Are MTB frames not usually compatible with Smart trainers? I want to buy one for zwift, but I only have an MTB

[Dan_Kothlow (Dan)]

One of my Wahoo contacts suggested looking at Robert Axle Project to find the right combination of adapters ( if required ) to allow your MTB to work on the KICKR SNAP.
That’s assuming you get the slick tire.
Another option may be the Wahoo ROLLR. I know Wahoo’s site says modern MTB wont fit, but your bike is older, and if the wheelbase is between 950 and 1100 mm ( axle to axle ) it should fit.
The ROLLR now estimates power, too, so you could easily use it in Zwift ( I have done that ).

[Ben_Stein (Ben)]

@Anna_Ronkainen

The issue with nutted axles and wheel-on trainers is the shape of the nut, there is too much slack between the nuts and the receptacles for the axle (usually you are supposed to use a trainer-specific QR as well). Tacx at least used to make special axle nuts with cylindrical ends for use with wheel-on trainers, but that’s not relevant for a direct drive trainer. The only issue I can think of is if the dropouts are too thin for the quick release to close properly, but that is easily fixed with a washer or two between the dropout and the QR ends, and anyway it doesn’t look like that is the case. Also do note that the lever end of the QR probably won’t fit on the right side because of that bracket over the derailleur, which is okay, because its proper place is on the other side anyway.

So it will work. I will just need a QR skewer and some washers and my bike will fit most trainers that take a 26” MTB wheel and 135mm dropouts?

@Mike_Rowe1

I was trying to steer him away from the Magene due to its limitations of 600 watts, 5% accuracy, etc… it seems like a very cheap trainer and I think a better experience would be had with finding a used Kickr Core. Amazon had new Kickr Core’s (version 1) for under $500 this week as part of prime day sales, not much more than the Magene.

Unfortunately, I don’t live in the US/Canada or Europe, and our wages aren’t really the same…The Kickr Core is a huge amount of money here.

The only three trainers that are in my price category are:

Thinkrider X2 Max: The ThinkRider X2 Max is a smart bike trainer with a maximum power output of 2000W and a ±2% power accuracy. It can simulate a max slope of 18%, has a noise level of approximately 58dB at 30 km/h, and includes built-in sensors for cadence, speed, and power without external sensors. It is compatible with various cycling software, including Zwift, Rouvy, and TrainerRoad

The Kickr SNAP

The Magene T110

@Dan_Kothlow

ne of my Wahoo contacts suggested looking at Robert Axle Project to find the right combination of adapters ( if required ) to allow your MTB to work on the KICKR SNAP.

Unfortunately, I have no way to order these to where I live and it would be cost prohibitive as well…

Thank you so much everyone for the advice! What I’ve gathered from your help is this:

Magene T110 is pretty budget, but in a pinch, it will work. I will just need a QR skewer and some washers and my bike will fit most trainers that take a 26” MTB wheel and 135mm dropouts?

[Anna_Ronkainen (Anna Ronkainen (AEO))]

@Ben_Stein

So it will work. I will just need a QR skewer and some washers and my bike will fit most trainers that take a 26” MTB wheel and 135mm dropouts?

Yes. Doesn’t look like you’ll need the washers either. Also of course you need either a new cassette (or the Zwift Cog if the trainer supports virtual shifting) or you have to transfer the old one from the wheel to the trainer (and you probably need a little spacer or two as well).

[Paul_Southworth (Paul)]

Looks like the bike is 8 speed, so 1.85mm spacer under an 8 speed cassette when installing on a modern trainer that comes with a freehub designed to accommodate 11 speed cassettes. May need some derailleur adjustment after installation. If any of this seems annoyingly complicated, take the bike and trainer to a bike shop for setup.

[Ben_Stein (Ben)]

@Anna_Ronkainen

Yes. Doesn’t look like you’ll need the washers either. Also of course you need either a new cassette (or the Zwift Cog if the trainer supports virtual shifting) or you have to transfer the old one from the wheel to the trainer (and you probably need a little spacer or two as well).

will my bike not detach from the trainer while i lean forward because of the open dropouts? Although it’s probably a stupid question because my front fork also has an open dropout.

@Paul_Southworth

ooks like the bike is 8 speed, so 1.85mm spacer under an 8 speed cassette when installing on a modern trainer that comes with a freehub designed to accommodate 11 speed cassettes. May need some derailleur adjustment after installation. If any of this seems annoyingly complicated, take the bike and trainer to a bike shop for setup.

Thank god YouTube taught me how to adjust my derailleur, it takes me about an hour but I can dial it in pretty good

[Paul_Southworth (Paul)]

@Ben_Stein

will my bike not detach from the trainer while i lean forward because of the open dropouts?

That’s prevented by the quick release skewer clamping the bike to the trainer

[Ben_Stein (Ben)]

Just wanted to let everyone know that the QR skewer works perfectly, and that I’m loving ZWIFT! The Thinkrider X2 Max is working great for me, and I see a long and beautiful partnership between myself and Zwift!

[Phil_Barnes1 (Phil)]

Yes, during covid I bought a really cheap (£250!) MTB with a solid axle, Over the years’ I’ve upgraded it (I don’t do much on the MTB, so not worth buying a new bike) it is now 10sp Q/R. Q/R and solid axles are normally the same diameter.