Indoor trainer advice for a noob

[Chingy182]

I just took the plunge this weekend and ordered a direct mount indoor trainer.

 

Now looking at cassette options and pricing...

 

I currently have a 10 speed Shimano 105 cassette with a 11-32 ratio on a gravel bike.

 

These appear to be quite hard to come by when shopping online & pricey.

 

There are plenty available in the 11-25 range though.

 

Would I be correct in thinking that I would need a very similar ratio on the trainer as it would affect shifting and or chain slipping?

 

I'm not worried about the granny gear being "heavier"

 

Or would I be okay in going with the different size cassette?

[Jewbacca]

You will be fine, just make sure the limit screws are set correctly when you change the back wheel for the trainer and vice versa.

 

I know my road bike wheel is slightly different re lining up to the trainer. I could probably use a tiny spacer to realign it but its quick to tweak the drop limit.

 

One thing to do is to remember to pop a little spacer in the disc caliper on the back. I have a disc roadie and I find I occasionally accidentally knock/pull the rear brake and then need to open the pads when I put the rear wheel back in.

Edited October 5, 2020 by Jewbacca

[Thomo]

No issues with the different cassettes.

Note that some have had gear setting issues between trainer and riding outdoors.

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/186765-wahoo-kicker-skipping-gears/?fromsearch=1

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

you'll be fine

[Chingy182]

You will be fine, just make sure the limit screws are set correctly when you change the back wheel for the trainer and vice versa.

 

I know my road bike wheel is slightly different re lining up to the trainer. I could probably use a tiny spacer to realign it but its quick to tweak the drop limit.

 

One thing to do is to remember to pop a little spacer in the disc caliper on the back. I have a disc roadie and I find I occasionally accidentally knock/pull the rear brake and then need to open the pads when I put the rear wheel back in.

Thanks for the heads up on the brake pad. Can definitely see myself instinctively pull my brakes when wanting to stop...

[Duane_Bosch]

 

There are plenty available in the 11-25 range though.

 

You should be fine. If you are running Zwift or Rouvy you can change the trainer difficulty setting if you are struggling with the heavier gradients. This doesn't actually make the cartoon climbs any easier. It basically has the effect of giving you a wider gear ratio.

 

If you are doing workouts (Zwift has really cool training programs) then your gear ratios mean nothing coz the power is the power.

 

Having said that 6% on Zwift does not feel like 6% in real life. Aint no way I can push the big ring on a 6% climb in real life.

Edited October 5, 2020 by Duane_Bosch

[Gerhard765]

Hi I am using a 3x10 MTB with 11-32 cluster on direct mount trainer. Works very nicely. I am using zwift platform.

Edited October 5, 2020 by Gerhard765

[Dexter-morgan]

If you are following proper workouts the gearing does not matter the trainer will adjust the resistance to stay at the prescribed watts.

[JacBrand]

I would go 11 - 25 or 28.

Otherwise look at the 10 speed mtb cassettes

[RobertWhitehead]

Gearing, even in ERG mode does make a difference to the riding experience but I will gladly send you a 10 speed mtb cassette (if you pay the shipping ????).