Can you use a 12 speed cassette on a direct drive turbo trainer?
Most of the direct drive smart turbo trainers on the market are designed for bikes with anywhere from an 8 to 11 speed cassette on the wheel.
Bikes with a 12 speed cassette are generally a problem for Saris and Wahoo direct drive turbos. The issue is there really isn't enough room to fit the 12 speed cassette on the trainer.
SRAM Mountain Bike Group Sets:
- SRAM Eagle 12 speed mtn groups don't fit the Saris Direct Drive line up (Hammer, H2, H3) or Wahoo Kickrs. The cassette is too wide and won't allow the largest cog to be used. Compatibility is w/ 8-11 speed. However an XD/XDR hub can be fitted - link here
Saris XD/XDR Hub
- SRAM XD compatible with cassette adapter included
- SRAM XDR compatible without spacer
- Works with Hammer, H2 and H3 trainers
- For use with SRAM RED and Force eTap AXS™ 12 speed groups on Saris direct drive trainers
Wahoo XD/XDR Hub
The KICKR and CORE XD/XDR Freehub Body enables the use of SRAM’s 12-speed XD and XDR cassettes on Wahoo’s direct drive turbo trainers.
Shimano Road Bike Group Sets:
- Road Bike Group Sets: Road bikes with a 12 speed road group set (such as a Canyon Speedmax TT bike) do fit the trainer and so in theory you can fit an 11 speed Shimano cassette onto the trainer and use with your bike but you can’t use the biggest two gears (28/30 tooth) and you simply use the resistance settings and keep the bike in the middle of the cassette.
Basically 12 speed are not straightfoward however watch this space, perhaps we will see new direct drives been launched on the market which are 12 speed compatable!
If you have any questions about our turbo trainers and how our hire works then just don't hesitate to get in touch
Sporting Regards
The Turbo Trainer Hire Team