Cycling ·

How to Use a Thru Axle Bike on a Turbo Trainer

If you have a thru axle bike and want to use it on a turbo trainer, you're in the right place. This guide answers the most common questions we receive at Adventure Kit Hire, such as:

  • Can my thru axle bike work on a turbo trainer?

  • Which thru axle adapter do I need to mount my bike on a turbo trainer?

Many cyclists purchase or hire a turbo trainer, only to discover their bike doesn't fit because of a thru axle. The good news is there's a straightforward solution, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Does My Bike Have a Quick Release Skewer or a Thru Axle?

Thru axles are the newer standard. They have been common on mountain bikes since around 2010 and are now widely used on road bikes too, but many bikes still use traditional quick release skewers.

Quick release (QR) skewer: A thin, 5mm steel rod that slides into the axle hub. It uses a lever to clamp the wheel in place.

Thru axle: A thicker rod, typically 12mm in diameter, that threads directly into the bike frame. You can identify a thru axle by its dropout: if the dropout is a solid hole (rather than a U-shaped slot), your bike has a thru axle. Thru axles provide a stiffer, more stable ride which is particularly beneficial for mountain biking.

Quick summary: 5mm thin rod = quick release skewer. 12mm threaded rod = thru axle.

How Do I Mount a Thru Axle Bike on a Wheel-On Turbo Trainer?

To use a thru axle bike with a wheel-on turbo trainer, you need a thru axle adapter that matches your axle's specifications. 

The adapter replaces your standard thru axle and is longer on both sides, giving the trainer's cups a secure surface to clamp onto.

How Do I Know What Size Thru Axle Adapter I Need?

Remove your thru axle and measure the following three dimensions:

1. Thread pitch

Place your axle threads against a thread pitch gauge or the fitment guide image below to identify whether your thread pitch is 1.0mm, 1.5mm, or 1.75mm.

Note: Specialized bikes almost always use a 1.0mm thread pitch.

2. Axle diameter

Measure the diameter of the axle shaft. The most common rear axle diameter is 12mm.

3. Axle length

Measure the straight length of the axle shaft, including the over-locknut dimension. Common lengths are 142mm and 148mm (Boost).

Once you have all three measurements, you can select the correct thru axle adapter for your turbo trainer.

Which Saris / CycleOps Thru Axle Adapter Do I Need?

Saris (formerly CycleOps) offers three thru axle adapter models for wheel-on trainers:

  1. SAR9707T: For bikes with a 142 x 12mm thru axle

  • Thread pitch: 1.0mm or 1.75mm

  • Axle diameter: 12mm

  • Axle length: 142mm

  1. SAR9733T: For bikes with a 148 x 12mm thru axle (Boost), 1.5mm pitch

  • Thread pitch: 1.5mm

  • Axle diameter: 12mm

  • Axle length: 148mm

  • Includes a shorter bolt-action slider tube

  1. SAR9712T: For bikes with a 148 x 12mm thru axle (Boost), 1.0 or 1.75mm pitch

  • Thread pitch: 1.0mm or 1.75mm

  • Axle diameter: 12mm

  • Axle length: 148mm

  • Includes a shorter bolt-action slider tube

Why Do Some CycleOps Thru Axle Adapters Include a Short Slider?

All thru axle adapters work by providing a mounting surface on the outside of the axle for the trainer's cups to grip. Mountain bikes with Boost 148mm spacing are wider than standard, so the 148mm adapters come with a shorter slider to ensure the trainer fits correctly.

Can I Use a Saris Adapter on a Wahoo, Tacx, or Other Brand of Turbo Trainer?

In many cases, yes. Thru axle adapters from one brand can work on another brand's trainer, provided the sizing matches. 

However, manufacturers typically recommend using their own branded adapters for optimal stability and fit. If you do mix brands, double-check all measurements carefully before riding.

What Is the Difference Between Saris and CycleOps Thru Axle Adapters?

There is no functional difference. Saris acquired the CycleOps brand in 2019. The thru axle adapters are identical, only the packaging and branding differ.

Are Direct Drive Turbo Trainers Compatible with Thru Axle Bikes?

Yes, most direct drive trainers are already thru axle compatible straight out of the box, with no additional adapter required.

Direct drive trainers (such as the Saris H3 or CycleOps Hammer H2) are used without the bike's rear wheel. Instead, the bike mounts directly to the trainer's cassette via 6 original end caps. The end caps supplied with these trainers typically support:

  • 130/135mm quick release skewers

  • 142 x 12mm thru axles

  • 148 x 12mm thru axles (Boost)

For example, the Tacx Neo 2T includes end caps compatible with 130/135mm quick release and 142/148 x 12mm thru axles. Replacement Tacx end caps are also available to purchase here.

If you're still unsure which thru axle adapter is right for your turbo trainer, get in touch with the Adventure Kit Hire team at hello@adventurekithire.co.uk, we're happy to help.

The Adventure Kit Hire Team

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