Wahoo Kickr CORE Smart Trainer: Details // Unboxing // Setup // Ride Review
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- The full Lama Lab Test of the new Wahoo Kickr CORE! With many hours and well over 200 virtual kilometers on the unit here in the Lama Lab, here's my full take on this unit. I was really hoping this was going to be the 10/10 trainer for the upcoming indoor training season. It was close, very close. Please remember to hit SUBSCRIBE to support this UA-cam channel: bit.ly/3aUph9W
#Cycling #Technology #Kickr #wahoo
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This video is 5 years on and still comes across as top-class quality and highly relevant. Thanks Shane for the awesome content.
It is so incredible to see that someone 1. creates good content and then 2. answers every single question in the comments. That really means a lot to all of us who don't have any option to see or test these products irl so we rely completely on internet reviews which is why we kinda need to have all boxes checked when buying expensive products such as trainers. As for the Core someone on DCR blog posted an answer from Wahoo in which they said that these power issues are high priority for firmware update. So all might be well with this product in the end.
Thanks for the kind words MP. I try my best with the follow ups and questions. It's something a lot of other cycling media don't do. Wahoo Megan posted some great news about what they've found with the CORE in regards to the overshoot. I'll post an update as soon as I've tested it out and collected the data.
This video is 2.5 years old, yet I just watched this video a few days ago and pulled the trigger on this bike trainer yesterday. Did an initial Ramp test on TrainerRoad with it and WOW I love it! I am coming from the Saris M2 wheel-on smart trainer. Just like Shane said, when you stop pedaling for even just 3-5 strokes, that trainer would completely halt and just punished you as you tried to get back up to speed/power. My favorite part of the Kickr Core. It is SOO silent. Really all you hear is the sound of the chain and drivetrain like you would hear out on the road. It is incredible because you can play music, podcasts, or Netflix shows at 1/4th the volume level that I used to have to play them at with my old trainer.
The zwift racing crew gonna love these overshoots.
I bet the peddles are undershooting. How could the kickr core be early? It can't predict that he is about the sprint. On the otherhand, the pedals show some lag or hysteresis, which is typical of a strain gauge. I'll be the Kikr is right and the peddles are overly smoothed and possibly showing hysteresis. Hard to know though.
almost two years since you posted this @GPLama, and this is still useful! thank you!
I'm surprised that they messed up on the leg positions. They did a great job with the regular Kickr in getting the footprint centered under the axle.
It is an easy fix to offset the holes in the legs to make it set the bike on the true center. If people find the asymmetrical layout to be a problem, a warranty killer to re-drill the holes in the proper location is a relatively quick solution. Just didn't expect them to make that silly of a mistake.
Or get your own metal rods, drill a hole in them, install them and done deal. No warranty void
@@jubilantyogurt good call :D
For those of us in frozen Canada, we are taking our bikes off the road at this point in the year anyways, so I was able to take my cassette off my road wheel and throw it on my new core without any issues - nullified any of my concerns about the increased cost of the cassette-less core vs other mid-tier trainers as I'll be able to postpone the cost of a new cassette until the spring. Plus, it gave me an excuse to give my gears a good spit shine :P
The overshoot on sprints is totally worth noting, especially if people do not have another power meter to work with. As for what I'm looking for (gradient simulation because I live in the Great Plains of the U.S. with no option for climbing), it sounds like it will totally fit the bill. Plus, I've had great experiences with Wahoo products and their support for them (both in tickets and regular firmware updates). Consider the trigger pulled on this one. Cannot wait to Zwift!
I see the same thing on my Hammer vs my other power meters. I wonder if the overshoots are the same at high flywheel speed / lower resistance vs low flywheel speed / high resistance.
Interesting. That may be the case and could be while both Ray and Shane think this could be addressed with firmware.
Just went to the local bike shop and the core was amazing.
Just bought in 2021 this is still helpful 🙂
X-ray iPad is a game changer :-)
...and presumably has the side-benefit of keeping your warranty intact! ;-)
Mind: blown. What is this witchcraft?
www.telegraph.co.uk/cycling/2017/09/04/uci-insist-testing-mechanical-fraud-highly-effective-doubts/
Thanks Shane! Yours and DC work on this has been appreciated.
This trainer is for one for me, quiet and I don’t need to sprint on TR, so I’m more than happy with it.
Gp: watt overshoots = 9/10
Me: watt overshoots = 11/10
🤣🤣
I was gonna eventually get a Tacx Neo, although it's hard to justify $1,600 for a trainer here in southern California where it's sunny and dry about 358 days a year. I think I'll go with this instead. Time to start saving.
Yes, but over here on the cloudy ugly east coast, the news tells us you guys are either flooding or on fire 150 days a year. ;)
@@ryaandnice More like 300 days a year
Although after living in New England for 42 years, I don't miss the rain, snow and winter.
I know there are other comments on this... but iPad x-ray!??? MIND & EYES = BLOWN.
I have the Assiomas and the Kickr 2017. I have a similar issue. On TrainerRoad, without 'power matching' enabled, the Kickr reads higher than the Assiomas. If I do an interval in ERG mode of say 200 watts, the Assiomas read about 190. Of course power matching corrects it, but the Kickr does over read.
I bought this today all set up and ready for spin down tomorrow super excited
Hey Shane, it may be worth mentioning the Kickr Core is having mechanical problems. It is quite common to hear a ticking noise in the Core. Wahoo is being very amicable and offering to ship you a new unit and has provided the detailed directions on how to repair on your own with a $100 voucher. I am waiting on my second unit to arrive, but I have read stories of people even on their 3rd already. The unit still works fine, but it is worth a call out for any prospective buyers I think.
Mentioned a number of times in other videos. The issue wasn’t encountered when I made this video, and there’s no editing for videos allowed here on UA-cam. I’ve even been sent abusive messages over this one..... when I have zero control over the process.
@@gplama ah sorry i didnt know. i hate to hear you're receiving such messages when you're only trying to help educate consumers. i always appreciate your videos.
Thanks Shaun, Great unbiased review. Almost clicked through on a purchase of a Tacx Flux 2 until I took one last look at this review. I've gone for the Kickr Core on a Cyber Monday deal with Zwift - saved myself £70 into the bargain - £629.99.
I’m really curious how the Tacx Flux 2 will compare to this Kickr Core. Both trainers are almost identical when it comes to gradient, power and accuracy. Even price wise there’s no difference (both announced for €799 in Holland). I hope the Tacx 2 will appear soon in the Lama labtest for a decent comparison.
Me too, because I hesitate between these 2 models...
DCrainmaker says the CORE has a better road feel and is more silent.
I've picked up my pre-ordered Kickr Core. Pushys in Fyshwick have the Kickr Core in the shop. Your LBS should have initial stock now.
Great video and it helped me make a decision, thank you GPL.
Weirdly when I am off the bike, and operate the climb down, the core drags itself forward and the legs of the core come together. Then when I put the climb back to level the front leg of the core is now completely off the ground. (I use my gear on rubber gym mats)
It would be good if the legs could be locked as extended in some way.
The included cassette, carrying handle, higher max incline, and heavier flywheel (giving better road feel) easily make up for the extra price of the Kickr 18 and justify it over the Core.
May not be the bargain it seems to be depending on your needs.Not sure but think with core you have to buy your own cassette and cadence sensor which come supplied with the full price kickr .please correct me if I’m wrong n ill delete this
You can see what is in the box at 3:08 of the video and there is no cassette and no cadence sensor.
Mentioned a few times in the video.
Shane Miller - GPLama sorry didn’t give my full attention nearly always watch utube while doing other things.Always look forward to your new vids this one I clicked on while stuffing my face with the unhealthy option in the works canteen🤢
I bought a Core recently, like it apart from one critical issue. Its very unstable when doing efforts out of the saddle, my one almost tipped over because of the off centre design.
Thanks for the thorough review. I am very happy with my Neo but it's great to see what the competitors are doing.
Top 3 things I still like more about the Neo: no power cord to worry about, no need for spindown/calibration, and the freehub is much quieter (judging by this video).
I do like the Neo but is trainer noise really an issue? Drive trains and fans are noisier than most smart trainers these days. Especially if you're running a large industrial fan for cooling.
dan110024 Noise is definitely a problem for those of us who live in apartment buildings with other people below them. However, the issue is not as simple as just measuring and comparing the sound intensity of various setups (number of dBs). Turns out that, depending on pitch and other characteristics, some type of noise is perceptibly more annoying than others, even at the same intensity. Also certain frequencies get attenuated by the mat and the floor much better than others.
There has been some research trying to measure the annoyance factor of such noise. IRC, the study I read determined that vibrations around 10Hz are one such peak.
This was one of the reasons why I had to give up on my Kickr Snap -- Wahoo's manufacturing tolerances are not great for these units and their rollers are typically slightly off-round. At the typical speeds I was riding, that caused vibrations at around 14Hz -- close enough. Even though this model of trainers is otherwise super quiet, the vibrations were too much for any mat I threw at them and the people who live below. It got to a point where I had to decide b/w the trainer and moving.
Many people also find the high-pitch "whining" of the early Kickr models intolerable.
The noise from the Neo, the drive train, fans, A/Cs, etc, is at much different frequencies and is generally closer to brown noise. Not only is it less annoying but some people can't sleep without a pink/brown noise machine.
But bottom line: with Kickr Snap my neighbors complained (hell, I complained); with the Neo live is happy for everyone.
A comprehensive overview, thank you Shane!
In theory, would it be possible to change the freehub to something quieter or is the design proprietary to Wahoo? It seems an odd choice to market a 'silent' trainer that has an obnoxious, shouty freehub.
I have been waiting for people to start asking for quiet freehubs. The trainers are well and quiet now, but it's funny when you coast and it's significantly more loud.
There are several designs of quiet and near silent freehub designs. I expect the next gen of trainers will include some version of these to address the final big source of noise.
I still find it funny that it has taken this long to be recognized.
I'm not sure about compatibility there. Maybe pack it with grease?
I just got my Kickr Core today and I was pleasantly surprised to find, that the freehub is absolutely silent. In this video it’s sounds really loud. Early production model maybe? Did they address this issue already? It’s awesome now, completely silent freewheeling.
That is very cool. I am curious to hear confirmation on this and if the Kickr 2018 gets similar treatment.
It is only natural to make the freehub mechanism quiet as well, in the effort to making the trainer as quiet as possible.
I am considering it at the moment. But considering that it costs 700EUR here in Germany and that I have to purchase a cassette (only Ultegra available at the moment, 105 sold out everywhere) it will cost 780 in total. A Kickr V5 is available for 990EUR nowadays including a usable cassette. So although the Core would be sufficient, I am wondering, if the V5 is not worth these additional 210 EUR.
Difficult, difficult…
the freehub sound seems very different, almost as if the noise from the ratchet and pawls are causing some resonance in another part. to me at least, it sounds almost ceramic if that makes sense
Pack it with grease, job done! :)
Thank you for review, was waiting for it to see if there are some hidden issues with Core before I order. Sprint overshoot is weird but it won't affect me too much as I don't need that kind of precision + imho it isn't that big of a problem for training if it always overshoots, it would be a bigger problem if it was getting unstable (sometimes overshoot, sometimes undershoot) at higher wattage. It could be unfair on Zwift tho. It's gonna be my first trainer, can't wait to get it.
Hi Shane! Just thinking to buy the Core, do you know if the 2020 models are fine with the noise aparently from bearings or something like that?
Thanks for your help
What a cracking channel this is. SO it seems the 2018 Kickr smart is worth the extra money
Man, you sure hit the watts out there getting that green jersey. Even your garmin was knocked down by it 😅@7:39 thanks again for your extensive research and digging deep into the all the new tech that is out there!
What is a candence sensor and how do you use it or install it on the kickr ? Do you have a video about this ?
Thanks Shane, very good review (as usual) and one that I've been looking forward to. Will be watching with interest to see if Wahoo release a firmware update to address the overshoots. Especially now the Lama has shown it here. Good point as well that cost should factor the cassette and cadence sensor which does adjust the total price if you don't have those already.
I would like to know the main difference between the kicker core and the kicker besides it's price.
Had to save my wages to get this. Very good purchase
You missed an important point the kickr core is not campagnolo compatible . The shaft is larger than the previous model
A lot of people are mentioning the 11spd spacing is the same as Shimano/SRAM. There's not a lot of Campag users out there (I'm not one, this is my take on things, hence why I missed it). It's also likely that Campag owners know the pain of living in a market flooded with Shimano/SRAM and will do this checking to ensure compatibility prior to purchase. It's up to Wahoo to do Wahoo to do the complete and comprehensive sales pitch.
@@gplama I'm a Campy guy with 2 bikes...one with Record 11 speed and the other Record 11 EPS. Both work flawlessly with a 8000 cassette from Shimano and I am picky when it comes to drivetrain noise and shifting.
@@triatheletewolf7279 Perhaps true about 11 speed Campy & Shimano cassette spacing quasi-compatibilty; however, not so for 10 sp Campy cassettes. Although, Elite Drivo & Direto smart trainers and Tacx Neo & Flux do offer Campy compatible cassette hubs.
Shane, mate...I have the kickr Snap and with this review got me thinking a bit. I may have to upgrade. Again, excellent review and good to see Wahoo trolling your reviews and taking initiative to analyse and rectify the issue.
I was considering upgrading from Snap to Core, but for the difference (selling the snap and buying the Core) I could get some Assioma pedals. That feels like a better investment to me and the Snap has been faultless.
Nice review, I like the addition of the gold stickers. Since there is no carrying handle I'm interested to know how transportable the unit is and also how much space the Core needs when it is put away.
It's a little awkward to move. Not as easy as a Kickr with the handle. Space wise..... it folds and stands to about 1/3 of the space length wise. I'd need to measure it for a specific answer.
It's seems more natural and silent then the tacx neo 2t do you agree?
As far as I can tell the Core does supply cadence data. This from the Wahoo website.
I'm years late but just about to buy a trainer now that's they're coming back into stock in Oz after Covid craziness. Is the asymmetrical aspect a problem? Does the bike lean to the right at all when you're sitting there or can you not feel it?
Not an issue on a stable surface.
I tried to buy this trainer all last year to replace my Saris M2 wheel-on trainer and could never find one in stock. This week my local REI had 4, yes FOUR Kickr Cores in stock! So I picked one up. I noticed the asymmetrical aspect immediately with how the bike lined up on my trainer mat. But other than the aesthetics, it doesn't seem to affect it physically. You will just need to line the trainer up about 3-4 inches to the left (non-driveside of bike) of center on the mat, so that the bike ends up centered on the mat when riding.
Hey Shane, thanks for all the content and congratulations on the little one. Bit of a local advocate for Zwift here and so far I've been riding a old dumb trainer which has done me well in our wet winters, autumns, springs and well it's wet in summer too. I recently borrowed a Tacx Bushido and my eyes were opened to the world of Smart trainers and now in place to replace it but my question is... What is the benefit of a direct drive turbo like the Neo 2 or Kickr Core compared to a wheel driven one like the Kickr Snap or Bushido. Thanks.
Been waiting for this :)
What’s the verdict on the Kickr Core now? Did the original problems with noise and reliability get sorted out?
Shane, if this was the only trainer you were allowed to have would you feel neglected?
If my Mrs asks why I just acquired a new smart trainer I’m blaming you!
Now I just have to avoid your videos on the Climb so I don’t accidentally acquire one of them too 😅
Keep up the good work ⚡️🤙⚡️
Wooaaahhh ! That lovely X-ray iPad !
Apart from that, I’ve got a CANYON bike, and they have a different system to attach their wheels... do you think it would still work ? Thanks !
One for Wahoo or Canyon Support. I know there are a few of their bikes on the 'not compatible' list.
If price was the same and noise not an issue, which would be the better choice, the Kickr Core or the original Cycleops Hammer? Love the review videos!!!
Wahoo Kicker Core has a lot of issue with spinning wabbling noise from the wheel where the cassette mounted. Some even have the issue straight out of the box.
While interesting, it’s not something I encountered or have any influence over.
Sorry noob question here. With kickr core Am I do understand it has its own power meter and really we only need to provide speed/cadence/heart rate.
Close, when released this was true. Since release their has been a firmware update where cadence is also included. As such if you are using it with zwift (for instance) you can connect it as a controllable trainer, cadence sensor, and power meter (all three at once) and then just need to provide a heart rate monitor if you wish for heart rate data.
Shane has more videos on Zwift specifically, great resource. He also just released a zwift basics video from my understanding if that's the software you wish to use.
Great review mate, have missed the boat on indoor trainers with the current stay indoors pandemic but may be available end of the month. Just wondering if these are still the best bang for buck/minimum quality you'd want or is there a tacx Neo equivalent (The new Neo2 looks great but $2k.
Assume Only extra accessories you need are the cassette, matt, perhaps the desktop station. I've got a defy thru axel with 11-28 or campy 10sp 12-27 (but already have a spare/old 12-25. Want something quiet for apartment use Thanks!
Hi Shane , have you had a chance to retest it after the firmware update?
I have been using the unit since it came out in September.
I feel that the unit is not very stable when sprinting and was worried to fall over. I have subsequently attached it to a sheet of plywood. I have had some issues with ZWIFT via ANT+, the power readings were all over the place, rendering any training impossible.
I now only use it with the head unit and today's plans for workouts.
Hi Shane , have you had a chance to retest it after the firmware update?
Best wishes from Germany!
I managed to find a kickr core the other day so I took the plunge and a zwifting I will go. A big thanks for all your vids on trainers and Zwift. Do you have any reconstruction on which training options are good? Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻
Nice one. Training..... it really depends. Give someone structure to their training, they'll likely improve. As for what structure will get the most improvements... that's the trick most coaches will charge $$$/month to determine.
Shane Miller - GPLama ok cheers. I might just start on the beginning FTP builder. And some casual exploring of Zwift for now 👍🏻.
#ZwiftRiders
Thanks for helping choosing my trainer.
Shane, love your videos! I recently bought a Kickr Core and some Assioma Duo pedals and noticed this little Assioma graphic you had on your Zwift screen at 7:28 during your sprint. Can you tell me what that is and or how you did that?
That was an overlay inserted from Garmin Virb Edit.
Shane Miller - GPLama thanks, I had never seen that graphic and wondered where it came from.
Hi Shane, good review. Do you know if this trainer (as of 2023) is compatible with the cervelo soloist? I ask this because my soloist fits under the 12*142mm which it claims to be compatible with, yet the websites and retailers are saying that among other bikes, it is not compatible with cervelo disc frames! Please help
Does the sensor in the pedals count that the pedals can be lifted with the foot? When you lift the pedal with your foot, the sensor probably does not count. If you lift one pedal with 100W, and press the other pedal with 600W, the sensor in the pedal probably only receives the watts that come from the pressure on it, i.e. 600W, ain't it? The direct drive trainer measures the power from the rear crank, so it will definitely show the total watts. I'm not wrong?
That's assuming the gauges only register in one direction. That's not the case in my experience. As for how they calculate total power based on what I'd call negative forces on the upstroke, that's an interesting question. One I don't have a quick answer to.
Is a front wheel block necessary for stability or for a other reason
$300 less than the Kickr 2018 except cassette required $50-60 and no cadence, possible outlay for cassette install tools. So not quite $300 less effectively....
Thanks, Shane. Really helpful.
yeaaah! Lama Green Jersey!
How would you compare the Elite Direto to the Kickr Core as this is the price range I'm looking at for my next trainer, currently tacx vortex but would like direct drive
The CORE has the edge over the Direto in terms of braking strength (so better in ERG with different flywheel speeds). The CORE is a little quieter. The Direto has better power accuracy at this point.
will it make more sense to have the TV a little bit lower mounted so you can look more "downwards" which will take away tension from your neck?
Yep, that can work well for some setups.
Great review as always, I’m just about to upgrade my smart trainer to either this wahoo unit or the Tacx Flux 2...what is your opinion as to the best unit?
Also, I think you mentioned in the video review, the wahoo has no cadence sensor, so can you pair a set of vector 2 pedals for the cadence part if using an iPad set-up for Zwift?
Thanks
Stuart
Hi Shane. Thanks so much for being a beacon in the sea of options out there. As someone who has to breakdown/put away his trainer after each use, will the Core remain accurate in its power readings when i take it out again, or do I have to recalibrate each time I set the trainer back up? Trying to find an easy solution that won't require daily recalibrating (any other models that are better?) Thanks!
It shouldn't need a spindown each time. Maybe every few weeks.
Why don’t they give you something to hold the front wheel or is that not needed?
Great review Shane. In the process of replacing a Kickr Snap. Would you pick Core or Direto XR? Can’t find any V4s near me
It’s a case of whatever you can find at the moment.
Nice trainer, probably gives best value for money. No handle to ease carry away but that is not major issue i guess.
An old tyre tube could be made into a handle for it I'm sure.
Great review Shane, would you consider the over shot a deal breaker?, I am hoping to buy this trainer!
10/10 review. awesome!
So the 12x142 thru axle is not included and has to be bought separately like the cassette.
If you have a thru-axle bike, it has a thru-axle. That's the one you use.
Thanks Shane, always great reviews. Your personal opinion and choice, Kickr Core or Elite Direto?
My personal choice for training is a Lemond Revolution. But that doesn’t answer your question. The CORE has the edge over the Direto in terms of braking strength (so better in ERG with different flywheel speeds). The CORE is a little quieter. The Direto has better power accuracy at this point.
Wtf did you do with the xray iPad, boggled my mind with that subtle curiosity
Green screen trick.
Why when I sprint does it Waco on loads of resistance?
Just got my kickr core and went to give it a test after installing the cassette but I’m getting a bit of cassette wobble in my last 3 cogs... any ideas ?
Nice one Shane!
what is the best way to train on zwift to improve your climbing shane
I am really tempted to buy this or the Kickr V5.
However after seeing a lot of people having issues.Grinding, bearing issues it puts me off. :(
Buy locally and from somewhere who has your back should anything go wrong. Online forums always over representing issues. Those who have no issues don’t worry about posting much.. they train and get on about their day.
Interesting. Not quit enough for me to bump the Drivo yet. Let’s see if any firmware updates sort the problem.
Can you use the kicker climb on the Drivo ? If so will it wearout the rear hangers.
Great video as always
Climb is only Wahoo compatible at this point.
Desde dónde puedo calibrar el kickr core ? Y como se hace
Using the Wahoo Fitness mobile app.
great video Shane... so Kickr Core vs JetBlack Volt, which one will you choose? regarding power accuracy, ride feel, durability and stability? thank you
Core.
@@gplama thanks for the quick response Shane.. also do you have any idea of incoming new gen for Kickr Core? Kickr Core v2 maybe? Just like the Kikcr just got new gen
@@budikuesal7722 I'll cover anything on here in a new video if/when products are released.
Hey Shane, I know this is an old video but with any luck you’ll respond. I just got a kickr core and the power reads approx 10% higher than my Assioma’s. I know the pedals are accurate as they’ve been consistent over the past year with other power meters. Wahoo is saying it’s within range. Any thoughts?
Been waiting to see your review of this to help with the decision of going to the Core or going all out with the 2018.
Alas I'm still not 100% sold on the core just yet, something seems to be bugging me about it but i cant pinpoint it just yet. Would love to see a comparison of the two side by side, and yes i know there is a price variance to take into account but im more interested in what makes the 2018 that much better??
Me too. Initially, power accuracy in sprints. That could be fixed (maybe?) with the CORE in firmware. Value add like the cassette and cadence sensor with the Kickr. Larger flywheel..... but how to quantify that is the question. In theory larger = better ride feel.... but the CORE rides pretty well. Adjustable height on the Kickr (not really a big deal imo). I'm sure there's some marketing/PR material somewhere that lists the differences in detail.
Not sure if someone already asked. I am in the process of purchasing one for my road bike, but I also wanted to know if it is compatible with a 29" mountain bike. Also thanks for this super useful channel Shane :')
I believe so. Check the wahoo website to be 100%.
Hi Shane. You say the Core is compatible with all bikes. Does that include 10 speed Campag? I know the original Kickr had a adaptor, but since the 11speed groupsets have been released this is no longer compatible with the current crop of Kickr’s. If the core isn’t compatible with ‘all’ bikes which direct drive trainer would you recommend with a 10speed Campagnolo set up? Keep up the great reviews! Thanks.
Sorry, it should have been 'all current bikes'. Drop Wahoo support a query about compatibility.
I have quick release wheels on my 2015 Trek Madone. Not through axle. Is it comparable with Kickr Core?
Something that might be worth nothing is that the CORE only goes to 16% gradient over the full 20% of the kickr. This sadly limits it's usage on the CLIMB (as confirmed by a wahoo representative via email). I'd expect that even though it can only simulate up to 16% gradient RESISTANCE, it would be able to actually tilt the CLIMB to it's full 20%, but apparently this is not the case, and there is nothing physically stopping the CORE from being able to do this either...
Sure. Not much of an issue to be honest. The amount of focus people have on gradients 12-13%+ is well out of proportion compared to how much time spent on simulations like that. Anything more isn’t enjoyable. It’s also not all that realistic as outside those gradients become about bike handling at low speeds, something that can’t be simulated indoors.
Very useful insight. Thanks!
I should think the average rider is well served with the 1800 Watt/16% levels. Scares me to watch you top 1000 watts so easily. I agree with your assessment regarding steep grades outdoors not correlating to the indoor experience. Outside anything over 12% (for me) is about handling and survival :-)
These reviews are greatly appreciated. What is the consequence of the Kickr Core Power reading "overshoot" during a sprint? Of what value is Kickr climb besides changing the angle of your torso while riding? Your voice cadence at times is a bit fast for my understanding for certain phrases. At 5:27, I could not make out what you said. Something about the ratcheting...?
The "consequence" is "free watts" in what may well be a determining points in Zwift racing. Those extra watts are huge if you are attempting to hold on to or establish breaks. It is effectively "cheating" as the power reported is notably greater than the "true" value when read from a direct force power meter. This may well be addressed via a firmware update. As it stands, people will have another trainer (Hammer is also accused of overshooting in sprints) to question when they get beat in Zwift racing.
If you mainly train and don't race on Zwift, the overall impact is not likely an issue.
It sounds like Zwift should make a standardized power meter for all Zwift users so those that are competiting with others, will feel there is level playing field.
Chad answered the power one. Kickr Climb value.... highly debated. I won't go into it, it's more immersive for hills. Discussed a bit on my livestreams. Voice cadence. The Lama CORE doesn't ship with a cadence sensor. I'll install 3rd party one. :)
Re: standardized power:
Meh, racing in Zwift should be seen for what it is... a fun way to enjoy riding indoors... with the added benefit of chasing wheels for more motivation, like riding outside.
Power variability is one of may ways that "balanced competition" will be hampered. There are numerous ways to cheat (on purpose) or have inaccurate data (accidental) and will impact the race results. The vast majority of racing is fun with only ego on the line. So people should keep that in mind and just have fun being able to compete with people 24 hours a day with thousands of people from around the globe.
Those fortunate few that actually compete for money on Zwift generally do so on matched equipment, in a shared group setting, that aims to keep the playing field level.
Outside of that, I see the overemphasis on racing and the related results as silly. But different strokes...
Hi Shane. First of all greetings froma spain. I have a big doubt and for sure your opinion will help me to made my decision. After testing the kickr core and the Direto, wich one will you choose. The Kickr core cost 800 € and the Direto cost aprox 650 €. You think the kick worth this 150 euro diference?. Regards
Thanks Shane as always. Will the Core support long cage derailleurs? The bike I'm most likely to use on this (or any) trainer has a Shimano 105 5800 GS rear derailleur. I've seen some (Direto?) that specifically state that long cage RDs are not supported.
I'll assume so. There's nothing getting in the way back there. Maybe check with Wahoo support to be 100%, or visit a local shop with one on the floor to mount your bike first to check.
after finally getting a wahoo kickr core up & usable question maybe you can help with wondering how close does a computer have to be for the bike trainer to connect to via USB2Ant+. I have a windows 10 desktop (definitely meets specs.) about 20' from where bike is w/wahoo trainer. I wondered if I can connect at that distance with the desktop mirroring to chromecast on a big screen tv that is in the room where bike is? I haven't purchased the usb2ant+ dongle yet I was thinking of buying wahoo's since its definite it would work w/this trainer. Thanks
You need a usb extension cord. It's about $10 on Amazon and it is 3 meters long. Works like a champ.
Thank you for your videos. Can you unplug the KICKR Core when not in use? Plug in only when you are using it? Or if you do unplug it, do you then have to do another spindown?
You can if you like. It really doesn't matter if you're on clean power. It will remember the spindown values between power cycles.
Thanks. Excellent info as usual.
Do you expect a new kickr core coming soon, since we got a new kickr generation recently? Of is it «safe» to buy this edition today?
Nope. Don’t miss out on good training and more fun by waiting.
Great videos Shane. Is it possible to do any kind of pedal analysis with the Kickr? I live about 10 miles from Wattbike HQ (UK) and I'm keen on the Wattbike Atom as I want to look a pedal analysis and some of the more lab based features it offer. I'm not overly worried about using Zwift. However the core looks really good.
No, there's no option on the Wahoo for pedal analysis.
Hi do you know if you of to use the kickr core with a front wheel block? Also what level do set the core
resistance for? Thanks.
Brilliant videos Shane. Question: Can you connect a Wahoo Kickr Core to the Tacs trainer desktop sofrware if you want to use their HD location riding films as a change from Zwift? Looking at with the Kickr Core (899 euro) or the reduced Neo 1 (1025 euro) .... hmmm any advice. The Neo 1 still looks like a solid machine?
I don't believe the Tacx Desktop App is compatible with non Tacx trainers at this point in time. Tacx Support will be able to confirm this.
Hey Shane, I'm looking at getting this trainer for myself and I really liked your video and through explanation of how everything works and what to expect. I do have a question though, you mentioned a bit of instability; I'd be having to use mine on top of a mat on carpet, do you thin that would cause any issues with stability when getting serious into the power? Thanks!
Test ride if you can. You have to be trying hard to fall off the thing though.
@@gplama that's great news, thanks for the reply Shane!
Set up requirements: I have a wahoo kicker, bike with Garmin ANT cadence and heart rate monitor, floor mat, (Mac air, iPad, iPhone 7). Will this get me started for swift? It’s very overwhelming
First choose which system you want to run Zwift on. Let’s go with the iPad. Download and install the 7 day trial. Start it up, and see it only takes Bluetooth. That’s all you need for the Kickr. You’ll need a Bluetooth HR strap if you want HR, but it’s not essential to get rolling. Test it out and go from there.