Elite Direto X, XR and XR-T in Chrome or Edge
An Elite Direto X, XR or XR-T should work in Chrome or Edge with nothing to install. Tour du Pain connects to it over FTMS, the open Bluetooth standard the Direto speaks, reads the power the Direto measures itself, and drives it in ERG or on 33 resistance levels. Nobody has ridden a real Direto with the game yet: it's tested on an emulator, over the same protocol as the one trainer that has been ridden. Tour du Pain is free for everyone through 2027, everything included.
Updated · Written for version 1.36.3
Tour du Pain is free for everyone through 2027, everything included. Donations are optional.
Direto X, XR or XR-T: what changed
The game's list covers the three newest Directos:
| Model | From | Max grade | Max power | Flywheel | Cassette |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direto X | 2019 | 18 % | 2,100 W | 4.2 kg | Not included |
| Direto XR | 2020 | 24 % | 2,300 W at 40 km/h | 5.1 kg | 11-speed included |
| Direto XR-T | 2020 | 24 % | 2,300 W at 40 km/h | 5.1 kg | Not included |
The XR-T is simply the XR without a cassette, as DC Rainmaker's Direto XR and XR-T review puts it. Against the X, the XR got about 26 % more inertia, steeper simulation and a new ERG algorithm. The X figures are from Zwift Insider's Direto X page. In September 2024 Elite added a Direto XR that ships with a Zwift Cog and Click.
The first Direto from 2017 has no row of its own; if its firmware speaks FTMS it takes the same route, unconfirmed. For Elite's other trainers, see the Elite trainers guide.
The Direto measures its own power
Every Direto in the table has Elite's OTS, an optical torque sensor: Zwift Insider's XR-T review describes it as an optical sensor that measures how much the trainer's axle twists. Elite rates the X, XR and XR-T at ±1.5 %. DC Rainmaker found the XR within a few watts of a crank power meter on a long climb.
In Tour du Pain your power, ERG, FTP test and .fit file all come from that sensor, so you don't need a power meter on the bike. A good number matters, because the 33 levels and every workout are set from your FTP; the ramp test guide shows how to find it.
How to connect a Direto
- Update the firmware with Elite's Upgrado app, as in Elite's note on Upgrado updates, then close Upgrado and any other Elite app on your phone.
- Plug the Direto in. DC Rainmaker notes the XR needs its power cord for any control.
- Close Zwift on every other device. Most trainers take commands from one app at a time.
- Open tourdupain.app in Chrome or Edge on a computer, a Chromebook or an Android tablet, and turn the pedals to wake the trainer.
- Go to Settings, Devices, press Connect next to Smart trainer and pick your Direto in the browser's chooser. Not listed? Turn on Show all devices.
If another app still holds the trainer, you can ride on its power, and ERG takes over once that app lets go.
Calibration
The Direto calibrates with a spin-down: DC Rainmaker suggests it at setup, then every few weeks, after moving it or a big change in temperature. If the Direto offers it over FTMS, the game shows Calibrate under Trainer details; warm up 10 minutes first. If not, use Elite's app and close it again.
What works on a Direto in Tour du Pain
| Feature | In Tour du Pain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power and cadence | Yes | From the OTS sensor; no power meter needed |
| ERG | Yes | Starts light from a standstill and builds up over 6 seconds |
| 33 resistance levels | Yes | Based on your FTP, sent as a simulated force |
| Simulation | Partly | Used for the levels; climbs never make the trainer heavier, so the 24 % sits unused |
| The game's virtual gears | Not needed | They're for trainers that can't hold a target power |
| Zwift Cog | Yes | With one cog the levels set the effort |
| Zwift virtual shifting | No | That's Zwift's own |
| Zwift Click or Elite Square | Yes, as a controller | + and − step the level or the ERG watts; the Square isn't tested on a real one |
| Elite Rizer | No | The game doesn't drive it |
| ANT+ | No | Browsers have no ANT+ radio |
ERG is the natural fit for a Direto. Tour du Pain has 105 workouts and loads your own .zwo, .erg, .mrc and .fit files; see ERG workouts in your browser.
Zwift Cog and Click on a Direto
Elite's Zwift Cog and Click page lists the Direto, Direto X, XR and XR-T for Zwift's virtual shifting: update in Upgrado, take off the cassette and fit the Elite version of the Zwift Cog.
Zwift's virtual shifting is Zwift's. Tour du Pain sets the effort with ERG or 33 levels instead, so one cog on the back is all you need. The Click connects as a controller, under Connect next to Controller in Settings, Devices; if it's locked to Zwift, open Zwift with it once, close Zwift and connect again. The Zwift Hub and Zwift Ride guide has more on Zwift's hardware outside Zwift.
Tour du Pain or Zwift on a Direto
We make Tour du Pain. Zwift is the big one: many worlds, races, structured training plans and a big community, for a subscription. Tour du Pain is a browser tab with no install, voice chat and text chat built in, clubs, a ride-along that keeps friends together whatever their watts, and a demo you can try without a trainer. It's free for everyone through 2027, everything included.
For a Direto:
- ERG works the same in both, and your .zwo workouts load into Tour du Pain.
- Zwift virtual shifting and the Rizer are Zwift features. In Tour du Pain you ride levels or ERG, and the Click steps them.
- Steep climbs: the XR's 24 % shows in apps that pass the road's slope to the trainer. Tour du Pain's climbs slow you on screen and leave the resistance alone.
- ANT+: the Direto speaks ANT+ FE-C too, which Zwift can use on some platforms. A browser has Bluetooth only, and FTMS covers it.
- Content: Zwift has many worlds and races. Tour du Pain has one 8.3 km loop, one climb and no races yet.
The Direto sits with every other Elite under every supported trainer; the smart trainer guide has the fixes if it doesn't show up.
Questions
Does the Elite Direto XR work in a browser?
It should, in Chrome or Edge on a computer, Chromebook or Android. Tour du Pain uses FTMS, which the Direto speaks. It's tested on an emulator, not yet on a real Direto.
What's the difference between the Direto XR and XR-T?
Only the cassette. The XR comes with an 11-speed cassette; the XR-T doesn't. Both have the same flywheel, power sensor and 24 % simulation.
Do I need a power meter with a Direto?
No. Every Direto in the list measures power with its own optical torque sensor, rated at ±1.5 %, and the game reads it from the trainer.
Can I use a Zwift Cog on a Direto in Tour du Pain?
Yes. With one cog the 33 levels set the effort, and ERG works as usual. Zwift's virtual shifting stays in Zwift.
