Wahoo KICKR V5 Smart Trainer

I've never used a digital trainer such as this one before. My last trainer was a fluid trainer that had no control other than cadence/gearing. I mainly purchased this for the winter months and rainy days so I can get in a few more rides without having to clean my kit after each ride.This Kickr pairs well with my Wahoo head unit and allows me to control it from the unit itself or the Wahoo app on my phone. You can control the mode, between App Controlled mode with your smartphone using the Wahoo app or you can control it via a head unit like the Wahoo Roam/Bolt. I have a Bolt and it is dead simple to pair and use. My Bolt flips straight to trainer mode once I spin up and ask if I want to start a ride. Pairing was super easy by just adding a sensor on the Bolt and ... MoreI've never used a digital trainer such as this one before. My last trainer was a fluid trainer that had no control other than cadence/gearing. I mainly purchased this for the winter months and rainy days so I can get in a few more rides without having to clean my kit after each ride.This Kickr pairs well with my Wahoo head unit and allows me to control it from the unit itself or the Wahoo app on my phone. You can control the mode, between App Controlled mode with your smartphone using the Wahoo app or you can control it via a head unit like the Wahoo Roam/Bolt. I have a Bolt and it is dead simple to pair and use. My Bolt flips straight to trainer mode once I spin up and ask if I want to start a ride. Pairing was super easy by just adding a sensor on the Bolt and it came up immediately once I woke it up by giving it a spin. No drops in signal or any connectivity issues with either the smartphone app or the head unit. Most of the controls are front and center on the Bolt and it allows you to control the unit's resistance, exact watts you want to ride at, and how you want to ride all by using just a couple of buttons. The app supposedly lets you ride a saved route as if your outdoors, but I haven't tried this mode or the planned training mode.It is fairly quiet and really the only noise I notice is the drivetrain more so than the spinning of the counterweight. Only complaint I have is the cassette it comes with is a bit clunky compared to my bike's current cassette. Shifts are a bit rough, but if you set it to the exact wattage mode, it pretty much eliminates the need to shift. I may replace the cassette if it bothers me too much. Great product so far though! Highly recommend it!

The KICKR Smart Trainer comes with a high price tag. For me the ride feel alone is worth the extra money. The subtle side-to-side action makes for a superior indoor ride and let's face it, anything that makes indoor riding more realistic is worth every cent. The trainer synchronized smoothly with Zwift and changed resistance responsively with grade changes in the app. I like the product feel = pure quality; and expect it to last for years. Although I'll likely not use this feature, it does fold up nicely making for easy storage or transportability should you be joining others 'in-person' for a group spin. It is quiet if that matters to you. The on-line bike compatibility tool was accurate as I needed to swap out the stock 11 speed cassette for a 10 speed given I ... MoreThe KICKR Smart Trainer comes with a high price tag. For me the ride feel alone is worth the extra money. The subtle side-to-side action makes for a superior indoor ride and let's face it, anything that makes indoor riding more realistic is worth every cent. The trainer synchronized smoothly with Zwift and changed resistance responsively with grade changes in the app. I like the product feel = pure quality; and expect it to last for years. Although I'll likely not use this feature, it does fold up nicely making for easy storage or transportability should you be joining others 'in-person' for a group spin. It is quiet if that matters to you. The on-line bike compatibility tool was accurate as I needed to swap out the stock 11 speed cassette for a 10 speed given I have an older bike. Chris at my local bike shop Evolution Cycles confirmed this, providing reassurance before I purchased. He also ensured my bike's drivetrain was in good working order which is key whether indoors on on the road. Thanks Chris! An improvement I would make to this trainer is adding an on-off switch. The Bluetooth and ANT+ indicator LEDs are always presenting when the trainer is plugged in. Overall I'm happy with the purchase and it looks great in the cycling cave.

Amazing piece of kit for Zwift

I've had the KICKR now for about a month and I am still in love with it. Paired to Zwift this trainer is perfect for indoor workouts. It's very responsive to changes in gradients in Zwift. Climbing 15% gradients is brutal and freewheeling down Alpe du Zwift at over 50mph is great fun. My wife thinks I'm addicted. The unit itself is nice and smooth running. It's quiet (I can only hear my bikes drivetrain). Just remember that if you plan to attach any bike other than a standard 11-speed road bike, you will have to swap out the cassette that comes pre-installed (as it's an 11 speed cassette). I have my Specialized Diverge gravel bike hooked up on the KICKR, but had to swap the 11 speed for an 8 speed (11-34T). Remember to make sure you have the tools needed for this ... MoreI've had the KICKR now for about a month and I am still in love with it. Paired to Zwift this trainer is perfect for indoor workouts. It's very responsive to changes in gradients in Zwift. Climbing 15% gradients is brutal and freewheeling down Alpe du Zwift at over 50mph is great fun. My wife thinks I'm addicted. The unit itself is nice and smooth running. It's quiet (I can only hear my bikes drivetrain). Just remember that if you plan to attach any bike other than a standard 11-speed road bike, you will have to swap out the cassette that comes pre-installed (as it's an 11 speed cassette). I have my Specialized Diverge gravel bike hooked up on the KICKR, but had to swap the 11 speed for an 8 speed (11-34T). Remember to make sure you have the tools needed for this task, i.e. a chain whip and a cassette removal tool. They are pretty cheap and handy to have anyway. You should make sure you have these and your desired cassette ready for swapping whenever your KICKR gets delivered, otherwise It's going to be sitting there looking pretty (but useless) for days before you can get Zwifting.

Best way to supplement outdoor training

Lets talk about the equipment first. The KICKR is awesome. I've always been hesitant about buying $1K smart trainer since previous models seem to have a lot of issues, but it sounds like all the kinks have been worked out on this generation. And the current generation adds more features like AXIS tilt and no need to calibrate. I've had it for 3 months now and use it about 2-3 times a week. I put my Supersix Evo Hi-mod disc brake bike on it and both work together seamlessly. The trainer comes with an 11-28 cassette and I run a 11-32 on my bike. There was no need to swap cassettes. There's no chain skip. It all just works. I run it off my Iphone 11 and mirror it to my TV. I've never had any connectivity issues with it. The phone finds it every time.As a supplement ... MoreLets talk about the equipment first. The KICKR is awesome. I've always been hesitant about buying $1K smart trainer since previous models seem to have a lot of issues, but it sounds like all the kinks have been worked out on this generation. And the current generation adds more features like AXIS tilt and no need to calibrate. I've had it for 3 months now and use it about 2-3 times a week. I put my Supersix Evo Hi-mod disc brake bike on it and both work together seamlessly. The trainer comes with an 11-28 cassette and I run a 11-32 on my bike. There was no need to swap cassettes. There's no chain skip. It all just works. I run it off my Iphone 11 and mirror it to my TV. I've never had any connectivity issues with it. The phone finds it every time.As a supplement to outdoor riding, using this is more time efficient and will make you stronger if you stick to the program. I recommend Sufferfest since I feel like the programs are very well tailored to each individual riders strengths and weaknesses, granted you have to do the FTP test first. There's no social aspect to it, but the workouts can be intense in ERG mode. I've had my days where I couldn't finish. In ERG mode, the trainer will do all the resistance work for you. No need to change gears at all.I recommend this to all my cyclist friends who want to maintain or increase their fitness without having to get up at the crack of dawn to fit in rides.

Can only find positives since upgrading from mk1

I had a Mk1 Kickr for a few years before finally upgrading.Accuracy is pretty much bang on my PowrLink pedals. Both are +/- 1% and they track each other almost exactly.The Kickr is registering slightly above the pedals, but within the 2% margin.I still can’t get over how quiet it is. Zwift sprints on the Mk1 sounded like a jet engine, now it’s just the sound of my drivetrain. I can now train indoors without disturbing the family!Bluetooth connection seems more stable than the older version with no drop outs.Changes in power, even large ones, are smooth.Max ride so far is a 4 hour ride which was all uphill (FullGaz) and it never dropped a beat.It’s expensive, but in my opinion worth it.

Excellent Smart Trainer

Upgraded to this Kickr from another brand of smart trainer . It's so quiet and very smooth running . I use it on a rocker plate so haven't noticed a difference with the adjustable feet but the unit is very stable and solidly built if using on a floor . Pick up is easy and much more like a real bike than my last machine . I have yet to use it in ERG mode but the many reviews I used to make my decision suggests it is going to be fine . I'm very pleased i made the change and am back to loving indoor training again . I plan to pair the Headwind with it in the near future , another reason I went for this machine as opposed to any other brand

Great Trainer - Not so Great Apps

Trainer itself was easy to setup. Slight adjustment required to rear derailleur, but once done, gear change pretty smooth. Upgraded from a wheel on trainer and difference is poles apart - very smooth and much closer to the feel of being on the road. Preference is still to ride outdoors, but this trainer is a great substitute on the cold, wet and windy days!!Still to work out ERG (no good for spin ups!!) but trainer's settings give you flexibility to vary your ride.Trainer loses a star because of the wahoo app which I found to be a bit clunky, but no where near as bad as the Wahoo X package - lacks intuitiveness and subsequently is pretty light on for instruction for the newbie such as myself. Over time no doubt I'll sort out but initially, a fair bit of ... MoreTrainer itself was easy to setup. Slight adjustment required to rear derailleur, but once done, gear change pretty smooth. Upgraded from a wheel on trainer and difference is poles apart - very smooth and much closer to the feel of being on the road. Preference is still to ride outdoors, but this trainer is a great substitute on the cold, wet and windy days!!Still to work out ERG (no good for spin ups!!) but trainer's settings give you flexibility to vary your ride.Trainer loses a star because of the wahoo app which I found to be a bit clunky, but no where near as bad as the Wahoo X package - lacks intuitiveness and subsequently is pretty light on for instruction for the newbie such as myself. Over time no doubt I'll sort out but initially, a fair bit of frustration.The other issue, which may be unrelated, is my Garmin Dual HRM. Worked fine for the first two weeks and then just stopped providing any readings - continued to be connected (with full bars) but N/A in the HR column. Wahoo support were helpful but couldn't sort issue, so over to Garmin now. BTW HRM still works perfectly with my Edge 830 and phone permissions all good.

Noob likes it 🤙

My first turbo trainer hasn’t disappointed. Quiet enough to be used at night next door to a sleeping toddler, steady enough to support an overweight user and efficient enough to maximise time in the saddle.I’m a big believer that to have a great summer you have to have a great winter, so it’s been great for winter riding in the house when time is tight and the weather is rank (plus no bike to clean after).Also been surprised / pleased by how turbo cycling has being that bit harder than outdoor - 35 mins is about the equivalent calorie burn to my local 50 min outdoor - so makes it that bit more efficient. Zwift has been pretty decent so far so, all in all, really pleased. Oh, and get a floor matt.

Quality smart trainer

Pros:Very quiet operation - my drivetrain is noisier whilst working out.Sturdy - It's quite heavy and once the feet are adjusted, it stays put during a workout. (I'm 68kg).Works with Zwift - It tracks power, speed and cadence.Convenience - Easy to train without leaving your home, so you can focus on specific routines, which might not necessarily be accessible close-by.Realistic - The resistance through the pedals feels very similar to cycling outdoors.Cons:Heavy - This makes it difficult to move around.Expensive - You need to be sure about the benefits before making a purchase.Resonance - Vibrations when on the big chain ring and small cogs on the cassette below 80 rpm.Bluetooth connection issues - Sometimes it doesn't connect first time to Zwift ... MorePros:Very quiet operation - my drivetrain is noisier whilst working out.Sturdy - It's quite heavy and once the feet are adjusted, it stays put during a workout. (I'm 68kg).Works with Zwift - It tracks power, speed and cadence.Convenience - Easy to train without leaving your home, so you can focus on specific routines, which might not necessarily be accessible close-by.Realistic - The resistance through the pedals feels very similar to cycling outdoors.Cons:Heavy - This makes it difficult to move around.Expensive - You need to be sure about the benefits before making a purchase.Resonance - Vibrations when on the big chain ring and small cogs on the cassette below 80 rpm.Bluetooth connection issues - Sometimes it doesn't connect first time to Zwift which is likely because of bluetooth interference. This could be more of an issue when living in a block of flats where the source of bluetooth interference is everywhere.Lagging issues - Related to bluetooth connection issues, meaning data either from or to the trainer is out of sync or not available. This can mean spinning out on the trainer as the resistance disappears or data in your software is not updating - ie you are pedaling yet your software shows you are not moving/generating any power.Things to consider:Training software - You will likely need to pay a subscription for a service that you can use the trainer with.You may need a mat - Although the trainer has rubber feet, they can still wear your floor, along with the front wheel. A mat will also protect your floor from sweat, and dampen any noise.You will need a computer - A smartphone or tablet will work also, as the trainer does not work as a standalone product.You may need a stand for your computer - Holding your phone or tablet in your hand whilst working out will not be the best solution.

So smooth!

Have used for 10 sessions. It's so smooth. My Kurt Kinetic trainer with trainer specific tyre, although itself is smooth and delightful to train on, is nothing in comparison to the smoothness, and quietness of the Kickr v5.Literally, I can barely hear the Kickr over the sound of my freshly hot-dipped waxxed chain and drivetrain. I'm using it with Zwift, and it's been faultless (like you'd expect for the price).I managed to get it 15% off with free delivery from Pushys in a sale, and am happy with that. The only thing I wish it could do is the rumble simulation for rough terrain, like the Tacx offers. But for the price, I'd rather add the Kickr Climb add-on module for elevating my front wheel during climbs.I love how with Zwift, if I stop for something on a climb ... MoreHave used for 10 sessions. It's so smooth. My Kurt Kinetic trainer with trainer specific tyre, although itself is smooth and delightful to train on, is nothing in comparison to the smoothness, and quietness of the Kickr v5.Literally, I can barely hear the Kickr over the sound of my freshly hot-dipped waxxed chain and drivetrain. I'm using it with Zwift, and it's been faultless (like you'd expect for the price).I managed to get it 15% off with free delivery from Pushys in a sale, and am happy with that. The only thing I wish it could do is the rumble simulation for rough terrain, like the Tacx offers. But for the price, I'd rather add the Kickr Climb add-on module for elevating my front wheel during climbs.I love how with Zwift, if I stop for something on a climb in a hard gear, it turns down the resistance just for a couple pedal strokes to get started, so that I don't explode my knees getting back on in a high gear.I love how it's so easy to fold up, and has a nice carrying handle.I love how the height is adjustable, which is great for getting the perfect alignment of the bike on my garage floor with concrete slab, that sags a few mm in the centre of the slab.I love how it looks nice in my garage, the anodised blue bits are sweet.I love how there's not much in the way of moving parts for my little kid to sneak up behind me and stick fingers into.I love how I don't have to calibrate anything, which I understand previous models you need to regularly.I love how the power accuracy is as good as my crankset powermeters.