LearningToCycle

I'm new to cycling this year and have obtained an old bike, which has been suitable for my slow rides throughout summer.
I would like to continue riding throughout winter but due to the weather, an indoor trainer looks the best option.

However, I don't know enough about the set ups to confirm if my bike will be compatible or not?
There are too many components and numbers for me to get my head around.

I am on an old Hybrid bike and from google, the specs are showing;

Frame

frame material Steel frame description Hybrid frame

Braking

brake caliper front Tektro Alloy V-Brake brake caliper rear Tektro Alloy V-Brake brake type V-Brakes

Drive

crank 24/34/42T pedals Resin Platform

Gearing

derailleur rear Shimano RD-TZ50 gears 18 shifter(s) Sram MRX-170

General

headset 1-1/8"x25.4x34x30xH:37.5mm rigid forks Rigid 700cx 1-1/8 inch saddle Black vinyl covered soft foam seat post Steel 350x25.1mmx1.6t safety line 80mm stem 4x150mmx2.5txEXT:90mm Barbore 25.4mm weight 15kg

Wheels

hubs Front: 3/8x36hx100x140mm Rear:3/8x36hx130x175mm rims Aluminium rims tyre size 700c x 38C tyres (front & back) Hybrid Tyres wheel size 700c


When looking at indoor trainers, it keeps talking about cassettes and quick release or thru axels.

From what I've found online, I will need a new cassette as mine isn't an 11?... however I'm not sure if it is as easy as just buying a new cassette or if I would have to change other components as well?

I don't have a quick release but I can't figure out if I have a thru axle that is compatible / what size I have?
From Google, I just keep getting images of axels with a lever on, which mine doesn't have?

For info, I was looking at something similar to the new zwift trainer coming out which says;

"Compatibility Wheel Sizes: Compatible with 650c, 700c, 24", 26", 27.5", 29", Road and MTB wheels Axles: Compatible with 130 mm and 135 mm quick release, 12x142 mm and 12x148 mm thru axles Freehub body: Hyperglide"


I have considered a wheel on trainer but my wheels are showing 700 x 38 which appears to be too thick for most trainers. I don't know how easy it would be to transfer to a thinner wheel?
would I need a new wheel or just the tyre?

Thanks in advance to any advice given to a confused new rider.

jlmonte

Ask the right question and Google will give you the answer. How to effectively and efficiently integrate your hybrid bike on to a bike trainer?

A 32mm 700c or wider hybrid tire will fit on a Wheel-on trainer. This rear wheel has a trainer compatible quick release skewers.

In general I can not put this hybrid bike on a Direct Drive trainer without a 7 speed Shimano cassette and additional research, I.e., the width/spacing of the rear dropouts, and cassette body limitations on the trainer. I believe you have a 6 cog freewheel, which is really not compatible.


Fuji Absolute hybrid with 700c wheels, 7 speed cassette (or freewheel, not sure) quick release, and tires 32mm. Wheel-on Mag-trainer, cadence sensor Bluetooth to Zwift. My outdoor at home trainer.

unterhausen

Most wheel-on trainers will take a much larger tire than 38mm. My daughter's hybrid is on a wheel-on trainer and the tire size could double, I think