# Mounting Your Bike on the Zwift Cog

> Follow the steps below to mount your bike on the Zwift Cog depending if your bike has a quick release or thru axle...

Source: https://support.zwift.com/en_us/mounting-your-bike-on-the-zwift-cog-rJPBU1D5a

Last updated: 2026-01-14T19:12:57.892Z

# Mounting Your Bike On the Zwift Cog

Follow the steps below to mount your bike on the Zwift Cog depending if your bike has a [quick release](#Quick_Release) or [thru axle](#Thru_Axle).

## Quick Release

Follow these steps if your bike has a quick release:

1.  Shift your bike's gears so the chain is on the smallest chain ring on the front and one of the middle cogs at the back.
    
2.  Pull the derailleur away from the bike at the same time as you lower your bike towards the trainer.
    
3.  Align the chain with the Zwift Cog and position the rear dropouts of your bike onto the quick release skewer.
    
    Check that your rear dropouts are properly seated on the quick release skewer.
    
4.  Tighten the nut on the quick release skewer and when nearly tight, pull up the quick release lever to lock in place.
    
    You'll know it's tight enough if the handle leaves a small imprint in the palm of your hand.
    
    ![Tighten the Quick Release Skewer](https://zwiftdmz-marcom-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/support/EN/Hardware/Resources/Images/Tighten%20Quick%20Release%20Cog.png "Tighten the Quick Release Skewer")
    
5.  Check your bike feels secure on the trainer.
    
    Do not get on your bike if the bike does not feel secure on the trainer.
    
6.  Check your chain is aligned vertically with the Zwift Cog.
    
    Check out our article for info on [adjusting the Zwift Cog Sprocket](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/adjusting-your-zwift-cog-sprocket-BJxSF4VrZe).
    
7.  Once you're all set, check out our articles for info on [installing the Zwift Click](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/installing-your-zwift-click-H1pXM6Zp) or [connecting to Zwift](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/connecting-your-zwift-hub-to-zwift-Sy8YsKqys).
    

## Thru Axle

Follow these steps if your bike has a thru axle:

1.  Shift your bike's gears so the chain is on the smallest chain ring on the front and one of the middle cogs at the back.
    
2.  Pull the derailleur away from the bike at the same time as you lower your bike towards the trainer.
    
3.  Align the chain with the Zwift Cog and position the rear dropouts of your bike onto the adapters.
    
    Check that your rear dropouts are properly seated on the adapters.
    
4.  Insert the thru axle from your bike from the non-drive side through the cassette on the trainer.
    
5.  Use an Allen key to tighten the thru axle to the manufacturer's specifications.
    
    ![Insert and tighten the thru axle](https://zwiftdmz-marcom-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/support/EN/Hardware/Resources/Images/Tighten%20Thru%20Axle%20Cog.png "Insert and Tighten Thru Axle")
    
6.  Check your bike feels secure on the trainer.
    
    Do not mount the bike if the bike does not feel secure on the trainer.
    
7.  Check your chain is aligned vertically with the Zwift Cog.
    
    Check out our article for info on [adjusting the Zwift Cog Sprocket](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/adjusting-your-zwift-cog-sprocket-BJxSF4VrZe).
    
8.  Once you're all set, check out our articles for info on [installing the Zwift Click](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/installing-your-zwift-click-H1pXM6Zp) or [connecting to Zwift](https://support.zwift.com/en_us/connecting-your-zwift-hub-to-zwift-Sy8YsKqys).
    

Ride On.

\-The Team at Zwift