4kg
- Electromagnetic resistance, quiet operation
- Easy Start (smoother interval restarts) and Supertuck (power drops to near zero when you stop pedalling, triggering the aero tuck in Zwift)
- Compatible with road, gravel, mountain bikes and city bikes. Adapters included for QR 5×130–135 and thru-axle 12×142; others available separately
- Built-in WiFi (2.4 GHz) with automatic firmware updates and automatic reconnection after first set-up
- Bluetooth with dual channel (e.g. app and head unit at the same time)
- Bridge function for heart rate and cadence sensors via FTMS BLE, useful on Apple TV
- Zwift Protocol BLE
- Compatible with Zwift Rizer (gradient simulator with steering) and Zwift Aria (smart fan)
- Easy storage, with folding legs and integrated carry handle
- Folded dimensions: 52 x 16 x 49cm
- Weight: 10kg
- Two-year standard warranty with two more years added free of charge when you register your product at redeem.elite-it.com.
To find out more details about the Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click, click here.
And to find out more about Elite’s entire Zwift-ready range, visit here.
1 thought on “The Elite Rivo with Zwift Cog and Click makes virtual cycling easy and affordable”
No proprietary BS like Zwift Cog should ever be praised. The drawbacks are immense. Save now, pay many times over later.