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What you need to set up the Wahoo KICKR V5 (2020)

Quick answer

To ride the Wahoo KICKR V5 (2020) you need the following parts. Its cassette is already fitted (11-speed 11-28T (Shimano HG-compatible) pre-installed), so you can ride straight away if it matches your bike. The thru-axle adapters are included in the box.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to the matching part category — pick the exact size/speed for your bike. Affiliate disclosure

Your parts checklist

Cassette

Included — 11-speed 11-28T (Shimano HG-compatible) pre-installed. Only replace it if it doesn’t match your bike’s speed.

Freehub body

Ships with a Shimano/SRAM HG (HyperGlide) body fitted.

Other freehub bodies you can fit (sold separately) if your bike uses a different drivetrain:

Thru-axle adapter

Included in the box — no separate purchase.

Mounting your bike

What the Wahoo KICKR V5 (2020) actually asks of you, in order — resolved from its own spec, not a generic manual.

  1. Take the rear wheel off the bike. A direct-drive trainer replaces it entirely.
  2. Fit the end caps or thru-axle adapter for your frame. This trainer covers 130 mm quick-release, 135 mm quick-release, 12 × 142 mm thru-axle and 12 × 148 mm Boost thru-axle and ships the adapters in the box, so nothing extra to buy.
  3. The cassette is already fitted, so lower the bike on and engage the axle. Check it matches your drivetrain speed before the first ride.
  4. Spin the cranks by hand before you clip in: the chain should run quiet and straight. Noise here almost always means chainline or cassette spacing, not a faulty trainer.

Before you buy

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the trainer: typically a cassette matching your bike’s speed on the right freehub body, and a thru-axle adapter if your frame is thru-axle. The checklist above resolves exactly which of these the Wahoo KICKR V5 (2020) needs.