Top review! Though I'm in love with my TACX Neo v1, leaning towards the KICKR Bike more and more instead Neo Bike. At least KICKR Smart seems to make it easier to adjust sharing so rest of the family could ride too.
That’s all going to depends on your gear/group set configurations. As for max RPM, I will have to defer to wahoo fitness for that. But putting 100-130 rpm was a no issue for me and didn’t feel any limitations that could prevent me from putting out more.
Would love to get this bike in an ideal world. Have gone through 2 kickrs and 2 kickr climbs, really don't think the kickr bike would last past 8 - 14 months. That's why I am going with the stages bike, something as heavy as me and looks like it is built to last. Mine should be with me on 8th July.
Nice review thanks, one issue I have with the kickr bike is that it is road dedicated with no option for mtb oriented riders. Do you have any further information regarding future options to change the handlebar/shifter set up to replicate mtb bikes/handlebar/shifters? Another issue I personally see with the kickr bike and also the kickr climb is the implementation of the gradient change and the main reason preventing me with purchasing either. As it stands the change in incline is connected to the the trainer and not the app you are using ie as the trainers resistance changes in accordance with the gradient changes in the app the incline adjusts accordingly. What I would like to see is the incline features activating independently to the trainer resistance changes and follow changes in incline of the app regardless. The bulk of my training is performed using erg mode intervals ie trainerroad etc but I prefer to use zwift /rouvey visuals at the same time rather than watching the trainerroad app screen. For me personally it would be an ideal feature to be able to follow zwift/rouvey routes and experience the gradient changes whilst still performing erg mode intervals. If this feature ever becomes available then I will definitely become interested in the purchase of either the kickr bike or the kickr climb.
I was wondering if the fore aft rocking was due to the surface the bike sits on. Maybe if it was due to a loose tolerance, you could hear claging noises such as a bolt in a loose hole. Possible that the climb actuator wasn’t holding position and the rocking would possibly show as an angle change in the tiny display?
I talked to Wahoo about this and according to them, it’s a necessary tolerance in the actuator that controls the BIKE's incline. It’s not enough of a tilt to show an angle change. Hope that helps!
Great video! Thank you for the amazing channel. I picked up a Wahoo Kickr bike last week and I'm really enjoying it. I'm interested in your room set up (I'm new to indoor cycling). Any recommendation on distance between the bike and TV? I've also noticed that some folks have the TV mounted on the wall at a higher level while others have lower to the ground... I would think lower would put less strain on your next looking "up" Also, Is the bike desk a must-have in your opinion? Thank you for your guidance.
The bike desk is not a must. However, I do like having it for the water bottles and all other stuff I usually have like a laptop if I need to. Some people use music stands which work just as well and cheaper. As for the tv, generally the lower the better. You want it to be in line with your eyesight when riding a bike. Mine is as high as my bike’s handlebars and seems to be comfortable that way. Here is the bike desk I have: smtbk.co/2JBH7nx
Great review Tariq as always. I have a question for you. I seem to struggle with totally rigid set ups after using a Kinetic Rock and Roll for a number of years. Currently I have a Tacx Neo 2 and find it to have enough lateral movement to keep me comfortable. So having ridden both of them for some time now how does the lateral movement of the Kickr Bike compare with your Tacx Neo? Many thanks and I look forward with interest to your reply. Kind regards.
I have been cycling for 7 yrs, weekends only for fitness. Looking for an indoor trainer that doesn’t break bank , will be using Zwift . What is recommendation for a smart trainer that I will be satisfied with for a couple years. Thank you
Mine has a really annoying creaking noise that seems to be coming from the upright portion of the frame (where you can adjust the height). I have to get Wahoo involved because it drowns out anything I'm trying to listen to while riding.
great review, and the sound testing was excellent! I’ve read from others that the kickrbike is silent, but this hum seems unbearable. are you going to do a review of the wattbike atom new generation?
I will be doing a review of the wattbike but not the latest one that was just released. The latest gen isn’t yet available in the US so can’t get my hands on one yet. But will be reviewing the previous gen in the next few weeks.
Hi there. Thanks for posting. Curious - when you adjust the grade simulator via the hood buttons in Zwift (non-erg mode, just riding along in SIM mode), does it increase/decrease the resistance accordingly?
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks for replying. I just took possession of the bike the other day. Interestingly enough, mine doesn't adjust resistance when I MANUALLY change the gradient. (Zwift SIM mode/non ERG). I come from a Kickr + Climb - which worked as described when manually overridden. I'm wondering if Wahoo changed the feature in latest firmware? I even ran down to LBS where they have a Kickr bike set up, and it works as mine. The store rep was surprised too. Any other insight would be helpful. (Trainer is at 100%, non ERG, non structured training) - I have a message out to Wahoo.
Are you using Zwift on Windows or iOS? Also, how are you connecting, Bluetooth or Ant+? I just tested it on iOS and BLE and worked fine adjusting the workout resistance after disabling erg mode.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks for trying it out. I'm on: Zwift on Apple TV (BLE only) Riding in SIM mode (not training exercise) - so no ERG to disable. While in Zwift-manual elevation via buttons on top of Kickr bike hoods has no impact to resistance. Are you running latest firmware? Sidenote - Zwift on my android phone also yields the same problem. Thanks for trying.
Maybe I’m not clear on what you are trying to do. When in regular sim mode in zwift, you should feel resistance changes as the terrain change as long as you have the kickr bike paired as a controllable trainer. You can increase/decrease resistance by changing the gears similar to outdoor riding. Also, check your difficulty settings in Zwift. If it’s turned all the way down, you won’t feel resistance changes.
As usual, very good review. One comment regarding not needing calibration, a topic I guess we've discussed before. If for any reason it doesn't come well calibrated from factory then it's a pain to solve the process. That has to be one advantage of the "old" system as in the kickr 18 and other direct drive models. Any idea of occurrence of the knocking noise complain that can be easily found on topics of the bike users?
Thanks. I have heard of these knocking sounds but didn’t experience any on this bike other than the noises you heard in the video. As for calibration, I guess that’s possible to happen but that would be a defect that wahoo will just have to address just like any other issue you might run into with the bike.
That’s a topic for a different video :) I don’t think one is better than the other. They are both good and offer a set of features that are unique to each one.
@@SmartBikeTrainers I'm looking forward for that video. I'm going to buy the wahoo or the tacx and I can't make a decision. In Europe the tacx is 900€ cheaper. I'd really like to know if the climb funtion is worth it. Is there any actual train difference between an effort with the climb funtion or only with the resistance or is it just funnier to ride? By the way, great videos in your channel. Congratulations!!!!
I am wondering really why would someone pay 3000$ for the 1 purpose tool only while he could have a great bike AND turbo trainer for this money and it could be used indoor and outdoor. Just asking ;-) Especially that in 99% of the cases we are talking about amateurs... Oh, I forgot: people "have to buy things" to feel better ;-)
@@SmartBikeTrainers I am NOT against spending money - don't get me wrong please ;-) I makes countries more rich, all of us in fact. That was just my comment that - probably - most of these bikes are used ... rarely ;-) Oh, and btw: better is an enemy of good so development is very much needed
Great video and a dedicated indoor bike is the best way to go. Thanks
Seriously, your videos are amazing! Fantastic production quality and great details. Keep up the great work 👊
Appreciate it Matt 🙏
What do you think about ZCycle Zbike? Can you test her?
Top review! Though I'm in love with my TACX Neo v1, leaning towards the KICKR Bike more and more instead Neo Bike. At least KICKR Smart seems to make it easier to adjust sharing so rest of the family could ride too.
Yes, the quick levers make adjustability very easy and quick.
Great review. Hopefully more competitors will enter the smart bike arena and drive the price down. This setup is just too expensive.
I want to buy one but I'm scared the second generation will be out soon. Any info on that?
Not likley, it is available in europe for 2-3 months now... so i wont expect a 2nd gen soon
What a thorough review 👍 top notch!
Excellent review. My only niggle is the forward rocking movement. Other than that, its brilliant.
Great Review Tariq! thanks
Thanks for watching!
Two questions . What is the ratio of one crank turn too how many flywheel turns? What is the max RPM? Thanks.
That’s all going to depends on your gear/group set configurations. As for max RPM, I will have to defer to wahoo fitness for that. But putting 100-130 rpm was a no issue for me and didn’t feel any limitations that could prevent me from putting out more.
Would love to get this bike in an ideal world. Have gone through 2 kickrs and 2 kickr climbs, really don't think the kickr bike would last past 8 - 14 months. That's why I am going with the stages bike, something as heavy as me and looks like it is built to last. Mine should be with me on 8th July.
Suggest using the Tacx bracket for tablets on the handlebar.
That’s an option for sure.
very good review again - well-done mate! Luckily on my bike I do not experience this "back to front" motion, else the same for me
Thank you 🙏 Glad you enjoyed the review.
Nice review thanks, one issue I have with the kickr bike is that it is road dedicated with no option for mtb oriented riders. Do you have any further information regarding future options to change the handlebar/shifter set up to replicate mtb bikes/handlebar/shifters?
Another issue I personally see with the kickr bike and also the kickr climb is the implementation of the gradient change and the main reason preventing me with purchasing either. As it stands the change in incline is connected to the the trainer and not the app you are using ie as the trainers resistance changes in accordance with the gradient changes in the app the incline adjusts accordingly. What I would like to see is the incline features activating independently to the trainer resistance changes and follow changes in incline of the app regardless. The bulk of my training is performed using erg mode intervals ie trainerroad etc but I prefer to use zwift /rouvey visuals at the same time rather than watching the trainerroad app screen. For me personally it would be an ideal feature to be able to follow zwift/rouvey routes and experience the gradient changes whilst still performing erg mode intervals. If this feature ever becomes available then I will definitely become interested in the purchase of either the kickr bike or the kickr climb.
thanks.. I want to buy one but they are sold out. Very thorough. I do lots of Virtual miles with Zwift during the fall/winter months.
Your video is very good. Hope to hear you discussing TACX vs WAHOO
Do you think they will launch a new model of kikr bike in 2021
I don’t have any insights on that
I was wondering if the fore aft rocking was due to the surface the bike sits on. Maybe if it was due to a loose tolerance, you could hear claging noises such as a bolt in a loose hole. Possible that the climb actuator wasn’t holding position and the rocking would possibly show as an angle change in the tiny display?
I talked to Wahoo about this and according to them, it’s a necessary tolerance in the actuator that controls the BIKE's incline. It’s not enough of a tilt to show an angle change. Hope that helps!
Great video! Thank you for the amazing channel. I picked up a Wahoo Kickr bike last week and I'm really enjoying it. I'm interested in your room set up (I'm new to indoor cycling). Any recommendation on distance between the bike and TV? I've also noticed that some folks have the TV mounted on the wall at a higher level while others have lower to the ground... I would think lower would put less strain on your next looking "up"
Also, Is the bike desk a must-have in your opinion?
Thank you for your guidance.
The bike desk is not a must. However, I do like having it for the water bottles and all other stuff I usually have like a laptop if I need to. Some people use music stands which work just as well and cheaper. As for the tv, generally the lower the better. You want it to be in line with your eyesight when riding a bike. Mine is as high as my bike’s handlebars and seems to be comfortable that way.
Here is the bike desk I have:
smtbk.co/2JBH7nx
@@SmartBikeTrainers Very helpful, thank you!
Thank you. Is it possible to swap bars for TT /aero bars?
You can add a clip on aero bars but you can’t swap the whole handlebars for TT bars.
SMART Bike Trainers ok thank you. Tis good to know 👍👍👍
Great review Tariq as always. I have a question for you. I seem to struggle with totally rigid set ups after using a Kinetic Rock and Roll for a number of years. Currently I have a Tacx Neo 2 and find it to have enough lateral movement to keep me comfortable. So having ridden both of them for some time now how does the lateral movement of the Kickr Bike compare with your Tacx Neo? Many thanks and I look forward with interest to your reply. Kind regards.
Great Vid! Do you plan to review the Stages SB20?
Most likely no.
I have been cycling for 7 yrs, weekends only for fitness. Looking for an indoor trainer that doesn’t break bank , will be using Zwift . What is recommendation for a smart trainer that I will be satisfied with for a couple years. Thank you
The Kickr direct drive or Kickr Core are solid and will last you many years of Zwifting.
Mine has a really annoying creaking noise that seems to be coming from the upright portion of the frame (where you can adjust the height). I have to get Wahoo involved because it drowns out anything I'm trying to listen to while riding.
My bike seemed to not go uphill and downhill automatically. Idk how. Pls help and thanks 👍🏼
great review, and the sound testing was excellent! I’ve read from others that the kickrbike is silent, but this hum seems unbearable. are you going to do a review of the wattbike atom new generation?
I will be doing a review of the wattbike but not the latest one that was just released. The latest gen isn’t yet available in the US so can’t get my hands on one yet. But will be reviewing the previous gen in the next few weeks.
Hi there. Thanks for posting. Curious - when you adjust the grade simulator via the hood buttons in Zwift (non-erg mode, just riding along in SIM mode), does it increase/decrease the resistance accordingly?
Yes it does
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks for replying. I just took possession of the bike the other day. Interestingly enough, mine doesn't adjust resistance when I MANUALLY change the gradient. (Zwift SIM mode/non ERG). I come from a Kickr + Climb - which worked as described when manually overridden. I'm wondering if Wahoo changed the feature in latest firmware? I even ran down to LBS where they have a Kickr bike set up, and it works as mine. The store rep was surprised too. Any other insight would be helpful. (Trainer is at 100%, non ERG, non structured training) - I have a message out to Wahoo.
Are you using Zwift on Windows or iOS? Also, how are you connecting, Bluetooth or Ant+?
I just tested it on iOS and BLE and worked fine adjusting the workout resistance after disabling erg mode.
@@SmartBikeTrainers thanks for trying it out. I'm on:
Zwift on Apple TV (BLE only)
Riding in SIM mode (not training exercise) - so no ERG to disable.
While in Zwift-manual elevation via buttons on top of Kickr bike hoods has no impact to resistance. Are you running latest firmware?
Sidenote - Zwift on my android phone also yields the same problem.
Thanks for trying.
Maybe I’m not clear on what you are trying to do. When in regular sim mode in zwift, you should feel resistance changes as the terrain change as long as you have the kickr bike paired as a controllable trainer. You can increase/decrease resistance by changing the gears similar to outdoor riding. Also, check your difficulty settings in Zwift. If it’s turned all the way down, you won’t feel resistance changes.
As usual, very good review.
One comment regarding not needing calibration, a topic I guess we've discussed before. If for any reason it doesn't come well calibrated from factory then it's a pain to solve the process. That has to be one advantage of the "old" system as in the kickr 18 and other direct drive models.
Any idea of occurrence of the knocking noise complain that can be easily found on topics of the bike users?
Thanks. I have heard of these knocking sounds but didn’t experience any on this bike other than the noises you heard in the video. As for calibration, I guess that’s possible to happen but that would be a defect that wahoo will just have to address just like any other issue you might run into with the bike.
Hy! Informative review. Do you happen to know Kicker bike crankset q-factor ?
Q-factor is 150mm
I got the climb and pro trainer it can’t see how it can be improved?
That’s a great setup you got and works well.
Wich bike do you think is best? Tacx or wahoo?
That’s a topic for a different video :) I don’t think one is better than the other. They are both good and offer a set of features that are unique to each one.
@@SmartBikeTrainers I'm looking forward for that video. I'm going to buy the wahoo or the tacx and I can't make a decision. In Europe the tacx is 900€ cheaper. I'd really like to know if the climb funtion is worth it. Is there any actual train difference between an effort with the climb funtion or only with the resistance or is it just funnier to ride? By the way, great videos in your channel. Congratulations!!!!
@@algol06 - i am having the same concerns in sweden. Maybe sound is an issue, think tacx is more silent. Tacx also seems hard to get hold of.
would you put this on a Saris MP1?
You should be able to but not recommended by Wahoo or Saris.
I'm still happy with my tax neo 2😊
I am wondering really why would someone pay 3000$ for the 1 purpose tool only while he could have a great bike AND turbo trainer for this money and it could be used indoor and outdoor. Just asking ;-)
Especially that in 99% of the cases we are talking about amateurs...
Oh, I forgot: people "have to buy things" to feel better ;-)
I’m assuming ones who buy a stationary bike get it for the convenience. Whether it’s to have a dedicated bike or to share with other family members.
@@SmartBikeTrainers I am NOT against spending money - don't get me wrong please ;-) I makes countries more rich, all of us in fact. That was just my comment that - probably - most of these bikes are used ... rarely ;-) Oh, and btw: better is an enemy of good so development is very much needed