Hi,
I am new to this world, so apologies if I ask stupid questions.
I have a Triban road bike with a Shimano 105 groupset and my wife has a Trek road bike with a Shimano Claris groupset.
We would like to invest in a direct drive indoor trainer. Will it be possible for us to share one trainer and swap the bikes on and off the trainer without too much hassle?
Thanks a lot!
Yes, no problem
Two factors to consider:
Do both bikes have the same axle type? If one is quick release and the other has a thru-axle, that will make it more work to swap between the two.
Do both bikes have the same number of cogs on the cassette? If not then you might consider using virtual shifting and the single sprocket Zwift Cog.
If then both use n-speed cassettes and the same type and width of axles then yes, with ease.
Differing speed cassettes would no issue if you used a Zwift Cog and a trainer that supported virtual shifting. But that ties you to Zwift.
Otherwise, it might mean having to frequently swap axle adapters, check and adjust gear indexing.
Claris is 8-speed, so you’ll have issues here. No version of 105 is going to be 8-speed.
As Paul mentioned, a trainer with the Zwift Cog and virtual shifting would be your best bet. Otherwise, one of the two bikes will have problems shifting, or you’d have to swap cassettes on the trainer every time.
Fair enough–no in-use version of 105 is going to be 8-speed 
(Unless OP is Zwifting from a cycling museum)
Bar end shifters…making a comeback don’t you know 
Thanks all, I also attached some pictures now. All the help is really appreciated.
It looks like I have a Shimano 105 11/32 casette. My wife has a Shimano claris 8 speed (also has two “big gears” on the front.
I haven’t heard of the virtual shifting using a zwift cog. How does this then practically work? Does this not complicate the process of switching between the two bikes? Im looking into a wahoo kickr direct drive trainer as I see the zwift hub one is discontinued.
Thank you!
Getting a trainer with the Cog means you don’t need to worry about how many gears the bike has, because you’re going to do all your shifting electronically, with/inside the trainer.
The trainer will have one cog for the chain to go around–drop the bike in place and tighten the skewer and you’re set. There are buttons to do the electronic shifting–you’ll have to swap those between bikes too, not a big deal. Then you ride, and using the buttons you simulate having a bunch of gears, but you never touch the shift levers on either bike. Done and done.
Thanks a lot Tom!
And I can use our current chains?
And last thing, I think Im then restricted to Zwift right? Meaning I cannot just do a free ride while watching TV, I need to do a Zwift ride?
I still have some 1055 / 1056 8sp 105 stuff going. Great groupset.
Not Bar End, Downtube!
That depends on how worn the chains are. If there’s significant chain wear I would install a new one.
You could also do an ERG mode workout which can be controlled by a modern cycling computer. In that case you would not need Zwift and would not use the virtual shifting controls.
Is it on a penny farthing? (But no, that’s cool. What vintage bike?)
Had it on an '88 Bianchi Strada. Nothing special, entry level bike from almost 40 years ago.
Actually might be the best-shifting group I’ve ever used.
@Craig_D_Mart Well sure…if the downtube has the connections. Newish bikes will not have them. All bikes have a barend.
Hi all!
Again thanks for all the support. I ended up picking up a Kickr Snap from a friend.
My Triban fits perfectly without needing any wahoo adapters.
My wife’s bike seems to be too small? Meaning when I connect it there is a wiggle in the back. See pictures attached. Any advice?
I’m not very familiar with the snap, but did it come with a quick release skewer? From the picture it doesn’t look like you are using it. https://ca.wahoofitness.com/devices/indoor-cycling/parts-components/kickr-snap-quick-release-skewer
