Wahoo Kickr Indoor Smart Trainer Buyers Guide

*This has been re-written with the latest Wahoo products. Slightly proud to say that this WAS NOT written by AI!

That time of year is upon us again. The evenings are getting shorter by the day, there's a chill in the air and the roads are pretty much constantly wet. So, with all that said and the fact you've clicked on this blog, then I imagine you may have been contemplating an indoor smart turbo trainer to keep you fit over the winter. I say winter – I use mine all year round. There are lots of different technologies out there and many different brands / types of trainers. We are lucky enough to sell Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainers and it’s a brand we really love, so I have put this buyers guide together to tell you about the WAHOO Kickr smart trainer range and hopefully help you to make a decision as to what's the right trainer for you.

What is a Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer?

Before we dive into the range I will try to explain what a smart trainer is for people who are completely new to this type of technology. A smart trainer is a device that allows you to enjoy an immersive cycling experience from the comfort of your own home. Smart trainers connect to a computer device and transmit cycling data, which the software then takes and mimics real world cycling on a TV/computer screen. Different trainers and different apps do this in different ways but the core is the same – communication between device and computer.

Smart trainers are so effective as training tools because they can be used anytime, are safe, and supply the rider with information to help them better their fitness and cycling. They are also really convenient (no need to wear all the gear!) and it's actually easier to monitor strength and fitness progress thanks to the abundance of data you get (wattage, cadence, heart-rate, W/KG, FTP).

It's important to remember that smart trainers are nothing without the apps they connect to. Software applications such as Zwift, TrainerRoad and Wahoo SYSTM are what take the data and create virtual cycling worlds, complete with training programs, races, group rides and many more awesome features.

The Wahoo KICKR series

Wahoo are an American brand that is at the very forefront of smart training technology. They have market-leading products in all price ranges and have developed loads of innovative technologies and supporting products to ensure their customers get the very most out of their training. If you want to maximise every workout, enjoy simple setups and have great customer support then Wahoo is the brand for you. The question is which trainer best suits your needs?

Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Cassette (£499)

Kickr Core 2 with Cassette is Wahoo’s new entry-point into the smart training world — except it doesn’t behave like an entry-level trainer at all. This version comes with a cassette already installed, which means setup is as easy as lifting your bike onto the trainer and riding. No tools, no faffing.

The Core 2 is a direct-drive trainer, not wheel-on, so you remove your rear wheel before mounting the bike. This gives you noticeably better road feel, responsiveness and data accuracy compared to wheel-on trainers. It’s the perfect “first proper smart trainer” if you want a serious training setup without breaking the bank. Accurate wattage, rock-solid connectivity and super simple pairing with all the apps.

Main Features

• direct-drive trainer

• +/- 2% power accuracy

• 16% gradient simulation

• quick release / 142mm / 148mm compatible (everything included in box)

• bluetooth / ANT+ and compatible with all the main apps (Zwift / TrainerRoad etc)

• cassette pre-installed – ready to ride straight from the box

Wahoo Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog (£499)

If you can justify spending a bit more then the Kickr Core 2 with Zwift Cog makes that temptation even stronger. This version replaces the standard cassette with a universal Zwift Cog + freehub, meaning you can mount almost any bike without worrying about drivetrain compatibility. Brilliant if your household has multiple bikes or different groupsets.

Like the version above, it’s a direct-drive trainer with accurate power readings and an incredibly realistic ride feel. If you want to get serious about your training but don’t want to remortgage, look no further than the Kickr Core 2.

Main Features

• direct-drive trainer

• +/- 2% power accuracy

• 16% gradient simulation

• quick release / 142mm / 148mm compatible (everything included in box)

• bluetooth / ANT+ and compatible with all the main apps (Zwift / TrainerRoad etc)

• Zwift Cog + Click virtual shifting

Wahoo Kickr V6

Kickr V6 is Wahoo’s flagship direct-drive trainer. It has class-leading specs, a 1% wattage accuracy, 20% gradient simulation and can handle up to 2200 Watts (not that most of us mortals need that!). These figures are why the V6 is the go-to trainer for riders who want the most realistic, stable and data-rich indoor experience possible.

Kickr V6 includes foldable legs for easier storage, a fitted 11-speed cassette, in-built cadence measurement, no calibration or spin-downs needed, and WiFi connectivity for ultra-stable data transfer. AXIS FEET technology allows subtle side-to-side movement to mimic real-world ride feel.

Main Features

• direct-drive trainer

• +/- 1% power accuracy

• 20% gradient simulation

• quick release / 142mm / 148mm compatible (everything included in box)

• bluetooth / ANT+ and compatible with all the main apps

• 11-speed cassette fitted

• WiFi connectivity + AXIS FEET

• foldable legs

KICKR BIKE PRO

If you're still reading this blog it can only mean you have the budget and appetite for the best of the best. You've arrived at the grandioso of indoor training sublimity – KICKR BIKE PRO. The crème-de-la-crème, top of the pile, king of the hill indoor trainer is likely to tick every box. From practicality to class-leading accuracy and the most realistic ride feel on the market – this trainer really does have everything.

It can be setup to fit almost any rider. If you have a household of sporty people, then KICKR BIKE PRO removes the problem that comes with other trainers — swapping bikes. Just use the Wahoo fit wizard, enter your measurements and the app will instruct you how to set the bike up perfectly. You can even replicate your outdoor bike geometry so the setup feels identical.

The bike tilts forwards and backwards depending on whether you are climbing or descending, activating the muscles you actually use outdoors. You can set your gearing, choose your shifting style and even customise which buttons do what. You can now steer on certain apps using the shift-lever buttons too. It is an incredibly immersive experience.

Yes, it’s a high price tag — but it delivers the smartest, most realistic indoor training experience available today. For multi-rider households or anyone who wants the absolute best indoor cycling setup in existence, this is the one.

Main Features
Power Accuracy: +/- 1%
Drivetrain: Belt Drive
Maximum Simulated Grade: 20%
Minimum Simulated Grade: -15%
Maximum Power Output: 2200 Watts
Wireless Software Updates: Yes, via the Wahoo Fitness app
Connectivity: ANT+ FEC and Bluetooth

To finish...

I hope that you've enjoyed reading through the blog. If you have any queries or compatibility checks then please don't hesitate to get in touch with me at james@fifecycles.co.uk

We carry all Wahoo Kickr smart trainers year-round and offer free tracked shipping across the UK, so we are never too far away.