As a techy guy who's recently gotten really into cycling and got a smart trainer, I'm amazed that this isn't standard built-in functionality, or that there isn't a USB cable for actual an actual direct connection (I really like cables, yes)
USB is a pain. Kinetic put a USB port on their R1 trainer, then never bothered to even support it themselves! Wireless/network makes sense for the widest compatibility. I don't see Apple allowing USB peripherals like smart trainers for future iPhones/iPads/AppleTV/etc.
Most people don't need it. Wifi is ubiquitous. I use Verizon FIOS and and an Apple router and have never dropped a Zwift session or experienced noticeable delays.
Wired is the way to go for reliability, in my case I set up outdoors, wire to the first room indoors to an Ethernet Powerline adapter, which sends the signal through the house's socket network back to another Powerline, into the router. The router is on the other side of the house and WiFi repeaters are a minefield of expensive junk. Go wired as much as you can!
Another solution if you're still running the old 2.4 GHz WiFi at home is to upgrade to a 5 GHz microwave to pop your popcorn. The advantage is that the popcorn cooks in half the time. The disadvantage is that the popped flakes are half the size.
I have two smart trainers a Tacx flux 2 and a computrainer. One would say that the Tacx is the better trainer for many reasons direct drive blah blah blah. But I have never lost a connection with the computrainer. The Tacx has lost connection more times then I can count. The real winner I think would the option of both. Sometimes the cable solves the problem.
Thanks for the tip on the bluetooth drivers! I was using direct connect with the sufferfest (SYSTM) and had the same problem. I built up an older windows machine that didn't have integrated bluetooth and exclusively used an ANT plus usb device. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why my machine couldn't connect to the KICKR with direct connect and it only worked when I installed a bluetooth USB device I had laying around. It seems so strange that bluetooth is required - I'm not sure why Wahoo doesn't mention that more or maybe they did and I missed it. I would guess that they think most machines have bluetooth, which is true too.
I can see why you’d say this isn’t the future for most, but this would be what I want. I can plug in a trainer into the network jack in the wall? Yes please. I live in a very dense neighborhood, where there are no uncontested wifi channels, and wifi isn’t always steady, especially in the evening. It’s definitely not necessary, but for the right price I would use it. It have to be the right price because Im using a dumb trainer, Bluetooth power meter, iPhone, lightning hdmi adapter to a tv. A very low budget setup.
Wahoo is the only one doing this with their trainers and it's been available for quite a while, how are they the ones "behind?" What's new is Zwift finally supporting it (many other platforms added support a long time ago).
So me using a laptop connecting to the internet via my mobile phone (hot spot), with my trainer, cadence and heart rate connecting to Zwift via Bluetooth dongle isn't the best way to go then 🤣🤣🤣 Still when you don't have the option of using anything else 🤷, you just have to go with what you've got 🤦. I agree with your closing comments though, when you can buy a cheap (?) printer and connect it wirelessly to your home network, what's Wahoo's problem with a £1000 trainer🤷🤦
Oct 05th update - Turns out my direct connect was a potato. After contacting Wahoo support. Going thru some basic steps. We determined the device was defective out of the box. They shipped me a new one. I just plugged it in and looked for it on Zwift. And, there it was. Direct connect was found.
Very helpful video. My brand new kickr core REPEATEDLY drops and surges resistance but Wahoo denies anything is wrong. I’m new to cycling but not new to wireless telecom. They are 100% culpable for manufacturing a device that is not properly shielded or capable. Maybe I’ll spend more $ on the direct connect hardware. Or maybe I’ll sell this poorly developed machine for a competitor’s produce. I am very unhappy with the Kickr core’s performance and their only answer is to blame signal interference in my home. Anything and everything else I want to use wirelessly works in my home; why can’t the kickr??
Is this better for people who don’t have a power meter or any cadence sensors? I have the kickr roller but has hesitated to buy a power meter just cause the price
I updated from Google WiFi to Google 'Nest' WiFi a few weeks back. Both were the three pod pack. The newer Nest WiFi only has an Ethernet port on the primary/main AP.... unlike the older APs that all had Ethernet. Long story short, I used one of the original Google WiFi APs with an Ethernet port paired to the new Nest mesh for this.
It'll mean the gradient commands sent to it are done as quickly as possible. I'd guess the same speed as BLE as that was my experience with the resistance changes using Direct Connect. I guess it depends where the current lag is... either with ANT+ (if you're using that), or with the physical gradient mechanics of the Climb (no change there).
Hey Shane, just to clear up some confusion (at least I was confused). This is NOT compatible with the original (V1) Kickr Bike. This is confirmed by Wahoo (and me). I presume it will be compatible with the new Kickr Bike (2022).
Hey shane, Thanks for the Update and Details about the direct connect. I noticed you have those stupied and annoying Sound efects (4:05) of zwift too. Are you missing the 'countdown beep' in Workouts before a zone change too? And if there is a way to stop that humming sound e.g. by deleting files in the zwift folders.... plz, plz make a video on how to. Thanks !
Hey Shane, what hardware are you running Zwift on? The resolution and frame rate look insane. It looks like you’re running on a high end PC in 4k ultra, but didn’t you say that this direct connect unit wasn’t available for Windows yet?
Have you seen anything that will bridge Bluetooth to a network connection for the Kickr Bike v1, Shane? I've tried to do it using a Raspberry Pi, but I can't get it to connect to the bike, as I can't crack what needs to be done to establish the Bluetooth pairing
@@gplama Thanks, I'll keep digging into it - ideally I'd like to build a bridge (lol) so the Kickr Bike v1 is accessible and controllable via the network rather than bluetooth only... There's a few Pi based projects that are python based, that are an alternative to Zwift, etc, but I'm only interested in creating a bridge
The built-in 5ghz makes total sense. This wahoo direct connect thing really seems a bridge to what is the "correct" future implementation. On that topic, any news/rumors regarding new trainers/updated trainers being launched into the market? Autumn 2022?
@@gplama a different question then. Regarding bike components (frame, wheels and other bits and stuff) usually before tour de France is a hot period with many brands and manufacturers releasing new products. Is there a period like that regarding indoor trainers? Eurobike? End of summer? You guys (reviewers) are probably more aware of such patterns as you have to directly deal with that workload. Thanks
Could'nt agree more about the onboard 5ghz receiver and/or inbuilt ethernet cable port. I'm mindblown that a 1000+ dollars machine in 2022 uses old tech. Why would they even go through all the trouble to invent and fabricate a new dongle with what looks to be an AUX connector on the other end? Possibly money is the answer (Apple likes its dongles and proprietary connectors too), or Zwift connect options simply aren't there yet, so Zwift (and other software) severely limit product creators.
Nobody else had added network support for trainers, so it was pretty experimental. A simple AUX port is a cheap add for all of the Gen 5 KICKRs, and the dongle gave users the option for trying it out. It still had to wait for any of the platforms to be willing to add the support for that kind of connection. Now that it's supported by most (all?) of the major platforms, maybe it'll become more standard.
The entire Wahoo kickr stuff have poor quality materials. The bearings are really cheap chinese junk that start making all kinds of noises when they go bad. Not surprised they want to save $2 on the electronics to pad themselves back on profit.
Too which signal would be best to confine my home wifi network; 2.5 GHZ or 5 GHZ, to attempt resolution on this Wahoo Kickr Core Problem? My wifi currently broadcasts both but I can change that. Which of the two is preferred for this issue?
Hi Shane. Big fan, love your channel. Just purchased the Dircon as well. Hoping to move away from Ant or BT. Having read all forums to troubleshoot the connection. My gaming laptop (no potato) just does not see it. Tried connecting thru a laptop, and tried connecting directly to the router. Lights activate on both ends. I do run Norton 360 with windows 10. New class 8 network cable. It just does not see it. Even tried turning off the firewall. Not the end of the world, if it won't work. Don't have too much interference with ant or bt. But, disappointed that I spent the money. No idea what port 36866 is. Lol.
Not everyone is into wireless connectivity Shane, Ill take a wired device over wireless any day of the week, for the simple reason wired wont have dropouts due to connectivity, there goes all those connectivity issues by simply having a wired connection. Just because u love wireless doesnt mean thats what everyone else wants or that its the best thing.
It’s not a ‘love’ of wireless. It’s a love of what’s practical. Wired solutions for low bandwidth (and effectively high latency at 4Hz) devices just isn’t practical. As per my conclusion, maybe the solution is both.
To little to late. Continual drop outs and connection issues with zwift over the years. Switched over to Systm and have not had a single problem since.
Well... technically.... if you could fit all your equipment inside a microwave oven, it'll be an ideal place shield yourself away from everything else that'll cause dropouts on ANT+ and BLE. Just don't turn the microwave on. 🤣
@@gplama The wireless connections simple do not work, resulting in unacceptable performance. I can pedal 60rpm and my avatar doesn't clip-in and start riding until 5 seconds later and even then doesn't pedal at my real life cadence. It's like selling a car without seats.
That's an entirely different discussion. If you're in an environment where ANT+ or BLE doesn't work, or you have a system that has issues with either of those protocols, then you'll need the DIRCON adapter to solve that problem. Wahoo have made a product to solve your problems but you're on here demanding the recall the the trainer? Sounds like you best contact Wahoo or Zwift support if you want to get to a resolution.
I don't see my environment or setup as being out of the normal. If it doesn't work for me, how is it working for anyone else? Unless they are doing things like buying extra equipment to make it work, or buying an Apple TV to make it work, etc etc. If it's not compatible with Windows 10/bluetooth 5.0 dongle/with a basic wireless router running they should say so on the product description. Also, if you NEED to place your bluetooth dongle less than a foot away from the bluetooth receiver on the Kickr, ya, that's a poorly designed product. Just give us a wired connection in the box.
Mate, time better spent diagnosing your issues than pissing about throwing your toys out of the cot. It works. If it didn’t they’d have thousands of complaints being posted. I get you’re pissed off. I’m also fully capable of fixing your issues…. But you’ve gone about it all the wrong way.
As a techy guy who's recently gotten really into cycling and got a smart trainer, I'm amazed that this isn't standard built-in functionality, or that there isn't a USB cable for actual an actual direct connection (I really like cables, yes)
USB is a pain. Kinetic put a USB port on their R1 trainer, then never bothered to even support it themselves! Wireless/network makes sense for the widest compatibility. I don't see Apple allowing USB peripherals like smart trainers for future iPhones/iPads/AppleTV/etc.
I’ve been asking for it since I got my first smart trainer years ago. Glad it’s finally coming.
@@gplama it's plain difficult to use USB-C. So much so, Apple went back to the Magnetic power connector.
Most people don't need it. Wifi is ubiquitous. I use Verizon FIOS and and an Apple router and have never dropped a Zwift session or experienced noticeable delays.
I really like Ethernet. It just works.
Wired is the way to go for reliability, in my case I set up outdoors, wire to the first room indoors to an Ethernet Powerline adapter, which sends the signal through the house's socket network back to another Powerline, into the router. The router is on the other side of the house and WiFi repeaters are a minefield of expensive junk. Go wired as much as you can!
Another solution if you're still running the old 2.4 GHz WiFi at home is to upgrade to a 5 GHz microwave to pop your popcorn. The advantage is that the popcorn cooks in half the time. The disadvantage is that the popped flakes are half the size.
🤣🤣
Thank you for keeping us updated on the latest tech. Always a treat !
Beautifully done Shane! Even the box design is spot on
Box design by Wahoo... it's a legit product. This isn't an April 1st thing. 🤷🏻♂️
Interesting, but this just gives me another reason to "wait for the next release / generation" before upgrading from my old Kickr Snap :(
The microwave/popcorn validation was next level Bell Labs kind of stuff. #Lama Lab > Bell Labs
I have two smart trainers a Tacx flux 2 and a computrainer. One would say that the Tacx is the better trainer for many reasons direct drive blah blah blah. But I have never lost a connection with the computrainer. The Tacx has lost connection more times then I can count. The real winner I think would the option of both. Sometimes the cable solves the problem.
Thanks for the tip on the bluetooth drivers! I was using direct connect with the sufferfest (SYSTM) and had the same problem. I built up an older windows machine that didn't have integrated bluetooth and exclusively used an ANT plus usb device. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why my machine couldn't connect to the KICKR with direct connect and it only worked when I installed a bluetooth USB device I had laying around. It seems so strange that bluetooth is required - I'm not sure why Wahoo doesn't mention that more or maybe they did and I missed it. I would guess that they think most machines have bluetooth, which is true too.
Best part of this video was the popcorn test 🍿
Great video, it's such shame, the kickr v5 has internet port, and yet you need to pay £80/$100 for the Direct Connect, it's fxxk ridiculous
I can see why you’d say this isn’t the future for most, but this would be what I want. I can plug in a trainer into the network jack in the wall? Yes please. I live in a very dense neighborhood, where there are no uncontested wifi channels, and wifi isn’t always steady, especially in the evening. It’s definitely not necessary, but for the right price I would use it. It have to be the right price because Im using a dumb trainer, Bluetooth power meter, iPhone, lightning hdmi adapter to a tv. A very low budget setup.
The former IT guy couldn't say "It will just work" without smiling.
Top tips Shane.👍
awesome & super-comprehensive... as usual :-)
Best feature of this upgrade is the ability to be direct wired while riding outdoors IRL.
Enjoy the popcorn, Shane is a Network engineer nerd!
Haha this is the best April Fools video of the year 🤣
This is very nearly an April Fool's video... and really should be. Wahoo being this behind on technology is mind blowing.
With the amount of complaining about this not being supported for so long... I seriously thought this was an April fools prank.
Wahoo is the only one doing this with their trainers and it's been available for quite a while, how are they the ones "behind?" What's new is Zwift finally supporting it (many other platforms added support a long time ago).
It's actually Zwift who have dragged their feet supporting this.
THX for this vdo. You are right with your conclusion.
6:07 looks like the nards are too close to the microwave?
I need one for my Hammer........
So me using a laptop connecting to the internet via my mobile phone (hot spot), with my trainer, cadence and heart rate connecting to Zwift via Bluetooth dongle isn't the best way to go then 🤣🤣🤣
Still when you don't have the option of using anything else 🤷, you just have to go with what you've got 🤦. I agree with your closing comments though, when you can buy a cheap (?) printer and connect it wirelessly to your home network, what's Wahoo's problem with a £1000 trainer🤷🤦
Oct 05th update - Turns out my direct connect was a potato. After contacting Wahoo support. Going thru some basic steps. We determined the device was defective out of the box. They shipped me a new one. I just plugged it in and looked for it on Zwift. And, there it was. Direct connect was found.
Interesting. Good to hear they got it sorted for you. 👌🏼
i thought it was an aprils fools joke... had to google it..
This better not be fake 🤣
It's legit. I have no time to piss about here with April Fool's gags.
this should be 10x cheaper wtf, better yet already included with the trainer
Very helpful video. My brand new kickr core REPEATEDLY drops and surges resistance but Wahoo denies anything is wrong. I’m new to cycling but not new to wireless telecom. They are 100% culpable for manufacturing a device that is not properly shielded or capable. Maybe I’ll spend more $ on the direct connect hardware. Or maybe I’ll sell this poorly developed machine for a competitor’s produce. I am very unhappy with the Kickr core’s performance and their only answer is to blame signal interference in my home. Anything and everything else I want to use wirelessly works in my home; why can’t the kickr??
Wireless interference is a difficult one to diagnose. Maybe take your CORE to another location (work or a friend's house) and retest.
@@gplama I may try something like that. Still seems to me that we are getting the shaft on our $800+ purchase!
I’m surprised you use the TickrX. Lost patience with them and now use the Polar H10. The difference in connection reliability is chalk and cheese.
Oh well too happy with my v2 to change for that. -U10
If it’s working roll with it! 👌🏼
Is this better for people who don’t have a power meter or any cadence sensors? I have the kickr roller but has hesitated to buy a power meter just cause the price
Quality video as always mate….I also use Google Nest so what type of access point did you connect the cable to that is compatible with Nest?
I updated from Google WiFi to Google 'Nest' WiFi a few weeks back. Both were the three pod pack. The newer Nest WiFi only has an Ethernet port on the primary/main AP.... unlike the older APs that all had Ethernet. Long story short, I used one of the original Google WiFi APs with an Ethernet port paired to the new Nest mesh for this.
Great video thanks Shane. Do you know if the direct connect reduces the lag on gradient changes with the Kickr Climb?
It'll mean the gradient commands sent to it are done as quickly as possible. I'd guess the same speed as BLE as that was my experience with the resistance changes using Direct Connect. I guess it depends where the current lag is... either with ANT+ (if you're using that), or with the physical gradient mechanics of the Climb (no change there).
Too bad the Kickr Core doesn't support the Direct Connect.
Hey Shane, just to clear up some confusion (at least I was confused). This is NOT compatible with the original (V1) Kickr Bike. This is confirmed by Wahoo (and me). I presume it will be compatible with the new Kickr Bike (2022).
Compatible Products (as of today): Kickr 5, Kickr 6, Kickr BIKE V2. The Kickr 6 and BIKE V2 both have WiFi on-board as well.
Hey shane,
Thanks for the Update and Details about the direct connect.
I noticed you have those stupied and annoying Sound efects (4:05) of zwift too. Are you missing the 'countdown beep' in Workouts before a zone change too?
And if there is a way to stop that humming sound e.g. by deleting files in the zwift folders.... plz, plz make a video on how to.
Thanks !
Workout beeps are still there. I usually have my music up loud when indoors, so I rarely notice the other sounds.
Hey Shane, what hardware are you running Zwift on? The resolution and frame rate look insane. It looks like you’re running on a high end PC in 4k ultra, but didn’t you say that this direct connect unit wasn’t available for Windows yet?
HP Omen PC. HP Omen PC (GPU: GeForce RTX 2060): amzn.to/2XaQwau *Direct Connect not on PC just yet... unless you have early access. :)
Have you seen anything that will bridge Bluetooth to a network connection for the Kickr Bike v1, Shane? I've tried to do it using a Raspberry Pi, but I can't get it to connect to the bike, as I can't crack what needs to be done to establish the Bluetooth pairing
It should be using the Bluetooth FTMS standards.... but what are you looking to do with the data/connection once established?
@@gplama Thanks, I'll keep digging into it - ideally I'd like to build a bridge (lol) so the Kickr Bike v1 is accessible and controllable via the network rather than bluetooth only... There's a few Pi based projects that are python based, that are an alternative to Zwift, etc, but I'm only interested in creating a bridge
Great video thanks, but what if you have a kickr bike and want to go direct connect?
The Kickr BIKE doesn't support Direct Connect.
@@gplama I know, what's that all about, typical :-)
I assume the hardware spec for the bike was finalised before they had Direct Connect sorted. Smart Bikes took a LONG time to appear on the market.
So how am I going to plug my wlan into this? I have a hard time finding a fitting wlan-cable for it to fit.
The built-in 5ghz makes total sense. This wahoo direct connect thing really seems a bridge to what is the "correct" future implementation. On that topic, any news/rumors regarding new trainers/updated trainers being launched into the market? Autumn 2022?
As soon as I have public info on new trainers, it's straight up here on UA-cam.
@@gplama a different question then. Regarding bike components (frame, wheels and other bits and stuff) usually before tour de France is a hot period with many brands and manufacturers releasing new products. Is there a period like that regarding indoor trainers? Eurobike? End of summer? You guys (reviewers) are probably more aware of such patterns as you have to directly deal with that workload. Thanks
@@PedroPrego It used to be Eurobike. That was before supply chain issues that have caused most companies issues with new products.
Could'nt agree more about the onboard 5ghz receiver and/or inbuilt ethernet cable port. I'm mindblown that a 1000+ dollars machine in 2022 uses old tech. Why would they even go through all the trouble to invent and fabricate a new dongle with what looks to be an AUX connector on the other end? Possibly money is the answer (Apple likes its dongles and proprietary connectors too), or Zwift connect options simply aren't there yet, so Zwift (and other software) severely limit product creators.
Nobody else had added network support for trainers, so it was pretty experimental. A simple AUX port is a cheap add for all of the Gen 5 KICKRs, and the dongle gave users the option for trying it out. It still had to wait for any of the platforms to be willing to add the support for that kind of connection.
Now that it's supported by most (all?) of the major platforms, maybe it'll become more standard.
The entire Wahoo kickr stuff have poor quality materials. The bearings are really cheap chinese junk that start making all kinds of noises when they go bad. Not surprised they want to save $2 on the electronics to pad themselves back on profit.
what do think about tempus fugus doing gravel only
I think April Fool’s jokes should be forgotten on April 2nd.
Not relevant to this video but I updated my Wahoo Kickr to 4.2.8 something like that anyway and now my LEDs don’t go off anymore how is yours?
Was the gradient changes any faster on rolling hills?
As mentioned, it's as fast as BLE which I find faster than ANT/ANT+ FE-C.
Omg when can i get one!
Direct Connect? They've been out for a while now... bit.ly/3tYql71
Any chance we will be able to backwards compatible older kickrs?
No
Too which signal would be best to confine my home wifi network; 2.5 GHZ or 5 GHZ, to attempt resolution on this Wahoo Kickr Core Problem? My wifi currently broadcasts both but I can change that. Which of the two is preferred for this issue?
Stick your home network on 5GHz if you can. If not, make sure the 2.4GHz WiFi isn’t on channel 10. Put it on 1 or 3.
@@gplama this could help. Thanks. I'll be in touch.
"It needs to be on the same subnet"....So if I plug my trainer into my router, but my apple TV is using Zwift via wifi, will that work?
If the router treats the Ethernet port(s) and WiFi as one subnet, you're fine.
hello i only see the bluetooth connection on discovery dns, so i am not able to choose the direct connect on zwift what can i do
If it's showing in mDNS it should show within Zwift. Contact Zwift if not.
@@gplama it only works on zwift if i leabe discovery dns open in the background
Interesting. Maybe an app/firewall permissions issue then.
Hi Shane. Big fan, love your channel. Just purchased the Dircon as well. Hoping to move away from Ant or BT. Having read all forums to troubleshoot the connection. My gaming laptop (no potato) just does not see it. Tried connecting thru a laptop, and tried connecting directly to the router. Lights activate on both ends. I do run Norton 360 with windows 10. New class 8 network cable. It just does not see it. Even tried turning off the firewall. Not the end of the world, if it won't work. Don't have too much interference with ant or bt. But, disappointed that I spent the money. No idea what port 36866 is. Lol.
Also, don't see it on Bonjour.
Really thought the Popcorn was an April Fools gag… Somehow I still ended up being fooled.
How so?
@@gplama Well simply that it wasn't (just) a gag and ANT+ was actually affected.
Not everyone is into wireless connectivity Shane, Ill take a wired device over wireless any day of the week, for the simple reason wired wont have dropouts due to connectivity, there goes all those connectivity issues by simply having a wired connection. Just because u love wireless doesnt mean thats what everyone else wants or that its the best thing.
It’s not a ‘love’ of wireless. It’s a love of what’s practical. Wired solutions for low bandwidth (and effectively high latency at 4Hz) devices just isn’t practical. As per my conclusion, maybe the solution is both.
@@gplama exactly just provide both and let the customer have a choice, it wouldnt even cost $5 to put in a wired device port..
So Zwift bike with WiFi direct connect coming Zoon....?
I can only assume Zwift would be doing something similar.
Hate the way wahoo never makes anything backwards compatible……. Yes I know it’s the way of the world but…..
On the flip side they're still pushing firmware updates to the OG Elemnt GPS that's almost five years old.
So, not compatible with Kickr 2018?
Nope
Zwift PacePartner CADENCE: increase uphill,decrease down New Update?
They're doing a few things with the bots. I'm waiting for the dust to settle before covering what these changes are/will be.
Can this work with an iPad?
Yes
@@gplama just figured it out. I had to change to a different wireless network and it showed up. Sweet!
Will it be compatible with the core?
Nope. Kickr 5 and Kickr ROLLR only at this point.
Darn. I just posted about my tribulations with my core. Hoped this would help.
It's not going to give me as many headaches as my network printer will it? Printers are a dark art
Printers are the work of the devil. No magenta? Then FU, NO PRINTING ANY COLOUR NOT EVEN BLACK AND WHITE! 🤣
What brand is that wifi unit you have connected to the kickr?
Never mind I've found it 👍
works with ios?
Yep
To little to late. Continual drop outs and connection issues with zwift over the years. Switched over to Systm and have not had a single problem since.
take away here is dont do your Zwift rides in a microwave and youll be golden.
Well... technically.... if you could fit all your equipment inside a microwave oven, it'll be an ideal place shield yourself away from everything else that'll cause dropouts on ANT+ and BLE. Just don't turn the microwave on. 🤣
Wahoo Kickr should be recalled since it doesn't "just work" without buying one of these.
Recalled because you don’t like that it’s an additional purchase?
@@gplama The wireless connections simple do not work, resulting in unacceptable performance. I can pedal 60rpm and my avatar doesn't clip-in and start riding until 5 seconds later and even then doesn't pedal at my real life cadence. It's like selling a car without seats.
That's an entirely different discussion. If you're in an environment where ANT+ or BLE doesn't work, or you have a system that has issues with either of those protocols, then you'll need the DIRCON adapter to solve that problem. Wahoo have made a product to solve your problems but you're on here demanding the recall the the trainer?
Sounds like you best contact Wahoo or Zwift support if you want to get to a resolution.
I don't see my environment or setup as being out of the normal. If it doesn't work for me, how is it working for anyone else? Unless they are doing things like buying extra equipment to make it work, or buying an Apple TV to make it work, etc etc. If it's not compatible with Windows 10/bluetooth 5.0 dongle/with a basic wireless router running they should say so on the product description. Also, if you NEED to place your bluetooth dongle less than a foot away from the bluetooth receiver on the Kickr, ya, that's a poorly designed product. Just give us a wired connection in the box.
Mate, time better spent diagnosing your issues than pissing about throwing your toys out of the cot. It works. If it didn’t they’d have thousands of complaints being posted. I get you’re pissed off. I’m also fully capable of fixing your issues…. But you’ve gone about it all the wrong way.