Why do I need to check my cassette before setting up my new trainer?

Most direct-drive trainers do not come with a cassette. You need to either buy a new one or use the one from your bike. Ensure the cassette matches the specifications of your bike's current setup to avoid compatibility issues and potential damage.

Why is calibrating my indoor cycling trainer important?

Calibration ensures that your trainer provides accurate wattage and cadence readings. It’s crucial to calibrate your trainer initially and regularly, about once a month, for optimal performance.

Is a mat necessary for my indoor trainer setup?

Yes, a mat is essential to protect your floor from scratches and sweat. Opt for a thicker mat as it provides better protection and can be used for other exercises.

How should I mount my bike to the trainer?

Carefully remove your back wheel and mount the bike to the trainer. Tighten the thru-axle as recommended to avoid damage. Shifting gears to the smallest cog can make the process easier and reduce the risk of scratches.

What can I do to improve my indoor cycling environment?

Enhance your training space, or "pain cave," by ensuring good ventilation, proper lighting, and having all necessary accessories like a fan, towel, and earphones.

What Equipment Do I Need To Get Started With ROUVY?

To begin training on ROUVY, all you need is a trainer and a bike (or a smart bike). ROUVY supports a wide range of brands including TacX, Wahoo, Elite, and many others.

What Subscription Plans Does ROUVY Offer?

ROUVY offers six subscription plans: monthly and annual options for solo users (SINGLE), you and a friend (DUO), or a group of up to five members (GROUP). After creating an account, you can invite friends or family to join your plan, allowing everyone to save by sharing a single subscription.

10/14/2024 – Jakub Cvanda

5 ESSENTIAL hacks for your new indoor cycling trainer

What a great feeling, right? You've just opened a big box and found a brand-new turbo trainer in there. You want to try it right away and immediately connect it to your bike, but hold on. First things first. Here's our quick checklist for setting it up correctly!

1. Check your cassette

If your new indoor cycling trainer is from the flywheel category, you don't need to think about this point. But if you've got a direct drive model, read here carefully. Most trainers come without a cycling cassette, so you need to either buy one or use the one that’s mounted on your back wheel. We definitely recommend buying a new one because it means you’ll be able to transition easily between indoors and outdoors, and swapping the cassette isn't the easiest job to do. Double-check the cassette you have on your back wheel, count all the cogs twice and buy the same. If the cassette on your bike is 11-speed with an 11-28 ratio, you need to buy the same for your trainer. Otherwise, it simply won't work or – in the worst-case scenario, you could even damage your bike.

ROUVY tip: There is no need to focus on the weight of your cassette, so you can save some money by buying one from a cheaper groupset. E.g. If you have a Shimano Ultegra cassette, there is no difference if you buy a Shimano 105 cassette for your indoor trainer.

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2. A good quality mat is a must

To fully protect your trainer – as well as the shiny floor of your home – you do need a mat. Go for one that’s specifically designed for indoor cycling. Popular turbo trainer brands usually offer a mat to keep your floor safe from both scratches and sweat.

ROUVY tip: The bigger and the thicker, the better. You will sweat and believe it or not, small drops will go all over the place. Also if you go for a thick one, you can also use it for strength training or yoga.

3. Be careful while mounting your bike to the trainer

For some people, it's a daily routine. For others, it's a frustrating experience. You need to take down your back wheel and mount your bike to the trainer. Always make sure that you tighten the thru-axle according to the recommended tension (usually written near the bolt). Be careful and patient, you don't want to scratch your shiny frame.

ROUVY tip: Shift your gears all the way to the smallest cog on your cassette. That will help you to mount your bike much more easily and it's almost scratch free.

HOW TO CONNECT THE TRAINER

You'll need an app to connect with your trainer. Ride at home on real roads and make the most of your new trainer.

4. Pimp up your pain cave

We have published plenty of articles where we highlighted the importance of having a great environment while riding indoors. Location selection, bike fit, sensors, a fan, a towel, and earphones are all important considerations. Do you want to dig deeper? Read our 7 tips for setting up your perfect indoor cycling ride. The right set-up is crucial to enjoying your ride to the fullest.

ROUVY Tip: Your indoor trainer may look super fancy, but it's still going to be loud. Make sure you are in an area where your significant other, family or roommates can still hear themselves.

5. Calibrate your trainer

The whole set-up is done, your bike is mounted to your trainer, it looks super nice in your pain cave and now you can finally turn it on. Don't forget to calibrate your trainer as the very first thing you do. Calibration is critical for ensuring correct wattage numbers and cadence. A calibrated trainer is a happy trainer!

ROUVY tip: We recommend repeating this process every month, just to be sure you don't miss that KOM on Strava Live Segments.