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Controlling a Smart Trainer With a Garmin Device

Some Garmin devices can connect to indoor smart trainers to simulate your favorite courses, activities, or workouts using the resistance of the trainer.

What Smart Trainers Are Controllable With My Garmin Fitness Device?

Any smart trainer with an ANT+ FE-C protocol may be controlled with a compatible Garmin device.

NOTE: Trainers may also be paired as sensors to simply relay specific performance data such as speed, power, and cadence. Refer to Wireless Connection Options for Tacx Smart Trainers for more information.

What Kind of Control Do I Have When Paired With a Smart Trainer?

NOTE: Options may vary by model. Refer to your owners manual for specific smart trainer options. 

  • Follow Activity: Repeat an activity that the device previously recorded.

  • Follow Course: Used when following a course that is downloaded to the device. The trainer's resistance will change to match the course's elevation changes.

  • Free Ride: Device is connected to the trainer and records trainer metrics. Used when not doing a specific workout or course.

  • Follow Workout: Used when following a downloaded workout that includes specific workout targets.

  • Set Power: Sets the trainer to a specific wattage and holds that value for the entire activity.

  • Set Grade: Sets the trainer to a specific grade and holds that value for the entire activity.

  • Set Resistance: Sets the trainer's resistance to a specific value between 1-100%. Resistance is set in 10% increments.

What Garmin Devices Can Control a Smart Trainer?

Garmin offers a number of different models that can connect to a smart trainer. Choose an option below to learn more.

Compatible Garmin Edge® Cycling Computer Information

Mid to high range models like those in the following list will pair with a smart trainer.

  • Edge® 130 Plus

  • Edge® 520 | Edge® 520 Plus

  • Edge 530®

  • Edge® 540 | Edge® 540 Solar

  • Edge® 820

  • Edge® 830

  • Edge® 840 | Edge® 840 Solar

  • Edge® 1000

  • Edge® 1030 | Edge® 1030 Plus

  • Edge® 1040 | Edge® 1040 Solar

  • Edge® 1050

  • Edge® Explore 2

What Kind of Control Do I Have When My Edge Is Paired With a Smart Trainer?

Data display, controlling the trainer, and automatic resistance adjustments when following a course are a few features you will see when using a compatible Edge with a smart trainer.

Example of What You Will See When Using the Edge 520.

Compatible Garmin Watch Information

The following watches will provide options to connect with a smart trainer as described above.

  • D2™ Mach 1 | D2™ Mach 1 Pro

  • Descent™ G1 | Descent™ G1 Solar | Descent™ G1 Solar - Ocean Edition

  • Descent™ G2

  • Descent™ Mk2 | Descent™ Mk2i | Descent™ Mk2S

  • Descent™ Mk3 | Descent™ Mk3i

  • Enduro™ | Enduro™ 2 | Enduro™ 3

  • epix™ (Gen 2) | epix™ (Gen 2) Sapphire | epix™ (Gen 2) Porsche Edition 

  • epix™ Pro (Gen 2) - Standard Edition | epix™ Pro (Gen 2) - Sapphire Edition

  • Forerunner® 255 | Forerunner® 255S | Forerunner® 255 Music | Forerunner® 255S Music

  • Forerunner® 265 | Forerunner® 265S

  • Forerunner® 570

  • Forerunner® 745

  • Forerunner® 945 | Forerunner® 945 LTE (minimum software version 5.00)

  • Forerunner® 955 | Forerunner® 955 Solar

  • Forerunner® 965

  • Forerunner® 970

  • fēnix® 6 - Standard Edition | fēnix® 6 - Solar Edition | fēnix® 6 - Pro and Sapphire Editions | fēnix® 6 - Pro Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 6S - Standard Edition | fēnix® 6S - Solar Edition | fēnix® 6S - Pro and Sapphire Editions | fēnix® 6S - Pro Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 6X - Pro and Sapphire Editions | fēnix® 6X - Pro Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7 - Standard Edition | fēnix® 7 - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7 - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7S - Standard Edition | fēnix® 7S - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7S - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7X - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7X - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7 Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7 Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7S Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7S Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 7X Pro - Solar Edition | fēnix® 7X Pro - Sapphire Solar Edition

  • fēnix® 8 - AMOLED Edition | fēnix® 8 - Solar Edition

  • fēnix® E

  • Instinct® 2 - Standard Edition | Instinct® 2 - Camo Edition | Instinct® 2 - Surf Edition | Instinct® 2 - dēzl Edition

  • Instinct® 2S - Standard Edition | Instinct® 2S - Camo Edition | Instinct® 2S - Surf Edition

  • Instinct® 2 Solar | Instinct® 2 Solar - Tactical Edition | Instinct® 2 Solar - Surf Edition

  • Instinct® 2S Solar | Instinct® 2S Solar - Surf Edition

  • Instinct® 2X Solar | Instinct® 2X Solar - Tactical Edition

  • Instinct® 3 - AMOLED | Instinct® 3 - Solar

  • Instinct® 3 Tactical Edition - AMOLED | Instinct® 3 Tactical Edition - Solar

  • Instinct® Crossover - Standard Edition | Instinct® Crossover Solar | Instinct® Crossover Solar - Tactical Edition

  • MARQ® Adventurer | MARQ® Athlete | MARQ® Aviator | MARQ® Captain | MARQ® Commander | MARQ® Driver | MARQ® Expedition | MARQ® Golfer

  • MARQ® Adventurer (Gen 2) | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) | MARQ® Aviator (Gen 2) | MARQ® Captain (Gen 2) | MARQ® Golfer (Gen 2)

  • MARQ® Adventurer (Gen 2) - Damascus Steel Edition | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition | MARQ® Athlete (Gen 2) - Performance Edition | MARQ® Commander (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition | MARQ® Golfer (Gen 2) - Carbon Edition

  • tactix® 7 - AMOLED Edition | tactix® 7 - Standard Edition | tactix® 7 - Pro Edition | tactix® 7 - Pro Ballistics Edition

  • tactix® 8 - AMOLED | tactix® 8 - Solar

  • tactix® Delta - Sapphire Edition | tactix® Delta - Solar Edition | tactix® Delta - Solar Edition with Ballistics

  • Venu® 3 | Venu® 3S

How Do I Connect My Smart Trainer With My Watch or Edge Cycling Computer?

The steps to control a smart trainer with a compatible Garmin device vary by model. Refer to your owner's manual for specific steps.

What is The Wheel Size Setting On My Smart Trainer?

Garmin devices will allow you to also set the virtual wheel size of some trainers in the sensor details. Refer to Tire and Wheel Size Information to use the correct size for the bike you have mounted. 

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