These days, most direct drive trainers either do not come with a cassette (the set of cogs on which your chain moves up and down), or include a cassette that might not be compatible with your bike. Here are ways to make sure you have the right cassette and how to install it on your new direct drive trainer.

What is a direct drive trainer?

A direct drive trainer is a type of indoor trainer that requires the user to remove their rear wheel to install the bicycle directly to the trianer. Rather than being installed on the wheel, the cassette is fixed onto the trainer. Direct drive trainers are regarded as the best indoor trainers, providing the best ride feel and highest power outputs.

Step 1 : Identify the cassette compatible with your bike.

How to find the right cassette for your trainer?

To find the right cassette, you must determine :

  • The number of speeds on your cassette
  • The cassette ratio

To find the number of speeds, simply count the number of cogs on your cassette. In this case, we are only interested in the number of rear speeds, meaning this number will be most likely between 7 and 12. We do not need to know the number of speeds on your crankset (1, 2 or 3) nor the total number of speeds (ex, 21 speeds, etc.)


Next, is the cassette ratio. This is the amount of teeth on both the smallest and largest cog of the cassette. On most modern cassettes, this number will be inscribed directly on the cog itself. You can also count the number of teeth to make sure.


 If the smallest cog on the cassette has 11 teeth and the largest has 28, the cassette has an 11-28 ratio. In most cases, is it important to find the same or the closest ratio possible, as some derailleur compatibility issues may arise.

 

If the cassette included with your trainer is not compatible with your bike, or you simply need a new cassette, you can check out our wide selection of cassettes. 

Step 2 : Install the cassette

If you order your trainer with us, you can ask for the cassette to be installed before shipping/pick up.


However, if you wish to install the cassette yourself, you will need a cassette lockring tool and a chain whip tool.

 

How to install a cassette on your trainer?

First, slide the cogs one by one onto the trainer freehub following the groove patterns such as in the following image. Consult the instruction manual included with your specific cassette to be sure. Next, place the screw-in lockring with your fingers and turn a few times to make sure the threads are properly engaged. 


Using the chain whip to keep the cassette from turning, place the cassette tool in the lockring and tighten as hard as you can. This should get you close to the prescribed 40nm tension required for cassettes, and will be sufficient for normal use.

Have any questions?

 Still can quite get it right? Let us know, and our experienced customer service agents will give you a hand and help you get setup for your winter of indoor training. In the meantime, check out our selection of training accessories and our other blog posts relating to indoor training. 

With Primeau Vélo, you can shop online and order your trainer with fast and free shipping across Canada. Otherwise, come check out the trainers in store at one of our multiple retail stores. 

 

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