i ride with gear 18 on a zwifft bike on the flat or downhill.
If there is a gradient afterwards, I lose speed.
So far so good, but now I’m pedaling into the void and have to shift to higher gears to feel pressure on the pedals again.
Can anyone explain this to me?
Hi @Gernot_Stoeckl, welcome to Forums! I’m Francisco from Zwift Support.
What you’re describing sounds like how Zwift Ride’s virtual shifting works. When you hit a gradient change, the resistance might not adjust exactly how you expect, especially if you’re using Erg Mode in a workout or riding in a freeride.
A few things to consider:
Virtual Shifting Behavior – Unlike mechanical shifting, virtual gears in Zwift Ride adjust electronically, meaning there might be a brief moment where you feel like you’re “pedaling into the void” before resistance kicks in. You can fine-tune your gearing preference in the settings if it feels unnatural. More details here: Zwift Virtual Shifting FAQ and here: in-game settings.
If you’re used to a traditional drivetrain, Zwift’s system might feel different when transitioning between flat and uphill sections. Try preemptively shifting up a few gears before you hit the incline to keep steady pressure on the pedals.
Make sure your gear range is set correctly in the Zwift settings. Some riders find that adjusting their shifting style helps smooth out the transition. More on that here: Gear Range & Shift Styles.
It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you dial in your shifting habits, it should feel more lifelike.