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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

Erg Mode Explained

A Smart trainer like the Wahoo KICKR includes a load-restricted mode called Erg Mode. This mode will set your trainer's resistance for you rather than leaving that responsibility on your shoulders. Riding in Erg mode is a little like loosening your grip on the reins of the horse you're riding. You basically give control to your trainer/horse and simply ride. In this mode, smart trainers constantly adjust the resistance to match TrainerRoad's Target Power. Each rider's Target Power is based on your profile's FTP and Erg mode will set your trainer's resistance based solely on this number. When you change that number following an FTP test, your smart trainer will adjust your intervals accordingly. For more specifics on assessing your FTP on a smart trainer, see our related article, How To Test With the Ramp Test. While an exceptionally effective way to train, there's a bit of a learning curve to Erg riding so here's an explanation of what Erg mode is all about along with a number of tips & suggestions to help you get the most out of your part-time ergometer. Erg Mode Basics Erg mode sets your Target Power regardless of your cadence or your gearing selection. You can turn a huge gear at 60rpm with a Target Power of 80% FTP and you'll face the same resistance as you would using a tiny gear at 100rpm even though your speed will be vastly different. Let's say you have a 200w FTP and you're riding an 80% interval with a 100rpm cadence. Any TrainerRoad-supported smart trainer with Erg mode, e.g. KICKR or CompuTrainer, will set the resistance to 160w as you spin steadily. Say your gear selection yields 20mph but you then change your spin to 100rpm but remain in that same gear. Your smart trainer will readjust in order to return the resistance to 160 watts after a couple seconds - some trainers adjust more quickly than others. Even though your speed is now 24mph, you're still only working at 160 watts. Even if you change your spin to 70rpm, the same thing happens - a quick readjustment to keep you at 160w even though you're now pedaling at 14mph. All of this happens in that one gear you've been in the entire time. Simply find a gear that keeps the noise down, leaves your chain pretty straight (no sense increasing wear on your drivetrain with a crossed chain) and forget about shifting, even when you move in & out of the saddle. Nutshell: Shifting is a thing of the past when you use ERG mode. Saddle Transitions Which brings us to a finer point of Erg mode riding. When you move from seated to standing, simply slow your spin & rise - no shifting. When you return to the saddle, try to wind your legs up a little bit as you take your seat and get your cadence back where you like it - again, no shifting. This is a practiced skill and might take some time, but it prevents big surges & drops in power when you change positions. In both instances, the power is going to rise or fall a bit for a couple of seconds but will stabilize rather promptly. Here's the catch though, and this applies to both saddle transitions and long periods of time in or out of the saddle: the more often you change your cadence, the more often your smart trainer has to readjust the resistance and the less "on target" your interval will be & the less accurate your end-of-interval metrics will be as well. This goes for any changes in cadence. When you speed up, the trainer has to make an adjustment to your new cadence, the same when you slow down. So when you alter your cadence, try to resist the temptation to shift; rather, wait for a couple of seconds and watch as your power comes right back in line with where you need it, i.e. your Target Power. Nutshell: Don't shift, don't change your cadence a lot, and have a bit of patience & faith in the technology. Wattage Floor Sometimes when riding low-wattage intervals, riders may come into contact with what we call the "wattage floor" - essentially the trainer's lower mechanical limit. When this happens, riders may not hit their target watts for recovery intervals since the target power is beneath the "wattage floor" of the trainer. In other words, the number of watts it takes to turn the pedals is higher than the target power. When you come into contact with the wattage floor, it will often appear as though your trainer is "floating" above the target power. Each trainer is slightly different, but most commonly riders will encounter the wattage floor when riding recover intervals below 100 watts. WattageFloor2.png The good news is that the wattage floor is usually pretty easy to avoid. If you find that you're running into the wattage floor, try shifting into an easier gear. The trainer's wattage floor is lower when using easy gearing combinations, so down-shifting should allow you to reach those low power targets. Smooth Power Output One advantage of smart trainers is how they keep your power exceptionally smooth. Check out the distinct difference in how closely Target Power matches Actual Power between the same workout done on a regular trainer (top) and on a smart trainer in Erg mode (bottom). Low Cadence Work It's also worth mentioning that during slow-force workouts, i.e. efforts where you're shooting for a really low cadence, say 50-60rpm, a big gear is necessary to hit higher watts with a slow, muscular spin. This is especially true on CompuTrainers but may not be an issue on more newly designed smart trainers. How Does ERG Mode Work in a Free Ride? Erg mode doesn't work well in a Free Ride because there is no power target to hold your trainer to. Instead, your trainer will automatically switch into Resistance mode. Conclusion We hope this helps you blow through the Erg mode learning curve a bit quicker than you might have without this advice. Feel free to contact our support team via live chat or with an email at [email protected].

Smart Trainers • Last updated on Aug 13, 2026

Compatible Devices and Sensors

TrainerRoad supports most Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ sensors, including trainers, heart rate monitors, power meters, and speed/cadence sensors. This page will help explain which devices should work with TrainerRoad, along with how you can check yourself if your training device isn't listed here. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. If your trainer or device is not listed here, that does not mean you are out of luck! Check out the "How do ANT+ and Bluetooth standards work" at the bottom of this article, and reach out to our support team if you have any compatibility questions. If not otherwise marked, devices below are compatible over both Bluetooth and ANT+. Protip: open up the dropdown menus below, then press Ctrl + F (cmd + F on Mac) on your keyboard to quickly search for your device's name. Speed & Cadence Sensors BBB - - Bluecombo+ - Smartcadence - Digicadence (ANT only) - Digispeed (ANT only) Bontrager - - Interchange Digital Combo Sensor - DuoTrap S - DuoTrap (Pre-2015 version is ANT only) - SpeedTrap Digital Speed Sensor - Digital Speed Sensor (ANT only) - Digital Cadence Sensor (ANT only) Cateye - - TR200DW/TR300TW (Bluetooth only) CycleOps - - PowerTap SL 2.4 Speed/Cadence Sensor (ANT only) - PowerTap SL 2.4 Speed Sensor (ANT only) Garmin - - GSC 10 (ANT only) - Bike Speed Sensor (ANT only) - Bike Cadence Sensor (ANT only) - Bike Speed Sensor 2 - Bike Cadence Sensor 2 Giant - - Ridesense 2.0 - Ridesense (ANT only) iMaze - - Speed/Cadence (Bluetooth only) Lezyne - - Cadence Speed Flow Sensor (Bluetooth only) Pioneer - - SGY-CS500 (ANT only) Polar - - Speed and Cadence Sensor (Bluetooth only) PowerTap - - Speed or Cadence sensor (Only transmits speed or cadence, not both) Scosche - - RHYTHM SC (Bluetooth only) Saris/PowerTap - - Magnetless Speed Sensor Cadence Sensor Sigma - - R2 Duo Speed and Cadence Sensor - Speed Transmitter (ANT only) - Cadence Transmitter (ANT only) SRM - - Speed Pod (ANT only) Tacx - - Speed and Cadence Sensor Smart Topeak - - PanoBike Cadence and Speed Sensor (Bluetooth only) Wahoo - - Blue SC (Older Wahoo Blue SCs are Bluetooth only. The newest Blue SC models will work over ANT+ and BLE) - RPM Speed - RPM Cadence Heart Rate Monitors 4iiii - - Viiiiva Bontrager - - Softstrap HR Belt Cateye - - HR-11 (ANT only) - HR-12 (Bluetooth only) Elite - - HR Transmission Belt (ANT+) - HR Transmission Belt (BLE) Garmin - - Soft Strap Premium HRM (ANT only) - HRM-Dual - HRM-Tri (ANT only) - HRM-Swim (ANT only) - HRM-Run (ANT only) - Fenix 6 - Fenix 5 (ANT only) - Fenix Chronos (ANT only) - Fenix 3 HR (ANT only) - Forerunner 935 (ANT only) - Forerunner 735XT (ANT only) - Forerunner 235 (ANT only) - Forerunner 35 (ANT only) - Forerunner 25 (ANT only) - Vívosmart HR+ (ANT only) - Vívoactive HR (ANT only) - Vivoactive 4 (ANT only) Giant - - 2 in 1 Heart Rate Belt Lezyne - - Heart Rate Flow Sensor (Bluetooth only) Mio - - LINK - Slice - ALPHA 2 (Bluetooth only) - FUSE - MioPod Pioneer - - SGY-HR500 (ANT only) Polar - - A370 Watch (Bluetooth Only) - H10 HR Sensor - H7 HR Sensor (Bluetooth only) - H6 HR Sensor (Bluetooth only) ProForm - - SmartBeat (Bluetooth only) Scosche - - Rhythm Chest Strap (Bluetooth only) Sigma - - R1 Duo Heart Rate Transmitter Specialized - - SpeedZone Digital HR Strap (ANT only) Suunto - - Smart Sensor (Bluetooth only) Tacx - - Heart Rate Belt Smart Topeak - - PanoBike Heart Rate Monitor (Bluetooth only) Wahoo - - Wahoo TICKR X/ TICKR 2020 - Wahoo TICKR Run - Wahoo TICKR FIT - Wahoo TICKR Whoop - - 3.0 (Bluetooth only) Zephyr - - HxM - There is a version of the HR monitor known as “Zephyr HxM BT.” That version will not work with TrainerRoad, as it uses a proprietary version of Bluetooth. However, the Zephyr HxM Smart should pair. Power Meters 4iiii - - Precision - Precision Pro - Precision Podiiiium Pro - Precision Fiiiit Easton/Raceface - - Cinch Power Meter Favero - - Assioma (For Dual-Power, ANT required, but will pair over Bluetooth) - bePro (ANT only) Full Speed Ahead (FSA) - - PowerBox (Bluetooth is available in newly bought FSA PowerBox power meters, or as a purchasable upgrade.) Garmin - - Vector (ANT only) - Vector S (ANT only) - Vector 2 (ANT only) - Vector 2s (ANT only) - Vector 3 - Vector 3s Team LIMITS - - LIMITS Power Meter Look - - Keo Power Dual Regular - Keo Power Dual Essential Pioneer - - SBT-PM - SBT-LT - SGY-PM (ANT only) - SGY-LT (ANT only) Polar - - Keo Power Meter Regular (Bluetooth only) - Keo Power Meter Essential (Bluetooth only) Power2Max - - Classic (ANT only) - Type S (ANT only) - NG - NG Eco PowerTap - - P1 Pedals (ANT+ must be used for dual power) - P2 Pedals (ANT+ must be used for dual power) - C1 Chainrings - G3 Hub (Newer G3’s ship with a dual-band hub cap, but older G3 units that have an ANT+ cap on it it can be replaced with a dual-band or BLE cap.) - GS Hub (see above - the same information applies) - Pro Hub (ANT only) - SL+ Hub (ANT only) - SLC+ Hub (ANT only) Quarq - - Cinqo (ANT only) - DZero / DFour (Older versions of the power meter (~2016), or specialized versions of the power meter may not support Bluetooth) - Elsa (ANT only) - Riken (ANT only) Rotor - - Power Crank (ANT only) - Rotor Power LT (ANT only) - Rotor INspider (ANT only) - Rotor 2INpower Road - Rotor INpower Road Shimano - - FC-R9100-P (the R9100P only broadcasts power on ANT+, and not Bluetooth Smart) SRM - - EXACT Pedals - X Power Pedals Stages - - Crank Arm Power Meter (ANT+ must be used for dual power) Watteam - - Powerbeat Road Verve - - Infocrank M30 Team Zwatt - - Zpider - Zwatt Zimanox Trainers 4iiii - - Fliiiight Bkool - - Classic (ANT+ and Desktop apps only) - Pro - Pro 2 (No resistance control over Bluetooth - pairs as a power meter) - Smart Go (No resistance control over Bluetooth) - Smart Air (Desktop apps only) Computrainer - - Note: The CompuTrainer will only work on TrainerRoad's Legacy app due to its age and lack of support from RacerMate. Check out our page on the CompuTrainer here for more information on how to get it working with TrainerRoad. CycleOps/Saris - - Hammer - H2 - H3 - Magnus - M2 - PRO Indoor Cycle 300/400 (Must use TrainerRoad legacy. Reach out to support for more information) Elite - - Arion Digital Smart B+ Rollers (No resistance control over Bluetooth - pairs as a power meter) - Direto - Direto X - Direto XR - Drivo (No resistance control over Bluetooth - pairs as a power meter) - Drivo II (Must use Misuro B+ to get power readings. No resistance control) - Fuoripista - Kura (No resistance control) - Nero - Novo Force (Must use Misuro B+ to get power readings. No resistance control) - Novo Smart - Qubo Digital Smart B+ - Suito - Tuo - Turno (No Resistance control) - Rampa - Real E-Motion B+ (Resistance control is only available through ANT) - Not to be confused with the earlier 'Quick Motion', ‘E-Motion’, or 'Real E-Motion'. Those trainers are only usable through VirtualPower. - Real Turbo Muin B+ - Not to be confused with the earlier ‘Turbo Muin', ‘Turbo Muin Smart B+’, or ‘Real Turbo Muin’. Those trainers are only usable through VirtualPower. - RealAxiom B+ - Not to be confused with the earlier ‘Real Axiom’, which connected via USB. The older Axiom can only be used with a power meter or VirtualPower. - Real Tour B+ - Not to be confused with the earlier ‘Real Tour’, which connected via USB. The older Real Tour can only be used with a power meter or Virtual Power. InsideRide - - E-Motion Smart Rollers JetBlack - - WhisperDrive Smart Kurt Kinetic - - Control T-6300 - InRide1 - The InRide1 is only supported on the TrainerRoad Legacy application. Contact Support and we can get you on the Legacy app. - InRide2 (No resistance control) - InRide3 (No resistance control) - Road Machine Control (Bluetooth only) - Smart Control (Bluetooth only) - R1 (Bluetooth only) Magene - - Gravat2 (Does not support ERG mode over Bluetooth, only ANT+) Minoura - - Smart Turbo Kagura - Direct Drive (Does not support ERG mode over Bluetooth, only ANT+) - Smart Turbo Kagura - Wheel On (Does not support ERG mode over Bluetooth, only ANT+) Stages - - StagesBike Tacx - - Bushido Smart - Flow Smart - Flux - Flux 2 - Flux S - Genius Smart (Model numbers T2060 and T2080 only - other versions will not pair with TrainerRoad) - IRONMAN Smart - Neo - Neo 2 - Satori Smart (Only provides power on Bluetooth, no resistance control) - Vortex Smart / TDF (Model numbers T2180 and T2380 only - other versions will not pair with TrainerRoad) Wahoo - - KICKR Snap - KICKR BIKE - KICKR Wattbike - - Atom (ERG mode only - no slope or resistance mode) - Pro/Trainer (Requires the Model B Monitor to connect over Bluetooth) Zycle - - Smart Z Bike - Smart Z Go - Smart Z Pro For more information on compatible trainers, see the Help Center page here. How do ANT+ and Bluetooth Standards work? While browsing training devices online, you’ve likely seen things like “Bluetooth Smart” or “ANT+ FE-C” mentioned and wondered what these mean. In the early days of technology-based training, each device or company used its own sort of “language" to communicate between the device and the training software. For example, Trainer A and Trainer B might both communicate using ANT+, but how all of their information was packaged to us would differ - meaning we would need to add support for both trainers individually. As indoor device options grew, this became quite a struggle. This issue led to the creation of Bluetooth and ANT standards which (you guessed it) standardized how data is sent and received. These two standards are Bluetooth Smart, and ANT+ Fitness Equipment-Control (FE-C). Instead of each company making their own ANT or Bluetooth protocol, companies can now choose to use Bluetooth Smart or ANT FE-C and know that their device will work on a multitude of platforms. HR monitors, Cadence sensors, and Power meters all have their own versions of a Bluetooth and ANT standard protocol. If you see that a trainer or other device is marked as "Bluetooth Smart" or "ANT+ FE-C", it should be compatible with TrainerRoad. If you are still unsure and would like to double-check your trainer or other devices' functionality, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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

Wattbike & Wattbike Atom

The Wattbike Pro/Trainer and Wattbike Atom are both adjustable stationary bikes that measure power output. The Wattbike Trainer offers a realistic cycling experience with manual resistance control and a robust, durable design suited for high-intensity workouts. You can learn more about the Wattbike here. In contrast, the Wattbike Atom features automatic resistance control (ERG mode) and advanced connectivity options, providing a seamless and highly interactive training experience. wattbike-pro.webp Wattbike Pro WattbikeAttom.jpg Wattbike Atom Wattbike Atom and Wattbike Pro/Trainer TrainerRoad Compatibility Both the Wattbike Atom and Wattbike Trainer/Pro are compatible with TrainerRoad. You can connect these bikes to TrainerRoad as a power meter via ANT+ or Bluetooth. However, speed data won’t be recorded in TrainerRoad. If you have a heart rate monitor paired to your Wattbike head unit, it’s not possible to rebroadcast the HR data to TrainerRoad. To use HR data with TrainerRoad, you’ll need to pair your heart rate monitor directly to the TrainerRoad app. Device Compatibility Wattbike Trainer/Pro | Connections | | | | Calibration1 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Ant+ | Bluetooth | Calibration1 | | | iOS | ✔ | ✔ | N/A1 | | | Android | ✔ | ✔ | N/A1 | | | Windows | ✔ | ✔ | N/A1 | | | Mac | ✔ | ✔ | N/A1 | | Show footnotes [1] All calibrations are done through the Wattbike Performance Monitor head unit. Wattbike Atom | Connections | | Modes | | Calibration 4 | | Cadence 1 | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Ant+ | Bluetooth | ERG | Resistance | Ant+ | Bluetooth | | | iOS | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ 4 | ✔ 4 | N/A 1 | | Android | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ 4 | ✔ 4 | N/A 1 | | Windows | ✔ 2 | ✔ 3 | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ 4 | ✔ 4 | N/A 1 | | Mac | ✔ 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ | ✔ 4 | ✔ 4 | N/A 1 | Show footnotes [1] Cadence transmitted 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 may be required. See more information here. [4] The Wattbike Atom is factory-calibrated, which means there is no need to calibrate it. How to Use Your Wattbike: Choosing Your Connection - Connect via ANT+ - Connect via Bluetooth - Click here to learn how to pair your devices and adjust device settings. PowerMatch - Using a power meter along with your trainer? Here's how to use PowerMatch. Connecting the Wattbike Pro/Trainer to TrainerRoad First, make sure you’ve downloaded the TrainerRoad app here. The Wattbike comes with a head unit that broadcasts the data to TrainerRoad. There are two different models of the Wattbike head unit. - Model A Monitor - Can broadcast via ANT+ only. NOTE: Model A Monitor can be upgraded to Model B for a cost if the user sends their old monitor to WattBike - Model B Monitor - Can broadcast via Bluetooth or ANT+. NOTE: Not all Model B Monitors come standard with Bluetooth. If you have a non-Bluetooth-enabled version, you can upgrade the monitor for a cost. You will need to send the monitor to WattBike for this, and unfortunately, this service is only available to users in the UK at this time. - Ensure Bluetooth or ANT+ is available on your device running TrainerRoad - Plug in and turn on the Wattbike. - Open the TrainerRoad app. - Go to the devices tab and enable either Bluetooth or ANT+ - The Wattbike should show up as a pairable device. - Select the Wattbikes Atom as your Power meter. Note: You may need to spin the pedals to wake up your trainer. Connecting the Wattbike Atom to TrainerRoad First, make sure you’ve downloaded the TrainerRoad app here. Pairing - Ensure Bluetooth or ANT+ is available on your device running TrainerRoad - Plug in and turn on the Atom. - Open the TrainerRoad app. - Go to the devices tab and enable either Bluetooth or ANT+ - The Atom should show up as a pairable device. - Select the Wattbikes Atom as your smart trainer. Note: You may need to spin the pedals to wake up the Atom. Wattbike Pro/Trainer Best Practices Gearing Understanding and utilizing the gearing on your Wattbike Pro/Trainer can significantly enhance your training sessions. Here’s how to make the most of the gearing system: - Manual Resistance Control: The Wattbike Pro/Trainer features manual resistance control, allowing you to adjust the resistance level using the gear shifters on the handlebars. - Gear Settings: Experiment with different gear settings to find the optimal resistance for various types of training, whether it’s high-cadence sprints or low-cadence, high-resistance climbs. - Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on your power output, cadence, and heart rate to ensure you’re training within your desired zones. Adjust the gearing as needed to maintain the intensity. Regular calibration of your Wattbike Pro/Trainer is crucial for accurate power measurement and performance tracking. Calibration Calibration - The Wattbike Pro/Trainer does not have the ability to calibrate through TrainerRoad but you can calibrate it through the Wattbike monitor: - Warm Up: Warm up the bike by pedaling for at least 5-10 minutes. This ensures that the components are at an optimal temperature for accurate calibration. - Access Calibration Mode: On the Wattbike Performance Monitor (PM), access the settings menu and look for the calibration option. This might be labeled as “Calibrate” or “Zero” depending on the model and software version. - Follow On-Screen Instructions: The monitor will guide you through the calibration process. Typically, this involves pedaling at a specific cadence or power level. - Zero Offset Calibration: This step ensures that the power readings start from zero when no force is applied. You might need to stop pedaling and ensure that the pedals are stationary to complete this part. - Complete Calibration: Follow the prompts to finish the calibration. The monitor will confirm when the process is complete. Regular calibration is recommended, especially if the bike is moved or subjected to significant temperature changes. Update Firmware Keeping your Wattbike Pro/Trainer firmware up to date ensures optimal performance and access to the latest features. Here’s how to update the firmware: - Check Current Firmware: Go to the settings menu on your Wattbike Performance Monitor (PM) to see the current firmware version. - Download Updates: Visit the Wattbike website or use the Wattbike Hub app to check for the latest firmware updates. - Connect Device: Use a USB cable or Bluetooth (if supported) to connect your Performance Monitor to your computer or mobile device. - Install Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the firmware update. Ensure the connection is stable during the update process. - Restart Monitor: Once the update is complete, restart the Performance Monitor to apply the changes. Regularly check for firmware updates to ensure your Wattbike is running with the latest improvements and features. Wattbike Atom Best Practices Gearing When using ERG mode, you won't adjust your gearing during your workout. The resistance is automatically controlled by TrainerRoad. Update Firmware Keeping your Wattbike Pro/Trainer firmware up to date ensures optimal performance and access to the latest features. Here’s how to update the firmware: 1. Turn on your device's Bluetooth. 2. Turn on your Wattbike Atom. 3. Open the Wattbike Hub app. 4. Start a "Quick Ride" 5. The bike should prompt you to update the firmware if an update is available. You can also try these steps to update the firmware on a Wattbike Atom Performance Touchscreen (PTS): - Make sure the PTS is connected to a Wi-Fi network Enable Auto Firmware Update on the PTS Turn on the PTS. - You can enable Auto Firmware Update by clicking the serial number in the top left of the screen, then clicking Advanced Settings and scrolling down to Auto Firmware Update. - After the update is complete, you can try turning the PTS off and on again by holding down the power button and then pressing it again. 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 Click here to learn more about Bluetooth Smart 4.0 Troubleshooting. Issues pairing your device If you're unable to see your device within the Devices section of the app, or the device isn't pairing, 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. Note: To learn more about speed readings on a smart trainer, click here. Atom: 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 shown in the top left corner of the data field in the 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: Power smoothing doesn't affect the graph on the workout player — only the power number displayed in the data field Atom: ERG Mode Not Set If your Atom is set to Resistance mode (or Slope/Standard/Gear mode) you may not see any power reporting in TrainerRoad. Be sure to switch the training mode back to ERG mode and this should correct the issue.

Smart Trainers • Last updated on Aug 20, 2026

Wahoo KICKR Pairing Process

The Wahoo KICKR is a smart trainer that uses both Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ to communicate with TrainerRoad for the ultimate indoor training experience. Pairing the Wahoo KICKR (Mobile) 1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices screen. Make sure that either Bluetooth or ANT+ is enabled and your KICKR is plugged in and awake. image_1.png 2. Tap the KICKR option to initiate the pairing process. Once paired, the KICKR will rise to the top of the list, bordered in green. image_2.png 3. Tap the KICKR once more to open the Device Settings screen. From here, you can perform a spindown calibration, rename the device, select the mode, and specify PowerMatch options. image_3.png 4. Perform a Spindown Calibration. Tap "Calibration" in the Device Settings screen. image_4.png You're now ready to ride! Note: KICKR v5's and newer models (any model past 2018) automatically calibrate on the fly as you ride. There's no need to calibrate manually with a spindown due to this functionality. You can learn more about this self-calibrating process here. Pairing the Wahoo KICKR (Desktop) 1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices screen. Make sure either ANT+ or Bluetooth is turned on. 2. Search for the Wahoo KICKR and click on it to pair. The device box will be highlighted green one pairing is successful. Bluetooth: You will need a BLED112 USB dongle to pair via Bluetooth on Pre-Windows 10 computers. Most Windows 10 computers have native Bluetooth 4.0 support and you won't need an adapter to pair Bluetooth devices. Confirm your Win 10 computer has native Bluetooth using this article. For Mac, you can pair directly using the computer's built in Bluetooth. Learn more about Bluetooth connectivity. ANT+: You will need a ANT+ USB 2 stick in order to use TrainerRoad's automatic resistance control feature. Learn more about ANT+ connectivity. 3. Click the KICKR once more to open the Device Settings screen. From here, you can perform a spindown calibration, rename the device, select the mode, and specify PowerMatch options. 4. Perform a Spindown Calibration. Tap "Calibration" in the Device Settings screen. 5. Now you're ready to ride! Note: KICKR v5's and newer models (any model past 2018) automatically calibrate on the fly as you ride. There's no need to calibrate manually with a spindown due to this functionality. You can learn more about this self-calibrating process here. Pairing the Wahoo KICKR using the TrainerRoad Legacy app. Pairing via ANT+ 1. Open the TrainerRoad app and go to the Devices tab. Make sure your ANT+ USB stick is plugged into your computer. Note that you will need a ANT+ USB 2 stick in order to use TrainerRoad's automatic resistance control feature. Learn more about ANT+ connectivity. If you don't have an ANT+ stick plugged in, you'll see this: 2. Once your ANT+ stick is in, click "Search for ANT+ USB" and you'll see a list of devices you can pair with. Scroll toward the bottom of this list and you'll see the option to pair your KICKR. 3. Click the Pair button next the Wahoo KICKR. Make sure that your KICKR is plugged into a power outlet. In order for TrainerRoad to read the KICKR, you may need to get on the bike and begin pedaling to wake the KICKR up. 4. Your KICKR is now paired. 5. Click the Spindown button, and follow the instructions to perform a spindown calibration. This will ensure your KICKR's readings are accurate. Pairing via Bluetooth Smart (4.0) Learn more about Bluetooth Smart connectivity. 1. Open the TrainerRoad app, and go to the Devices tab. 2. Scroll to the Bluetooth Smart Device section, and find the Wahoo KICKR. 3. Click the Pair button, and wait for the KICKR to connect with TrainerRoad. 4. Click the Spindown button, and follow the instructions to perform a spindown calibration. This will ensure your KICKR's readings are accurate. KICKR FAQs How does the KICKR work with TrainerRoad during test workouts? TrainerRoad will automatically switch the KICKR from Erg mode into Level mode during the test intervals (8 or 20 minute periods) of a test workout. We do this because we don't want the app to control your KICKR and put limitations on how hard you can ride! TrainerRoad will control your KICKR throughout the warm up, ensuring that you're well prepared for the test(s), but will switch modes once the test starts. Level mode allows you to shift gears to find the optimal cadence for your test and will help you achieve the highest wattage average possible. What do I do if it is very difficult to pedal in Level mode? You'll want to be in a small gear when you start your test. If you start in your biggest gear when the KICKR switches to level it's like being in your biggest gear on a very steep hill. Make sure that you shift down before the testing period starts. Why am I still unable to pair my KICKR via ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0? If you're still unable to pair after following these steps, it's likely that you will need to upgrade your KICKR's firmware. You will need an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) and the Wahoo utility app to do so. If you're still experiencing issues, shoot our support team a message at [email protected].

Connecting Devices • Last updated on Aug 20, 2026

CompuTrainer

Apps Compatible with CompuTrainer The CompuTrainer will work with TrainerRoad through the "Legacy" Windows and Mac apps. CompuTrainer support is not available for iOS or Android devices. You can download the Legacy apps from the following links: Legacy Windows Download Legacy Mac Download Note: If you're a Mac user, and you're using MacOS X 10.15 (Catalina) or newer, contact us at [email protected] so we can provide instructions to download our older Legacy AIR app. Necessary Drivers for the CompuTrainer To use a CompuTrainer with TrainerRoad, you'll need to install the correct drivers first, so if you're looking to go this route reach out to [email protected] and we'd be happy to send them your way. Hardware Handlebar Unit The handlebar unit should have firmware version 43.45 or newer. This is the number that shows up on the screen when the unit is powered on. If it's older it might still work but if it doesn't, you may need to upgrade. Buttons F1/Start - Start or stop the workout Stop - Stops the workout F2 - Switches modes between Slope (gradient) and ERG (resistance changes to match target power) F3 - Enter or exit calibration mode. Once in calibration mode, spin up to the required speed on the handlebar unit and then coast. Once the new calibration value is displayed, press F3 to save the new value and resume the workout +/- buttons - In Slope mode - changes the slope up or down by 0.1 In Erg mode - changes the workout percent up or down, which increases or decreases the target watts Adapter To use your CompuTrainer with TrainerRoad, you need a USB to Stereo adapter. CompuTrainer: General Use with TrainerRoad Starting and stopping a workout Press Start on the handlebar unit to start or stop a workout. You can also use the play/pause button on the workout screen Calibration After the trainer is warmed up (5-10 minutes), it's good practice to calibrate the CompuTrainer. To calibrate, just press F3. This will pause the workout and allow you to spin up and coast down to get a new calibration number. The old number shows on the bottom and 0.00 shows up on top. After the spindown, the new number will show up on top. Press F3 to save the new number. If the number is outside the range of 2.5 to 3.5 you may want to adjust the tension on the rear wheel. Tighten to make the number go up, and loosen to make the number go down. Test Workouts During test intervals of the test workouts (8-minute test and 20-minute test), TrainerRoad will automatically switch to Slope mode at 2%. Since the goal of the test interval is to put out the highest average watts possible, you'll want to shift and/or adjust the slope up or down so you can pedal at your optimal cadence. Free Rides Since there is no watt target in a free ride, you'll automatically start at 150W. You can use the up and down arrows to adjust this by 5-watt increments. You can also use F2 (or the mode dropdown on the devices tab) to switch to Slope mode. Use the up/down arrows to adjust the slope setting in 0.1 increments. Multiple Devices If you have ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart devices paired in addition to your Computrainer, you'll see this data as well. For cadence, speed, and power, any device that sends this data will be shown and recorded instead of the Computrainer data. For example, if you have a Quarq power meter and a Computrainer paired at the same time, cadence and power will be recorded from the Quarq and speed will be recorded from your Computrainer. The Computrainer will still use its power measurements internally to set the load on the trainer in ERG mode. Troubleshooting Computrainer won't pair when the search button is pressed. Make sure you have the driver installed. Reach out to [email protected] if you don't have them. Hard coding the Port If you try to pair the device and it fails, you'll see a dropdown menu in Windows for choosing the port. Alternatively, there is a config.txt file in your Documents folder under the TrainerRoad subfolder. Open that file by double-clicking on it. Be sure to save the file and restart TrainerRoad for changes to take effect. On Windows, we search com1- com24, and on Mac, we search all of the com ports (/dev/cu.*). If this isn't working for you, find the port that your Computrainer is connected to and replace ctport="auto" in the config.txt file with your port number. On Windows, you should be able to find this in other Computrainer software or Device Manager under "Ports". For example, if it's on comm port 3 you'd change the line above to this: ctport="com3" On OSX, it's a little trickier to figure out what port the Computrainer is on. From Terminal, run ls -l /dev/cu.* to see all of the serial devices connected. By unplugging the CT you should be able to figure out which one it is. It might be something like: ctport="/dev/cu.usbserial1" Check the firmware version of the handlebar unit If it is lower than 43.45 you may need an upgrade from RacerMate. Another way to tell is if your screen always displays proE when connected to the computer. For it to work with TrainerRoad, it needs to display the calibration screen when connected to the computer. Once it is paired with TrainerRoad, the screen will switch to display "proE". Try switching between "Ergometer Mode" and "General Exercise Mode" Press reset while in the "resistance calibration program". See the CompuTrainer Manual for more details. Make sure no other CompuTrainer software is running CompuTrainer software will keep TrainerRoad from recognizing and controlling the CompuTrainer. Computrainer doesn't show up on any port on Mac OSX Try reinstalling the driver for the serial adapter. Computrainer starts acting funny or doesn't pair anymore Sometimes the DIN cables stop working. In this case, it might be worth sourcing another one to try out. CompuTrainer's Troubleshooting Resources CompuTrainer has also released a troubleshooting document that can be found at the following link: CompuTrainer Troubleshooting Document.

Smart Trainers • Last updated on Aug 20, 2026

Importing a workout from BestBikeSplit

If you have a ride that you've recorded on your head unit or a route created through one of the many mapping applications, you can convert that file into a TrainerRoad workout. The third-party application, BestBikeSplit, allows you to download a ride file (e.g., TCX, etc.) and export it as an MRC file type. Then, you can drag the file directly into the TrainerRoad Workout Creator, and your custom workout will be generated automatically. Note: MRC file type is required to set the correct % of FTP for your interval structure, despite the option to download your file as an ERG or TrainerRoad file type. How Do I Load My Best Bike Split Race Plan Into The TrainerRoad Application? Except from the BestBikeSplit Support article: "TrainerRoad is a great indoor training tool that allows athletes to follow well thought out indoor power workouts. These workouts based on power and duration are typically called ERG (Watts vs. Time) or MRC (%FTP vs. Time) workouts. By combining your Best Bike Split race plans with indoor training provided by TrainerRoad you can start to pre train and get an accurate simulation of how it will feel on race day. We have also created a beta TrainerRoad specific file type that will be enhanced over time. Simple steps for getting race based power workouts transferred from Best Bike Split to the TrainerRoad application. 1. First you must have a Best Bike Split and a TrainerRoad account. 2. Create a Athlete Profile in Best Bike Split to get baseline information such as FTP. 3. Upload a course or courses you wish to model into Best Bike Split in .GPX Track or .FIT Activity format or choose one or more courses from our growing database. 4. Create a race plan based on Goal IF, Time or TSS. 5. From the Race Details page download the ERG, MRC, or TrainerRoad file type. 6. Open the TrainerRoad Workout Creator. 7. Drag the file from your downloads folder onto the left side of the Workout Creator. 8. Name your workout in the Workout Creator and select Publish which is on the lower right. 9. Open the TrainerRoad app and check out your BBS workout under the custom workouts. 10. START THE RIDE!" Best Bike Split is a separate company from TrainerRoad, but we’re big fans of their app and what they do. If you'd like to learn more about how we utilize BestBikeSplit, check out our blog post on How to Build a Race Day Pacing Plan.

Workout Creator • Last updated on Aug 20, 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

Smart Trainer Modes Explained

A "smart" ("electronic") bike trainer has electronic features that allow riders to choose how they would like to work out: with resistance that's controlled automatically, or resistance controlled manually a la a mechanical trainer. This can be accomplished using two modes. The terminology for each mode differs between manufacturers, but the functionality of each mode is the same. Let's dive in... Note: TrainerRoad will display the modes that are supported by your trainer when you pair your trainer. ERG Mode (Resistance Control Mode) This is the most commonly used mode. TrainerRoad can automatically control the trainer's resistance in accordance with the workout's profile while in ERG mode. There's no need to shift in this mode as the resistance will change automatically, and we recommend keeping a steady and easy-to-hold cadence throughout the entire ride (unless workout instructions tell you otherwise or you need to "ramp up" your pedaling for a tough interval). Tips when using ERG mode: Gearing can affect the nature of your workout. Follow these gearing tips when completing a workout in ERG mode: Set your gearing - In order to maintain smooth, even power across all of your power zones, you should maintain a mid-ring gearing in the rear cassette, and either a mid (if you have three) or inner (if you have two) front chainring. Your chain should follow a straight path from rear to front. This will also help you avoid hitting a wattage floor. When in doubt, check your Trainer's manual for their recommended gearing settings or reach out to us. Mid-gear in the rear cassette IMG_0284-2.jpg Inner chainring in the front IMG_0293-2.jpg Maintain your gearing - In most cases, you should not change gears once you've set your gearing. Changing your gears may confuse your smart trainer and can result in a temporarily uneven delivery of resistance. Cadence can directly change your output power during your workout if you're changing your RPMs significantly (e.g. >10-15 RPM). When increasing your cadence, your power will attempt to rise; to counteract this, your trainer will lower the resistance. The opposite will occur when lowering your cadence; an increase in resistance will be felt. Anticipate upcoming intervals by slowly ramping your cadence before the interval begins. You should ramp to your desired cadence that you'd like to maintain during the interval. This will help you be able to manage the upcoming change in prescribed power. Maintain a steady cadence - With the exception of the previous point, it's recommended to maintain a constant cadence within a range from 80-100 rpm during your workout. This is the best practice unless otherwise stated in the workout description and/or text. For even more information on ERG mode, click here. Resistance Mode This mode mimics the functionality of a magnetic trainer with a linear power curve. This mode includes a variable resistance setting that can be electronically adjusted. Tips using Resistance Mode: Changing Gears When using resistance mode, you'll need to change gears as you typically would while riding outdoors. To reduce wear on your trainer, try to select your gearing that limits cross chain as much as possible. This will also keep you riding as quietly as possible indoors. Finding the right Resistance Percentage You may find that the "default" resistance percentage of 50% that many trainers default to is far too high to actually train at based on your gearing - it might be impossible to turn the pedals. If you plan on using Resistance modes, we highly recommend finding the right Resistance mode percentage before starting your workout. If you use the TrainerRoad desktop app, you can use the left and right arrow keys to adjust the Resistance mid-workout. Standard Mode This mode mimics the functionality of a fluid trainer with a non-linear, exponential power curve. This mode includes a variable resistance setting that can be electronically adjusted. The major advantage of the Fluid Power Curve (Standard Mode) is that one setting can cover a wider range of wattages. Since the curve ramps up, the maximum power you can generate in a giving setting is greater than the Magnetic curve (Resistance Mode), which can be seen in the graph. magnetic-resistance-turbo-trainer-power-curve-2.jpg Shown above is a power curve of magnetic and fluid trainers. Resistance Mode mimics the linear power curve of a magnetic trainer while Standard Mode mimics the non-linear curve of a fluid trainer. Our Recommendations For most training sessions, we recommend using ERG mode. In this mode, smart trainers constantly adjust resistance to match TrainerRoad's target power - no shifting or cadence adjustments necessary. ERG mode allows you to focus purely on the workout at hand. That said, there are a few special cases where using ERG mode is not recommended. 1. FTP testing intervals on an 8-minute or 20-minute FTP Test Test intervals inside of one of an 8 minute or 20 minute FTP test will need to be done in either Standard or Resistance mode. Since these intervals should be done as hard as you can, we don't want ERG mode limiting your power output. Don't worry though, TrainerRoad will automatically switch your trainer out of ERG mode during test intervals. Note: The Ramp Test used to calculate FTP can be completed in any mode, but ERG mode is recommended. 2. Sprint intervals ERG trainers perform a brief ramp up to an interval’s target power. For longer, less-intense intervals, this ramp-up is hardly noticeable. However, this ramp is more pronounced for short, high-intensity intervals. If an interval is under 30 seconds, riders may want to consider riding in Resistance mode to avoid any lag time in reaching their target watts. Changing Modes on Mobile (Android & iOS) Before starting your workout - First pair your device under the Device tab. - Once paired, tap on your trainer to bring up the device settings. - From this page, you can now change between your trainer's available modes. settings_KICKR.gif During a workout - Tap the devices button in the bottom right-hand corner of your workout screen. - This will take you to the Device Quick Actions menu. - Tap Smart Trainer to initiate a spindown calibration - Tap Power Meter to initiate a zero calibration. quicksettings_KICKR.gif Changing Modes on Desktop (Windows & Mac) Before starting your workout - First, pair your device under the Device tab. - Once paired, tap on your trainer to bring up the device settings. - From this page, you can now change between your trainer's available modes. change_mode_before.gif During a workout - From the bottom toolbar, click on the menu showing your current mode. - From the menu, select your desired mode. - Use the slider to the right to adjust modes (if applicable). - Then continue to ride! change_modes_during.gif

Smart Trainers • Last updated on Aug 20, 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