zwift virtual gear changes - please update the firmware

just another lonely voice on the wind asking for an update to allow virtual shifting on the NEO.  that would be great.  

just another lonely voice on the wind asking for an update to allow virtual shifting on the NEO.  that would be great.  

I need to chime in here, as I feel very much let down by Garmin’s lack of interest or engagement with it’s community. I’ve been a total fanboy of Garmin products for the better part of 10 years, I’ve owned 6 different Garmin run watches, I’m on my 3rd generation of trainer (resistance, Neo and now Neo 2T), pedals, bike computer, possibly 4-5 heart rate monitors.

For the past few years I’ve noticed that the pricing of products have become almost obscene. The Tacx Motion Plates springs to mind, I bought these at a premium on release as an investment in comfort. Then you have the Garmin 3M which has a staggering price.

I fail to understand why Garmin doesn’t recognize that virtual shifting is a really important feature to implement, across all of their trainers, I just can’t grasp why there’s no communication or engagement on the topic. For me it’s a game changer, partly cause I own multiple bikes with 11/12 speed which means compatibility and gear range is an issue when switching bikes. Further more I really enjoy Zwift and I race or train often on the platform, but I’m seriously restricted with my gear ratio and the gears I have for my trainer, having virtual shifting will make it easier for me, it will also make the trainer more quite and I’ll get access to better variety of gears. Another aspect is that I’d actually would love to get out of ERG mode for some of my workouts, having a better range of gears would make that a lot easier. 

I’ve been so extremely happy with my Tacx Neo and for the past few years NEO 2T, there’s nothing wrong with the trainer, it’s a brilliant product and I’ve gotten my moneys worth but the world and technology has moved on. Virtual shifting is so important to me that I’ve now purchased a competing product and will put my Neo 2T on the market. I’m writing this as a review of Garmin as a company and hopefully as constructive feedback to whoever is in charge that maybe it’s time to start listening to your customers and engage with them.

For the most part, I've been very happy with everything. But Garmin needs to be careful not to frustrate existing customers--there are many competitors eager to take advantage of any lapses.

Just use IndieVelo. They've shown that virtual gearing can be done by the app without the trainer manufacturers needing to make firmware changes. Zwifts solution was developed to lock you in to their (and their partners) hardware. Even Wahoo aren't making it available to all previous models. 

I'm here to add my voice to the request for virtual shifting on the Neo 2T. Failure to provide this feature will result in a different trainer for me at my next upgrade.

Also, your own incline device would be nice so we can remain loyal to this ecosystem.

Dear Garmin Team,

I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of enabling Virtual Shifting for the Tacx Neo 2T in Zwift. As an enthusiastic user of your product and the Zwift platform, I see great potential in this feature to significantly enhance the riding experience.

1. Improved User Experience: Virtual Shifting allows for a more realistic and seamless riding experience. This is particularly important for users who value authentic training sessions and want to replicate outdoor riding as closely as possible during their indoor workouts.

2. Competitiveness: Other leading trainer brands like Wahoo and Elite have already integrated Virtual Shifting into their devices. To remain competitive and secure market share, it is crucial that the Neo 2T also supports this feature.

3. Technological Advancement: Implementing Virtual Shifting demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to investing in the technological advancement of its products. This strengthens user trust in the brand and promotes customer loyalty.

4. Versatility and Customization: Virtual Shifting offers users more flexibility and customization options during training. This can be particularly beneficial for advanced riders and professionals who follow specific training plans.

I hope you will consider implementing this feature and look forward to future updates that will further enhance the riding experience with the Tacx Neo 2T.

I would like to add one thing why i switched from the wahoo kickr v5. The Neo 2T has a more road like feel. It moves more side to side and therefor long hours indoors is easier. The magnet resistance instead of the two axle and a belt is much better in terms of maintenance. So I rather not switch back to Wahoo

It sounds like the Elite Square will get around virtual gear changes with its own hardware. I also like the fact that it has a belt drive with perpendicular teeth like a Gates drive. A couple months before it’s available, but I might get one.