Can You Use a 12-Speed Bike on an 11-Speed Trainer?

Question

Can a 12-speed access bike be fitted on an 11-speed cassette trainer wihtout any problems arising?

Answer 1

Because there is a possibility to set up an 11-speed trainer with a 12-speed access bike, it should not be done as manufacturers such as Shimano and SRAM discourage it and so do experts in the field. This will lead to incompatibility as 12-speed chain will create stress on the 11-speed cassette and is not a wise combination anyway. However, some users may use this method for a temporary fix to avoid switching several bikes when using a single trainer.

Comments

I recently learned the 11Speed cassette is 0.2mm wider. I have done the same thing on my trainer too a few times, but kept on erg mode. Yes you’re right on different rollers also.

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Sweet! Looks like it works just fine.

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Looked like it shifted ok, just the smaller cog sounded like it was notchy

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This is the exact same reason why I wanted to check this! Thanks for the content! Just a question, if the bike is 11-30 and my cassette on the direct trainer is 11-32. DO i need to do anything extra or can I just use put the bike on as is? (new cyclist)

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Is it possible to use 12 speed shimano cassette (with my current shimano hub on wahoo) and have it all work with sram axs 12 speed etap? I don’t want to buy a new hub. I tried your 11 speed method, but my chain would fall off when I go to the smallest cog and try to shift again, as if it kept looking for another cog that didn’t exist.

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Tried this with my eagle axs and the chain flopped over the lowest gear on the kickr

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Will the chain drop if you accidentally clicked 1 more ?