What to consider when buying a trainer

If you are planning to get a wheel-on trainer, make sure to get the right trainer axle. A trainer usually ships only with a simple quick-release skewer. If you need a thruaxle, find out exactly the type your bike uses. You’ll need to find the axle length, diameter and thread type.

If you are planning to get a direct-drive trainer, think about the cassette and freehub. Will the trainer come with a cassette? If not, do you want to buy a new one or take the cassette off of your wheel? The trainer will likely ship with a Shimano 9/10/11-speed compatible freehub. For a Shimano 12-speed, sram or Campagnolo cassette, you might need to get a new freehub.

What kind of connectivity is important to you? Are you happy to simply cruise through Zwift? If so, a speed and cadence sensor are all you need. Want to train with an app? You’ll need a power meter of some kind, whether that’s one on your bike or within the trainer. Want to compete in e-races? Then you’ll need a smart trainer to get fully immersed in the virtual competitions.