I’ve been wondering how often everyone checks their indoor trainer setup. I usually just get on and ride, but I recently started thinking about things like tire pressure, bike position, connections, and whether everything is still working as it should. Do you guys have a regular setup or maintenance routine, or do you only check things when something starts acting up?
When I had a Kickr Snap smart wheel on trainer I was religious with my pre-ride routine. I’d start by inflating the tire to the precise pressure each time and checked with a digital gauge. Then I’d tighten the knob down the exact same number of rotations. Then I’d ride an easy 10 minute warmup. Then I’d do a spin down calibration of the trainer. I found by doing that, I’d get within less than a handful of watts between my power meter and the trainer.
Moving to a wheel off trainer Kickr ‘18, I still calibrate the trainer every couple of weeks (the newer ones don’t need this)
Every couple of years I take the bike off and bring it to the nearby bike shop for a tune. They usually have to replace the chain. Once in a blue moon I do a wipe and lube. In other words, I don’t do much!
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I have a KICKR ROLLR and a KICKR Bike.
ROLLR gets a tire pressure check before every use. I track maintenance on the bike with the Probikegarage app, which I use for tracking chain maintenance, charging pedals, speed sensor battery, etc.
Kickr bike I don’t have to do anything. Hit the unlock button and start pedaling.
Thanks for the replies. I’m definitely more of a just get on and ridecperson, so this thread has given me a few things to think about. I probably should start checking the tire pressure and connections more regularly, and maybe calibrate the trainer once in a while instead of waiting until I notice something is off.
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And, if you’re a very heavy sweater, you’ll want to check under your bar tape. It’s not uncommon for the bars to get rusted out from corrosion.
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When I had a wheel-on mag trainer I checked my tires pressure before almost every ride. And because i was doing triathlon at the time I brought my bike in to my local bike shop every year for maintenance.
After I got my Kickr Core I would check my front tire every week and lube my chain about once every couple weeks and do a calibration spindown every month or two. And with the beginning of covid I wasn’t riding outside anymore so I started doing my own bike maintenance when I remembered or there was a squeak or my chain began dropping a lot.
Once I got my Kickr Move and then a Climb I didn’t have to check my tire pressure anymore or do a spindown. Now I lube the chain once every month or two (or when I remember) and take my chain and all my gears off to fully soak and clean them once a year - tho I’m a year overdue.
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The pressure being less of course, when riding “On Location: Lake Chira” with Mike Cotty, since it’s a gravel ride!
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BRB gonna switch to knobbies for that trainer ride
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I’ve found that keeping a simple routine makes a big difference. I usually check tire pressure before rides with a wheel-on trainer, keep the chain lubed, and give the drivetrain a proper clean every so often. With a direct-drive trainer like the Wahoo KICKR CORE, there’s less to worry about, but I still think regular maintenance is worth doing.
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This is pretty much how I approach it too. I like keeping the routine simple rather than waiting until something starts making noise or affecting the ride. The difference with a direct-drive trainer like the KICKR CORE is nice since there’s no tire pressure or roller adjustment to worry about. Regular chain and drivetrain maintenance seems to be the main thing worth staying on top of.
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