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Smart Trainer Compatibility Report 2026

Data last updated: 2026-06-26

We aggregated axle, freehub and cassette compatibility across 30 smart trainers from 10 brands. Here is what the data says about what actually fits — and what you still have to buy.

Quick answer

Across 30 smart trainers, 19 of the direct-drive models (70%) ship without a cassette — so for most trainers you buy one matching your bike. Thru-axle adapters are included on 93% of direct-drive trainers, and Shimano/SRAM HG is the default freehub on nearly all of them; SRAM XD/XDR, Shimano Micro Spline and Campagnolo are aftermarket swaps.

The dataset at a glance

30
trainers analysed
10
brands
27
direct-drive
19
ship without a cassette

Key findings

  • 1

    19 of 30 trainers (70% of direct-drive) ship bare — you add a cassette matching your bike’s drivetrain speed.

  • 2

    Thru-axle adapters are included in the box on 93% of direct-drive trainers, so most modern road and gravel bikes mount with no extra purchase.

  • 3

    24 of 30 trainers support 12×148 mm Boost thru-axle — MTB compatibility is now near-universal on current direct-drive models.

  • 4

    Shimano/SRAM HG (HyperGlide) is the most widely supported aftermarket freehub body (25 trainers) — relevant if you run a SRAM or 12-speed drivetrain.

Freehub body support across the market

How many of the 30 trainers can run each freehub body (with the matching driver).

Shimano/SRAM HG (HyperGlide)25 / 30
SRAM XDR Driver Body21 / 30
SRAM XD Driver Body17 / 30
Campagnolo12 / 30
Shimano Micro Spline5 / 30

Methodology

Figures are computed live from the FitMyTrainer database — 30 trainers across 10 brands, each field verified against manufacturer specs and reputable reviews (sources are listed on every trainer page). We never include hands-on claims or unverified figures; unknown values are excluded, not guessed.

Frequently asked questions

No — 19 of 30 trainers in our dataset ship without one. Direct-drive trainers are usually sold bare; you add a cassette matching your bike’s speed and freehub body. Wheel-on and virtual-shifting trainers need none.