Wahoo KICKR Smart Trainer

Much smoother than my previous Tacx Bushido - probably because it is a direct drive rather than a wheel on trainer - no tyre to rub. Seems to be more steady with power readings. Also can hold low cadence high power which the Bushido could not. A bit different because of the heavy real fly wheel. Bushido has a virtual one but if you stop pedalling it is all over. You can't really coast. The Kickr has more of a coasting sensation and it is easier to pick up your cadence again as the flywheel is still spinning... I do like the fact that it is powered and is much easier to connect to Zwift - the bushido needs to be pedalled to generate power. I don't like that the instructions say you should calibrate the kickr each ride after 10 minutes warm up. Pretty inconvenient if ... MoreMuch smoother than my previous Tacx Bushido - probably because it is a direct drive rather than a wheel on trainer - no tyre to rub. Seems to be more steady with power readings. Also can hold low cadence high power which the Bushido could not. A bit different because of the heavy real fly wheel. Bushido has a virtual one but if you stop pedalling it is all over. You can't really coast. The Kickr has more of a coasting sensation and it is easier to pick up your cadence again as the flywheel is still spinning... I do like the fact that it is powered and is much easier to connect to Zwift - the bushido needs to be pedalled to generate power. I don't like that the instructions say you should calibrate the kickr each ride after 10 minutes warm up. Pretty inconvenient if you are doing structured programs and I always forget.

'18 Kickr great when it works!!!

It worked amazingly at the start, syncing great to Zwift and having great feedback and resistance. Unfortunately it stopped working a month in with showing power or speed output. I spent hours researching the glitches and resolutions to it. I rebooted, updated firmware, deleted and recreated apps and syncs. Finally contacted zwift who did a fantastic job giving advice. Nothing worked. Finally called wahoo and after two minutes they identified it was an optic sensor issue. They stated this is a common issue. HOW frustrating. They told me to return to MEC and it wouldn't be an issue as it has been a common issue. WHY NOT RECALL these expensive trainers WAHOO. MEC was fantastic in replacing the trainer but of course I am not overly confident in the product itself. ... MoreIt worked amazingly at the start, syncing great to Zwift and having great feedback and resistance. Unfortunately it stopped working a month in with showing power or speed output. I spent hours researching the glitches and resolutions to it. I rebooted, updated firmware, deleted and recreated apps and syncs. Finally contacted zwift who did a fantastic job giving advice. Nothing worked. Finally called wahoo and after two minutes they identified it was an optic sensor issue. They stated this is a common issue. HOW frustrating. They told me to return to MEC and it wouldn't be an issue as it has been a common issue. WHY NOT RECALL these expensive trainers WAHOO. MEC was fantastic in replacing the trainer but of course I am not overly confident in the product itself. Buyer Beware

2 Major Issues 2 Different Units!

Hard to decide on the star rating since I LOVE the device but in the end, if it breaks that doesn't matter...Bought first in November 2018 and after about 200 miles, it stopped reporting power. I opened ticket with Wahoo and they got back to me in 1.5 days and said they would send a replacement. I was happy with response. I decided to return it instead (bought somewhere else) and buy a new one at REI since they had stock.2nd one, working great and then after 350miles, it is making a loud clunking noise just as I am 5 miles into a 65mi ride. Really?? I'm not sure what to do. It does everything I want it to while it works and very happy with it but my confidence in this lasting past warranty is almost 0 now. Have not decided if I am going to give them another try ... MoreHard to decide on the star rating since I LOVE the device but in the end, if it breaks that doesn't matter...Bought first in November 2018 and after about 200 miles, it stopped reporting power. I opened ticket with Wahoo and they got back to me in 1.5 days and said they would send a replacement. I was happy with response. I decided to return it instead (bought somewhere else) and buy a new one at REI since they had stock.2nd one, working great and then after 350miles, it is making a loud clunking noise just as I am 5 miles into a 65mi ride. Really?? I'm not sure what to do. It does everything I want it to while it works and very happy with it but my confidence in this lasting past warranty is almost 0 now. Have not decided if I am going to give them another try or not (I have not contacted them yet on this 2nd failure). I was planning on doing the Tour de zwift but now I have a broken unit and probably won't be able to get another for at least a week since out of stock and I don't think wahoo is going to respond and get me one in time (it is new years day). What a PITA!! So I now can't train for AT LEAST a week.

Best Out There

I've been Zwifting/Sufferfesting for a few years now starting on a Kirk Kenetic RR on-wheel trainer. Then moved to a Tacx Flux when it came out. It was a good improvement especially with ERG mode, which is a game changer when it comes to indoor. Now here comes the Kickr(no pun intended), another game changer! This thing is awesome! Super quiet, responsive and the feeling of it is great. I can't really explain it, but I immediately felt the difference when switching over to this, its more of a real world feel. If you are on the fence between getting a middle road trainer or a top end one like this, go with this. You will not regret it.I also bought this for the portability. This thing folds up really small. I bring it to my races for warmups or when I'm ... MoreI've been Zwifting/Sufferfesting for a few years now starting on a Kirk Kenetic RR on-wheel trainer. Then moved to a Tacx Flux when it came out. It was a good improvement especially with ERG mode, which is a game changer when it comes to indoor. Now here comes the Kickr(no pun intended), another game changer! This thing is awesome! Super quiet, responsive and the feeling of it is great. I can't really explain it, but I immediately felt the difference when switching over to this, its more of a real world feel. If you are on the fence between getting a middle road trainer or a top end one like this, go with this. You will not regret it.I also bought this for the portability. This thing folds up really small. I bring it to my races for warmups or when I'm snowboarding in mammoth and need to get my training in still. Money well spent!

Indoor cycling has never been better

I'm a fair weather cyclist and while I dream of spending more time on my bike, the reality is I haven't been good about doing it. I've never been committed enough to ride regardless of the weather and living in the NW it's hard to ride outdoors in the winter. I tried getting motivated using my spinner but it was unfulfilling. Then I read about these new "trainers". Wow. I can't wait to get home each night and ride. This truly is the closest to cycling while being indoors. Wahoo Fitness has this figured out. Great product and riding in the VR world is pretty cool. I can only imagine that this will get better as VR technology continues to grow.

Look forward to my workouts now!

I’ve been training on the Kickr for a month and I love it! I look forward to my workouts.The Kickr combined with Zwift have made my indoor training rides fun (Wahoo gives you 30 days of Zwift for free). I find I tend to train and ride harder on the Kickr than when riding outdoors (traffic, weather, stoplights, etc.).It was easy to setup and connect to my laptop. I connect using ANT+ rather than Bluetooth and have had no issues. I do use a Bluetooth connection from my phone to perform the spindowns, as recommended by Wahoo. I keep a small logbook to record my spindowns.It’s as quiet as they claim – only the noise from my drivetrain. I don’t use a separate power meter so can’t comment on accuracy. It feels stable in out of the saddle sprints and climbs.I was ... MoreI’ve been training on the Kickr for a month and I love it! I look forward to my workouts.The Kickr combined with Zwift have made my indoor training rides fun (Wahoo gives you 30 days of Zwift for free). I find I tend to train and ride harder on the Kickr than when riding outdoors (traffic, weather, stoplights, etc.).It was easy to setup and connect to my laptop. I connect using ANT+ rather than Bluetooth and have had no issues. I do use a Bluetooth connection from my phone to perform the spindowns, as recommended by Wahoo. I keep a small logbook to record my spindowns.It’s as quiet as they claim – only the noise from my drivetrain. I don’t use a separate power meter so can’t comment on accuracy. It feels stable in out of the saddle sprints and climbs.I was deciding between the Kickr and Tacx Neo 2T. I found many reviews and forums detailing issues riders were having with both trainers. I decided on the Kickr for the key reasons of service and good experience from other guys I ride with. I purchased through REI for the dividend and they give you 90 days to return vs. Wahoo's 30 days.30-days in and I’m very happy with the Kickr and would recommend for indoor training!Cheers and ride on!

My first smart trainer

being my first smart trainer, i cannot compare it to others on the market. i can say that this trainer is sturdy, quiet, portable and just fun to use.i've been using this trainer for about a month, with Zwift.this trainer reacts to the environment in Zwift perfectly (i.e. hill climbs and descends). now that this model (2018) has been redesigned, it is very quiet too.i'd recommend a good pad to use underneath it.this trainer has got me back on my road bike, especially now that weather is getting much colder.the cost is quite a bit more than many other trainers, especially non-smart trainers (magnetic, fluid), but i can see it being used for a long time with little need for repairs.

Personal (sanity)Protective Equipment for Cyclists

Pricey but well-worth the investment. Very quiet (you basically only hear your drive train). Smooth and accurate resistance in ERG mode make this a great choice for just spinning as well as more deliberate training on TrainerRoad and racing/riding on Zwift. Super easy set up. Pairs with Bluetooth and ANT+ to add more sensors. Have it set up with a mat on carpet flooring and it's stable. Haven't (and wouldn't) try an all out sprint, but that's more so to protect my frame. Only reason for 4-star vs 5 is the occasional, very slight rubbing of the belt on the housing at the beginning, but that was easily corrected.

Terrible! 2X Over

I bought this back in Sept 2018. Had to replace the first unit. They sent me a new one. With 30 days it started to make hideous noises. They said it was an issue from the factory and I had a choice to replace (again!) or fix it myself and they would send me the kit. I chose the latter, not wanting to wait. Easy enough worked well for 5 months. Deep in the pre-season workouts, under heavy load the noises all started to come, but this time lots a vibration along with. Honestly, I feel like the flywheel is about to come off. Contacted them again, they wanted a short video, no prob. Was told they will replace it, and it was being turned over to warranty. A week later no word....NOTHING! Do not buy this you stand a very good chance of being sorely disappointed. By the ... MoreI bought this back in Sept 2018. Had to replace the first unit. They sent me a new one. With 30 days it started to make hideous noises. They said it was an issue from the factory and I had a choice to replace (again!) or fix it myself and they would send me the kit. I chose the latter, not wanting to wait. Easy enough worked well for 5 months. Deep in the pre-season workouts, under heavy load the noises all started to come, but this time lots a vibration along with. Honestly, I feel like the flywheel is about to come off. Contacted them again, they wanted a short video, no prob. Was told they will replace it, and it was being turned over to warranty. A week later no word....NOTHING! Do not buy this you stand a very good chance of being sorely disappointed. By the way, I have a bunch of Wahoo stuff, and up to now have been pretty happy with it.

Tried to love this trainer but issues

I really like the design of this trainer. It is quiet as far as the belt noise and works well with Zwift. I bought It to replace another top trainer that developed problems with noise and vibration that was sent back. The Wahoo 2018 did have notable issues some of which have been addressed and are widely known. This unit seems to not have those issues (with the loose keyway clicking problem etc). Unfortunately the unit I received immediately exhibited a tendency to "grind" when pedaling in higher gears at speed. I have tried my 3 different bikes (2 Specialized Shimano 11 speed road bikes and a Specialized 9 speed MTB) they all exhibit the same issue. As soon as I develop any power there is a noticeable grind and vibration which oscillates through the frame, making ... MoreI really like the design of this trainer. It is quiet as far as the belt noise and works well with Zwift. I bought It to replace another top trainer that developed problems with noise and vibration that was sent back. The Wahoo 2018 did have notable issues some of which have been addressed and are widely known. This unit seems to not have those issues (with the loose keyway clicking problem etc). Unfortunately the unit I received immediately exhibited a tendency to "grind" when pedaling in higher gears at speed. I have tried my 3 different bikes (2 Specialized Shimano 11 speed road bikes and a Specialized 9 speed MTB) they all exhibit the same issue. As soon as I develop any power there is a noticeable grind and vibration which oscillates through the frame, making riding uncomfortable. Also, I noticed on spin-down that the flywheel is not well balanced and it vibrates. I do not know if there is a correlation between the grinding and flywheel balance or if it is a phenomenon due to the 11 speed 11 tooth high gear as it happens in the small cogs due to "chordal action". One bike is brand new; the other I updated the bottom bracket bearing and chain ring, new chain etc. Nothing changed. Perhaps a defective unit. I know there are many folks who have not issues with their Wahoo's and hopefully Wahoo will address this issue and improve either the design or rectify the QC.