Select your product to confirm this information applies to you

Setting up a Flow Smart Trainer

This FAQ will cover the installation process for setting up your Tacx® Flow Smart trainer, including compatibility questions regarding axles and bicycles. 

WARNING: Always follow the manual instructions to ensure that the rear axle of your bicycle is properly affixed to the trainer and that your bicycle frame is not touching the trainer housing. Failure to properly attach the bicycle to the trainer may lead to property damage or personal injury. Garmin is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury due to incorrect mounting of your bicycle to the trainer.

Out of Box and Installation

The following video will show you the unboxing process, trainer setup, and bike installation (with quick release).

Flow Smart Setup:

Axle Compatibility

Garmin Tacx smart trainers only support 10mm and 12mm axles. The Flow Smart will come with a standard universal quick release axle skewer. This skewer will work with most bikes that feature a quick release skewer. 

tacx quick release axle skewer

Universal Axle Skewer

Some bikes (especially mountain bikes) instead use a thru-axle. Thru-axles thread directly into the bike's frame in order to hold the rear wheel in place. If you have a bike that features a thru-axle, you will need to purchase a separate thru-axle for use with the Tacx Flow.


Five Tacx thru axles 

Tacx Thru-Axles (sold separately)

What Size Thru-Axles Are Available For Purchase?

 You can purchase thru-axle adapters in the following sizes from Garmin.com. We have included general information below about the different axle sizes:

  • M10x1 metric fine thread (T1706)

    • Suitable for bikes with a 135 × 10 mm thru-axle (various DT Swiss and Shimano types).

  • M12x1 metric fine thread (T1707)

    • Suitable for bikes with a 142 × 12 mm thru axle (various DT Swiss and Shimano types). Thread pitch of 1mm.

  • M12x1.75 standard threaded cartridge (T1708)

    • Suitable for bikes with a Maxle 135 × 12, 142 × 12, or 150 × 12 mm thru-axle. Thread pitch of 1.75mm.

    • Suitable for bikes with a Trek ABP 142 × 12 thru-axle. Thread pitch of 1.75mm.

  • X-12 (>142 mm) (T1709)

    • Suitable for bikes with a 142 (or greater) × 12 mm Syntace x-12 thru-axle.

  • M12x1.5 medium thread (T1710)

    • Suitable for bikes with a 142 × 12 mm thru axle including Shimano SM-AX65, SM-AX75, SM-AX76 and SM-AX78. Thread pitch of 1.5mm.

  • M12x1 metric fine thread (T1711)

    • Suitable for bikes with a 142 × 12 mm: DT Swiss RWS axle skewer (conical and flat), Syntace X-12 system (Specialized) and various Shimano types. Thread pitch of 1mm.

For detailed dimension information on the above thru-axles see: Dimensions of Tacx Trainer Axles.

How Do I Know Which Axle I Have?

Generally, the size will be stamped on the axle itself. If you are unsure of the size, consult the bike manufacturer or the place the bike was purchased from.

Related

Contact Us for More Help