We wanted to keep up our fitness and health over the Canadian winter. It feels like we start over every spring with tired legs and lungs, getting into shape towards the end of the summer. We do not have many places to ride a trike here in Kimberley, British Columbia during the winter. The groomed trails are too narrow and riding on the road in the winter is just not that enjoyable for us. So we started looking into trainers for our trikes.
We both have a Rohloff IGH (Internal Geared Hub), and weighed the options of a tire-on trainer like SportCrafters Overdrive trainer, a trike specific trainer, or a direct drive smart trainer from Wahoo or Garmin. Laid back bike report has a short video experience with a top of the line Wahoo Kickr Move trainer and the smart Wahoo Kickr rollr trainer. View it here. They are both a much larger investment compared to the SportCrafter trainer, but offer more options as well.
We did not want to buy, and set up a new shifting system, as the Rohloff shifting system is not compatible with direct drive trainers. We were leaning towards a tire-on trainer at the start. After researching the pros and cons of each type of trainer, and an in depth chat at our local bike shop, we narrowed our choices to either the basic SportCrafter roller, or the new direct drive Wahoo Kickr Core 2, a simpler form of the Kickr Move model.


A Trike specific trainer?
The SportCrafter trike specific trainer can work with any trike. They have setups for 2 wheel drive, delta, and tadpole trikes. The setup is super easy as you just have to set the drive wheel/wheels on the roller, set the brakes and pedal away. The major downside of the SportCrafter trainer, for us, was that it is not capable of connecting to riding apps like Rouvy/Zwift, or our smartwatch. We like to track our riding efforts and already own a Garmin Fenix 7 smartwatch.
Direct drive trainers like the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 will work with most tadpole trikes, or recumbent bikes. With a direct drive trainer, you remove the drive wheel and place the trainer in the drop outs. If you have a derailleur shifting system this process is rather easy. You can order the trainer with the same cassette you currently have, and shifting will feel the same. Direct drive trainers give the most realistic ride feel, and more consistent power resistance as there is no chance of tire slippage.
We chose to go with the Wahoo Kickr Core 2, an entry level direct drive smart trainer. While it was more expensive than the SportCrafter trainer, it was less expensive than the Wahoo Kickr Roller, and still offered the full suite of smart trainer options.

Issues converting from a Rohloff to Zwift cog
We have a Rohloff IGH, so our setup was a little different. There was an interesting option called the Zwift cog and click system offered as an option with Wahoo direct drive trainers. I thought it would be an easy setup. The Zwift cog can index (move in and out) to achieve the proper chainline. Unfortunately the way the Zwift cog attaches to the trainer, even with the indexing set to the furthest click out, we could not get a proper chainline with our rohloff tensioner. We took a chance with the Cog and click system as it allows 24 virtual gears in apps like Rouvy and Zwift, promising a very similar feel to Rohloff shifting.
We overcame this issue with an older derailleur we had sitting around. Then cut an old shifter cable a few inches/centimeters long, keeping the shifter end of the cable and routing it just like you would do for an emergency repair (see picture below). The derailleur could then be manually set so the correct chain line could be achieved with the Zwift cog. After this, the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 was easy to set up on our smartphone and connect to our Garmin Fenix 7 series smartwatches.



I think the tensioner would have worked if we would have gone with a cassette option on the kickr core 2, using the gear on the cassette that best lined up with the tensioner. This would eliminate the derailleur work around. The Zwift cog and click system is available separately and does not require the cog part to function as a shifter in riding apps. This is only an issue when you have an Internal gear hub on your recumbent.
Surprising bonuses of the Smart trainers
We did not know much about ERG mode in smart trainers before trying the Wahoo trainer. It was a major selling point when talking to our local bike shop. Basically it keeps you at a power setting regardless of what gear ratio you are in or how fast you spin the pedals. It works very well when set up with an app like Garmin connect, Rouvy or Zwift.
Where ERG mode really shines, for us, is when you set the trainer to a comfortable power level. It is then easy to watch TV/movies and spin away. We both really like this setting when doing rides with Garmin connect where the Zwift click shifter does not currently work. Think of it like riding a flat road for as long as you want at the same perceived effort. Easy to keep the heart rate at a reasonable level for longer periods.
Integration with Garmin ecosystem
Another bonus, if you have a Garmin smartwatch that can connect with a smart trainer, is Garmin connect workouts. You can set up any training goals and Garmin will develop a training plan that will use all your data the watch captures for free. If you have a bad sleep or get sick it will adjust your training plan as needed. We find this very helpful to keep us motivated.
You can also virtually ride any routes you have saved to Garmin connect. I have done a couple routes from the AZUB 25th anniversary rides and it mimics real world efforts very well. Just remember if you go with the Zwift cog and click system the virtual shifting is not compatible with Garmin connect at this time. It will feel like you are riding a single speed set up, and those Czech hills seemed extra tough on the trainer! If you already have derailleur shifting, a Garmin watch or Garmin Edge connected with the Wahoo kickr core 2 would be a great combination. No extra monthly subscriptions needed.


Zwift Click and virtual riding apps
The Zwift click system works great when paired with a compatible app, and makes shifting feel like you are using an Internal Gear Hub with 24 virtual gears, exactly what we were looking for. The video game feel of these apps is engaging and fun. The riding experience was better than expected for both of us. Rouvy is actual real world video of routes, while Zwift is animated more like a video game. Zwift is also a little more geared towards road racing type riding than Rouvy is.


These apps make indoor riding more engaging and give you more incentive to ride longer or more intensely. The riding apps definitely feel more like real world riding than setting a constant power level and spinning away. The apps do come at a monthly subscription cost. However most have a free trial period so you can see if it is worth the investment. With Rouvy you can make your own route with video and data you upload from an actual real world ride you have completed. We have not done this yet but Rouvy gives you an outline on the whole process on their website. That is definitely a neat option.
Final thoughts
Overall my wife and I are very happy with the Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog and Click. It took a little extra to set up, considering we have a Rohloff IGH. Totally worth it once connected to our Garmin smartwatch system or an app like Zwift or Rouvy. When set up on the full suspension AZUB Ti-Fly X, it feels very similar to riding on a well maintained road.
The virtual shifting when paired with a compatible app works amazingly. A very similar feel to an Internal Geared Hub experience. Using the ERG mode to set a consistent power output is great when watching a movie, no need to worry about shifting. Exercise and entertainment all at once. Myra and I look forward to riding this Spring with powerful legs and lungs.

Pros and Cons of each system
Pros of the smart direct drive trainer
ERG power mode
Holds the rear of the trike/bike secure for constant power transfer and ride feel
Links with most smart watches or bike computers and training apps like Rouvy, Zwift, Training peaks Etc
Cons of the smart direct drive trainer
Much more expensive than a basic roller style trainer
Initial setup can be challenging when your recumbent uses an Internal Gear Hub like a Rohloff
Needs a power outlet
Pros of a basic wheel on trainer
Simple easy setup
No power outlet needed, trainer can be placed anywhere
No changes to trike needed regardless of gearing used
Less investment to setup for indoor cycling
Cons of a basic wheel on trainer
No power meter
Not able to connect to virtual riding apps or smartwatches
Needs a slick or smooth grippy tire for better ride feel and power transfer



