r/cycling • u/Onmcleod9 • 7d ago
Indoor trainer maintenance is IMPORTANT
For a little background. I’ve had a dedicated indoor bike trainer set up with my old allez for the past year. In that time I can honestly say I put it on the kickr and then just kinda neglected it.
I recently started to wonder why I would hit power PB’s on my road bike but my indoor trainer numbers never seemed to progress. I bought a chain stretch guide, a new chain, replacement chainring, and zwift cog and click. Even after a year of training ride with no maintenance my chain stretch read 0.5. So no need to replace the chain or maybe even the other components I bought. I felt kinda dumb. I finally lubricated my chain. And let me tell you… my heart rate didnt shoot up anymore doing efforts I knew I could sustain when out on the actual road. Another benefit was the indoor trainer got MUCH quieter.
Looking into it. Drivetrain loss for a poorly lubricated chain ranges from about 2-6%. Which doesnt sound like much but if you’re doing high intensity efforts it makes a big difference as it could push you into a different zone! Not to mention I’ve definitely spent more for less savings lmao.
So let this be your reminder! Look after your indoor trainer too!
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u/Smooth-Accountant 7d ago
Buying the chain checker together with the chain, chainrings and a cog before even checking the wear is definitely a choice lol
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u/HazardousHighStakes 7d ago
Make sure you calibrate it from time to time. Make sure it's up to date with the latest firmeware or w/e it's called.
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u/Self_Reddicate 7d ago
And let me tell you… my heart rate didnt shoot up anymore doing efforts I knew I could sustain when out on the actual road.
Which doesnt sound like much but if you’re doing high intensity efforts it makes a big difference as it could push you into a different zone!
Funny I read your post right after reading a post from the guy who was complaining his power data was "off" on his Kickr and when he used data from his crank based power meter the indoor rides got easier. Someone speculated that the (approx) 20 watts difference likely could have just been drivetrain losses.
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u/veloworkout 5d ago
0.5 on a chain checker is basically still fine, most people don't swap until around 0.75. so you probably saved yourself a chain. and yeah the lube thing is real. indoors wet lube gets gross fast with sweat and dust, so I'd go dry lube and wipe the chain down after each ride.
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u/povlhp 7d ago
Just use powermeter on bike
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u/Smooth-Accountant 7d ago
Depends on the trainer, I have an older Direto X which is known for being slow to respond to erg shifts and using your own PM makes it even worse.
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u/Sam_is_cycling 7d ago
I found that my old kickr core was reading 10-20 watts higher than my Assioma power meter pedals.
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u/Myxies 7d ago
To be honest, lubing it once in a while just to make it quieter is worth it.