Setting up your smart trainer properly: the ultimate guide for KOMRIDER

Getting started with indoor cycling on a smart trainer can feel technical at first. What equipment do you need? How does the app find your trainer? And how do you create the best ride feel?

This guide walks you through setting up your training space and connecting your trainer with KOMRIDER, step by step. That way you can start your first workout without avoidable setup errors.

Step 1: Choose the right hardware setup

To get the most out of KOMRIDER, you need the following setup:

  1. A smart trainer: Direct-drive trainers, where the rear wheel is removed, provide the quietest and most realistic ride feel as well as the most precise power measurement. Wheel-on trainers also work.
  2. A receiving device: KOMRIDER runs as a local desktop app, so install it on your Windows PC or Mac.
  3. Bluetooth support: Make sure your computer's Bluetooth receiver is active. If your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, an inexpensive USB Bluetooth dongle is enough.

Step 2: Connect the trainer in KOMRIDER

KOMRIDER does not require classic or complicated Bluetooth pairing through your operating system. Instead, the app scans Bluetooth devices nearby, lets you select your trainer from a list, and stores its BLE address locally. KOMRIDER then uses this address to connect to the trainer automatically and control it precisely during workouts via FTMS, for example target watts in ERG mode or gradient simulation.

You have two ways to set up the trainer connection:

Option A: During first setup in the onboarding wizard

When you start the app for the first time, the onboarding wizard guides you through setup. In the Devices step, KOMRIDER shows a Bluetooth notice. Click Scan, select your detected trainer from the list, and save it. If your trainer is not available right now, you can skip this step and choose to connect later.

Option B: Later in settings

If you have already completed onboarding or want to connect a new trainer later, you can do that in the app settings:

  1. Open Training setup in the app settings.
  2. Go to the Trainer & Bluetooth section.
  3. Click Search trainer to start the Bluetooth scan.
  4. Select your trainer from the BLE device list and click Save trainer.

Tip: Switch on your smart trainer before scanning and turn the crank briefly to wake it up. Also make sure it is not already connected to another training app, for example on your phone, because Bluetooth sensors usually allow only one active connection at a time.

Step 3: Create an optimal training environment

Because there is no cooling headwind indoors, your body sweats significantly more. Set up your training space strategically:

  • Fan: A must-have. Place it diagonally in front of you so it cools your upper body. Strong airflow can noticeably lower heart rate at the same workload.
  • Floor mat: A sweat-resistant mat protects the floor and also dampens trainer vibration.
  • Sweat guard: A towel or dedicated sweat cover between seatpost and handlebar protects the frame and headset bearings from salty sweat.
  • Hydration: Keep enough water or electrolyte drink nearby for every session.

Important note on calibration: KOMRIDER does not provide its own app step for spindowns or trainer calibration. If calibration is needed, perform it directly in the official app from your trainer manufacturer to ensure accurate power measurement.

Good luck with your first workout!

With a clean setup in place, nothing stands in the way of structured training. Once the connection is set, KOMRIDER remembers your trainer's BLE address and connects automatically the next time you train.

See you on the road!