I was attempting to setup my Zwift frame today and ran into an issue with the thru axle not threading to the frame. I read a forum discussion that was posted in August of 2024 and it seems to still be an issue as of March 2025. Ive tried pushing both sides of the frame closer to catch a grip, nothing seems to work.
I think I remember some people having success by threading the axle in from the outside - just to chase the threads and clean them up a bit.
I know virtually nothing about tapping threads but it might be easier to go to a hardware store and get a thread tapper and try and fix the threads yourself rather than sending the bike back to Zwift. That’s all I got. Good luck.
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Thank you. I will look into that.
You could also take the bike and trainer to a bike mechanic and ask them to tell you why it doesn’t work. They will probably have the tap on hand, so it might make more sense than shopping for a tap that you’ll use once in your life, which may or may not fix the problem.
Did you cross thread them?
I did not. I opened the box and began the setup and it will not thread.
It could be as simple as the frame not sitting squarely (i.e. perpendicular to the trainer’s axle both vertically and left-right) on the trainer
Also check that your trainer is fitted with the correct axle adapters on both ends for 142 mm frame spacing.
Will the axle thread into the frame when it is not on the trainer? Does the axle go all the way through the trainer unobstructed without the bike on it? Start eliminating conflicts. If it goes through both as above, what is different when both frame and trainer are connected?
Edit: Just found a related thread (no pun intended) Problems with through axle
The frame is perpendicular to the trainer but no luck. The 142mm axle adapters are being used as well.
The thru axle will not thread with the frame on the trainer and on. The axle does go all the way through with the frame off.
Does the frame slide easily onto the trainer? There have been reports of difficulty getting the drive side adapter installed all the way. Sometimes requires a bit of force to pop it on.
Hi @Akin_James.
This is Haziel from Zwift Support, I understand your concern about the Thru-Axle at the moment of assembly of your Zwift Ride.
It’s important to use the Zwift Key for this and try and screw it in as far as it goes, intending to see the thru axle on the inside edge.
If you feel some resistance when first assembling the thru axle, this is normal, and you may need to apply some force at this point.
Also, it is important to confirm that the thru axle threads and drop out threads are fine.
I hope this helps, and if you have other questions, please contact us.