Does anyone have this combo working? I picked up an Elite Rizer recently, and thought that since the Zwift Hub sends data over ANT+ FE-C, that the gradient would be picked up and simulated (either directly, or based on speed/weight).
However, in spite of the Rizer app detecting my Hub and connecting to it successfully, and the Zwift app (on both AppleTV 4K 2022 and Macbook Pro 2019) detecting and successfully simulating the Rizer steering, no gradient is being simulated in-game (not even a little, just nothing over the course of an hour on the Mountain route). Confirmed that the LEDs are correct (solid red light, which indicates simulation, not manual mode; solid green and blue lights indicate a connection to both Zwift Hub trainer and Zwift app). I have trainer difficulty set to 100% in both Zwift and Rizer apps, min (-10%) / max (20%) gradients set, and rider/bike weight and wheelbase set correctly in the Rizer app. Also confirmed that the Rizer works fine, by manually controlling it in the app between -10 and 20% and via the buttons on the Rizer in manual mode, so I donât know what Iâm missing here - unless thereâs a fundamental disconnect on what information I thought Zwift Hub was sending over ANT+ FE-C?
Anybody out there with some tips/tricks/troubleshooting to help me get to the bottom of this? Submitted questions to both Elite and Rizer today, and will report back if I hear anything.
Aside from connection issue, isnât there a concern actually using a gradient adjuster with respect to the frame being clamped in on the trainer, but the HUB not being built to accommodate rotation around the rear axle? (unlike Elite models)
@shuji is the Zwift Hub not a latest generation trainer? I interpret those Elite trainers as their latest compatible generations, but that doesnât imply other (non-Elite) trainers arenât compatible. I have a ticket Iâm waiting to hear back from them on, will post up soon (I hope)âŚ
@Hans_Whipple that was my thinking too; one which I hope Elite will address with me soon, so that Zwift can speak to why their Hub isnât currently supporting it (and hopefully when they will be)
It may well be the case that Elite isnât interested in making their Rizer work with other trainers â everyone wants to sell you a âsystemâ. Look at newer bikes, and the supposed rationale that only the same makerâs proprietary seatpost will fit in the seat tube.
but Eliteâs claim (to be confirmed) that the Rizer should be compatible with any trainer using ANT+ FE-C runs counter to what youâre suggesting, which is why iâm trying to understand if this is actually a Zwift Hub (not Elite Rizer) issue. not enough information at this point to say one way or the other, until i hear back from Elite.
I have a bunch of Elite tech documents and what they do say is that it uses the standard ANT+ FE-C open data transmission, meaning itâs not an Elite specific signal so it can pair with any trainer that has that capability. So from a software standpoint yes it can work with any trainer with ANT+ FE-C.
But there are also physical limitations (rotating axles and frame clearance on the trainer body) and Elite says âcompatible with all latest generation trainers that allow your bike to rotate freely.â
Maybe the Zwift Hub is programmed to not work with the Rizer to avoid problems with their non-rotating axle?
appreciate the post! i donât disagree with anything you said (and mirrors what my own internet sleuthing had discovered), definitely fumbling in the dark here and would love somebody from the Zwift Hub product or hardware team to chime in! and fwiw, the Hub can allow free rotation at the rear axle with a pair of thrust bearings to protect the frame, so i hope we arenât locked out due a âproblemâ easily (and cheaply) solvedâŚ
Just curiosity here, but in theory does a Rizer have to pair with a smart trainer, or could such a device in theory pair directly with the software, in same manner as for example, the Elite Sterzo ? Why does a Rizer vs Sterzo connect to the game in different ways?
(links arenât permitted here apparently, but if you google - rizer 4404388883090 - itâs the first result)
They also confirmed that Wahoo and Garmin trainers are compatible, but hadnât yet validated Zwift/JetBlack offerings. However, they said that since they both send data using ANT+ FE-C, there shouldnât be any technical barriers preventing the usage of this data that should be transmitting.
So I kick this back to Zwift - why is the Rizer not receiving gradient data from the Hub?
Links can be added if you complete some tutorials that are (if I recall correctly) available within your profile section/private messages - but the link is:
Full of the usual disclaimers around 3rd party trainers - though Wahoo trainers listed as being climb compatible are listed as ok for Rizer use - but mostly âcheck with your trainerâs manufacturerâ:
Non-Elite hometrainers:
In order to use other non-Elite brands hometrainers with Rizer, they must necessarily allow the rotation of the bicycle.
It is essential, before purchasing Rizer, to verify directly with the home trainer manufacturer if the hometrainer you own allows the rotation of the rear hub of the bicycle and if itâs compatible with devices that raise the front wheel of your bicycle.
You can also try to raise the handlebar of your bicycle slightly to check if the home trainer frame and components that keep it down can rotate at the same time in order to ensure that thereâs no friction between them.
Using Rizer with home trainers that do not allow free rotation might cause severe damages to your bicycleâs frame.
Wahoo hometrainers compatible with Kickr Climb are compatible and can also be used with Rizer. We invite you to check the list of compatible models on the Wahoo support site.
It is absolutely not recommended to use Rizer with non-compatible home trainers.
WARNING!!
Elite shall not be liable for any damages to your bicycle caused by the use of Rizer with non-compatible home trainers that do not allow the rotation of the bicycleâs rear hub.
I assume nothing at this point (which is what I did when I thought this was going to work seamlessly in the first place!) - but did just get my support ticket escalated with Zwift so hoping to have a definitive answer soon and will be sure to share!
The Rizer works fine with my Tacx Neo. It simulates the gradient via a clever method as Zwift doesnât talk directly to it. The Rizer takes the data from the Neo.
I would have thought the Zwift Hub would do the same.
As an aside, this trainer is much smoother, makes less noise, flywheel doesnât overheat/get sticky, and doesnât drop connection w/ Zwift Companion/AppleTV intermittently - all issues my Hub was having. And the gradient simulation is spot on, as one would expect! You get what you pay for, lesson learned
