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Wahoo KICKR Snap

The Wahoo KICKR Snap is a smart trainer that connects to TrainerRoad via either ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart. TrainerRoad can automatically control the KICKR Snap's resistance in accordance with the workout's profile. This is a wheel-on trainer that uses its heavy flywheel to deliver smooth power. First thing’s first! Make sure you’ve downloaded the TrainerRoad app here. Screen_Shot_2019-02-16_at_18.12.25.png Device Compatibility | | Connections | | Modes | | Calibration | | Cadence 1 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Ant+ | Bluetooth | ERG | Resistance | Ant+ | Bluetooth | | | iOS | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | N/A 4 | | Android | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | N/A 4 | | Windows | ✔ 2 | ✔ 3 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | N/A 4 | | Mac | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | N/A 4 | Show footnotes [1] Cadence transmitted by a smart trainer is an estimation of your cadence. This may not always be 100% accurate given potential changes in ride data throughout pedal stroke especially during periods of inconsistent cadence. For best results, the use of a dedicated cadence sensor is suggested, but not required. [2] ANT+ USB or key may be required to connect to ANT+ devices. [3] In order to use Bluetooth on Windows devices, a Bluetooth dongle is required. See more information here. [4] Cadence is not a feature that the KICKR Snap supports. In order to have cadence with TrainerRoad using this trainer, you will need a dedicated cadence device. How to Use Your KICKR Snap - Choosing Your Connection - Connect via ANT+. - Connect via Bluetooth. - Click here to learn how to pair your devices and adjust device settings. - Choosing Your Trainer's Mode - Erg Mode (default) - Resistance Mode - Setup - Calibration - Perform a Spindown calibration before each ride to ensure that your power is always as consistent as possible. - Trainer Pressure - Rolling resistance (with regards to TrainerRoad) is defined as the amount of pressure on your tire from the trainer's roller. This is an important variable to keep consistent between rides to keep your training as consistent as possible. Keep track of how many turns you tighten your trainer onto your wheel and repeat the same steps each time you remove/install your bike. - Tire Pressure - Tire pressure can also affect rolling resistance. Make sure you pump your tires up to the same amount of pressure for each workout. - PowerMatch - Using a power meter along with your KICKR Snap? Here's how to use PowerMatch. KICKR Snap Troubleshooting Device Dropouts - Dropouts can be seen while riding as an absence of data. You may be experiencing device dropouts if your data values drop to zero, or to a null '--' value. - Why this happens: The most common culprit of dropouts are typically low batteries which cause a weak signal, and interference from other nearby devices. - The solution: Click the following link to learn how to avoid device dropouts. ANT+ USB not recognized - Click here to learn more about ANT+ Troubleshooting. Bluetooth not connecting properly - Click here to learn more about Bluetooth Smart 4.0 Troubleshooting. Issues pairing your device - When trying to pair your device if you're unable to see, or pair your device properly, there may be a connection issue. This could be caused by a faulty connection with the device or another application may be using your Bluetooth or ANT+ connection. - The solution: Click on the following link to learn more about device pairing troubleshooting. Wattage Floor - It takes a minimum amount of watts to simply turn the pedals on a bike. This minimum wattage requirement can increase even more in higher gears. For more information on wattage floor and what it can look like, click here. - The solution: Change into an easier gear. This will allow your trainer to spin slower thus allowing it to reach lower power values. Inaccurate Speed - Speed readings when riding indoors on a smart trainer are inherently unreliable. The "speeds" riders achieve indoors are often not representative of speeds they'd be going outdoors at equivalent power levels. Simply put, indoor speed readings can be misleading and don't add any value to the workout so TrainerRoad does not display them during your ride. To learn more about speed readings on a smart trainer, click here. Floating Power / Power Not Following Prescribed Power - Dropouts can cause your power values to get "stuck" in place and follow a constant power rather than changing with the workout profile. - The solution: Avoiding dropouts will help reduce the possibility of this happening. - Wattage floor/ceiling - If you find that your power is floating above your prescribed power, typically during a recovery interval, you may be experiencing wattage floor. - The solution: Change into an easier gear. This will allow your trainer to spin slower thus allowing it to reach lower power values. To learn more about what a wattage floor is, click here. - Power smoothing set to too high of a value can give the illusion that your power is not following the target power when in reality, it is. Power smoothing takes a running average of your incoming power over the span of time that you have selected in your settings, 1-30 seconds. Your average power over that time span is then shown on your workout player. - Common cases - You would notice this at the onset of an interval. When the interval starts, you may notice that your power is lagging behind quite a bit and then eventually rises to meet the prescribed wattage. This is due to the running average that's being calculated. - The solution - To fix this, you may need to lower your power smoothing value in your settings. If power smoothing is desired, we recommend adjusting your settings to around 4-7 seconds for most workouts. This should allow you to visually smooth your power while still allowing it to your power to catch up quickly when entering intervals. - NOTE: PowerSmoothing only visually adjusts your power during your workout. Only raw data is stored during your ride. Due to this, you may notice a difference between post, and during, workout graphs. - ERG Mode Not Set: If your trainer is set to resistance mode (or slope/standard mode with some trainers) your power will not be automatically adjusted to match the target power. In this case, your power may be graphed similarly to that of a power meter and float around without following any workout profile. Resistance Lock-up During Ride - When pedaling at a low cadence, or if your change cadence during a change in prescribed power, it's possible that your KICKR Snap can dramatically increase the resistance and prevent you from pedaling as the resistance continues to climb. - The solution: Begin backpedaling for around 5-10 seconds as the resistance unit loosens its grip. Then carry on pedaling. Tire Slippage - If you find that your tire slips when pedaling, you may need to increase the tension between your tire and the trainer. - Solution: Tighten the trainer contact knob in 45-degree increments until the slippage stops. Also, make certain that your tire is inflated to the proper pressure as this will help the contact pressure between the two surfaces. KICKR Snap Best Practices Calibration - For the most accurate and consistent power readings, make sure to perform a spindown calibration before each ride. - If time allows, the optimal solution would be to perform a spindown calibration after spinning for around 5-10 minutes to warm up internal components and tire to trainer contact. Update Firmware - Updating your trainer's firmware to the latest release is very important. Many of these updates contain fixes that the manufacturer has been working on. Updating your firmware whenever the latest release is available will make sure that your device is always up-to-date with the most recent features and improvements. - To update your KICKR Snap's firmware using an Android device, follow the directions found here. - To update your KICKR Snap's firmware using an iOS device, follow the directions found here Gearing - When using ERG mode, follow the gearing suggestions found in our smart trainer modes explained article for best results. - If using resistance, or standard/slope mode, you will need to make sure to shift your gears just as you would when riding outdoors. Doing so will allow you to reach your prescribed target power during your workout. Tire Pressure - To ensure that you're experiencing the most consistent training with a wheel-on trainer, make sure to check the following: - Calibrate before each ride - Ensure that your tire is inflated to the same pressure before each ride. Trainer Contact Pressure - To ensure that you're experiencing the most consistent training with a wheel-on trainer, you should make sure that your trainer contact pressure is the same each time that you install your bike on the trainer. When tightening the roller onto your wheel, once the trainer touches the wheel, turn the knob 2-3 full rotations. Remember how much you tighten this tension before each workout and follow the same steps each time you place your bike back on the trainer.

Setting Up Equipment and Connecting Devices • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

How to Pair Your Devices

Here are the steps to make sure you can pair your devices to TrainerRoad: 1. Open the TrainerRoad app 2. Navigate to the "Devices" tab 3. Pedal for a few moments to wake up your devices. 4. Make sure that either Bluetooth or ANT+ is "On" 5. Once your device is visible and ready to pair, it will appear in the device list. 6. Click on the device and wait until it is highlighted green. (A green line will blink above the device tile while pairing and will become a solid green border once the device is paired.) Screen_Shot_2021-10-14_at_10.56.07_AM.png Screen_Shot_2021-10-14_at_10.56.20_AM.png Jump to the following sections below for quick tips on pairing your specific setup: - Smart Trainer - Smart Trainer + Power Meter (PowerMatch) - Mechanical Trainer + Speed Sensor (VirtualPower) - Mechanical Trainer + Power Meter How to Pair Devices on Desktop (Mac and Windows) pair_KICKRelectron.gif How to Pair Devices on Mobile (iOS and Android) pair_KICKR.gif Pairing a Smart Trainer - Ensure the trainer is plugged in and "awake" - Select the corresponding device tile on the "Devices" screen - Once your trainer is paired, a "Best Practices" screen will appear. Take note of the information shown on this screen (calibration details, firmware information, and general best practices with ERG mode). - After initially pairing your trainer, the device will automatically pair to TrainerRoad without displaying the "Best Practices" screen (but it can still be accessed in the future by selecting the trainer tile — see below for more information on accessing Device Details). - The default setting for a smart trainer is ERG mode (electronic resistance control) where TrainerRoad controls the resistance of your trainer to make sure you're hitting the power targets. - Make sure to use the TrainerRoad recommended gearing (smallest cog in the front chainring and a middle cog in the cassette) - Focus on maintaining as consistent of a cadence as possible to ensure you have the best experience. Note: if you have Bluetooth and ANT+ enabled and see two tiles corresponding to your trainer, pair to the Bluetooth version only. Pairing a Smart Trainer + Power Meter (PowerMatch) - Ensure the trainer is plugged in and "awake" - Make sure the power meter has batteries installed, and the device is awake - Select the corresponding device tiles on the "Devices" screen - Once your trainer is paired, a "Best Practices" screen will appear. Take note of the information shown on this screen (calibration details, firmware information, and general best practices with ERG mode). - Similarly, once the power meter is paired, a "Best Practices" screen will appear. Take note of the information shown on this screen (calibration details, firmware information, and tips on pedaling technique). - After initially pairing your trainer, the devices will automatically pair to TrainerRoad without displaying the "Best Practices" screens (but they can still be accessed in the future by selecting the corresponding tile — see below for more information on accessing Device Details). - The default setting for a smart trainer is ERG mode (electronic resistance control) where TrainerRoad controls the resistance of your trainer to make sure you're hitting the power targets. - There is an additional default setting when training with a smart trainer and power meter "PowerMatch." PowerMatch uses the readings from the power meter to control the resistance of your smart trainer to account for any power difference between the trainer and the power meter. Note: if you have Bluetooth and ANT+ enabled and see two tiles corresponding to your trainer, pair to the Bluetooth version only. Pairing a Non-Smart Trainer + Speed Sensor (VirtualPower) - With non-smart trainers and a speed sensor, you'll need to use a feature known as VirtualPower. VirtualPower is a power calculation that’s based on your speed readings and the unique make and model of the trainer you’re using. - To pair your speed sensor, confirm the device has batteries installed and that it's properly placed on your bike. - Wake the sensor by spinning the cranks, and select the corresponding device tile in the "Devices" screen. - If your speed sensor uses a magnet to trigger a rotation, verify the magnet is positioned to pass by the sensor arm properly. Pairing a Non-Smart Trainer + Power Meter - Make sure the power meter has batteries installed - Wake the device by spinning the cranks. - Select the corresponding device tiles in the "Devices" screen. Adjusting Device Settings From the Device Settings, you can adjust your devices' names, access mode settings, and perform calibrations. Note: Smart trainers are set to ERG Mode by default. If you have a power meter and a smart trainer, PowerMatch is enabled by default. settings_KICKRelectron.gif settings_KICKR.gif

Setting Up Equipment and Connecting Devices • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

VirtualPower vs. Power Meters

Looking for more information on what differentiates power and VirtualPower-based workouts? You're in the right place. VirtualPower Defined VirtualPower turns your indoor non-smart trainer into a power meter. Just hook up an ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart speed sensor and select your trainer in the VirtualPower settings. When you start to ride, your speed will be converted to power based on the known power curve for the trainer. How VirtualPower Works As your wheel speed increases, so does your power. Each trainer has a unique speed-to-power ratio, otherwise known as a resistance curve. This allows us to plug in your current speed and display watts. We've built this into our software, so it happens on the fly and is seamless to you. Training with Power Training with power means using a device that directly measures power, such as a power meter (e.g., PowerTap, SRM, Quarq) or a smart trainer (e.g., KICKR, Computrainer, Powerbeam Pro). VirtualPower vs. Power - Which is the right choice for me? The main factor to consider when choosing between power and VirtualPower is cost. Power meters and smart trainers are, simply put, expensive! If you're not ready to shell out USD$600-3,000, you'll want to use VirtualPower. Power meters are great to race and train with, but if you're not quite ready to make the leap or just want to get a feel for training with power, VirtualPower is a great option. We think VirtualPower is a much better way to train than by heart rate or RPE. Heart Rate based training often "lags" behind actual efforts since the heart needs time to respond, usually 90 - 120 seconds, but when it comes down to it, a power meter will still be more accurate than VirtualPower. Is my trainer compatible? If you're a cyclist planning on using VirtualPower, a power meter, or a smart trainer, check with our list of supported devices and trainers.

VirtualPower • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

How to Use AI FTP Detection

AI FTP Detection looks at all of your training data to understand your fitness and detect your FTP. With no all-out efforts required AI FTP Detection uses all recent training data to assess your current FTP. Note: AI FTP Detection works alongside AI FTP Prediction, which forecasts the FTP you're expected to reach at your next detection. Detection sets your FTP, while Prediction shows where it's heading. This article covers Detection. How does AI FTP Detection work? Our system looks at your training data and the unique details of your recent and past cycling data to detect your FTP without the need for maximal efforts or specific workouts. AI FTP Detection considers all types of rides when calculating your FTP: - Indoor - Outdoor - Structured - Unstructured How to Use AI FTP Detection You can use AI FTP Detection in the latest version of the TrainerRoad mobile and desktop apps, as well as from TrainerRoad.com. AI FTP Detection will be automatically available when a new FTP has been detected, every 28 days. When a new FTP is available you will be prompted with the new FTP Detection. You can choose to either accept or decline your detection when you the new FTP appears. If you decline the FTP Detection you can view and accept the detection at any time from the Career page. You can also see when your next AI FTP Detection will be available below your FTP Prediction on your TrainerRoad Career page: Screenshot 2026-01-21 at 3.37.06 PM.png Changes in Athlete Levels If you accept an increased FTP, your Athlete Levels will adjust downwards in response, giving you room to improve at your new FTP. Your Athlete Levels won’t increase if your FTP stays the same or decreases or if you decide to keep your current FTP instead of accepting a new one. More on this in Why did my Athlete Levels Adjust after an FTP change? What AI FTP Detection Needs to Detect Your FTP All you need to use AI FTP Detection is ride data! Syncing other platforms with TrainerRoad when you get started will allow FTP Detection to provide you with an initial estimate of your FTP. From there TrainerRoad AI will use all of your imported and completed training to detect your FTP. FAQ Will AI FTP Detection consider unstructured outside rides as well? Yes. AI FTP Detection takes into account all rides with power data, whether they’re indoors or outside, structured or unstructured. This can include group rides, races, and even rides on other indoor training apps synced to TrainerRoad. Do I need to use a heart rate monitor to get an accurate FTP Detection? Nope! All you need is training data from a power meter or VirtualPower. With that said, while it is not necessary, more data is always preferred. We recommend using a heart rate monitor if you have one. How will FTP Detection handle any differences between my two power meters? Because AI FTP Detection analyzes all of your recent training data and goes beyond individual capacitive efforts, athletes with multiple power meters should be able to continue using their different devices without issues. That said, we’re always looking to improve the feature and we welcome additional feedback from athletes in this situation. Does trainer mode affect the accuracy of your AI Detected FTP? No. Trainer mode won't affect the accuracy of your AI Detected FTP Can I revert to a previous FTP after accepting the AI-detected FTP? Yes. You can access your FTP History from the website and delete the AI Detected FTP entry. You can do that under FTP history in your profile settings: FTP History My AI FTP Detected FTP doesn't seem right. Where should I provide feedback? If your AI FTP Detection doesn't seem right, please contact [email protected]. How is AI FTP Detection different than a typical FTP test? All FTP tests have their pros and their cons. Regardless of the testing protocol, it is extremely difficult to reliably control all factors that can influence the resulting training benchmark, like weather, sleep, stress, equipment, and more. AI FTP Detection is unique in that it delivers a custom-calibrated training benchmark based on a more comprehensive data set and not just one all out effort. Does TrainerRoad recommend I use AI FTP Detection or do an FTP test? AI FTP Detection delivers the training benchmarks you need to progress your fitness and allows you to complete a productive workout in place of testing. Because AI FTP Detection gives you productive training stress without the unnecessary psychological and physical stress of an FTP test, we recommend using AI FTP Detection. Will AI FTP Detection detect my FTP if I’ve never used TrainerRoad? AI FTP Detection requires imported training data or 10 completed indoor TrainerRoad workouts to begin detecting your FTP. Once you reach this minimum you will have access to AI FTP Detection. How can AI FTP Detection be accurate if I'm coming back from an offseason or more than one week off the bike? AI FTP Detection was trained on an enormous data set and can predict decreases in FTP even after long (weeks to months) training interruptions. If you have any concerns about your detected FTP following time off though don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] If I don’t feel like the AI FTP Detection was accurate, will TrainerRoad AI adjust accordingly anyways once I start doing workouts? Yes! TrainerRoad AI will suggest appropriate workouts based on your performance in subsequent workouts. If you’re over-performing after accepting your detected FTP, TrainerRoad AI will advance the progression of your training. If you’re struggling with the new FTP, it will suggest rest or alternative training. All of this will feed into the AI FTP Detection model to improve future suggested FTP values for you.

TrainerRoad AI • Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Wrong VirtualPower Trainer Selected

Complete a workout with the incorrect VirtualPower trainer selected? More than likely, this will result in a workout with skewed data. Not to worry though! Our support staff is happy to reprocess your ride with the correct trainer. This will ensure your workout stats are accurate and comparable. Here's what we'll need from you: Submit a support ticket to [email protected]. Be sure to include your username and the name and date of the workout in question.

Post Workout • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

High Ride Training Stress Value

Training Stress Score (TSS)® is a quantification of exertion. Learn more about TSS and other training acronyms. What can cause a high TSS? If you are using VirtualPower and getting unusually high TSS values, there is a chance that the magnet is clipping the speed sensor. This will generate inflated speed readings which will translate to high power readings. Since TSS is based on power output over the course of a workout, inflated speed readings will make for an inflated TSS. How to exclude a workout with a high TSS If your ride has an inaccurately high TSS value, you can exclude the workout from your Personal Records so your data is not skewed. You can exclude a ride from your PRs when you view the ride online from the Past Rides page. Screen_Shot_2019-09-12_at_10.30.05_AM.png

Post Workout • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

Workout Creator

TrainerRoad's Workout Creator allows you to replicate an outdoor ride, customize an existing workout or create your own personal workouts. It's available on PC and Mac. Download the Workout Creator from the following links: - Mac Download - Windows Download Note: In order to use the Workout Creator on Windows, Adobe AIR must be installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download Adobe AIR here. Workout Creator Features - Creating a Custom Workout - Adding Text to a Workout - Copy/Clone Workouts - Workout Snippets Frequently Asked Questions Is the Workout Creator available for iOS and Android? Workout Creator is currently only available on our Mac and Windows desktop platforms. You'll need to use a laptop or desktop to create your custom workout. But don’t worry! After you publish your Custom Workout from the Workout Creator, it will be ready to use on any of our platforms - including iOS and Android. If I have an electronic trainer, can I designate specific intervals in a custom-created workout to switch out of ERG mode and into resistance or standard mode? No. At the moment, it is not possible to create a workout that will prompt your trainer to automatically switch modes within the workout. All custom workouts will default to the last trainer setting you used. How can I import a workout from TrainingPeaks? Sync TrainingPeaks with TrainerRoad to have your custom workouts automatically sync to TrainerRoad. Note: TrainingPeaks workouts will sync to TrainerRoad two days in advance. How can I import an outside ride that I recorded with GPS? If you have a TCX file from Strava, Garmin Connect, Ride With GPS, or other mapping services, you can use a third-party app called BestBikeSplit to convert the TCX file to an ERG file which you can then import into the Workout Creator. You can learn more about that process here. Can I build workouts using a watt range instead of % of FTP? No. The Workout Creator builds workouts using an exact percent of FTP. We use percent of FTP so every workout scales to your current fitness level. You can still see the wattage while you build. Adjust the % of FTP for an interval and the Workout Creator shows the matching watts based on your current FTP. Why won't the "e" or "d" key type in the Workout Creator? On macOS, the "e" and "d" keys can be claimed by system shortcuts, which stops them from typing in the Workout Creator. The "e" key usually opens Emoji & Symbols and the "d" key usually opens dictation. Step One: Open the Apple menu and select System Settings. Step Two: Select Keyboard, then select Keyboard Shortcuts. Step Three: Select App Shortcuts in the sidebar, then select the + button. Step Four: Set Application to WorkoutCreator. Step Five: For Menu Title, enter Emoji & Symbols exactly as written. Step Six: For Keyboard Shortcut, press Option + Command + E, then select Done. Repeat those steps for the "d" key if dictation opens instead.

Workout Creator • Last updated on Aug 17, 2026

How Does Power Smoothing Work?

Because power is an inherently sensitive measurement, it can appear that you're not maintaining target power during your workout. In reality, it's likely your average power is right on the money. To make sure athletes don't get distracted by seemingly "jumpy" power readings, we've enabled Power Smoothing. Power Smoothing applies a rolling average of 1-30 seconds to your power data in the data field of the workout player for the interval you are currently in. You can control your Power Smoothing settings from the Settings section of the apps. Note: Power Smoothing settings do not apply to the actual graph of your power. powersmoothing_hero_image.png How to Enable Power Smoothing in Mobile Step 1. Launch the TrainerRoad App Step 2. From the navigation menu, select Settings powersmoothing_RN1.jpeg Step 3. Under the Power Smoothing section of the Settings menu, drag the slider to adjust from 0-30 seconds. powersmoothing_RN2.jpeg How to Enable Power Smoothing in Desktop Step 1. Launch the TrainerRoad App Step 2. From the navigation menu, select Settings powersmoothing_electron1.png Step 3. Under the Power Smoothing section of the Settings menu, drag the slider to adjust from 0-30 seconds. powersmoothing_electron2.png How to Choose a Power Smoothing Setting The right Power Smoothing setting can depend on the type of workout you're doing. For example, a Power Smoothing setting of 10 seconds (or higher) will make more sense for longer duration intervals, while a setting of 3 seconds is a better fit for short, higher intensity intervals. It ultimately comes down to personal preference. The important thing to remember is this only affects the Power section of the data field. This won't smooth the graph of your power. Note: Power Smoothing doesn't affect the functionality of ERG mode or PowerMatch in any way.

General Usage FAQs • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

PowerMatch: Using Power Meters with Smart Trainers

PowerMatch is a feature from TrainerRoad that allows you to use a power meter to control the resistance on your smart trainer. How PowerMatch Works PowerMatch allows riders to display and record power readings from their power meter and still benefit from the automatic resistance control of their smart trainer. It lets riders get consistent power readings from their power meter both indoors and outdoors without having to give up the benefits of their smart trainer. Put simply, PowerMatch will use the power readings from your power meter to control your smart trainer. TrainerRoad will measure the power offset between your power meter and smart trainer; it will then adjust the resistance of your smart trainer based on that offset in power and the current interval target. PowerMatch will work with any smart trainer that works in ERG mode with TrainerRoad. "What is the "power offset" you're talking about?" The reality of the power-device world is that different devices will often display discrepancies in their readings. For example, an output of 200 watts on a power meter may equate to an output of 220 watts on a smart trainer. These two devices would have an offset of 20 watts at that level of output. PowerMatch effectively neutralizes this offset. Using PowerMatch with Mobile TrainerRoad's default PowerMatch setting is to use the power from the power meter to control the smart trainer's resistance. Simply pair the power meter and smart trainer, make sure PowerMatch is set to "New", and TrainerRoad will take care of the rest! Additionally, the offset between the power meter and smart trainer will be measured, and the trainer adjusted (if necessary), constantly. Note that the power meter will display as your power source in your Online Career. powermatchRN1.PNG Using PowerMatch with Desktop TrainerRoad's default PowerMatch setting is to use the power from the power meter to control the smart trainer's resistance. Simply pair the power meter and smart trainer, and TrainerRoad will take care of the rest! Additionally, the offset between the power meter and smart trainer will be measured, and the trainer adjusted (if necessary), constantly. Note that the power meter will display as your power source in your Online Career. powermatch_electron1.png If you wish to disable PowerMatch or apply a consistent offset, you may do so under the Device Settings menu, by clicking on the paired smart trainer. powermatch_electron2.png Sensitivity Setting Sensitivity is an advanced setting for our newest version of PowerMatch. It is set at 0.5 by default, which proved to be a better experience for most athletes. However, you may find that a different setting works better for your power meter / trainer combination and or personal preferences. A higher value should translate to quicker update to the trainer / power meter offset. While this may sound desirable, updating too fast can make for jumpy resistance levels. A lower sensitivity will likely result in smoother power, but the resistance adjustments from changes in power offset may take longer. How to Disable PowerMatch If you wish to disable PowerMatch, you may do so within the pairing screen of your smart trainer. Disabling PowerMatch will prompt TrainerRoad to display and record power readings from your power meter if both a power meter and smart trainer are paired at the same time. ERG mode is still available; however, the smart trainer will use its own power data to calculate resistance instead of the data from your power meter. If there is a discrepancy in power readings between the smart trainer and power meter, disabling PowerMatch can make it look like you are constantly above or below the power target. powermatchRN2.PNG Apply Consistent Offset Between Trainer/Power Meter If you know the power offset between your trainer and power meter and do not wish for TrainerRoad to continuously measure and adjust this, you can input this offset to be applied to the entire workout. You can do this within the pairing screen of your smart trainer. Note: The offset calibrates your trainer to your power meter. In other words, the manual offset adjusts your trainer to be at the same output as your power meter. For example, if your trainer reads 200 watts and your power meter reads 210 watts, you will apply a -10 watt offset. powermatchRN3.PNG Legacy PowerMatch Setting The Legacy PowerMatch setting uses our older version of PowerMatch. We've found the new version (enabled by default) improves trainer responsiveness and provides a better experience. If you preferred the earlier version, select Legacy under PowerMatch settings. Using PowerMatch with Legacy AIR App TrainerRoad's default PowerMatch setting is to use the power from the power meter to control the smart trainer's resistance. Simply pair the power meter and smart trainer, and TrainerRoad will take care of the rest! Note that the power meter will display as your power source in your Online Career. Additionally, the offset between the power meter and smart trainer will be measured and adjusted (if necessary) every ten seconds as per the default settings. If you wish to disable PowerMatch or apply a consistent offset, you may do so under your Profile tab. Disabling PowerMatch will prompt TrainerRoad to display & record power readings from the power meter if both a power meter and smart trainer are paired at the same time. According to our device paring hierarchy, the power meter will take precedence over the trainer. If you don't want to use PowerMatch, and you'd like power readings from only your smart trainer, unpair your power meter. If you know the power offset between your trainer and power meter and do not wish for TrainerRoad to continuously measure and adjust this, you can input this offset to be applied to the entire workout. Why Does My Power Appear Less Smooth with PowerMatch Applied? Those well-versed in smart trainer usage will be very familiar with the smooth nature of graphed power in ERG mode. This power appears so smooth primarily because of natural smoothing that the sizable flywheels of many smart trainers applies. Many strain-gauge power meters measure power directly from the pedal, crank arm, or crank. This method of measuring power is more sensitive than what most smart trainers use, and thus, even riders with the smoothest pedal strokes will notice "jumpier" power readings. This is nothing to worry about so long as the fluctuations are not drastic. Power Graphed with only Smart Trainer Power Graphed with PowerMatch (Smart Trainer + Power Meter) Despite these graphs appearing slightly different, both users got the same training benefit from these intervals. The top profile simply doesn't represent the actual fluctuations in power as clearly as the bottom.

Smart Trainers • Last updated on Aug 20, 2026

No Power Readings

Are you new to TrainerRoad and your power isn't registering? Here's a list of the most common problems and how to fix them. Virtual Power Users VirtualPower converts speed on the trainer into power. For that to happen, we need to make sure we're getting speed readings from your device. 1. Make sure you have an ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart speed or speed/cadence sensor paired under the devices tab in the desktop software. You can get our software here: www.trainerroad.com/install 2. Make sure your speed sensor is "awake" when pairing. So make sure the back wheel is spinning when you're trying to pair. 3. Make sure you have a magnet on your rear wheel to register speed. Make sure that the magnet is close enough to the speed sensor to register. This is the number one problem. Speed sensor magnets should pass close enough to the sensor to trigger a revolution, but not so close as to touch the sensor when it passes. In other words make sure there is a small gap. Another way to check speed readings is to pair your speed/cadence sensor with another head unit like a Garmin 500. If it reads on your Garmin (while indoors) but not in TrainerRoad then please contact us at [email protected]. 4. If you're having problems pairing, make sure that the battery is semi new and that you don't have any other wireless interference. Here's some info about making sure your ANT+ is setup right. 5. Under the devices tab make sure "Power Source" is set to your trainer. VP_electron.png VP_RN1.PNG no_power_readings_1.png If you still have problems, contact us at [email protected] and we'll help you out. Power Meter Users If you have a power meter paired with TrainerRoad and you are not getting power readings then there are a couple things to check. 1. Make sure VirtualPower is not enabled. 2. Check to see if another head unit like a Garmin 500 will pick up your power readings. 3. Check your power meter battery. The older the battery, the weaker the wireless data will travel from your power meter. 4. Get your ANT+ USB stick close to your power meter. This will rule out interference and half powered batteries Still have a problem? If you still have problems, contact us at [email protected] to get things sorted out.

Before/During a Workout • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026