Smart trainer setup checklist

Wahoo's stock HG 11 body takes Shimano HG and SRAM PG cassettes with 7 to 12 cogs. SRAM XDR and Campagnolo cassettes need their own freehub body.

Source Wahoo: Drivetrain compatibility for KICKR, CORE and MOVE · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF) See 12/13-speed compatibility

9 and 10-speed cassettes can need a spacer, and the brands put it in different places: Wahoo fits its 1.8 mm spacer behind the cassette; Tacx says some need an extra spacer between cassette and lockring.

Source Wahoo: Drivetrain compatibility for KICKR, CORE and MOVE · Wahoo: KICKR CORE quick start guide (PDF) · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Tacx gives 40 N·m for its own cassette; for any other cassette, use the cassette maker's figure.

Source Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Wahoo CORE 2: extend the legs and bolt the feet to 10 N·m. Tacx NEO 3M: both sides locked, every indicator window blue.

Source Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Wahoo says a stable, level surface; Tacx says firm and level.

Source Wahoo: KICKR CORE quick start guide (PDF) · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Tacx: a firm mat or low-pile carpet, not soft or high-pile carpet; for the NEO 3M, a mat of 181 x 92 cm or larger. Wahoo's mat is water resistant and anti-slip.

Source Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF) · Wahoo: KICKR MAT

Wahoo and Tacx both warn against third-party power adapters. Unplugged, a Wahoo trainer gives no resistance beyond flywheel inertia.

Source Wahoo: KICKR CORE 2 information and FAQ · Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Quick release 130 or 135 mm, or thru axle 12 x 142 or 12 x 148 mm: each takes its own adapters (Wahoo) or end caps (Tacx).

Source Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

Shift to the small chainring and smallest cog, take the rear wheel out and set the chain on the trainer's smallest cog. With a Zwift Cog, Wahoo says shift to a middle cog first.

Source Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF) See Zwift Cog trainers

Thru axle to the torque on the axle or in your bike's manual. Quick release: lever closed, handle on the non-drive side (Wahoo).

Source Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

In the brand's own app. Wahoo says every new KICKR needs an update to work with apps like Zwift. Tacx: don't unplug mid-update.

Wahoo

Wahoo app; on Wi-Fi it updates itself overnight

Tacx

Tacx Training app: Settings, Device Manager, Firmware Update

Zwift Hub

Zwift Companion app: Equipment, Zwift Hub

Elite

Upgrado app (phone or tablet)

Source Wahoo: Set up your KICKR CORE 2 · Wahoo: KICKR CORE quick start guide (PDF) · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M, updating the trainer software · Zwift: Updating your Zwift Hub firmware · Elite: Firmware updates with Upgrado

In Zwift: the trainer as Power source, then Resistance and Cadence. Virtual shifting needs Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, not ANT+; ANT+ needs a receiver.

Source Zwift: Connecting your devices for cycling See Indoor apps compared

Close other apps connected to the trainer; they can stop the one you want from finding it.

Source Zwift: Connecting your devices for cycling · Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF)

The brands disagree. Zwift: most smart trainers don't need a manual in-game calibration; check the maker's documentation.

Wahoo KICKR v5+, MOVE, CORE

Calibrates itself when you coast; no regular spindown needed

Tacx NEO series

No calibration needed

Tacx FLUX

Spindown in the Tacx Training app; about monthly (Garmin FLUX FAQ)

Elite Suito, Rivo, Direto, Justo

In myE-Training after a 10-minute warm-up at 100-150 W, at least twice a month

Source Wahoo: Auto spindown calibration · Garmin: Calibrating power on a NEO series trainer · Garmin: Calibrating the FLUX series · Elite: Calibration with myE-Training · Zwift: Calibrating your trainer in Zwift

Zwift: the chest is the best place to aim it; add a second fan if one isn't enough.

Source Zwift: Staying cool on Zwift

Tacx: wipe the trainer after every use and unplug it when you're done. Wahoo: a moist, soft cloth, no moisture dripping in, no strong cleaners.

Source Garmin: Tacx NEO 3M owner's manual (PDF) · Wahoo: KICKR CORE information and FAQ (care)