Cycling enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts alike have been drawn to the Zwift Ride bike for its innovative features, immersive virtual training, and seamless integration with the popular Zwift app. However, if you’re someone who likes to explore new fitness apps and training platforms, you might have found the bike’s compatibility limiting. Zwift Ride is often marketed as exclusive to the Zwift app, but did you know there’s a way to unlock its full potential and make it compatible with several other apps?
Enter the QZ app, a versatile solution that allows Zwift Ride users to break free from Zwift-only limitations and enjoy compatibility with a variety of other training platforms. Imagine being able to use your Zwift Ride bike not only with Zwift but also with apps like MyWhoosh, IndieVelo, Rouvy, Kinomap, and many others. With QZ, you can expand your cycling horizons and explore new virtual worlds, all while retaining the advanced features of your Zwift Ride bike.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into how QZ can transform your Zwift Ride experience, offering enhanced versatility, advanced controls, and seamless integration with multiple platforms. Whether you’re a competitive cyclist, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to explore more training options, QZ opens the door to endless possibilities.
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What is the Zwift Ride Bike?
For those unfamiliar with Zwift Ride, it is a state-of-the-art indoor smart bike designed to work seamlessly with the Zwift app, a popular platform that brings the world of virtual cycling and running to your living room. Zwift Ride combines cutting-edge hardware and software to offer a fully immersive experience where cyclists can train, race, or simply enjoy virtual rides through scenic landscapes alongside other riders from around the world.
What makes Zwift Ride particularly appealing is its smart features, including real-time resistance control that adapts to the virtual terrain, precision power meters, and a sleek, modern design. The bike has quickly become a go-to choice for serious cyclists and fitness enthusiasts who want a high-tech, interactive workout.
However, despite its many strengths, Zwift Ride has one limitation: it’s primarily marketed as compatible with Zwift only, limiting users to one app for all their training and riding needs. This can be a drawback for those who prefer variety in their workout routines or want to try other fitness apps.
Enter QZ: The App That Expands Zwift Ride Compatibility
The QZ app is a powerful tool designed to bridge the gap between different fitness platforms and indoor trainers. With QZ, Zwift Ride users can now unlock their bike’s full potential and use it with several other popular fitness apps. Essentially, QZ acts as a “translator” between your Zwift Ride bike and other platforms, making it possible to enjoy a wide range of virtual cycling experiences without being tied to Zwift alone.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using QZ with your Zwift Ride bike:
- Compatibility with Multiple Apps
While Zwift is a fantastic platform, there are many other apps available that offer unique features and experiences. Some focus more on structured training, others on scenic outdoor routes, and some provide competitive racing environments. QZ makes it possible to connect your Zwift Ride bike to a variety of apps, including:
- MyWhoosh: A free indoor cycling app offering structured workouts and beautiful virtual worlds.
- IndieVelo: A competitive platform focusing on racing and event-based training.
- Rouvy: Known for its augmented reality routes and real-world terrain simulation.
- Kinomap: Offers scenic outdoor rides, real-world videos, and personalized training plans.
With QZ, you’re no longer restricted to Zwift alone—you can explore the full spectrum of virtual cycling apps and find the one that best suits your training style and goals.
- Seamless Integration and Easy Setup
One of the best features of QZ is how easy it is to set up and use. The app works by “translating” the data from your Zwift Ride bike, such as power, cadence, and speed, into a format that other apps can understand. This means you don’t have to worry about complex setups or losing the advanced features of your bike. Once connected, the bike functions as if it were natively supported by the other app.
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, and the setup process is straightforward. You simply need to download the app, pair it with your Zwift Ride bike, and select the fitness platform you want to use. In just a few clicks, you’re ready to start your workout! - Virtual Gearing from Zwift Play Controls
One of the standout features of the Zwift Ride bike is its ability to simulate real-world gearing changes, allowing cyclists to shift gears just like they would on a road bike. This feature is integrated with Zwift Play controls, offering a more immersive and realistic cycling experience.
Thanks to QZ, you can still take advantage of virtual gearing when using other apps. Whether you’re riding through a scenic route on Kinomap or racing through the augmented reality roads of Rouvy, you’ll be able to shift gears and manage resistance directly from the Zwift Play controls. This keeps the experience fluid and natural, just as it would be within the Zwift app. - Unlocking New Training Possibilities
The Zwift Ride bike is an excellent tool for fitness enthusiasts, but using it with only one app can limit your training options. By unlocking compatibility with multiple platforms through QZ, you can tailor your training to suit your goals. Whether you’re preparing for a race, working on endurance, or just looking for a scenic ride to unwind after a long day, QZ provides access to an ever-expanding world of possibilities.
For example, if you’re looking for more structured, race-focused training, IndieVelo might be a better fit for your goals. On the other hand, if you enjoy scenic, real-world routes, Rouvy or Kinomap could provide a more enjoyable experience. With QZ, the choice is entirely yours. - Future-Proof Your Zwift Ride Bike
The world of fitness technology is constantly evolving, and new platforms, features, and apps are being developed all the time. By using QZ, you ensure that your Zwift Ride bike remains future-proof and adaptable to these changes. As new apps and platforms emerge, you’ll be able to continue using your bike without needing to purchase new hardware or invest in additional upgrades.
This flexibility is especially important as more cyclists and fitness enthusiasts are adopting virtual training platforms. By staying connected to the latest apps and trends, you can keep your workouts fresh and exciting, ensuring you get the most out of your Zwift Ride bike for years to come.
How to Get Started with QZ and Zwift Ride
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your Zwift Ride bike, getting started with QZ is simple. Follow these steps:
- Download QZ
The QZ app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “QZ” and install the app on your smartphone or tablet. - Pair Your Zwift Ride Bike
Open the QZ app and follow the instructions to pair your Zwift Ride bike. The app will automatically detect the bike’s sensors and connect to it. - Choose Your Preferred App
Once paired, select the fitness platform you want to use. Whether it’s MyWhoosh, IndieVelo, Rouvy, or Kinomap, QZ will handle the data translation and make your bike compatible with the chosen app. - Start Riding!
With everything set up, you’re ready to start riding. Enjoy the expanded possibilities of using your Zwift Ride bike with multiple platforms and take full advantage of virtual gearing and other advanced features.
Conclusion
Don’t let the limitations of a single app hold you back. With QZ, you can take your Zwift Ride bike experience to the next level and enjoy a world of possibilities that go far beyond Zwift.
Hello Roberto,
Thank you for providing users like me, who have purchased a Zwift bike and have been hoping for a long time to use it with other apps, with a solution through your app. I have some follow-up questions as I’m still unfamiliar with your app.
When I have the Wahoo Kickr Core turned on and the Zwift handlebars in Bluetooth search mode, your app always detects the Kickr Core first. Is that correct? How do I connect the Zwift bike, including the virtual shifting, so that I can use it in apps like MyWoosh, Rouvy, or FulGaz?
Currently, when I try using the app, I am unable to shift gears, although all other parameters like cadence and power are transmitted correctly.
I really appreciate the concept behind your app and hope you can assist me with this issue.
Best regards,
Christian
hi! you need to follow this Zwift Play or Zwift Click for Virtual Gear on any bike!
https://youtu.be/X3Q2WjbqMJo to enable the zwift play controller then you will need to use mywhoosh or rouvy or any other apps on a separate phone, tablet or pc. let me know if you have any other questions
Hi,
Is it correct that you can set the virtual and up to gear 12
You can customize this in the bike settings, wahoo options in qz! Let me know!
Hello Roberto,
thanks for your quick answer. I’ve followed the video and set all the options told in there, but still i get no connection, the blue blinking “Z”-s of the Zwift Play Handle bar keeps on blinking. I then tried to add the Zwift ride in the FTMS option and restarted the app. After that the connection “seems” to work because the “Z” stopp blinking and stay blue, but when i try to shift with the Zwift Play, nothing happens on the “Gears” tile. Also inside MyWhoosh, there is no difference in resistance when i try to shift. On top (i guess because i added the Zwift ride as FTMS) i don’t see any data from the kickr core (guess because it is not connected to the app via bt)
Can you please tell me if there are more settings i have to configure?
Thank you very much and have a nice evening,
Christian
Zwift ride must be not in the ftms bike setting. Remove it from there! Did you set the zwift play setting to “on” in the zwift accessories settings in qz?
Yes, zwift play is set to “on”. I also tried it without zwift ride as FTMS but then i don’t get a connection to the zwift play.
Are you on android? Join the beta, https://play.google.com/apps/testing/org.cagnulen.qdomyoszwift and update the app. I guess I already fixed it
Let me know!
Yes, it works with the beta version, thank you very much für you help. I will spread the word for your nice app and support 🙂
Have a nice evening
amazing!
Hi Roberto,
thanks for the amazing soultion. My zwift ride is on the way, is it still neccessary to get the beta from you (I would need the iOS) or is most working with the current version? I just purchased the app and it is in version 2.15.4
Thanks in advance
Arne
Hi Arne! Send me to Roberto.viola83 at Gmail.com your icloud account and I will send you the beta! Let me know
Hi Roberto do you have a recommended gear gain for the kickr core in combination with Zwift Play but using MyWoosh? Also got my Zwift Ride those days, but shifting doesn’t feel like in Zwift under MyWoosh with QZ…
are you on ios or android? i added a new gear feeling this week, it’s in the beta. let me know and in case i can send you the new version
I am on Android and already in the beta channel
You can test this build https://github.com/cagnulein/qdomyos-zwift/releases/download/nightly/android-debug.apk
It’s a 15 minutes trial (send me an email to Roberto.viola83 at Gmail.com mentioning this to unlock it) and enable the zwift gear experimental in the zwift accessories settings. More info here https://github.com/cagnulein/qdomyos-zwift/issues/2541#issuecomment-2383713078
Let me know there!
This app looks incredible and from what I can see the support is great. Please can you clarify, I’m still not 100% sure if “real-time resistance control that adapts to the virtual terrain” is fully supported also on apps like Rouvy or IndieVelo? In the article you mention that the app “translates the data from Zwift Ride to other apps”, but does it also go the other way, so that the apps control the resistance in real-time? Thank you for you answer.
Hi! Yes real-time resistance control that adapts to the virtual terrain! And also all the apps like Rouvy and Indievelo are supported! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks, you just sold me the Ride and your app 🙂
I should ask a refereal code in Zwift 😀
Hi Roberto, your app sounds very promising and I would like to buy it too. I use Zwift, Mywoosh on my MacBook Air M3, do I have to use your app on the MacBook too or can I download it on my iPhone?
Thank you very much for your help.
Greetings Patrick.
you can download it to your iphone! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi,
I´m about to buy a Zwift Ride and of course your app. 🙂
I´d like to know a few things before spending a lot of my money!
1. With QZ the Zwift Ride can do auto resistance changes on some apps?
2. Will I be able to use the Zwift Ride for some spinning classes on Apple Fitness+ or Peloton and can I change the resistance with the Zwift Play Remotes while riding with these apps? So I still can earn my rings on Apple Fitness+. 😉
3. Is there a complete compatibility list for the Zwift Ride QZ functions/apps?
4. Is it possible to connect two phones with one Kickr and two QZ apps(for my wife and me). (That´s more a wahoo question, I know)
Thank you very much for your work and greets from Germany!
Hi!
1. yes on all the apps like rouvy, indievelo, mywhoosh and so!
2. yes!
3. any apps it’s working 🙂 this is the list 🙂
4. do you mean at the same time? I don’t understand 🙂
let me know!
Thank you very much for the quick response!
I mean one after another, not at the same time.
Change Users without having to delete the Kickr-Connection from your iPhone each time you are switching users.
Two accounts, two smartphones, one Kickr.
yes absolutely, you don’t need to do anything before switching to the other user: just be sure that qz is closed on the other device 😉
Great, thank you! Really amazing support!
So when I got my Bike and bought your app I´ll contact you for the iPhone Beta to use all of the features?
That´s right?
yep!
Hi,
Nice app!
Basic question:
I like to use Mywhoosh with my Zwift Ride on a IPad.
Do I have to install your QZ App on zhese IPad directly or on my smartphone like a bridge?
Thx Simon
Hi! Thanks! on your iphone so it will act as a bridge! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello, I bought the app. (QZ Fitness)
However, there is no menu where I can select “Zwift Ride” or the target platform (e.g. Mywoosh).
Wahoo Core is recognized and the corresponding data (performance, etc.) is displayed. What do I have to do to make it work as described in your article?
Hi are you on android or ios?
I’m using the Android App 2.16.66
It’s under accessories, zwift, zwift play
Choose Your Preferred App
Once paired, select the fitness platform you want to use. Whether it’s MyWhoosh, IndieVelo, Rouvy, or Kinomap, QZ will handle the data translation and make your bike compatible with the chosen app.
Where can I find this selection?
Qz is sending automatically the metrics to any 3rd party apps. It’s by default. You just need to open mywhoosh or rouvy or kinomap on another device. On qz do you see the metrics from your trainer? Do you see also the gears on qz?
No gears yesterday but I will try it later again. Thanks
Did you enable the gear tile in the tiles settings in qz? It will be better to open a ticket so I can follow you better https://github.com/cagnulein/qdomyos-zwift/wiki/How-do-i-get-the-debug-log-in-case-something-doesn't-work%3F
Hi Roberto,
I was wondering if your app is also working with a “traditional” indoor setup using my road bike, Zwift Hub + Cog and Zwift Play?
Many thanks
David
Yes it does! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Roberto,
i just bought the QZ app and downloaded it. Now i want to use my new Zwift Ride with Rouvy. Can you please explain, what i have to do now? Thank you so much!
Greets from Germany,
Jonas
Hi you have to enable the zwift play setting under accessories settings, zwift section and restart qz. Then use rouvy on another device (qz on a phone for example and rouvy on a tablet for example)
Let me know if you have any other questions
I want to use Rouvy with my ipad. Do i need to download the qz app on my android phone?
Yes iPhone or android phone
Unfortunately, it doesnt work… The gears arent working on Rouvy
First of all, do you see the gears on qz? Did you enable in the tiles settings? If so do you see the gears changing on qz when you use the zwift play buttons?
Finally, it works! Thx for your time and support 🙂
That’s great please remember to rate the app on the store! It means a lot to me!
Thanks!
Hi Roberto,
I purchased your app last week and love the concept behind it.
I own a Zwift hub with a Zwift click. I like to use Rouvy and wanted a solution to use the Zwift click in Rouvy. Your app’ has made that possible, and that is awesome!
I use QZ on a Redmi Note 8T phone with Rouvy on a Lenovo Tablet.
My only issue is that connecting the Tablet to the phone is very complicated.
Here’s what I do :
1. Start QZ on my phone
2. Switch on the tablet and start Rouvy. It sometimes detect my phone, but not always. Sometimes it just keeps on searching endlessly. After a while, I just restart the app. When it does detect the phone, it either says “unable to set Redmi note 8T as a home trainer” or occasionnaly manages to connect. In which case I can use Rouvy and the Zwift click works great. But sometimes I waste 20 minutes just trying to connect.
Am I doing something wrong?
Thank you for your help!
PS: I saw a youtube video you posted and showing how to use QZ and Zwift on a single device. Would that work with Rouvy as well? And would that fix my connection issue?
Hi! Did you already try to set the phone name to bike and reboot the phone? Only 4 letters. Let me know!
I’m a little confused on pricing. It is $5 on the ios app store but is it also $2/month in addition to that?
The fee is one time only, then you can decide to support the development each month but it’s completely optional, it’s not mandatory and it doesn’t restrict any feature
Hi! Does it work wort Wahoo SYSTM?
Yes!
Hi! Does it work with Wahoo SYSTM?
Yes 🙂
Hi – this looks like a great app. I’m looking around at smartbike options and am considering Zwift ride in combination with your app. Do you know if I can use QZ to ride on Rouvy, for example, without having to maintain a subscription to Zwift AND Rouvy – i.e. I could just have a Rouvy subscription?
Yes! It’s one of the use cases of QZ!