I know this is a bit outdated with the new Kickr released... But if you are wondering, ERG mode is pretty solid with this trainer. I came from an Elite trainer and ERG was a nightmare. Much smoother if you happen to stop pedaling or go from 140 watts to 400+ watt sprint intervals.
I love the long term reviews! That is one hell of a clean cassette buddy. My Kickr Core has held up well over the years but my Chevron stickers have fallen off. I'll be asking @Shane Miller - GPLama to redesign those. > 👌
The other day the power reading was surging for some reason and I got the 1.21 Jiggawatt badge even though in reality I was only putting down a little less than 300
Just got one of these used and I noticed that there is a squeak produced somewhere within the cassette area. After noticing it, I took apart everything, checked the freehub, cleaned the cassette, but I still hear it. I just came from a 2016 model, and I worry it is coming from the new insert they use to fit my quick release (the QR skewer fits snugly) moving around within the internals. I guess a bit more grease is in order. :)
My v5 kicker appears to have a dying power sensor/sending unit. I'll be pissed if an irreplaceable $2 part takes down the equipment that cost $1000. Today, it read 0w for 12 minutes, with occasional flicker of 19 or 20 watts. Then it started to read about 80 watts, about half of what I was generating, then after 5 minutes, it suddenly felt like it engaged and the power meter shot up to 160-180. This has happened the last three rides, it is not interference, it is following a pattern that the unit must warm up (friction I suppose) before it functions correctly. It likely means it is about to fail entirely. I just looked up my first ride -- Feb 1, 2021, so 3.5 years ago. No issue with it until now. Total use, 6571 miles, 15D 9H, or 369 hours. My brother got about 10000 miles out of his before the power sensor went haywire recently (about two additional years). Not sure if they've improved this, mine is v4, updated after the first wacko sensor session v 4.3.0, but that didn't help. The first time this happened, I rode an hour ride where my Apple TV showed 0w instantaneous, but I could see my avg hovering around 160 reflecting the resistance I felt. I updated the Apple TV, and the next ride the kickr was worse. Have tried disconnecting the Zwift and using only the Wahoo app, and it was still showing incorrect wattage. Next I'll see if I can do a complete reset of the Kickr and start over, but that won't fix a sensor if that's the issue.
I had to return mine after 2 years and they replaced. The trainer would connect but would not transmit power or cadence. I found out the his is a known issue caused by a short on the circuit board. No sure how frequently it happens but at least I got a replacement probably a refurbished one.
That direct connect just looks to me like a POE feed into the bike. I'd be curious to see if anyone has tried to hook it up with a vanilla POE and RJ45 cable (the fears of accidentally stumbling over the cable notwithstanding).
Thanks @DesFit for that honest review. What would you choose now after so many months of using and both reviews? Direto XR-T because of a price/features ratio or Wahoo V5 with better price after V6 debut on the market? Thanks!
From what I have read the Elite trainers can cause chipping with Carbon frames due to rigid mounting. So if you have a carbon frame the choice should be easy.
Different points of measurement, and I imagine Wahoo is using some sort of algorithm to estimate power at the pedal that isn’t 100% accurate all the time?
If your power output is in the 100 watt range then that's certainly an issue being 10-15 watts low. If it's in the 200-250 watt range that could just be due to the difference in points of measurement. What kind of pedals?
Hello I found the wahoo kickr at a very good price except that I know the 2016 kickr power version is there a big difference with the last kickr? thank you
I'm here because my 18 year old computrainer will no longer synch with Zwift. I've heard Wahoo approached computrainer and asked to help them make the trainer bluetooth compatible...Computrainer said no thanks....Wahoo makes their own trainer = Computrainer out of business. I love my Computrainer but they flat out refused to embrace the future. A Wahoo Kicker looks like a great replacement for my Computrainer.
I can’t imagine what else the could do for the 6 since the 5 offers so much already but you never know what they have in store. The nice thing is, the 5 has been on sale for a considerable amount off recently for spring/summer sales.
So the question now becomes: how can they improve on those? I imagine they are not just going to fire all the hardware development people and replace them by software people to focus on wahoo X.
Road surface simulation would be something that comes to mind. Wahoo has established itself as one of the leaders for indoor cycling hardware - I only see the software side of things being a compliment to their hardware.
Tacx. Forgot to mention that the KICKR doesn’t come with a front wheel block. Not needed but nice to have if you don’t want your front wheel flopping around.
I don't think that's really going to happen unless they start to give cassette options when ordering since the majority of people still use 11 speed or lower.
I know this is a bit outdated with the new Kickr released... But if you are wondering, ERG mode is pretty solid with this trainer. I came from an Elite trainer and ERG was a nightmare. Much smoother if you happen to stop pedaling or go from 140 watts to 400+ watt sprint intervals.
I love the long term reviews! Thanks for another good video Des!
Sure thing, Shanny! Thanks so much!
I love the long term reviews! That is one hell of a clean cassette buddy. My Kickr Core has held up well over the years but my Chevron stickers have fallen off. I'll be asking @Shane Miller - GPLama to redesign those. > 👌
Thanks Matt! The KICKR Core held up well for me too. Great trainer at a great price point. I’m sure Shane could do it! 😂
Excellent review thank you
Thanks and you're welcome
Super helpful. Thanks!
Glad it helped! Thanks!
The other day the power reading was surging for some reason and I got the 1.21 Jiggawatt badge even though in reality I was only putting down a little less than 300
Just got one of these used and I noticed that there is a squeak produced somewhere within the cassette area. After noticing it, I took apart everything, checked the freehub, cleaned the cassette, but I still hear it. I just came from a 2016 model, and I worry it is coming from the new insert they use to fit my quick release (the QR skewer fits snugly) moving around within the internals. I guess a bit more grease is in order. :)
My v5 kicker appears to have a dying power sensor/sending unit. I'll be pissed if an irreplaceable $2 part takes down the equipment that cost $1000. Today, it read 0w for 12 minutes, with occasional flicker of 19 or 20 watts. Then it started to read about 80 watts, about half of what I was generating, then after 5 minutes, it suddenly felt like it engaged and the power meter shot up to 160-180. This has happened the last three rides, it is not interference, it is following a pattern that the unit must warm up (friction I suppose) before it functions correctly. It likely means it is about to fail entirely. I just looked up my first ride -- Feb 1, 2021, so 3.5 years ago. No issue with it until now. Total use, 6571 miles, 15D 9H, or 369 hours. My brother got about 10000 miles out of his before the power sensor went haywire recently (about two additional years). Not sure if they've improved this, mine is v4, updated after the first wacko sensor session v 4.3.0, but that didn't help. The first time this happened, I rode an hour ride where my Apple TV showed 0w instantaneous, but I could see my avg hovering around 160 reflecting the resistance I felt. I updated the Apple TV, and the next ride the kickr was worse. Have tried disconnecting the Zwift and using only the Wahoo app, and it was still showing incorrect wattage.
Next I'll see if I can do a complete reset of the Kickr and start over, but that won't fix a sensor if that's the issue.
I had to return mine after 2 years and they replaced. The trainer would connect but would not transmit power or cadence. I found out the his is a known issue caused by a short on the circuit board. No sure how frequently it happens but at least I got a replacement probably a refurbished one.
Love the KICKR v5. Build quality is exceptional, it’s a brick house.
She’s a mighty mighty!
Hi there, appreciate the helpful video. Is the Kickr V5 your "go to"/preferred indoor trainer?
That direct connect just looks to me like a POE feed into the bike. I'd be curious to see if anyone has tried to hook it up with a vanilla POE and RJ45 cable (the fears of accidentally stumbling over the cable notwithstanding).
Thanks @DesFit for that honest review. What would you choose now after so many months of using and both reviews? Direto XR-T because of a price/features ratio or Wahoo V5 with better price after V6 debut on the market? Thanks!
From what I have read the Elite trainers can cause chipping with Carbon frames due to rigid mounting. So if you have a carbon frame the choice should be easy.
My KICKR V5 power reading is 10 to 15 watts lower then my power from my pedals any thoughts as to the reason.
Different points of measurement, and I imagine Wahoo is using some sort of algorithm to estimate power at the pedal that isn’t 100% accurate all the time?
If your power output is in the 100 watt range then that's certainly an issue being 10-15 watts low. If it's in the 200-250 watt range that could just be due to the difference in points of measurement. What kind of pedals?
@@DesFit Garmin vector 3
Clean out your flywheel get back to me
@@DesFit where do you adjust this? Im new to wahoo V5?
Hello I found the wahoo kickr at a very good price except that I know the 2016 kickr power version is there a big difference with the last kickr? thank you
Hey Des, speaking of Shane, any collabs soon with the other 2 musketeers, missing those✌🏼
No immediate plans but there may be something in the works!
The CompuTrainer I bought in 1998 was soooo far ahead of its time. Wish the RacerMate company had survived into the current era.
I'm here because my 18 year old computrainer will no longer synch with Zwift. I've heard Wahoo approached computrainer and asked to help them make the trainer bluetooth compatible...Computrainer said no thanks....Wahoo makes their own trainer = Computrainer out of business. I love my Computrainer but they flat out refused to embrace the future. A Wahoo Kicker looks like a great replacement for my Computrainer.
What is the expected lifetime / miles / km of a V5…?
Reckon waiting for a 'v6' or go for the v5? Nice review
go for the 5 on sale when the 6 comes out 🤔
I can’t imagine what else the could do for the 6 since the 5 offers so much already but you never know what they have in store. The nice thing is, the 5 has been on sale for a considerable amount off recently for spring/summer sales.
When do you think the v6 comes out?
Should I go with the V5 over the V6? I'm planning on using the direct connect, so having wifi isn't an issue.
V6 bring mostly wifi, if you don't need it, save your money and get the V5.
@@morneauh Thank you for all of your videos, they have helped me a lot!
Any ideas on buying a V5 today or waiting for the V6 to come out? Any ETA?
V6 is on the marked. What have you decided?
Can you use a 7 speed Shimano hyperglide cassette on the Wahoo KICKR?
With enough spacers you should be able to
So the question now becomes: how can they improve on those? I imagine they are not just going to fire all the hardware development people and replace them by software people to focus on wahoo X.
Road surface simulation would be something that comes to mind. Wahoo has established itself as one of the leaders for indoor cycling hardware - I only see the software side of things being a compliment to their hardware.
@@DesFit to my mind it comes some real side-to-side movement. The road surface I find it a gimmick (I have it on the neo and always off).
Yup, more movement can definitely be another improvement 👍
Do you think that the next Kickr will be better than any of the Neos?
Not sure 🤷♂️
Hard to say unless Wahoo changes fundamentally the functionality of the unit given the Neos are magnetically driven with a "virtual" flywheel.
Hello
Is the belt still doing fine after 18 months? no need to change it?
Totally fine
May i asked how many km on it?
Merci DesFit 🙏🏻
Plenty. It doesn’t have the odometer feature like the V6 so can’t say exactly. Nearly daily use during winter months.
@@DesFit my saris h3 is more or less dying, i was wondering Neo or kickr . Again thanks a lot
You’re welcome
What brand is the front wheel block.
Tacx. Forgot to mention that the KICKR doesn’t come with a front wheel block. Not needed but nice to have if you don’t want your front wheel flopping around.
Should I upgrade from the v4?
Can you benefit from the Ethernet port?
I'd wish it would come with 12-speed cassette.
I don't think that's really going to happen unless they start to give cassette options when ordering since the majority of people still use 11 speed or lower.
@@DesFit I'd wish they at least offer a version without a cassette included and a small discount.
I definitely agree with that 👍
Can fit a shimano 12 speed cassette on the free hub?
@@SpyShadow007 jup