[PaulieDC]

I have a more entry level bike with no through-axle, just QR (it's a Trek Marlin 7). Has anyone seen a trainer that would fit those criteria? Something simple to get some movement in the middle of the workday in my office at my company. Soon it'll be too hot for a noon ride here in Phoenix.

 

[mack_turtle]

Most trainers should fit that bike. A trainer tire on it would be a good idea.

 

[Lone Rager]

Cyclops Hammer (now H2) is a direct drive smart trainer that will take a boost 148 (and lesser) thru axle. I have one.

 

[gregnash]

If you look for trainers that take 700c tires you should be good to go. 700c is the road equivalent to 29er however they are much "smaller" tires. Best bet is that you should get a dedicated rear wheel and tire setup for the trainer to make things easy for you. Many of the trainers out there should have an adapter available to take the standard 135mm QR, but that may very per trainer.

 

[Battery]

Cyclops Hammer (now H2) is a direct drive smart trainer that will take a boost 148 (and lesser) thru axle. I have one.

+1 on this! I have the H2 but I only use my road bike on it and ride Zwift. You do need to buy a new cassette or use your own from your back wheel though.

 

[voghan]

Depending on how much you want to spend, you're covered. A wheel on trainer like the CycOps Fluid trainer would work. Just need s trainer tire. A smart trainer will allow you to take the rear wheel off and they all have adapters.

 

[Lone Rager]

A smart trainer is taken to mean one where the resistance can be computer (possibly PC/Mac, tablet, phone, Garmin Edge, etc.) controlled and the trainer is capable of measuring power. They can be wheel-on or direct drive.

Direct drive trainers are those where the trainer replaces the rear wheel. I don't know of any of this type that are not smart trainers.