Fenix 5x - Indoor cycling trainer and speed/distance data missing

Former Member
Former Member
I recently purchased a fenix 5x, and I have been starting to use it when I ride my indoor trainer. My understanding is that indoors, with GPS off, I should be able to get speed and distance using the power meter on my bike. That data seems to be missing on my post ride report even though the Garmin is picking up power and cadence data. I've attached screenshots from a testing ride yesterday. Thoughts? What am I missing? ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1458896.png ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1458897.png
  • The way I understand it is. You can't get speed from power or cadence data. Either your trainer will transmit speed to your Fenix 5x. Or you need a speed sensor on your wheel to transmit to the Fenix 5x.
    Power and Cadence don't show the watch the missing information which is how fast your wheel is spinning.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    That's correct. If you have a smart trainer that transmits speed data you can get that data by pairing your trainer to your watch. Otherwise you can get a speed sensor that straps onto your rear wheel hub. Your watch can then use that speed data to calculate distance.

    Keep in mind that if you use a virtual cycling platform, like Zwift or Trainroad the data from a wheel speed sensor will not match since it has no way of knowing about the virtual terrain.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Ok. Thanks. I am using a dumb trainer, and the power meter does the distance and speed from my power meter in zwift, so I figured the garmin would pick that up as well. No biggie.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    ...and now that you mention it, the past about the virtual terrain makes total sense.