How to Put a Mountain Bike on a Trainer - Wahoo Kickr Core Set Up

In this video I'm partnering with CompetitiveCyclist bit.ly/3eQ4t2D to help you choose a bike trainer that will fit YOUR mountain bike and your needs. Don't get overwhelmed, let me help! I'll also walk you through the set up for my new Wahoo Kickr Core smart trainer. Use Code DUSTYBETTY15 for 15% off your first order (exclusions apply.) Winter is coming--be prepared with the right gear and apparel so you can stay active through it all.
Featured Products and more of my favorites:
Wahoo Kickr Core Smart Trainer: bit.ly/3EmpVJE
Sram NX 12 Speed Cassette: bit.ly/3vP6fLr
Wahoo Speed and Cadence Sensors: bit.ly/3bjT1wN
Evoc Multi Frame Bag: bit.ly/3jc5tAu
Lazer Jackal: bit.ly/3x1cUl1
Julbo Fury: bit.ly/2BkGmeV
Ergon SM Women's Saddle: bit.ly/2Rjqm0Y
Thank you Partons for making all of this possible! Join my team of Patrons here / dustybetty
Support the Companies that support Dusty Betty!
Ibis Cycles: bit.ly/3b8pvHO
Lazer Helmets: bit.ly/2ZM0WOy
Tailwind Nutrition: bit.ly/3die3Lp
Julbo Eyewear: bit.ly/35xzCVJ
Orange Seal: bit.ly/35QLPVp
Here are more of my favorite products. Thanks for using my partner links when you purchase biking related items--every little bit helps make videos possible!
Zoic Essential Liner: bit.ly/3jvWo6L
CR Ventura: bit.ly/2OM8WJ7
Zoic Navaeh Camo Short: bit.ly/2BpObjy
CR Ida: bit.ly/3fQfZfD
CR Deer Abby: bit.ly/2Crr3li
FlyFlow Jessi: bit.ly/3fRqaka
RC Livewire: bit.ly/3hqkPRq
RC Hellion: bit.ly/3hthjpr
RC Traverse: bit.ly/2CAXWf8
Julbo Aerolite: bit.ly/30vogzk
Julbo Fury: bit.ly/2BkGmeV
Endura Humvee Glove Women's: bit.ly/30yHUdU
Lazer Impala Mips Helmet: bit.ly/2ZM0WOy
IXS Flow Evo Plus knee Pad bit.ly/2XBGZIU
One UP Carbon Bars:bit.ly/3h3GMpw
K-Edge Mount: bit.ly/34aWNGD
Muc Off Dry Lube: bit.ly/3ay43O3
Feedback Sports Rak XL: Temporarily Out of Stock
Topeak TorqBar: bit.ly/3hbMDt8
Looking for more bikepacking and cycling equipment? Browse these Dusty Betty partner links:
Backcountry bit.ly/3dsnCcv
Competitive Cyclist bit.ly/3eQ4t2D
Follow Dusty Betty on Instagram: / dustybettymtb

[@chrishorbatt3504]

I've been reading others comments and many mentioned the mental health aspect. I feel embarrassed that I didn't acknowledge that aspect of your video. I deal with depression issues but would never have the courage to put it in a video like you did. My inner voice would beat me up if I ever said publically I have depression. I have nothing but respect for the way you handled this subject.

[@Stammers1895]

Seen so many videos about these, not one person mentioned the grooves on the cassette. Thank you!!!

[@benc.8103]

Thank you for being so open and honest. Please keep giving great content.

[@taim9736]

Thank you for taking about mental health openly. Just bought me a trainer. I feel bad cuz I've been giving my friends crap for using theirs, but someone chatted with me about the fact that by not riding through muck and mud that I'll probably pay for my trainer in not having to replace parts as quickly as they wear out. It's also a good motivator to keep in shape this winter while it rains cats and dogs. Great vid.

[@dustybettymtb]

Such a good point!

[@benbreach]

@@dustybettymtb thank you for this great video , you also answered my only question which was csn you run 12spd SRAM on the Wahoo. And it looks like you can which is great as my Yeti SB100 in runing SRAM . Great to see you tackling the indoor training as it's a great way to stay fit and healthy both physically and mentally 👍 Stay safe 🙏

[@jackorton1101]

this cleared up close to all my questions and concerns. very helpful not screwing up part orders

[@getoutdoors2693]

Hi Dusty, you hit the nail on the head about exercise and depression

[@LestadMID]

Thank youuuuu !!! Awesome video, is exactly what I was looking for, your tip about getting the SRAM NX 12 is exactly what I needed, I have a scott spark 970 and sometimes I would like to train indoor and I've been looking for trainer for those days when I don't have enough time to get outside. Awesome video !

[@bostondonmtb]

Tess, Great job on the video. Very concise instruction and the tip about the NX cassette will be helpful for others that didn't know about it. You are right, we don't really talk about mental health. I have been off my bike for a long time, it is actually embarrassing how long it has been. I am so out of shape and I beat myself up about it. Then didn't ride outside or inside. So tonight I went and got out my Wahoo Kickr so I can set it up. I will be riding soon once I can get my Bluetooth connect again. Thanks for the video, and keep smiling. I will have to reach out to you sometime about being on my show where I interview Pro's and Joe's about their love of the sport. All the best, BostonDon

[@GainesvilleFirearms]

The freehub on the KICKR Core is an 11-speed Shimano HG freehub, so you have to use a 1.85mm spacer (which is included with the KICKR Core) if you're going to use the NX cassette (since it's meant to fit an 8/9/10 HG freehub). If you're having issues with the chain dropping off the smallest cog, add the spacer before the cassette and it'll work as expected.

[@bostondonmtb]

This is great info. I have been having trouble with chain line. I had a 10 speed cassette and moved up to 12 speed Sram XO set up. So I got the NX Cassette for the HG freehub. I didn't realize about the spacer. I will have to go find the spacer in my box and put it on. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere that it needed to be done when converting. Thank you. BostonDon

[@GainesvilleFirearms]

@@bostondonmtb I believe the manual says to use the spacer if you’re using an 8/9/10 speed cassette, and since the NX cassette is meant for an 8/9/10 speed freehub you have to use the spacer. It’s a bit of an oddball since (I think) it’s the only 12 speed cassette that fits the HG freehub. If you can’t find the spacer it came with, any 1.85mm HG spacer from your LBS will do.

[@googanelli]

Glad I found this. I had mine setup without that spacer and it wouldn’t shift into the 50t cog. I ran back down and redid the cassette with the spacer and it worked. I was trying to decide if I was going to spend time setting the limits for the derailleur. Just so it’s clear, if you are running the NX cassette, you will need the 1.8mm spacer BEHIND the cassette. Then Cassette. And then the adapters provided from wahoo.

[@taeekim]

The NX cassette hack. Great tip. Thanks!

[@GiovaniUrrutia]

We elevated our Kickr using 2x4's, seems to help make the bike more level, so it's not at a slight incline the whole time. Another great pro that I've loved is that we don't need to shift if we use the app, just change the wattage! This way we don't have to worry about switching between SRAM or Shimano.

[@kathardt-holoch4361]

No matter what happens on any day, a day when I ride (or do yoga) is a better day for me. It is just a necessary thing that I've had to prioritize for my health and well-being.

[@dustybettymtb]

I totally get that. Nothing can duplicate what exercise does for the brain without side effects.

[@pauls3616]

Thanks for the video. Very well done with lots of information. 👍

[@chrishorbatt3504]

Really well done video, i enjoyed it!

[@JimS870]

Thank you so much for this video. I want a Kickr Core for my Trek Domane with 11-speed 105, but I have been intimidated by putting it all together.

[@markymarkpowpow]

ride on and thanks! i just can"t seem to go the trainer route, but will do a spin class. ??? thanks for the zzzzzz video!

[@dandronemoan4041]

I do believe SRAM requires a 1.8mm spacer when installing on an 11sp HG hub.

[@DPCPhotos]

Wondering the same.

[@lindsaynohl1550]

Yeah Tess! Super helpful. Great job with the video :)

[@dustybettymtb]

Thanks, Lindsay! Hope you've got more great adventures planned for the coming year. 🤘

[@krzysztofsikorowski9770]

The store assured me that it wouldn't fit, but I decided to take a risk based on your video. Everything fits and works well! In my case I had to put the spacer under the cassette to get it in the right place. I was very suprised that the spacer is needed to 12s cassette. Can you shift to the biggest 51T cog without the spacer? I coudn't. Thanks for the video!

[@Antono8319]

Thank you for this guide!

[@ken1727]

Great video. Thanks for the tips and tricks.

[@StellaHulliet]

Hey there, just finished watching your "bike trainer" video on KZbin and I must say, it's really informative! As a fellow ebike user, I recently came across a new crowdfunding project called Freebeat Morph 2-in-1 e-Bike and it really caught my attention. The outstanding feature that stood out to me the most is the ability to charge the bike when using it indoors! That's a game-changer for convenience and sustainable energy usage. With its powerful motor, impressive torque, and puncture-resistant tires, this e-Bike seems perfect for conquering any terrain. Can't wait to see more updates on this exciting project! Keep up the great work!

[@carlosarsilva1]

Thank you for this video! It helped me a lot!

[@Chan1881]

Thank you for this super helpful video. We don’t have a lock ring tool. Is there one you’d recommend? Thanks!

[@Tomzzzzzz]

Bummer that Wahoo doesn't support Shimano MTB 12 speed microspline, but nice that there's a workaround. Do you know if the Shimano 12 spd MTB chain is compatible with the NX cassette?

[@scottmajor9214]

Well done, thank you.

[@polluxtroy2010]

Very useful!, thanks for the video, 5:55 , what’s the tool that you’ve used? Sorry for the newbie question :-)

[@grammyonthetrail]

I've just started to look for a trainer. Thanks for all the good information. I would be interested in virtual group rides over the winter.

[@persistentconsistency]

I really appreciate this video. I almost bought a Kickr Core last year around this time, but decided I'd just hop on my treadmill instead. It worked for a bit, but treadmills are not as engaging as running outdoors. I think a trainer to go along with the treadmill will offer enough variety to get me through the windy and rainy season with less boredom. I think I was gonna go Sunrise 10-51 last year to try and keep the largest cog the same as standard Shimano 12s cassettes, but the NX is definitely the general go-to for this sort of setup. Thanks of the video! You and Steve are awesome!

[@Alioopsist]

Didn't you had to change the freehub to xd/xdr? Or it came with one

[@noet5329]

I put my mountain bike on the Wahoo Kickr but can't get enough resistance on the flats to keep up with everyone. I just spin really fast and not much movement on flats.

[@dustybettymtb]

That's interesting. I haven't had that problem.

[@noet5329]

@@dustybettymtb talked to a bike shop. They said I need a bigger chain ring.

[@thehigsy]

@@noet5329 I have the exact issue, I top out at 32 km/h and run out of gear and get passed alot on the flats. Did you end up changing the chainring ? What was recommended ?

[@manuelpitamacias1066]

Hello, let's see if you can help me, I found your video by chance, if I have understood correctly, do you put a Sram 12v nx cassette in it without having to change the xd or xdr core? I have a trek procaliber with a boost axle, and I want Know, if I put a 12v nx cassette I don't have to change the core that comes from the factory? Can I ride with it? Thank you very much

[@manuelpitamacias1066]

By the way, the cassette you use is the nx 12 speed 11-50, because on my bike I have the 12 speed Sram but the 10-52 and that is why my question is if it is compatible and if not I will have problems because that cassette has other teeth

[@viliamminarik6568]

hello, can i run nx cassete on shimano groupset ? slx delaiurer cranks chain

[@harryking8498]

You may have figured out this by now, but I converted an oddball kid's bike from a 2X to a 1X using exactly that mixture of SLX derailleur and crank wiht an NX cassette.

[@razmtb5028]

awesome thanks

[@gerard0818]

Did you re-used your old thru axle in your mtb?

[@kylemyles2965]

Did you have to use a spacer between the body and cassette?

[@dustybettymtb]

There's a spacer for mountain bikes on the side opposite the cassette. It's just to help with axle spacing.

[@StellasVegetablegardens]

thank you

[@brunogomes9902]

thank you so much!!!!

[@sergiobrockmann3116]

Loved the video! Do you think it's possible to use the trainer with a road bike cassete?

[@hectoromarmartinezbarreras815]

Did you experience any issues with the adapter "D"?, the one that let you choose from 142 or 148 mm. I'm having problems with it because it seems that it falls apart from the trainer due to it weight's distribution...

[@SmokeytheBeer]

I really appreciate you talking about mental health. It's not something that we talk about enough. Also thanks for the video! I was wondering if I could fit an eagle cassette on a Wahoo. Also, those NX cassettes are a great deal (although they only have an 11 smallest sprocket- but perfect for a smart trainer).

[@dustybettymtb]

Thanks, so many of us are struggling and feel isolated by mental health struggles. I hope it helps people realize it's ok to talk about it.

[@__marshie]

Do you need the speed and cadence sensor with this unit?

[@drivingwhilegrey1254]

no

[@dustybettymtb]

They're built into this trainer.

[@drivingwhilegrey1254]

Hey betty...who makes the shimano 12 speed micro spline hub?

[@bytorz]

Do you use this set up on Zwift?

[@dustybettymtb]

Yes, I've been using Zwift. I really like it.

[@bytorz]

@@dustybettymtb Do you ever experience spinning out on the flats when using a MTB on Zwift?

[@jasonlemon7362]

I’d love to know as well. I put a bigger front sprocket on mine and I still spin out

[@thehigsy]

@@jasonlemon7362 did u fix this ? I run out of gear at 32 km/h

[@jasonlemon7362]

@@thehigsy I put a bigger gear on the front of my MTB. Helped but didn’t fix it. Ended up buying a used motobecane road bike for $200

[@streetbeast7078]

Riding my bike makes my thoughts and problems disappear

[@dustybettymtb]

Totally, you can't duplicate what exercise does to the brain without side effects. It's kind of a miracle "drug."

[@streetbeast7078]

@@dustybettymtb yeah it’s so crazy that when you are out there you don’t think about anything because you’re so focused on what you love it’s like going back to when you were a kid riding around in your back yard