For relevant setup tips, choose either Trainer Setup with Existing Wheel or Trainer Setup with a Dedicated Training Wheel from the options below. Having a separate trainer wheel and cassette may be more convenient, but you can easily make do with your existing wheel and cassette.
IMPORTANT: Use this guide in collaboration with your trainer manufacturer's setup and compatibility info to ensure the best indoor riding experience.
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TRAINER SETUP with EXISTING WHEEL
Wheel-on trainers are traditional trainers that simply clamp to your rear axle to support the back of your bike, keeping the rear wheel off the ground. A drum roller designed to contact the rear tire transfers the rolling resistance from the trainer to your bike. They're best used with a trainer-specific tire to preserve your quality outdoor tire.
1) Use trainer-specific axles or axle adapters as required for your trainer.
Your respective trainer and bike manufacturers can help you identify what is needed for your specific application. For example, many contemporary road bikes have thru axles, which may require an axle adapter to provide a surface for the trainer to clamp to the axle.
2) Install a trainer-specific tire to preserve your outdoor tire, while providing additional traction against the roller.
3) Use micro-adjustments to fine-tune your shifting if it is sluggish or noisier than normal.
After having adjusted the chain gap and the limit screws, learn how to fine-tune your rear derailleur alignment with the SRAM AXS MicroAdjust video.
TECH TIP: Wipe down your bike after riding. Excessive sweat build-up can lead to corrosion on your bike.
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TRAINER SETUP with DEDICATED TRAINER WHEEL
Using a spare wheel and tire combo for your trainer adds convenience when swapping your bike between trainer and road-ready, and it preserves your outdoor wheel and tire.
1) Use trainer-specific axles or axle adapters as required for your trainer.
Your trainer and bike manufacturers can help you identify what is needed for your specific application. For example, many contemporary road bikes have thru axles, which may require an axle adapter to provide a surface for the trainer to clamp.
2) Install a trainer-specific tire to preserve your outdoor tire, while providing additional traction against the roller.
3) Install a compatible XDR driver body on your indoor training wheel with the instructions below or with help from your local bike shop.
IMPORTANT: Most AXS and eTap AXS compatible cassettes require an XDR driver body. See the Cassette and Driver Body Compatibility chart.
Check with the rear hub manufacturer to determine if they make an XDR driver body for your trainer wheel, if it isn't already XDR compatible. Just like other driver body styles, SRAM makes the technology available for wheel and hub companies to manufacture XDR-compatible driver bodies for their products if they choose.
4) Install your SRAM AXS compatible cassette on your indoor training wheel with instructions below or with help from your local bike shop.
Cassette Option 1: Swap your existing cassette onto your indoor training wheel with instructions from the Cassettes User Manual.
Cassette Option 2: Install a new cassette on your indoor training wheel that is the same tooth count as the cassette on your wheel, with help from the Cassettes User Manual. Having a separate cassette installed will make it easier to switch between trainer and road-ready.
Cassette Option 3: Install a different size cassette. Use the max tooth count marked on the back of your rear derailleur and the AXS Components Compatibility Map to identify compatible cassettes. SRAM eTap AXS rear derailleurs are marked MAX 33T, MAX 36T, or XPLR (MAX 44T). No max tooth count marking? It's a 33T Max.
IMPORTANT: Changing the cassette size will require changing the chain length and adjusting the chain gap for 33T & 36T max or XPLR rear derailleurs.
4) Use micro-adjustments to fine-tune your shifting if it is sluggish or noisier than normal.
After having adjusted the chain gap and the limit screws, learn how to fine-tune your rear derailleur alignment with the SRAM AXS MicroAdjust video.
5) Don't forget a fan and extra water when riding indoors, because there is no cooling outdoor airflow.
TECH TIP: Wipe down your bike after riding. Excessive sweat build-up can lead to corrosion on your bike.
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Enjoy the ride!