I have my Wahoo KICKR shift since about 8 weeks now. Replaced a TACX NEO OG. I changed the handlebars and tape to the same model as suggested by Shane, added the direct connect adapter (after I lost a ZWIFT connection once in one of the first rides) and finally was able to fix the stem-slipping issue. It took me some time to adjust it for me - as with long legs and short arms, the APP does not help at all with its suggestions. I am very happy with it now. Hope, this joy will last.
Note: AUD Pricing was revised to AU$4999. JPN to ¥440,000 was also corrected to in later media material. Other quick updates/info: - Q-Factor: 153mm - Footprint: 1400mm x 800mm
Are wahoo working an an software update here for the shift? - if i gear up it alsways feels like i ride against a wall for the first 1-3 seconds when i shift on the bike... ERG Modus Problem is also there. Watts are jumping around like crazy.
Hey Shane! I saw you at the Amy's GOR gravel fondo last Saturday. I wasn't sure you wanted to talk and I'm a bit timid so I decided to leave you alone (not sure what I would say to you anyway, other than hi/bye haha). I hope you had a good ride - I couldn't complete it and turned back at the aid station. The muddy gravel climbs were brutal to the point I had to dismount and hike up! The descent was awesome though and I've got it all recorded on my bike-mounted GoPro (I may upload it on the weekend). My excuse for turning back was that I wanted to save my legs for the road event on Sunday. 😝 I rode about 80KM all up on the weekend, which is a lot for me! Anyway, it was great to see you (from afar 😂).
Always happy to have a chat! I didn’t even make the aid station. I looped back at the left turn (where Mrs Lama and I went right). I really wasn’t having a good day in the mud. It wasn’t the kind of gravel riding I know and love. I also had better ways of spending my birthday 🎂 🤣👌🏼
Awesome video as always. Just one note - can you find better contrasting colours for the power graphs? As someone who’s colourblind, this is super tough to make outs the two data sets. Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I spend so much time on the trainer all year that my next bike purchase will be a smart bike like this. Still have to figure out if I want the Shift or the 2 or the Neo Bike. Plenty of time to save up for it I guess
Great review, thanks so much! In the body of the review and wrap-up you really emphasize the importance of being in the right virtual gear for ERG mode. Which exact gear is that, and is there any way to even figure out if you're in the right one if you don't have an Elemnt? Do virtual gears reset each ride, meaning I have to hunt for the right one before each ERG ride? I only ride ERG, so the gear would only change if it resets at start. Thanks again, terrific review.
I know everyone says shipping and manufacturing costs are up and so these inflated prices are justified, but the Zwift Hub felt like a pretty sturdy rebuke to that line of reasoning from all the other trainer companies. I'd love this if it were 20-25% cheaper, or if there was some assurance or even if it were likely that it would have the same durability as a trainer+bike combo (I've had the same bike on two different trainers over the course of a decade). I just find it hard to believe that if I bought this it would still be working for me even five or six years from now.
Great review as always Shane :-) In your accuracy test, please some low cad session to it. I.e. 5 min 60 rpm and then compare wattage. I have issues on my KB1 with this...! And could be a nice extension of your accuracy test ;-)
I've said before that putting a smart bike on a rocker is like putting roller skates on an elephant. It'll move... just not all that naturally or elegantly.
Thank you for the review, very interesting trainer! Would you recommend to go with the shift of with a used Kickr Bike V1 for just a little bit less than the Shift. I am sure, I could live without the tilt function.
Hi Shane, thought I'd let you know of an issue I've had with the Kickr Shift for four months, since buying it, which has an amazingly easy solution (ALWAYS USE DIRCON WIFI!!!!): - I've always used Bluetooth (had no idea Dircon Wifi was an option ... they use a cable plug as the symbol, which was confusing) - Have always had issues with spiking resistance when changing up gears ... feels terrible. TERRIBLE! I hated the bike, and it felt unrealistic. Felt like I wasted $4,500 - Saw some others with similar issues in forums (e.g. Zwift) ... lots of talk about changing chainring size, trainer difficulty etc ... (all BS) - Had a connection failure the other day in the middle of a race ... changed to Dircon just to see ... immediate fix. MAGIC! - Told a mate of mine that uses Kickr Shift with iPad ... he tried with a PC and Dircon just to test ... fixed his issue too Now I'm in love with my Kickr Shift. Sigh ... ... there you go.
nooooooooo, i was waiting for a quiet kickr bike like the shift.. but automatic tilt, like the climb, is a must have for me and the more expensive kicker bike noise is like a tinitus.
I think I might be buying one of these before the year is out. My current trainer bike is basically ruined after 10,000km+ on a trainer so something has to change. It’s not clear if my OG Tacx Neo can be made to accommodate my new 11 speed bike with thru-axle, but I’m not sure that I want to subject a nice bike to being on a trainer anyway. The regular Kickr bike is simply more than I’m prepared to pay but this seems to have no deal-breaking compromises (for me) with enough of a discount to ease the pain
Hi Matt, could you share how your bike got ruined? I am using my only road bike both outdoors and also tons of miles on the trainer in winter. Indoors I have a powerful fan, wear a sweat headband, and put a sweat guard (“bike thong”) over my top tube. I haven’t noticed any problems, but wondering if perhaps I am placing strange stress points on my road bike from trainer use (it is an aluminum Cannondale).
@@toddtannenbaum7092 It is mostly the sweat really. I think my setup is better now than it used to be now that I’ve got a Wahoo Headwind fan and a bike thong 😂 versus just a regular fan and a towel previously. The bike is an aluminium Giant Defy from around 2012. The headset on the bike is loose, the front wheel has lost a spoke, it all creaks like crazy, the shifting is all messed up… there’s a whole catalogue of things, some more easily/cheaply fixed than others. I don’t think there’s been any issues from any stress points but it’s not been ridden outside in 5+ years. My new bike is a fancy carbon thing with Di2 so I don’t want to be swapping that in and out of the trainer
Every time someone asks name and I say Shane, they go James, I say no Shane. Anyway if you have alternative bars say the Controltec ones you had on the Kickr Bike would you swap them out immediately before even starting to ride the Shift. Possibly looking at getting it here in Uk but if the handlebars are naff maybe it’s best to swap them out during setup. Good insightful video as always.
Hi Shane. Great review. Just a quick question. Where did you get that rubber strap that keeps the Wi-Fi sensor secure in position Reference at 6:20. Thanks
I’ve used a 20% coupon to get the Kickr Bike 2 at the exact same price as the Shift. I’m now questioning whether I should cancel that order and go with the shift. I would love your knowledgeable input.
Ooff that's a tricky one, depends on how much you value the tilt functionality I guess? I somehow have the feeling that the build quality of the Kickr Bike Shift is better than the Kickr Bike v2, but don't know why... Of course it does have less components that could break, i.e.. no tilting.
I would buy the Shift. A lot of reports on noise and vibration issues with Kickr Bike 2. And it seems the climb simulation is a gimmick, a lot of people never use it. The shift is the no-nonsense version of the Kickr Bike.
I just purchased a KickR Shift along with an Element Bolt v2. I have a newbie Element user question about the gear display on the Bolt. I can get the screen to provide a graphic display of gearing along with wattage, ride time, rpms, and ride mode “PASSIVE CONTROL KICKR FROM ANOTHER APP”. I have not been able to figure out how to zoom in on the graphic display of gearing to provide more detailed gear information including the numeric gear. How do you do this? I can zoom in on data fields on other display pages but not on the page noted above. I know, duh eh?
Would be nice to have the gear display page for AXS etap or Di2 bike while on the trainer. My Wahoo Roam go unused in the winter, that would be a nice addition. Do you know if that is already possible?
HELLO I follow bike fitting lessons and soon I will start with bike fitting and I have seen that in a shop they use this bike for bike fitting , which one do you recommend more the V1 or V2 ? thank you for sharing the revieuw
I have not been happy with the kickr bike's Di2 simulation when in Syncro mode. It's essential "full syncro with buttons for front derailleur removed" and the change-over point is not configurable (and badly chosen). Really would like to get a semi-syncro option as well as an ability to select the up/downshift points.
@@BjørnStianHagen Still the same and not configurable. I'm on the first Gen KICKR Bike but I doubt it's different on the v2. The good news is I found that if I pick an 11 speed virtual cassette the switch point is not bad, so it's bearable. Still not ideal.
If I stick with my current setup I can still use the Kickr Climb with my Kickr Core….I think when my Core dies I will replace it with the Kickr. This bike looks nice, but I have an extra bike that I use for my indoor trainer so I don’t think this bike works for me since it is too expensive for my budget.
How’s the feel when going downhill? Is the flywheel setup on the Kickr Bike with the noise worth that downhill simulation when compared to the Shift’s setup?
Hi Shane. Looking at your video when you ride in ERG mode in Zwift. The power number jumps alot, above and below the ERG power value. Exactly the same as for me. Is this normal? I also have a Kickr v5 and ERG is close to 100% perfect in Zwift, it stays solid at the ERG power value without jumping around. Do you know if there will be a fix to the bike shift to correct this, or if this is it? Think ERG now is close to useless in Zwift with Bike Shift. Thanks for any info on this subject
As it has no wheels, how easy would you find it to move between rooms with no help? And is there any noticeable vibration (important for those living in a flat)? Thanks
Excellent vid as always. Can the KICKR light or KICKR bike 2 measure pedal power independently so I can use it to rehab my right leg after injury? Doubtful as no sensor at the bear claw but may be able to do something with software and cadence sensor at rear end?
Do you think that the quieter drive unit will come to the Wahoo Kickr Bike in a version 3 incarnation? As a low cadence grinder especially when climbing, I hate the resonance of version 1 at 65 rpm - I have been living in hope that someone will take version 1 and 2 apart and find the noise eliminating difference then do a DIY mod job guide (it may be as simple as drilling a hole somewhere to allow pressurised air to escape) but I may be left with wearing out my version 1 bike and then buying a version 3 / 4 model ...
I wonder if that would even be something they would be willing to do as the flywheel on the Kickr Bike has motors the hep control it leading to some assistance as he described to get started and the downhill simulation part of it. Would love for them to figure out a way to decrease the noise/hum… maybe encasing the flywheel instead of the current open concept could help?… not sure. I would really love for them to update the frame thickness to be more ergonomic like they have on the shift though! Also maybe some way to make the creaking quieter in the tilt feature in the Kickr Bike.
@@songodan45 I contacted Wahoo Support when version 2 was released to find out if there was a mod kit to fix version 1. Wahoo denied that there was a noise issue with version 1. I sent them a video of me riding when the sound changes at 65 rpm and also referred to the Kickr Smart Bike reviews by @gplama and @Dcrainmaker and Wahoo still refused to acknowledge the issue so it needs to be a third party hack. BTW when I needed to buy a new fan I did not buy a Wahoo Kickr Headwind in protest.
Was just thinking about buying it as a xmas gift for myself. Then I hear you say -No Race mode! For kickr bike v2 still no race mode. Doubt it will happen on this one either. Without Race mode, it's a guaranteed No Buy for me.
We heard here that Race Mode was coming soon in Feb 2023. The imminant Race Mode was a part of why I bought the over-priced Kickr Bike v2. You might be making the right decision (to not believe it).
@@halwye yes, I was about to buy the v2. No Race Mode was a dealbreaker and still is. If I'm to spend even more money, on top of the crazy money already spent on this, I want improved performance/competetiveness, not "nice to have" stuff 🙂
I did asked Wahoo about race mode for Kickr Bike Shift and this was there anwser: This feature is only available on the KICKR BIKE V2. Due to hardware differences, this feature cannot be made available for the KICKR BIKE SHIFT.
It’s listed under the sensor details in the Wahoo app for me. I may have a beta/preview version of the app, but it should still show ODO on the current public app.
I know this was posted awhile ago when Kickr Shift was introduced but did gear information ever get supported in Zwift? For me that is pretty important since I typically do workouts without ERG so being able to hit the correct gear in order to produce the required power is pretty essential/use it all the time on my v1. Just curious if anyone here knows.
@@gplama Thanks Shane - close to 20K miles (not kilos) on my v1 Kickr Bike and trying to plan ahead (and I really don't use climb functionality, primarily for interval workouts) - knock on wood it remains problem-free.
Does the Kickr Bike Shift has a chain? Does it need maintenance? in case I don't use the Wahoo cycle computer because it doesn't have a battery, can I use the gears without worrying about crossing the chain?
It's belt driven. In theory it shouldn't need very much maintenance at all. It's like to have a similar maintenance schedule/procedures as the Kickr Bike. www.wahoofitness.com/media/wysiwyg/instructions/kickrbike/KICKR-BIKE-Maintenance-Guide.pdf
What are your thoughts on this bike vs new Kickr move? How much would I miss movement if I buy the bike? I currently have Tacx Neo gen1 with movement plates, and I think that they improve ride feel a bit.
Hmm... For a permanent setup I'd go with the Bike Shift and keep the bikes in the garage with their rear wheels still attached. Movement is somewhat subjective. It depends how much you ride indoors, your bike fit, tolerance to riding a static bike, etc.
I am very interested in this bike. One thing concerns me: No gear display! When sprinting in Zwift I absolutely need to know the gear I am in. I have ridden smart bikes indoors for 3 years. Gear display is the one of the few features I MUST have. Is the Kickr Bike Shift my only option to see my virtual gear selection? 🤔
Great review. Sorry to say at that price, I feel I can do better. Cheap Carbon frame, 11sp Di2, cheap front wheel w Zwift Hub and you're good to go. $5k AUD is a lot of money especially for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th bike that is ONLY for indoors.
Thanks Shane. I can only repeat myself by commending you on another great vid. I want to ask, in living the Man-cave dream is, in your opinion, a particular indoor bike set-up that you would suggest as meriting serious consideration. As you rightly point out, indoor cycling these days consumes a lot of our riding time and in playing an important part to training for goal aiming. To this end, it's best to have the most immersive and "real feel" experience indoors. What in your opinion is the bike set-up that best meets this for you?
It depends. I do like the Kickr direct drive with my own road bike on it. The virtual shifting that can be done under full load on these smart bikes is also a really nice feature.
@@gplamaIsn’t virtual shift something that Zwift could potentially add someday in-game to work with any controllable trainer? Seems like this is the real purpose for the extra side buttons on the Zwift Play. IndieVelo just added virtual shifting that works with any trainer, but I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet…
Clip-on bars will work. There's no additional blips/etc for the Kickr BIKE(s).
11 місяців тому
i purchased this bike, and find it more harder to pedal than my old elite direto. instead of riding in 2,5wkg now i ride in 1,5-1,7 wkg, and that is a signifacant difference. and it feels like i am on an uphill most of the time. maybe its just me that needs to get used to my new bike.
It’s a lot of money for sure but it depends how much you’ll use it. I’ve put over 10,000km onto my Tacx Neo and the bike that lives on it - the Neo cost £1000 6 years ago and the bike was also £1000 around 10 years ago and that bike is now ruined from indoor riding. My assumption is that a unit like this should be better built to cope with the strain of sweaty Zwift sessions. I think if you train regularly then it’s probably worth it, it just that everything is now expensive!
@@MattSwain1 That’s what makes the Kickr bike seem so expensive to me! That neo is still £1,000 today, so I could buy one and still have £1,700 left for a decent outdoor bike for only a slight inconvenience of having to remove the rear wheel. If the quality of the internals are anything like the cheap finishing kit, I wouldn’t expect it to last 10 years (although Wahoo were good about replacing the main part of my kickr snap twice in 3 years, but even that replacement is done now).
I got a new one in December and started having an issue with the "belt" inside making noises after 3 or 4 weeks. It quickly progressed and now I'm sending my bike back for a replacement. I hope it isn't a broader issue. They suggested a fix that didn't make sense really. An issue with the product is the owner will have a very hard time servicing any sort of belt/chain issues given how the bike is constructed. I'm a little disappointed so far.
they sent me a new one that i've been riding for a week or so. it seems ok so far. i do hear a little sound with each pedal stroke and hope it doesn't turn into the dreading scratching and pulling like my last one@@highplainszwifter
same same guys. Mine Shift has been reaplaced already 4 times. Each unit made some weird rubbing noise coming from the flywheel area. Maybe belt, maybe unbalanced flywheel... Really frustrating. I going to return it as this is a real joke and Wahoo fucked up with the QC of this new product... And of course they do not comment on these issues, just offer you an replacement...
@@spojce9yeah men. Mine was replaced already 4 times... now I have just reached Wahoo again and got response that their technical department believes that everything is ok (even though they have replaced the bike 3 times before without any word for the same reason...). This is a real joke. I requested full refund in the shop where I got it. Waste of time and money. I have also uploaded all the recordings for each Shift bike I got on my YT channel. Avoid this Shi(f)t as much as you can.
Unfortunately, for several days I have been trying to connect smart bike shift with Garmin Ede 1040 to control the gear ratios. Has anyone had a similar problem?
The WattBike ATOM units I've ridden were pretty terrible when it comes to holding ERG set-points. They underperformed when put through my testing protocol. I even went out of my way to borrow one to re-test when I was informed by WattBike I'd no longer be considered for any media review units.... and that performed horribly too. I didn't waste my time posting the follow-up review of that. Overall I've had a bad experience with the product and the company to date. My door is open for that to change.... I might reach out to them again one day.
Mine is two weeks old and has a dreadful clanking sounds emanating from either the frame or crank. Terrible, and all Wahoo say is grease the joints (it’s brand new!) No offer of replacement or money back.. disappointing considering how many of these they sell at €3000 a pop!
I'm having a hard time justifying $3k+ for these smart bike that will become landfill and unsupported in about five years. Nice kit otherwise, but way too rich for me.
Maybe you can answer this I reached out to Zwift directly to see if my terra trike recumbent trike will work on there hub and they say no. I’m not a bike expert but in theory, I think it should work two wheels in the front one in the back. What are your thoughts?
While I agree on the SB20 having an awesome saddle, bars, and bar tape out of the box. The thing IS the brick fence with handlebars I was referring to. 🤣 Stages also need to release a Shimano style lever update to the SB20. Those buttons are horrible. (Other that that, it's a nice unit)
@@gplamahello, which indoor bike would you recommend today between the kickr shift, the sb20 stages and the zbike cycle or kickr v6? I am looking for a reliable and durable interior solution above all. Best regards
Gday from Hobart Shane. I’ve wanted to get my hands on a Stages SB20 for some time - to combine the best of Zwift and regular spin riding. Unfortunately that bike is about 5y old now - and still costs MORE than the brand new Shift! I’m seeing a lot of value in the Shift now instead, especially with some poor feedback I’m reading online about Stages and customer support. Are there any new smart bike releases in the wings - or has that market kinda died now - and it’s Wahoo or nothing? Cheers mate. 🦙
I don't expect we'll see any new bikes this year. The Neo Bike Plus is still relatively new, so is the Kickr BIKE v2 and SHIFT. And for reasons you've pointed out, Stages... I don't think we'll see an SB40 any time soon.
@@gplama thanks Mr. Lama. I’m trying to find an SB 20 supercheap online used, but failing that it looks like the SHIFT is probably the best next option - and likely to receive firmware updates, and ongoing support, and possibly the ability to buy spare parts!
I have my Wahoo KICKR shift since about 8 weeks now. Replaced a TACX NEO OG. I changed the handlebars and tape to the same model as suggested by Shane, added the direct connect adapter (after I lost a ZWIFT connection once in one of the first rides) and finally was able to fix the stem-slipping issue. It took me some time to adjust it for me - as with long legs and short arms, the APP does not help at all with its suggestions.
I am very happy with it now. Hope, this joy will last.
Note: AUD Pricing was revised to AU$4999. JPN to ¥440,000 was also corrected to in later media material.
Other quick updates/info:
- Q-Factor: 153mm
- Footprint: 1400mm x 800mm
Revised upwards by $500? That’s a bit painful.
I would of bought it at 4500.
Might as well pay the extra $500 and get the kickr bike 2.
Are wahoo working an an software update here for the shift? - if i gear up it alsways feels like i ride against a wall for the first 1-3 seconds when i shift on the bike... ERG Modus Problem is also there. Watts are jumping around like crazy.
FYI W.r.t. Race Mode - I reached out to Wahoo last week and they confirmed it's still planned and in their backlog. No indication when though.
Have you got any update if 10Hz race mode is rolled out yet
Love the outtake Shane! Great review and it's now out of hiding.
Hey Shane! I saw you at the Amy's GOR gravel fondo last Saturday. I wasn't sure you wanted to talk and I'm a bit timid so I decided to leave you alone (not sure what I would say to you anyway, other than hi/bye haha).
I hope you had a good ride - I couldn't complete it and turned back at the aid station. The muddy gravel climbs were brutal to the point I had to dismount and hike up! The descent was awesome though and I've got it all recorded on my bike-mounted GoPro (I may upload it on the weekend).
My excuse for turning back was that I wanted to save my legs for the road event on Sunday. 😝 I rode about 80KM all up on the weekend, which is a lot for me!
Anyway, it was great to see you (from afar 😂).
Always happy to have a chat! I didn’t even make the aid station. I looped back at the left turn (where Mrs Lama and I went right). I really wasn’t having a good day in the mud. It wasn’t the kind of gravel riding I know and love. I also had better ways of spending my birthday 🎂 🤣👌🏼
Awesome video as always. Just one note - can you find better contrasting colours for the power graphs? As someone who’s colourblind, this is super tough to make outs the two data sets. Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I spend so much time on the trainer all year that my next bike purchase will be a smart bike like this. Still have to figure out if I want the Shift or the 2 or the Neo Bike. Plenty of time to save up for it I guess
Great review, thanks so much! In the body of the review and wrap-up you really emphasize the importance of being in the right virtual gear for ERG mode. Which exact gear is that, and is there any way to even figure out if you're in the right one if you don't have an Elemnt? Do virtual gears reset each ride, meaning I have to hunt for the right one before each ERG ride? I only ride ERG, so the gear would only change if it resets at start. Thanks again, terrific review.
I know everyone says shipping and manufacturing costs are up and so these inflated prices are justified, but the Zwift Hub felt like a pretty sturdy rebuke to that line of reasoning from all the other trainer companies. I'd love this if it were 20-25% cheaper, or if there was some assurance or even if it were likely that it would have the same durability as a trainer+bike combo (I've had the same bike on two different trainers over the course of a decade). I just find it hard to believe that if I bought this it would still be working for me even five or six years from now.
Great review as always Shane :-) In your accuracy test, please some low cad session to it. I.e. 5 min 60 rpm and then compare wattage. I have issues on my KB1 with this...! And could be a nice extension of your accuracy test ;-)
Great suggestion!
Great video, as always. Very hard to see what kind of strap you are using to keep the magnetic power connection in place. Could you specify, please?
Hi Shane. At some point in your reviews, could you show the Kickr Bike Shift on some rocker plates. Cheers. 😊😊
I've said before that putting a smart bike on a rocker is like putting roller skates on an elephant. It'll move... just not all that naturally or elegantly.
Thank you for the review, very interesting trainer! Would you recommend to go with the shift of with a used Kickr Bike V1 for just a little bit less than the Shift. I am sure, I could live without the tilt function.
Great review ! it's a bit same that you have no friends to help you out ! Hope the race mode will come soon ...
Incredible. I want one of these.
Hi Shane, thought I'd let you know of an issue I've had with the Kickr Shift for four months, since buying it, which has an amazingly easy solution (ALWAYS USE DIRCON WIFI!!!!):
- I've always used Bluetooth (had no idea Dircon Wifi was an option ... they use a cable plug as the symbol, which was confusing)
- Have always had issues with spiking resistance when changing up gears ... feels terrible. TERRIBLE! I hated the bike, and it felt unrealistic. Felt like I wasted $4,500
- Saw some others with similar issues in forums (e.g. Zwift) ... lots of talk about changing chainring size, trainer difficulty etc ... (all BS)
- Had a connection failure the other day in the middle of a race ... changed to Dircon just to see ... immediate fix. MAGIC!
- Told a mate of mine that uses Kickr Shift with iPad ... he tried with a PC and Dircon just to test ... fixed his issue too
Now I'm in love with my Kickr Shift. Sigh ...
... there you go.
Interesting! Thanks for the detailed info. I’ll file this one away in the tech-help memory bank!
@@gplama No worries ... say hi to Webster's Market and Cafe from me.
I don't know about Aus... but here in the UK we call a "Brick built fence" a wall! 😂
The true Aussie term is "Built like a brick shithouse"... but that likely won't translate well.... 🤣
@@gplamatranslates fine in the UK :)
nooooooooo, i was waiting for a quiet kickr bike like the shift.. but automatic tilt, like the climb, is a must have for me and the more expensive kicker bike noise is like a tinitus.
Excellent review as always. Good food for thought but probably go for the Kickr bike when it gets HR pairing
I think I might be buying one of these before the year is out. My current trainer bike is basically ruined after 10,000km+ on a trainer so something has to change. It’s not clear if my OG Tacx Neo can be made to accommodate my new 11 speed bike with thru-axle, but I’m not sure that I want to subject a nice bike to being on a trainer anyway. The regular Kickr bike is simply more than I’m prepared to pay but this seems to have no deal-breaking compromises (for me) with enough of a discount to ease the pain
Hi Matt, could you share how your bike got ruined? I am using my only road bike both outdoors and also tons of miles on the trainer in winter. Indoors I have a powerful fan, wear a sweat headband, and put a sweat guard (“bike thong”) over my top tube. I haven’t noticed any problems, but wondering if perhaps I am placing strange stress points on my road bike from trainer use (it is an aluminum Cannondale).
@@toddtannenbaum7092 It is mostly the sweat really. I think my setup is better now than it used to be now that I’ve got a Wahoo Headwind fan and a bike thong 😂 versus just a regular fan and a towel previously. The bike is an aluminium Giant Defy from around 2012. The headset on the bike is loose, the front wheel has lost a spoke, it all creaks like crazy, the shifting is all messed up… there’s a whole catalogue of things, some more easily/cheaply fixed than others. I don’t think there’s been any issues from any stress points but it’s not been ridden outside in 5+ years. My new bike is a fancy carbon thing with Di2 so I don’t want to be swapping that in and out of the trainer
Precise and informative as always ✊🏾👍🏾👌🏾
Every time someone asks name and I say Shane, they go James, I say no Shane. Anyway if you have alternative bars say the Controltec ones you had on the Kickr Bike would you swap them out immediately before even starting to ride the Shift. Possibly looking at getting it here in Uk but if the handlebars are naff maybe it’s best to swap them out during setup. Good insightful video as always.
Cheers James (heheh.. I get that too sometimes)
Wow... perfect idea!!
The gear indicator on the Wahoo bike computer is awesome. It would be great if this would also work with the Kickr Bike.
It does! 👌🏼
@@gplama That would be great... So I can ride Zwift and see the gear combination on the ROAM?
@@gplama Roam not working with my Kickr Bike v1 so I think it only works on v2
Hi Shane. Great review. Just a quick question. Where did you get that rubber strap that keeps the Wi-Fi sensor secure in position Reference at 6:20. Thanks
I’ve used a 20% coupon to get the Kickr Bike 2 at the exact same price as the Shift. I’m now questioning whether I should cancel that order and go with the shift. I would love your knowledgeable input.
Entirely your call.
Where did you get that coupon? :-)
Ooff that's a tricky one, depends on how much you value the tilt functionality I guess? I somehow have the feeling that the build quality of the Kickr Bike Shift is better than the Kickr Bike v2, but don't know why... Of course it does have less components that could break, i.e.. no tilting.
I would buy the Shift. A lot of reports on noise and vibration issues with Kickr Bike 2. And it seems the climb simulation is a gimmick, a lot of people never use it.
The shift is the no-nonsense version of the Kickr Bike.
@freebird61885 where did you find this coupon? Because I’m buying right now if I get a hold of that bad boy!
Wow, as a late adopter to KIKR Bike V1 {about a year} this will be interesting.. PS End is Funny,,,
I just purchased a KickR Shift along with an Element Bolt v2. I have a newbie Element user question about the gear display on the Bolt. I can get the screen to provide a graphic display of gearing along with wattage, ride time, rpms, and ride mode “PASSIVE CONTROL KICKR FROM ANOTHER APP”. I have not been able to figure out how to zoom in on the graphic display of gearing to provide more detailed gear information including the numeric gear. How do you do this? I can zoom in on data fields on other display pages but not on the page noted above. I know, duh eh?
Have to say, the new kickr bike shift is really nice!
Would be nice to have the gear display page for AXS etap or Di2 bike while on the trainer. My Wahoo Roam go unused in the winter, that would be a nice addition. Do you know if that is already possible?
HELLO I follow bike fitting lessons and soon I will start with bike fitting and I have seen that in a shop they use this bike for bike fitting , which one do you recommend more the V1 or V2 ? thank you for sharing the revieuw
Looks like an excellent unit 👌
I have not been happy with the kickr bike's Di2 simulation when in Syncro mode. It's essential "full syncro with buttons for front derailleur removed" and the change-over point is not configurable (and badly chosen). Really would like to get a semi-syncro option as well as an ability to select the up/downshift points.
Its been a while since your post, but is this issue still a thing or has it been resolved?
@@BjørnStianHagen Still the same and not configurable. I'm on the first Gen KICKR Bike but I doubt it's different on the v2. The good news is I found that if I pick an 11 speed virtual cassette the switch point is not bad, so it's bearable. Still not ideal.
@@rasherdk Ah, that sucks. Thanks alot for your experience, I love the full syncro on my bike so really happy you replied
If I stick with my current setup I can still use the Kickr Climb with my Kickr Core….I think when my Core dies I will replace it with the Kickr. This bike looks nice, but I have an extra bike that I use for my indoor trainer so I don’t think this bike works for me since it is too expensive for my budget.
Thanks for the thorough view! Would you say the Shift comes close to the Stages SB20 in terms of pedaling smoothness and silence?
Das Shift ist sicher leiser
Hey! Hope all is well. QQ please....Is there a need to oil the WKB; mine has recently become a tad creeky!! Thank you
Here’s what you’re after: www.wahoofitness.com/media/wysiwyg/instructions/kickrbike/KICKR-BIKE-Maintenance-Guide.pdf
@@gplama Thank you Thank you ❤
Great Video! :) Will the gear shift with the current gear also be displayed on the Garmin Edge 830 or only on the Wahoo?
Only Wahoo units at this point.
How’s the feel when going downhill? Is the flywheel setup on the Kickr Bike with the noise worth that downhill simulation when compared to the Shift’s setup?
Hi Shane. Looking at your video when you ride in ERG mode in Zwift. The power number jumps alot, above and below the ERG power value. Exactly the same as for me. Is this normal? I also have a Kickr v5 and ERG is close to 100% perfect in Zwift, it stays solid at the ERG power value without jumping around. Do you know if there will be a fix to the bike shift to correct this, or if this is it? Think ERG now is close to useless in Zwift with Bike Shift. Thanks for any info on this subject
Could you swap out and put MTB /XC Bars on that stem or would the brakes gears be affected? Thanks man!
You could.. but there are no MTB levers for gear shifting.
Yea figured that.. well great review and thanks for getting back to me! 👍🏻👍🏻
As it has no wheels, how easy would you find it to move between rooms with no help?
And is there any noticeable vibration (important for those living in a flat)?
Thanks
It depends on the person.. I was able to move it no problems. No notable vibration, however I was using it on a very solid floor.
Excellent vid as always. Can the KICKR light or KICKR bike 2 measure pedal power independently so I can use it to rehab my right leg after injury? Doubtful as no sensor at the bear claw but may be able to do something with software and cadence sensor at rear end?
No. It’s only able to report total power.
This one vs tacx vs stages wich one do you prefer?
Do you think that the quieter drive unit will come to the Wahoo Kickr Bike in a version 3 incarnation? As a low cadence grinder especially when climbing, I hate the resonance of version 1 at 65 rpm - I have been living in hope that someone will take version 1 and 2 apart and find the noise eliminating difference then do a DIY mod job guide (it may be as simple as drilling a hole somewhere to allow pressurised air to escape) but I may be left with wearing out my version 1 bike and then buying a version 3 / 4 model ...
I wonder if that would even be something they would be willing to do as the flywheel on the Kickr Bike has motors the hep control it leading to some assistance as he described to get started and the downhill simulation part of it. Would love for them to figure out a way to decrease the noise/hum… maybe encasing the flywheel instead of the current open concept could help?… not sure.
I would really love for them to update the frame thickness to be more ergonomic like they have on the shift though! Also maybe some way to make the creaking quieter in the tilt feature in the Kickr Bike.
@@songodan45 I contacted Wahoo Support when version 2 was released to find out if there was a mod kit to fix version 1. Wahoo denied that there was a noise issue with version 1. I sent them a video of me riding when the sound changes at 65 rpm and also referred to the Kickr Smart Bike reviews by @gplama and @Dcrainmaker and Wahoo still refused to acknowledge the issue so it needs to be a third party hack. BTW when I needed to buy a new fan I did not buy a Wahoo Kickr Headwind in protest.
@@thisandthatandotherthings Wow, how could they possibly deny it?! Yeah, it definitely needs a 3rd party fix at this point.
Now just add some full motion rocker plate beneath and it's spot on
Was just thinking about buying it as a xmas gift for myself. Then I hear you say -No Race mode! For kickr bike v2 still no race mode. Doubt it will happen on this one either. Without Race mode, it's a guaranteed No Buy for me.
We heard here that Race Mode was coming soon in Feb 2023. The imminant Race Mode was a part of why I bought the over-priced Kickr Bike v2. You might be making the right decision (to not believe it).
@@halwye yes, I was about to buy the v2. No Race Mode was a dealbreaker and still is. If I'm to spend even more money, on top of the crazy money already spent on this, I want improved performance/competetiveness, not "nice to have" stuff 🙂
What race mode? Ability to go full blast?
I did asked Wahoo about race mode for Kickr Bike Shift and this was there anwser:
This feature is only available on the KICKR BIKE V2.
Due to hardware differences, this feature cannot be made available for the KICKR BIKE SHIFT.
have you ridden kaiser m3i and if you did can you compare them?
No I haven’t.
How do I get the gear position displayed for the old Kickr bike on Wahoo roamV2. I have paired the bike. Is there a trick I am missing?
New software has come out for Roam V2 which allows this to be done
Hi Lama, I've searched for the odometer in the whaoo fitness app but buggered if I can find it.... any idea where it is ?
It’s listed under the sensor details in the Wahoo app for me. I may have a beta/preview version of the app, but it should still show ODO on the current public app.
I know this was posted awhile ago when Kickr Shift was introduced but did gear information ever get supported in Zwift? For me that is pretty important since I typically do workouts without ERG so being able to hit the correct gear in order to produce the required power is pretty essential/use it all the time on my v1. Just curious if anyone here knows.
Still no gearing display/integration within Zwift using the Kickr BIKE/SHIFT.
@@gplama Thanks Shane - close to 20K miles (not kilos) on my v1 Kickr Bike and trying to plan ahead (and I really don't use climb functionality, primarily for interval workouts) - knock on wood it remains problem-free.
Does the Kickr Bike Shift has a chain? Does it need maintenance? in case I don't use the Wahoo cycle computer because it doesn't have a battery, can I use the gears without worrying about crossing the chain?
It's belt driven. In theory it shouldn't need very much maintenance at all. It's like to have a similar maintenance schedule/procedures as the Kickr Bike. www.wahoofitness.com/media/wysiwyg/instructions/kickrbike/KICKR-BIKE-Maintenance-Guide.pdf
thank you for answering the previous question, I have another question, sorry for the inconvenience. What is the distance between legs? Thanks@@gplama
@@jmdc87 I'll have to refer you to Wahoo Support on that one. Maybe they have those dimensions on their website.
What are your thoughts on this bike vs new Kickr move? How much would I miss movement if I buy the bike? I currently have Tacx Neo gen1 with movement plates, and I think that they improve ride feel a bit.
Hmm... For a permanent setup I'd go with the Bike Shift and keep the bikes in the garage with their rear wheels still attached. Movement is somewhat subjective. It depends how much you ride indoors, your bike fit, tolerance to riding a static bike, etc.
What is the footprint of the setup length-wise? I didn't see the info on the Wahoo site.
Quickly measured here: 1400mm x 800mm
A Kickr Bike without the tilt... that's like the best redeeming quality of the Kickr bike.
I am very interested in this bike. One thing concerns me: No gear display! When sprinting in Zwift I absolutely need to know the gear I am in. I have ridden smart bikes indoors for 3 years. Gear display is the one of the few features I MUST have. Is the Kickr Bike Shift my only option to see my virtual gear selection? 🤔
Until Zwift implement some kind of in-game gear indicator your only other option is a Wahoo Elemnt computer as shown in the video.
cool chevrons :)
Which one would you recommend - Kickr Shift or Stages SB20?
SB20 ERG mode is awful. Wish I’d bought something else. If buying today I’d choose the Kickr bike.
@@MarkRiddellRacing It's not just about features for some, though; there is a massive price disparity between the two (at least in the U.S.).
Will the Shift display gearing in the Wahoo App?
Not sure. One for Wahoo support.
Is this supposed to be an improvement over the gen Kickr bike then?
New firmware update 1.20.12. no idea what it is but let's hope it is race mode and gear display on Zwift 😁
Can gear position also be displayed on Garmin computer?
No
Great review. Sorry to say at that price, I feel I can do better. Cheap Carbon frame, 11sp Di2, cheap front wheel w Zwift Hub and you're good to go. $5k AUD is a lot of money especially for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th bike that is ONLY for indoors.
For sure there's more economical ways of achieving a similar experience.
If you ride inside often yeah you can have another bike, but then there's bike maintenance and drivetrain wear and tear over time.
Its possible to change Big ring number of teeth ? To 53-54 ?
Thanks Shane. I can only repeat myself by commending you on another great vid. I want to ask, in living the Man-cave dream is, in your opinion, a particular indoor bike set-up that you would suggest as meriting serious consideration.
As you rightly point out, indoor cycling these days consumes a lot of our riding time and in playing an important part to training for goal aiming. To this end, it's best to have the most immersive and "real feel" experience indoors. What in your opinion is the bike set-up that best meets this for you?
It depends. I do like the Kickr direct drive with my own road bike on it. The virtual shifting that can be done under full load on these smart bikes is also a really nice feature.
@@gplamaIsn’t virtual shift something that Zwift could potentially add someday in-game to work with any controllable trainer? Seems like this is the real purpose for the extra side buttons on the Zwift Play. IndieVelo just added virtual shifting that works with any trainer, but I haven’t had a chance to try it out yet…
How do the shifters work in when using TT bars?
Clip-on bars will work. There's no additional blips/etc for the Kickr BIKE(s).
i purchased this bike, and find it more harder to pedal than my old elite direto. instead of riding in 2,5wkg now i ride in 1,5-1,7 wkg, and that is a signifacant difference. and it feels like i am on an uphill most of the time. maybe its just me that needs to get used to my new bike.
£2700 still feels far too much for an indoor bike!
It’s a lot of money for sure but it depends how much you’ll use it. I’ve put over 10,000km onto my Tacx Neo and the bike that lives on it - the Neo cost £1000 6 years ago and the bike was also £1000 around 10 years ago and that bike is now ruined from indoor riding. My assumption is that a unit like this should be better built to cope with the strain of sweaty Zwift sessions. I think if you train regularly then it’s probably worth it, it just that everything is now expensive!
@@MattSwain1 That’s what makes the Kickr bike seem so expensive to me! That neo is still £1,000 today, so I could buy one and still have £1,700 left for a decent outdoor bike for only a slight inconvenience of having to remove the rear wheel. If the quality of the internals are anything like the cheap finishing kit, I wouldn’t expect it to last 10 years (although Wahoo were good about replacing the main part of my kickr snap twice in 3 years, but even that replacement is done now).
Better than paying a gym 40 quid a month.
@@tonylo6013 only if the bike lasts for at least 5 years! Get a second hand bike & a trainer for a third of the price.
Cómprate un rodillo de 200 doly
I wonder if you can purchase an extra seatpost, so my wife and I could each have our own with our saddle of perference?
It's a standard seatpost, so you can use other posts no problems. 👌🏼 Give me a sec and I'll go measure it.....
27.2 mm
@@gplama Cool - thanks!!
Can confirm I use a regular 27.2 seatpost from another bike on my kickr bike because the one that came with it was too short.
Still no race mode on Kickr bike v2 as well :(
Could you pair a garmin for gearing?
No. Just the Elemnt units for now.
Reasons to choose this over the Kickr Bike or vice versa?
Price. Tilt. I guess....
I got a new one in December and started having an issue with the "belt" inside making noises after 3 or 4 weeks. It quickly progressed and now I'm sending my bike back for a replacement. I hope it isn't a broader issue. They suggested a fix that didn't make sense really. An issue with the product is the owner will have a very hard time servicing any sort of belt/chain issues given how the bike is constructed. I'm a little disappointed so far.
Are you sorted yet. Wahoo have been awful with me after mine developed issues immediately
they sent me a new one that i've been riding for a week or so. it seems ok so far. i do hear a little sound with each pedal stroke and hope it doesn't turn into the dreading scratching and pulling like my last one@@highplainszwifter
same same guys. Mine Shift has been reaplaced already 4 times. Each unit made some weird rubbing noise coming from the flywheel area. Maybe belt, maybe unbalanced flywheel... Really frustrating. I going to return it as this is a real joke and Wahoo fucked up with the QC of this new product... And of course they do not comment on these issues, just offer you an replacement...
@@noam3d my new one is having problems with the rubbing again. It also creeks like an old rusty wheel. I think we should all get our money back
@@spojce9yeah men. Mine was replaced already 4 times... now I have just reached Wahoo again and got response that their technical department believes that everything is ok (even though they have replaced the bike 3 times before without any word for the same reason...). This is a real joke. I requested full refund in the shop where I got it. Waste of time and money.
I have also uploaded all the recordings for each Shift bike I got on my YT channel. Avoid this Shi(f)t as much as you can.
Note: Got my KICKR Bike V2 a month ago and there were no flat pedals. They must have stopped including those everywhere. Oh well … don’t care.
is it aluminium? ie will sweat corrode it?
Frame is steel instead of aluminum
Unfortunately, for several days I have been trying to connect smart bike shift with Garmin Ede 1040 to control the gear ratios. Has anyone had a similar problem?
You’re not going to be able to see the gears on an Edge unit. Only Wahoo Elemnt units.
Surely the question here is this or the Wattbike Atom?
This all day long.
@@gplama interesting! Why such a clear decision?
The WattBike ATOM units I've ridden were pretty terrible when it comes to holding ERG set-points. They underperformed when put through my testing protocol. I even went out of my way to borrow one to re-test when I was informed by WattBike I'd no longer be considered for any media review units.... and that performed horribly too. I didn't waste my time posting the follow-up review of that. Overall I've had a bad experience with the product and the company to date. My door is open for that to change.... I might reach out to them again one day.
I'd be interested if it were priced at $3.5k AUD.
Wouldn't $3000 Aussie been just nice
Why did they remove the tiny wheels that help in moving the stuff around??? 😢
I want Shimano to make an Ultegra "5 hole bear claw" crankset.
...with options for more than 175 please
Wow I just bought a kickr bike 3 weeks ago
Such a Shane the package wasn't for Shane.... ;-)
Race Mode?
Mentioned twice in the video.
lol I only watched first few minutes before I commented. @@gplama
Q factor?
153. Slightly wider than the Kickr Bike.
Mine is two weeks old and has a dreadful clanking sounds emanating from either the frame or crank. Terrible, and all Wahoo say is grease the joints (it’s brand new!) No offer of replacement or money back.. disappointing considering how many of these they sell at €3000 a pop!
Shiny Bibshorts 😅
Those chevrons on the video tile look like a lawsuit waiting to happen 😜
I'm having a hard time justifying $3k+ for these smart bike that will become landfill and unsupported in about five years. Nice kit otherwise, but way too rich for me.
Did they list a weight limit on this one? Adult sized guys like me (200cm, 110kg) felt like I was gonna break the Kickr bike.
Max user weight: 250 lbs // 113.39 kgs. You're good!
I was today in the middle of a training session and the power disconnected. Very expensive toy.
One for Wahoo support.
Us price is wrong it is 3,999.99 USD
They’ve danced the prices around a lot after sending out the media kits I use/work from.
Maybe you can answer this I reached out to Zwift directly to see if my terra trike recumbent trike will work on there hub and they say no. I’m not a bike expert but in theory, I think it should work two wheels in the front one in the back. What are your thoughts?
If they say it doesn’t work, you might need to find a bike mechanic who can get a solution sorted.
😊
That bike has way too much movement in it for the price.
Still nowhere nearly as well made or comfortable as a Stages Bike SB20.
While I agree on the SB20 having an awesome saddle, bars, and bar tape out of the box. The thing IS the brick fence with handlebars I was referring to. 🤣 Stages also need to release a Shimano style lever update to the SB20. Those buttons are horrible. (Other that that, it's a nice unit)
I would love the element head unit gear display to work with the SB20. I hate the Stages app for gear display.
@@gplamahello,
which indoor bike would you recommend today between the kickr shift, the sb20 stages and the zbike cycle or kickr v6?
I am looking for a reliable and durable interior solution above all.
Best regards
nah
Suspicious they don't mention the q-factor... 🤔
Probably cause it's wiiiide 😂
153mm
@@gplama 😬 that's up there, probably how they keep people's thighs from rubbing too much on the wide frame.
@@galenkehler They've slimmed down the frame too. I'll compare it to the OG Kickr Bike when I get around to measuring them both.
What’s the Q factor of shift vs v2?
hmm
It is not aero! Thumbs down!
If you didn’t type that in a skinsuit with aero socks the world will be disappointed in you.
I would like to know which bike you would buy - or which trainer… @GPLama
Gday from Hobart Shane. I’ve wanted to get my hands on a Stages SB20 for some time - to combine the best of Zwift and regular spin riding. Unfortunately that bike is about 5y old now - and still costs MORE than the brand new Shift! I’m seeing a lot of value in the Shift now instead, especially with some poor feedback I’m reading online about Stages and customer support.
Are there any new smart bike releases in the wings - or has that market kinda died now - and it’s Wahoo or nothing? Cheers mate. 🦙
I don't expect we'll see any new bikes this year. The Neo Bike Plus is still relatively new, so is the Kickr BIKE v2 and SHIFT. And for reasons you've pointed out, Stages... I don't think we'll see an SB40 any time soon.
@@gplama thanks Mr. Lama. I’m trying to find an SB 20 supercheap online used, but failing that it looks like the SHIFT is probably the best next option - and likely to receive firmware updates, and ongoing support, and possibly the ability to buy spare parts!
hmm