Turbo trainer parts and accessories

Turbo trainer parts and accessories

This section covers two things: getting your bike onto the trainer and making your sessions bearable. They’re unrelated, but they sit side by side here.

Axle adapters — the real compatibility issue

A direct-drive turbo trainer comes with the most common adapters, but rarely all of them. If your frame has neither a 142x12 mm nor a standard quick-release axle, you’ll need the kit that matches your axle standard. Check your bike’s axle before ordering the trainer, not afterwards: it’s the leading cause of cancelled sessions.

The freehub body

The trainer usually comes with a Shimano HG. A cassette SRAM XD or XDR or a cassette Campagnolo means replacing this freehub body, just as you would on a wheel. The correct part depends on the turbo trainer model, not the cassette brand.

The front wheel riser block

It raises the front wheel to the height of the rear axle, which is lifted by the trainer. Without it, the bike tilts forwards and your saddle position no longer matches your position on the road. The Tacx Skyliner, Elite Travel Block and Gel Block all do this job, with the last of these also absorbing some side-to-side movement.

The mat

It protects the floor from sweat — which is corrosive — and dampens some of the vibrations transmitted through it. In a flat, it’s the accessory that makes all the difference to the neighbours downstairs.

Cooling

On the road, moving air cools you down; on a turbo trainer, you’re stationary. A powerful fan isn’t a luxury: it’s essential for getting through a long session at intensity. The Wahoo Kickr Headwind goes further: it adjusts to your speed or heart rate.

ANT+ dongles and power supplies

• A ANT+ USB dongle remains the most reliable way to connect the trainer to a computer, as Bluetooth can quickly become congested when several sensors transmit at once.
• The power supplies are sold separately in case they are lost or fail — they are not interchangeable between brands.
• The roller belts (Tacx T1043) and the Justo feet are standard wear parts.

To find out more: How to choose a turbo trainer

See also: Turbo trainers and rollers · Turbo trainer tyres · Road freehub body