i'm glad you asked. The Kickr BIKE works perfectly on tarmac, gravel, and even dirt. It's an all-rounder. Don't expect it to move anywhere, but it's solid enough to sit in one spot and win races for sure. 🤣
Hey man, this is an indoor bike, it is not supposed to be roadhitted. Even to try you would have to be good with your wheelies but you would need to install a fat tyre on the back unless you don't mind riding on the rim. My advice would be to just ride this indoors and not experiment outside. Plus I think it would be really confusing outdoors as you have the gradient simulation AND the real gradients.
Your production quality is absolutely top notch (again). Another fantastic review, with multiple camera angles (the crotch camera worked out very well after all and helped really get the point across :D), well structured information, great data well visualized. Good stuff. The 100k sub count is approaching with big steps :) Well deserved too. As for the Kickr Bike. Looks like a fantastic piece of kit. Only thing spoiling it is the price obviously. For the same price you can get a really good road bike AND a Kickr. Sure, if you have the money and can afford it, it's great to have a dedicated trainer/virtual bike just for indoors and not having to deal with getting your road bike/trainer setup everytime you want to ride indoors. For the majority of the people I guess the road bike/trainer combo is just more practical/more affordable, especially if 8-9 months of the year you are riding mostly outdoors anyway.
Thanks Shane - I love the "it just works" summary. I have one on order but I was just told its going to be delayed around 2 weeks. Can't wait. Thanks for your reviews.
Refreshing to see a product actually work! Still cost prohibitive at this point but I like where this is heading. Well done Wahoo and thanks putting all the time into these reviews Shane.
Great review, Shane. One minor addition: The Sufferfest does allow you to change the intensity of the workout with the two buttons on the top of the right control lever (the current version of the app also allows you to toggle between levels 0-9 and ERG mode with the thumb buttons but we'll have to revisit that since users who opt for the Campy mapping wouldn't be able to use that functionality). Excited to hear your thoughts on how it works with The Sufferfest. Wait until you try our TTT workout, Team Scream, on the KICKR Bike. So. Real.
But I have to agree to the fact that you make a very nice video. Very nice review at a point where it makes me want one. Man... you could easily be in sales or something related.
Thanks. :) Sales don't typically like what I do... when things go wrong/bad or companies make a shit product. Engineers don't like it when we find edge-cases that expose issues/flaws (sometimes show stopping ones!). I'm in this grey area of being a cyclist who's still fascinated with this new tech and has the energy to keep looking for the 'next best thing'.
Some people said it will be a flop at that price ... aaaaaand the first batch is sold out already. Great review Shane, appreciate all the work you put into it.
@@noybiznatch I dont know but, the first batch is essentially pre-sales and there were no real reviews of the product out till today so, them being sold out already is a good sign that they will sell a lot more once the positive reviews roll in. Considering that 2-3k+ dollar bicycles from a dozen manufacturers have a solid base and sell enough that everyone keeps cranking them out every year, Id say a top product like this, that none of the competition can touch right now, will have solid sales for at least a year or two until someone puts out a good alternative. Or, in other words, there may not be as many customers as there would be for a bicycle in this price range BUT, for a while a single company gets all the customers looking for a smart bike.
It has a lot of interest given it's a new product category for Wahoo. As for the success/failure of it... we'll have to wait and see. It's still very early days.
Brilliant Video Shane. Have been waiting for this to drop!.....been checking 2-3 times a day and was great to sit back with my coffee this morning and watch. Not for everyone at that price but definitely a consideration for me. Do 4-6 sessions per week indoors and love the idea of no bike on and off, no calibrating, no replacement of chains/cassettes etc, NO GREASE!. Any idea when they will start shipping?
Glenn Sullivan agreed 100%. I was considering buying a cheap “trainer bike” but it may make more sense just to buy this item...only issue is I already own a kickr...wish I could trade it in
Shane Miller - GPLama Watching the video I kept looking at the stem and steer-tube wondering how easy it would be to modify things so the bars can swivel for steer-mode. With Zwift steering potentially becoming a big thing, I’d want to know the bike was somewhat future-proof in this regard before spending so much. Wahoo’s gotta be thinking about this, no?
I just got mine last week. Just getting the fit dialed in to match my road bike. So far I really like IT. My initial thoughts are. it's Heavy. It's very quiet. I don't have to lube the chain. It quickly switches between rider settings. It doesn't have to be calibrated (spindown). I wish the shifting had a little more prominent feedback. I can't always tell when I've shifted and sometimes end up shifting two gears when I meant to shift one. It's a little too easy to accidentally press the buttons on the inside of the shfiter. No biggie as they currently aren't used, but if they ever sync those up to steering, I could see myself accidentally turning left or right during a hard sprint. And lastly, WHERE ARE THE LLAMA APPROVED COLORED CHEVRONS???
Nice review mate! One thing I noticed is that your saddle might be too high? It looks like you are stretching for the bottom of the pedal stroke with your toe down, instead of pulling through it with your heel down. Being able to drop your heel at the bottom of the stroke also engages more of your leg muscles. Could try to drop it half an inch to see if you generate more power.
From what I've gathered - from coaches, and from riders (in particular one's who have done one of Phil Deeker's Cent Cols Challenges) - there is a definite benefit from doing indoor training with a Kickr Climb for preparing for doing a lot of climbing IRL. I did my first CCC in June, and tho I was sufficiently fit for the endurance, I was not adapted to the climbing position (and suffered for it). I am planning to purchase either a Kickr + Climb (I have a Neo, about which I have only good things to report), or another unit that puts the body and bike in a climbing position - such as the Kickr bike - in order to train for my next Cent Cols Challenge. I mention this in response to Shane's comments that the Kickr bike enhances the experience of riding indoors (and by inference {and perhaps directly stated}, _only_ the experience). I am counting on it to provide a _training_ benefit as well. (I live in a famously hilly area, but where we have innumerable unavoidable hills, we have no climbs. The max elevation gain on any hill is less than 200m.)
Great video Shane, you’ve really gone to town on this & I’ve really enjoyed watching the series. Now get back on the Di2 videos! 😂 Bike looks the business but I’d have to sell a kidney to get one & so I guess I’ll be sticking with my road bike, Kickr & Climb.
Hi Shane: great video... would it be possible for you to post measurements of the width of the top tube at say 10, 20, and 30 cm from the seat tube?... I'd like to be able to pad out my bike with cardboard or bubble wrap to see if the rub issue would effect me. (unless the bike comes with an angle grinder) Thanks
It took almost 4 seconds for your effort to show up on the screen. Both my kickr core and kickr gen1 reacted a lot quicker. Sync issue with the videos, or very lagged response of the bike?
Noted in the video description - I was using 3 second smoothing on Zwift for watt display, so there's a little lag there. Having said that there is a notable delay in the jump sprints as shown on screen. I'll do more testing in the coming days in regard to 'jump speed' on Zwift with the bike and a real power meter using both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
One thing I have found is that the plug on Garmin Vector pedals rub on the “chain guard” and you cannot install this type of power meter. A little frustrating that there is tight gap between in inside of the crank arm and the plastic moulded chain guard.
You can install a spacer on the pedals to make this work. The Kickr BIKE power numbers are good enough not to need power pedals... unless you’re looking for L/R data and Cycling Dynamics metrics.
Great video again Shane, really considering this Bike, but my only concern is the long term use and reliability . Having killed 2 Kickr Climbs in less than 18 months , Wahoo just sent me my 3rd Climb ! Yes I do lots of climbing on Zwift having just completed my 199 Alpe du Zwift Climb. Did you try the Kickr Bike up the Alpe or Radio Tower Climb ! Can't fault Wahoo customer support, but it's how good or bad the long time use is going to be of this Bike, thanks again Shane .
Another great video! Thanks a lot for the informative content. There are only two questions left open for me ... can I share the device and switch sattle quickly? And how does it compare to the Tacx Neo Bike. Please go ahead with the great stuff you are producing - Happy days!
Hello Shane, greetings from the States. In Dec. 2019 I became the owner of the new Wahoo Kickr Bike. I have been riding on Zwift everyday for the past year and would like to upgrade my electronics for viewing and running Zwift. I would like to know in detail the hardware components that you use as shown here in your video (monitor?smart tv? motion/refresh rate? apple tv?). I will be "wired" just as you have done. Thank you for all of your rich content as you are my #1 go to source.... and DC of course.
Just got mine last week. Like it a lot so far. Still tweaking fit and adding personal preferences on pedals and seat. A little louder than expected at lower speeds. Will add updates as I get more miles in.
Another great review. But just wish you woukd do the sprint atack on the radio tower climb thats where the Neo has the issues breaking the torque limit and sliping.
This is a fantastic trainer, a little different feel to one thats connected to a bike, but a smoother ride on the whole. My only niggle with this is amount of play between the frame and the tilt unit that causes a small amount of nodding when in high cadence/low resistance. Contacted Wahoo, who said this is normal. Otherwise, its great. I'd be interested if other experience the same.
Wouldn't the kickr climb be more natural since inclines start at the front of your bike and not the center? Not that either would feel completely natural, but do you have a preference?
Outside the rear of the bike is 'behind' you as you ride up a hill, so it sinks down a little. It's not a biggy... just an observation that the more centered tilt was my preference.
very useful video. a lot of people interested in this thing, even if put orf by the price. the ‘q factor’ is the most meaningless thing in cycling. our test pilot could avoid contact with frame of trainer by choosing a pedal (preferably not shiimano) with a wider offset. pedalling mechanics won’t be affected.
Bigtime delay in that sprint. You were hammering for a good three or four seconds before the power numbers jumped. That happens to me all the time in races. I don't know what's at fault for this -- the trainer, the internet, or Zwift. Regardless ... I definitely want on of these smart bikes!
Hi Shane, I bought the wahoo bike based on your reviews. Thank you. what is your setup to the tv? I’m having hard time connecting the laptop to my kicker bike via Bluetooth.
Hello, I recently purchased Kirckbike V2 and compared it with Assioma power meter. In long duration and interval training, there is always a differnce of about 5~6W between them. Both devices have the latest firmware (Kickrbike power is higher than assioma) Interestingly, I used the fifth generation of kickr for 2 years, it was quite accurate, showing only 1% difference. My friends who bought the same product are experiencing the same issue, we all use assoma and kickrbike. In this video, your kickrbike and assioma are quite similar, Are they still the same with the latest firmware update?
This thing has a little sway to it. It's just enough for me to even forget mentioning my 'brick fence with a saddle' analogy. Stay tuned for the Tacx Neo Bike on this one though.... it has four feet planted on the ground.
Hi Shane ! Great review . I am buying a wahoo bike today . You feel a new version is not coming so soon ? Also I feel now in 2021 a lot of firmware update has come to it
Great review Shane! It would be interesting to see what q-factor the bike has in comparison to your stance and your road bike. An option may be extenders, which may work, but also may change your feel of the ride.
Hi Shane, Looking into getting a Wahoo Kicker Bike. I know you have done a lot of Lama Lab testing. I truly appreciate watching your videos about this unit. Is there anything that you recommend I should look at before I take my next steps?? Look forward to hearing back from you. Have a great day. Thanks for your time. Ted
Almost 12 months later the unit is still in fine form. We've had to oil a few hinges every now and then as they dry and creak... once oiled it's back to normal.
Great review! Thanks. The DC Rainmaker review says that the bike is not belt-driven, so I'm wondering about the discrepancy between two reliable sources of info (I guess I could quit being lazy, and just check the Wahoo site).
@@gplama Thanks! Mea culpa. I just read the DC Rainmaker review, and what was said was that the Climb portion no longer uses a belt. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews.
Another great video, thanks a lot! Quick question for you. From what I can see the pedals that come with the bike don't come with attachments for cleats. Do you need to buy separate clip in pedals? If so any advice on which ones work? Can't seem to find this information anywhere. Thanks a lot and looking forward to more videos!
Hi. I enjoying your smart trainer review. I am just a commuting pro and thats about it. Call me silly but I always wonder in those reviews concerning the offset and pricison of the smart trainers related to bike computers like garmin etc. I myself use my iphone with cyclerider and a giant sense ride. This probable have an offset with a bike computer. But what makes which is “the boss”. Maybe a bike computer is in ofset with cyclometer. What does a bike computer have to be the one to refer to? Thanks
Any chance they'll make it so we can use one of the shifter buttons as a left-turn / right-turn input? Or even make some hardware available so the handlebars will turn?
I still have my version 1 kickr from.....about 2015 and it’s been smashed. All still working surprisingly. Paid 600 dollars for a professional fit on my tt bike and I can put my tt bike onto e kickr and off to race. I’d have to pay 600 to get this fitted to get same result on top of the 1700
Hello, I recently purchased Kirckbike V2 and compared it with Assioma power meter. In long duration and interval training, there is always a differnce of about 5~6W between them. Both devices have the latest firmware (Kickrbike power is higher than assioma) Interetingly, I used the fifth generation of kickr for 2 years, it was quite accurate, showing only 1% difference. My friends who bought the same product are experiencing the same issue, we all use assoma and kickrbike. In this video, your kickrbike and assioma are quite similar, Are they still the same with the latest firmware update?
I just got one and notice a clear back to front (not from to back) give on the bike…it moves about 0.25 inches whenever you lean forward, with a metal contact sound. It’s very slight, but consistent and a bit annoying. Did you notice this’? Wahoo gave me a canned response “some give is expected to handle all gradients…etc. etc.”
Well, thanks in part to your review as well as Ray's, my kickr bike arrived at the LBS today. Pretty excited to get on it once I get it home. But had one question for you in regard to ERG mode. I see from your reviews that the wahoo app has it's erg smoothing option, but for the example of zwift can you control erg mode in the game from the bike or do you still have to use the interface of whatever platform you are on? Thanks a ton. Pretty jacked to get on this bike and never have to feel those clunky gear changes again.
Nice one! Once everything is setup in the Wahoo App you don’t have to open it again unless you want to change the setup. Zwift will take care of the SIM and ERG control.
@@gplama OK, thanks a lot. On the ERG, though, I should have worded that better. What I am interested in is like when you are doing intervals from a set program that says when one of the hard intervals comes you will do such and such wattage. In those I have tried (at times) to switch in and out of ERG mode, but it's sloppy, and if it's not a long interval sometimes it's not even worth it. Some days ya feel OK and the set wattage is fine. Others I don't mind trying to crank it up a bit, but switching in and out of ERG mode on something on a desk is kind of a pain. Thanks again.
@@Steve-cc8zg Within Zwift (via the machine it's running on or via the Companion App) you can dial ERG in from 90%-110% and also switch it on/off during an interval.
@@gplama OK, that answers it. Don't know why I thought maybe there was a way to flip ERG off and on from the bike instead of using the interface, but one can hope, I guess. Thanks again, Shane.
Love the videos Shane, thanks! I am seriously interested in this bike but I am worried about 1.0 tech. Do you have any info on when we can expect a 2.0 release from Wahoo? It is not clear when this starting shipping in bulk in the US but I am worried about buying this now just in case a new version comes out soon. Again, thanks for the great videos!
Great review, nothing to do with Shane but version 1 of Wahoo products never great. (Please note I only have Wahoo products Kickr 4 and 3, climb, x2 desk and headwind) Can we take a chance and buy??
I have a Kickr Gen 1 that’s going well. Can we take a chance? Buyers choice. Because if I say ‘yes’ here I get stoned to death the very second someone has a problem. The Internet in 2019 is a rough ride.
Thanks for vids - am a newbie on Zwift (6mths in) & riding about 300k p week & hav learnt heaps from your stuff (plus found yr podcast recently too) Couple of queries if possible: I bought a Schwin IC8 when I started (not knowing anything about smart trainers). While I really enjoy it I’m not sure how accurate the power readings are, plus there is no sim/erg mode. Have you ever reviewed it? Query 2, wahoo kicker smart bike v stages sb20 - thoughts? Cheers in advance
I haven't used an IC8, so I don't have any contribution there. Kickr BIKE vs SB20... they're both good bikes. Kickr has tilt and brilliant levers. SB20 is built like a TANK, super quiet, and silky smooth to ride.
@@gplama went full Wahoo & got myself the kickr bike - thanks for all the vids - were big help on the purchase decision & setup - my watts look like they’ll b completely different (that means less) than my Schwin IC8 - cheers again
For my $ I would rather buy a shiny new bike or set of wheels and stick with my direct drive that doesn't eat up a ton of space. I guess money being no object with a dedicated permanent training space/pain cave...it seems like a great option. Good quality, quiet, accurate, responsive... perhaps like with other tech waiting for version 2 and resisting the urge to be first to market would be a good thought for potential buyers. A new top tube design iteration, some improvements to other elements based on customer feedback as well... my only question is whether this will sell well enough. The profit margin would have to be pretty substantial to offset low sales to a niche market. Will there in fact be a version 2... this one might be a miss... great execution but is the demand there?
Hi Shane, Is it possible to configure the buttons within Zwift to make you selection of directions when you come to junctions (a possible good use for the Campy buttons)?
I'm thinking of buying the wahoo bike or wahoo climb and core. What do you recommend? The kickr bike has many problems? And for training, which is better? I will train about 2 hours a day.thank you
hahah! The best part of that is a very very small amount of their $ goes to me. Peloton are paying ME for videos on competing products. I love this. (just don't be persuaded to go down that route...) ;)
Thanks for the information here and in your podcast with Ray.... Do you connect to a computer just like a Kickr trainer? Do all the other controls (shifting, tilt, braking) put more demands on the computer?
The Kickr BIKE is identical to a smart trainer, so there's no difference there at all. The shifting/tilt/etc are all handled by the bike direct. We're still waiting for more software integration with the buttons and things.... it's already been months.... :/
I recently had issues with Power Smoothing (from the Wahoo app) and TrainerRoad, where the resistance on the Kickr Bike felt like a pulsating resistance, especially during cadences under 90RPM. The second I turned off Power Smoothing in the Wahoo app, the ERG workouts on TrainerRoad felt significantly more smooth. Maybe something worth revisiting to see what is going on, if you manage to replicate it. I turned Power Smoothing on and off during the TrainerRoad ERG workout and felt the difference immediately. Got the Kickr Bike V1 with latest firmware :)
Great review Shane... will it connect to 2 devices at once ? I used Zwift to the control the trainer but Garmin for recording my workout and training plan, both on ANT+
Ahhh.... maybe. With only ANT+ FE-C at the moment it'd need to be in 'passive' mode on one of them to ensure it didn't get confused with who's controlling it. If they add ANT+ Power/etc in the future it's a non issue. Recording with two devices shouldn't be a thing in 2019. Metrics should sync up between services/vendors/etc (but I'm well aware they don't)
Shane Miller - GPLama Thanks Shane, the reason I use 2 is Zwift to control the trainer but Garmin Watch for training stats, these stats only exist on the devices themselves today, such as training effect, loading a workout into Garmin connect will not calculate all the stats, Tacx Neo will connect to both at once, so watch is just recording HR and Power
Thanks very much Shane such good review, if you have time to answer one question would be grateful. Is it possible to have 54 or 55 crank tooth in the front ? Thanks very much :)
Hi Shane, I have just purchased a wahoo Bike, actually its my second as the first one had a loud noise from the flywheel. The problem I have is that I can’t tighten the bars at all, on my first bike it took a while of re tightening the quick release lever and after a week it was tight enough to stop dropping. The replacement bike however wouldn’t tighten at all, eventually the quick release bolt snapped. I have now replaced it with a 6mm bolt tighten it as tight as possible without the bars in and I can still slide the bar stem back in with very slight interference. How did you get on with yours. Many thanks Dave
I hope you are somehow compensated for these amazing reviews (the good and the bad) by these Vendors! They will get more word of mouth from the Lama Lab then any traditional advertisement because the viewers are those who WANT to see the content, and not forced to :)
These videos have done well on UA-cam in the grand scheme of things (by 'grand' I mean me, and a few cameras). Views/clicks/comments/etc all contribute to this channel ticking along for UA-cam revenue.
Hi Shane! I got the KickR Bike several weeks back and I’m loving it so far! The shifting, fit, and gradient changes make this this bike amazing. I have seen several comments on various videos that complain about the KickR bike having several technical issues/structural issues. Have you had any of these issues and if so, has Wahoo support been helping with fixing the problem?
Your smile while you were riding was the biggest recommendation.
Great video Shane . Let's see $3000 for the kicker bike, $5000 for a new road bike and $50,000 for the divorce. I will stick with my Scwhinn Stingyay.
Couldn’t they’ve made it a little lighter and more aero? Looks ok indoors, but what if you hit the road with this beast?
i'm glad you asked. The Kickr BIKE works perfectly on tarmac, gravel, and even dirt. It's an all-rounder. Don't expect it to move anywhere, but it's solid enough to sit in one spot and win races for sure. 🤣
Shane Miller - GPLama Nicely said 😀
Hey man, this is an indoor bike, it is not supposed to be roadhitted. Even to try you would have to be good with your wheelies but you would need to install a fat tyre on the back unless you don't mind riding on the rim. My advice would be to just ride this indoors and not experiment outside. Plus I think it would be really confusing outdoors as you have the gradient simulation AND the real gradients.
Your production quality is absolutely top notch (again). Another fantastic review, with multiple camera angles (the crotch camera worked out very well after all and helped really get the point across :D), well structured information, great data well visualized. Good stuff. The 100k sub count is approaching with big steps :) Well deserved too.
As for the Kickr Bike. Looks like a fantastic piece of kit. Only thing spoiling it is the price obviously. For the same price you can get a really good road bike AND a Kickr. Sure, if you have the money and can afford it, it's great to have a dedicated trainer/virtual bike just for indoors and not having to deal with getting your road bike/trainer setup everytime you want to ride indoors. For the majority of the people I guess the road bike/trainer combo is just more practical/more affordable, especially if 8-9 months of the year you are riding mostly outdoors anyway.
The sleeping baby test!! I love it!
The lamas on the other screen during lab test was icing on the cake Shane
hahah! DCRainmaker spotted that first. I'm profiling people who make those observations.. you're all hyper observant. ;)
Shane Miller - GPLama Wait, you’re profiling me!?!? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? 🧐
Best gear review I think I've seen. No bullshit, and thorough.
Thanks Shane - I love the "it just works" summary. I have one on order but I was just told its going to be delayed around 2 weeks. Can't wait. Thanks for your reviews.
Refreshing to see a product actually work! Still cost prohibitive at this point but I like where this is heading. Well done Wahoo and thanks putting all the time into these reviews Shane.
Pity they couldnt put that knowledge into fixing the kickr
☂️hiding under the shade.... what if they put this technology into the Kickr in the future?
Great review, Shane. One minor addition: The Sufferfest does allow you to change the intensity of the workout with the two buttons on the top of the right control lever (the current version of the app also allows you to toggle between levels 0-9 and ERG mode with the thumb buttons but we'll have to revisit that since users who opt for the Campy mapping wouldn't be able to use that functionality). Excited to hear your thoughts on how it works with The Sufferfest. Wait until you try our TTT workout, Team Scream, on the KICKR Bike. So. Real.
Thanks for putting this all together, Shane! I only ride indoors and really appreciate your insight. Ride on!
But I have to agree to the fact that you make a very nice video. Very nice review at a point where it makes me want one. Man... you could easily be in sales or something related.
Thanks. :) Sales don't typically like what I do... when things go wrong/bad or companies make a shit product. Engineers don't like it when we find edge-cases that expose issues/flaws (sometimes show stopping ones!). I'm in this grey area of being a cyclist who's still fascinated with this new tech and has the energy to keep looking for the 'next best thing'.
Some people said it will be a flop at that price ... aaaaaand the first batch is sold out already. Great review Shane, appreciate all the work you put into it.
How big is that "first batch"? Pretty important to know if you're implying these are flying off the shelves at record speed.
@@noybiznatch I dont know but, the first batch is essentially pre-sales and there were no real reviews of the product out till today so, them being sold out already is a good sign that they will sell a lot more once the positive reviews roll in. Considering that 2-3k+ dollar bicycles from a dozen manufacturers have a solid base and sell enough that everyone keeps cranking them out every year, Id say a top product like this, that none of the competition can touch right now, will have solid sales for at least a year or two until someone puts out a good alternative. Or, in other words, there may not be as many customers as there would be for a bicycle in this price range BUT, for a while a single company gets all the customers looking for a smart bike.
It has a lot of interest given it's a new product category for Wahoo. As for the success/failure of it... we'll have to wait and see. It's still very early days.
Brilliant Video Shane. Have been waiting for this to drop!.....been checking 2-3 times a day and was great to sit back with my coffee this morning and watch. Not for everyone at that price but definitely a consideration for me. Do 4-6 sessions per week indoors and love the idea of no bike on and off, no calibrating, no replacement of chains/cassettes etc, NO GREASE!. Any idea when they will start shipping?
Glenn Sullivan agreed 100%. I was considering buying a cheap “trainer bike” but it may make more sense just to buy this item...only issue is I already own a kickr...wish I could trade it in
Balls! I really didn't want to want one of these. 😩 Great video, as always.
Less excuses after getting one of these Marcus! 😉👍🏻
Nice that you can throw down watt bombs without issue. I’ve bent a front chainring throwing gears in a zwift race.
Where do you put the “Lazy Susan” gizmo for the Zwift steering?
I've located it 'elsewhere' to prototype steering from the saddle.... and now I'm walking funny.
Shane Miller - GPLama Watching the video I kept looking at the stem and steer-tube wondering how easy it would be to modify things so the bars can swivel for steer-mode. With Zwift steering potentially becoming a big thing, I’d want to know the bike was somewhat future-proof in this regard before spending so much. Wahoo’s gotta be thinking about this, no?
I just got mine last week. Just getting the fit dialed in to match my road bike. So far I really like IT. My initial thoughts are. it's Heavy. It's very quiet. I don't have to lube the chain. It quickly switches between rider settings. It doesn't have to be calibrated (spindown). I wish the shifting had a little more prominent feedback. I can't always tell when I've shifted and sometimes end up shifting two gears when I meant to shift one. It's a little too easy to accidentally press the buttons on the inside of the shfiter. No biggie as they currently aren't used, but if they ever sync those up to steering, I could see myself accidentally turning left or right during a hard sprint. And lastly, WHERE ARE THE LLAMA APPROVED COLORED CHEVRONS???
Dropping some watt bombs Shane! Great video.
Pew pew! Thanks Jim. I enjoy these ones. Lots of riding, trying to break things, things breaking me. It's all good.
Nice review mate! One thing I noticed is that your saddle might be too high? It looks like you are stretching for the bottom of the pedal stroke with your toe down, instead of pulling through it with your heel down. Being able to drop your heel at the bottom of the stroke also engages more of your leg muscles. Could try to drop it half an inch to see if you generate more power.
The question will always be the same. Will the flywheel "hold" after 3 or 4 months of intensive use? Is it well balanced? We'll see.
From what I've gathered - from coaches, and from riders (in particular one's who have done one of Phil Deeker's Cent Cols Challenges) - there is a definite benefit from doing indoor training with a Kickr Climb for preparing for doing a lot of climbing IRL. I did my first CCC in June, and tho I was sufficiently fit for the endurance, I was not adapted to the climbing position (and suffered for it). I am planning to purchase either a Kickr + Climb (I have a Neo, about which I have only good things to report), or another unit that puts the body and bike in a climbing position - such as the Kickr bike - in order to train for my next Cent Cols Challenge.
I mention this in response to Shane's comments that the Kickr bike enhances the experience of riding indoors (and by inference {and perhaps directly stated}, _only_ the experience). I am counting on it to provide a _training_ benefit as well.
(I live in a famously hilly area, but where we have innumerable unavoidable hills, we have no climbs. The max elevation gain on any hill is less than 200m.)
Three videos and a 23 minute whopper to close it out? The Lama thinks he's Peter Jackson now 😜🤣
As always you've informed and entertained.
@Shane Millar Excellent comprehensive review as always. A little worried about rear end mounting though🤣
Great video Shane, you’ve really gone to town on this & I’ve really enjoyed watching the series. Now get back on the Di2 videos! 😂 Bike looks the business but I’d have to sell a kidney to get one & so I guess I’ll be sticking with my road bike, Kickr & Climb.
Hi Shane: great video... would it be possible for you to post measurements of the width of the top tube at say 10, 20, and 30 cm from the seat tube?... I'd like to be able to pad out my bike with cardboard or bubble wrap to see if the rub issue would effect me. (unless the bike comes with an angle grinder) Thanks
I also want to know about that
It took almost 4 seconds for your effort to show up on the screen. Both my kickr core and kickr gen1 reacted a lot quicker. Sync issue with the videos, or very lagged response of the bike?
Noticed that too, weird...
The unit seems laggy, check 7:53 when Shane hits the keyboard, the video is perfectly synced.
Mmm not good for zwift racing!
I have the same problem with the kickr core. I thought this was standard.... I wonder how to fix it.
Noted in the video description - I was using 3 second smoothing on Zwift for watt display, so there's a little lag there. Having said that there is a notable delay in the jump sprints as shown on screen. I'll do more testing in the coming days in regard to 'jump speed' on Zwift with the bike and a real power meter using both ANT+ and Bluetooth.
One thing I have found is that the plug on Garmin Vector pedals rub on the “chain guard” and you cannot install this type of power meter. A little frustrating that there is tight gap between in inside of the crank arm and the plastic moulded chain guard.
You can install a spacer on the pedals to make this work. The Kickr BIKE power numbers are good enough not to need power pedals... unless you’re looking for L/R data and Cycling Dynamics metrics.
Great video again Shane, really considering this Bike, but my only concern is the long term use and reliability . Having killed 2 Kickr Climbs in less than 18 months , Wahoo just sent me my 3rd Climb ! Yes I do lots of climbing on Zwift having just completed my 199 Alpe du Zwift Climb. Did you try the Kickr Bike up the Alpe or Radio Tower Climb ! Can't fault Wahoo customer support, but it's how good or bad the long time use is going to be of this Bike, thanks again Shane .
Another great video! Thanks a lot for the informative content. There are only two questions left open for me ... can I share the device and switch sattle quickly? And how does it compare to the Tacx Neo Bike.
Please go ahead with the great stuff you are producing - Happy days!
See my video about bike size/fit here: ua-cam.com/video/ob5TJmCWFqY/v-deo.html
Neo Bike Lama Lab Test coming soon.
I’d love to see an option for a MTB setup. Great video as always Shane.
Challenge accepted!
Hello Shane, greetings from the States. In Dec. 2019 I became the owner of the new Wahoo Kickr Bike. I have been riding on Zwift everyday for the past year and would like to upgrade my electronics for viewing and running Zwift. I would like to know in detail the hardware components that you use as shown here in your video (monitor?smart tv? motion/refresh rate? apple tv?). I will be "wired" just as you have done. Thank you for all of your rich content as you are my #1 go to source.... and DC of course.
Just got mine last week. Like it a lot so far. Still tweaking fit and adding personal preferences on pedals and seat. A little louder than expected at lower speeds. Will add updates as I get more miles in.
I just did a test ride at a local bike shop. Really liked the trainer but I felt slight rubbing of inner thighs on the top tube.
Another great review. But just wish you woukd do the sprint atack on the radio tower climb thats where the Neo has the issues breaking the torque limit and sliping.
I'd have to ride all the way up there. :)
This is a fantastic trainer, a little different feel to one thats connected to a bike, but a smoother ride on the whole. My only niggle with this is amount of play between the frame and the tilt unit that causes a small amount of nodding when in high cadence/low resistance. Contacted Wahoo, who said this is normal. Otherwise, its great. I'd be interested if other experience the same.
Great video mate, just curious to know your weight? I imagine the stability would be relative to your size?
Great review Shane as always 😀
I didn't know you could get over 1000 watts! Now I have some goals to set up!
I would love a pair of those in my basement. Instead that $ will be going for a trip to your beautiful country and NZ. Thanks for the videos.
Wouldn't the kickr climb be more natural since inclines start at the front of your bike and not the center? Not that either would feel completely natural, but do you have a preference?
Outside the rear of the bike is 'behind' you as you ride up a hill, so it sinks down a little. It's not a biggy... just an observation that the more centered tilt was my preference.
very useful video. a lot of people interested in this thing, even if put orf by the price.
the ‘q factor’ is the most meaningless thing in cycling. our test pilot could avoid contact with frame of trainer by choosing a pedal (preferably not shiimano) with a wider offset. pedalling mechanics won’t be affected.
Q factor is important. Maybe not ‘that’ important when only a few mm are involved, but it can’t be dismissed. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/22612455/
Bigtime delay in that sprint. You were hammering for a good three or four seconds before the power numbers jumped. That happens to me all the time in races. I don't know what's at fault for this -- the trainer, the internet, or Zwift. Regardless ... I definitely want on of these smart bikes!
How wide are the back legs? Got limited space and wondering if fits. Great review!
Sounding like a winner 👌
Hi Shane, I bought the wahoo bike based on your reviews. Thank you. what is your setup to the tv? I’m having hard time connecting the laptop to my kicker bike via Bluetooth.
Hello, I recently purchased Kirckbike V2 and compared it with Assioma power meter. In long duration and interval training, there is always a differnce of about 5~6W between them. Both devices have the latest firmware (Kickrbike power is higher than assioma)
Interestingly, I used the fifth generation of kickr for 2 years, it was quite accurate, showing only 1% difference. My friends who bought the same product are experiencing the same issue, we all use assoma and kickrbike. In this video, your kickrbike and assioma are quite similar, Are they still the same with the latest firmware update?
Knee hitting frame is a symptom of saddle height. Too high and leg wants to pull in often. Cleat position can be a cause too.
Nice one Shane!
Shane, I you were to purchase one of the smart bikes today would you get the wahoo or the stages bike? Thank you for you excellent videos?
Either of those two. It'll come down to the levers you like the feel of and if you want tilt up/down.
And what about noise differences between the kickr bike and the stages?
Thanks again Shane your videos are great
Brilliant,ticked almost every box but still like riding on a brick fence.
Still would prefer a Kickr and the new Inside ride E flex setup.
This thing has a little sway to it. It's just enough for me to even forget mentioning my 'brick fence with a saddle' analogy. Stay tuned for the Tacx Neo Bike on this one though.... it has four feet planted on the ground.
Awesome review video!
Hi Shane ! Great review . I am buying a wahoo bike today . You feel a new version is not coming so soon ? Also I feel now in 2021 a lot of firmware update has come to it
One for Wahoo to reassure you with. I don't break embargo/leak information that I may or may not have.
Great content on your channel Shane
Great username! :)
Haha 👍🏻
Great review Shane! It would be interesting to see what q-factor the bike has in comparison to your stance and your road bike. An option may be extenders, which may work, but also may change your feel of the ride.
150mm on the Kickr BIKE. Shimano road cranksets are 147mm.
Hi Shane,
Looking into getting a Wahoo Kicker Bike. I know you have done a lot of Lama Lab testing. I truly appreciate watching your videos about this unit. Is there anything that you recommend I should look at before I take my next steps??
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Have a great day.
Thanks for your time.
Ted
Almost 12 months later the unit is still in fine form. We've had to oil a few hinges every now and then as they dry and creak... once oiled it's back to normal.
So glad that bike trainers are a thing. Indoor bikes are so expensive and take up space.
Great review! Thanks.
The DC Rainmaker review says that the bike is not belt-driven, so I'm wondering about the discrepancy between two reliable sources of info (I guess I could quit being lazy, and just check the Wahoo site).
It’s belt driven. The DCR post I’ve loaded says so too.
@@gplama Thanks! Mea culpa. I just read the DC Rainmaker review, and what was said was that the Climb portion no longer uses a belt. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews.
this Setup is my dream
Another great video, thanks a lot! Quick question for you. From what I can see the pedals that come with the bike don't come with attachments for cleats. Do you need to buy separate clip in pedals? If so any advice on which ones work? Can't seem to find this information anywhere. Thanks a lot and looking forward to more videos!
It comes with basic pedals. You can install whatever pedals/cleats you like.
@@gplama thanks a lot! Much appreciated!
Very nice video, thanks. I would really like to know all the components of your setup with their respective prices.
"Let me introduce you to downstairs..." the Lama's lines [ha ha]
😎
Hi. I enjoying your smart trainer review. I am just a commuting pro and thats about it. Call me silly but I always wonder in those reviews concerning the offset and pricison of the smart trainers related to bike computers like garmin etc. I myself use my iphone with cyclerider and a giant sense ride. This probable have an offset with a bike computer. But what makes which is “the boss”. Maybe a bike computer is in ofset with cyclometer. What does a bike computer have to be the one to refer to?
Thanks
I don’t understand the question sorry. Offset of what?
Any chance they'll make it so we can use one of the shifter buttons as a left-turn / right-turn input? Or even make some hardware available so the handlebars will turn?
We can only hope.
I still have my version 1 kickr from.....about 2015 and it’s been smashed. All still working surprisingly. Paid 600 dollars for a professional fit on my tt bike and I can put my tt bike onto e kickr and off to race. I’d have to pay 600 to get this fitted to get same result on top of the 1700
Why couldn’t you just apply your fit measurements to this bike?
Do you think this could withstand multiple uses/day if a gym were to get them for cycle classes?
Maybe. It's still very early days with these units.
Hello, I recently purchased Kirckbike V2 and compared it with Assioma power meter. In long duration and interval training, there is always a differnce of about 5~6W between them. Both devices have the latest firmware (Kickrbike power is higher than assioma)
Interetingly, I used the fifth generation of kickr for 2 years, it was quite accurate, showing only 1% difference. My friends who bought the same product are experiencing the same issue, we all use assoma and kickrbike. In this video, your kickrbike and assioma are quite similar, Are they still the same with the latest firmware update?
The Kickr BIKE v1 has left the Lama Lab a while back, so I can't report on the current accuracy sorry.
I just got one and notice a clear back to front (not from to back) give on the bike…it moves about 0.25 inches whenever you lean forward, with a metal contact sound. It’s very slight, but consistent and a bit annoying. Did you notice this’? Wahoo gave me a canned response “some give is expected to handle all gradients…etc. etc.”
Hi,great vid
Does it tilt automatically to the up and down hills??
Regards Dave
Yes
Well, thanks in part to your review as well as Ray's, my kickr bike arrived at the LBS today. Pretty excited to get on it once I get it home. But had one question for you in regard to ERG mode. I see from your reviews that the wahoo app has it's erg smoothing option, but for the example of zwift can you control erg mode in the game from the bike or do you still have to use the interface of whatever platform you are on? Thanks a ton. Pretty jacked to get on this bike and never have to feel those clunky gear changes again.
Nice one! Once everything is setup in the Wahoo App you don’t have to open it again unless you want to change the setup. Zwift will take care of the SIM and ERG control.
@@gplama OK, thanks a lot. On the ERG, though, I should have worded that better. What I am interested in is like when you are doing intervals from a set program that says when one of the hard intervals comes you will do such and such wattage. In those I have tried (at times) to switch in and out of ERG mode, but it's sloppy, and if it's not a long interval sometimes it's not even worth it.
Some days ya feel OK and the set wattage is fine. Others I don't mind trying to crank it up a bit, but switching in and out of ERG mode on something on a desk is kind of a pain. Thanks again.
@@Steve-cc8zg Within Zwift (via the machine it's running on or via the Companion App) you can dial ERG in from 90%-110% and also switch it on/off during an interval.
@@gplama OK, that answers it. Don't know why I thought maybe there was a way to flip ERG off and on from the bike instead of using the interface, but one can hope, I guess. Thanks again, Shane.
Shane. How easy is it to move the KICKR Bike around? I don't have a man cave and might need to move the bike around in order to use (and store) it.
It has little wheels to roll it around on. Drop into a bike shop that has one on the floor to demo and give it a roll :)
That’s a really great review
This thing looks incredible!
23:15 "Mount from the rear..." xD
That's what she said.... nyuk! nyuj! nyuk!
Looks great!👌🚵♂️🔥
Love the videos Shane, thanks! I am seriously interested in this bike but I am worried about 1.0 tech. Do you have any info on when we can expect a 2.0 release from Wahoo? It is not clear when this starting shipping in bulk in the US but I am worried about buying this now just in case a new version comes out soon. Again, thanks for the great videos!
I don’t expect to see v2 of any of these smart bikes for a while. The development process for a whole bike is a LOT slower than a trainer.
Great video. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽
I going to buy one of this
I train with music a lot would love to get that as a pass through to control spotify eg. Quick press play / pause , left back , right forward
Hey Shane, just wondering what fans you would recommend for the trainer. Those sun air ones don’t seem to be made anymore..
Anything with a shield around the sides that directs air forward and doesn't just spray air everywhere.
I know what I want for Christmas.
Great review, nothing to do with Shane but version 1 of Wahoo products never great. (Please note I only have Wahoo products Kickr 4 and 3, climb, x2 desk and headwind) Can we take a chance and buy??
I have a Kickr Gen 1 that’s going well. Can we take a chance? Buyers choice. Because if I say ‘yes’ here I get stoned to death the very second someone has a problem. The Internet in 2019 is a rough ride.
Thanks for vids - am a newbie on Zwift (6mths in) & riding about 300k p week & hav learnt heaps from your stuff (plus found yr podcast recently too)
Couple of queries if possible:
I bought a Schwin IC8 when I started (not knowing anything about smart trainers). While I really enjoy it I’m not sure how accurate the power readings are, plus there is no sim/erg mode. Have you ever reviewed it?
Query 2, wahoo kicker smart bike v stages sb20 - thoughts?
Cheers in advance
I haven't used an IC8, so I don't have any contribution there. Kickr BIKE vs SB20... they're both good bikes. Kickr has tilt and brilliant levers. SB20 is built like a TANK, super quiet, and silky smooth to ride.
@@gplama cheers for the reply
I’m waiting for Euro bike 2022 in Frankfurt to see if there’ll be a new wahoo kickr release
@@gplama went full Wahoo & got myself the kickr bike - thanks for all the vids - were big help on the purchase decision & setup - my watts look like they’ll b completely different (that means less) than my Schwin IC8 - cheers again
For my $ I would rather buy a shiny new bike or set of wheels and stick with my direct drive that doesn't eat up a ton of space. I guess money being no object with a dedicated permanent training space/pain cave...it seems like a great option. Good quality, quiet, accurate, responsive... perhaps like with other tech waiting for version 2 and resisting the urge to be first to market would be a good thought for potential buyers. A new top tube design iteration, some improvements to other elements based on customer feedback as well... my only question is whether this will sell well enough. The profit margin would have to be pretty substantial to offset low sales to a niche market. Will there in fact be a version 2... this one might be a miss... great execution but is the demand there?
Hi Shane, Is it possible to configure the buttons within Zwift to make you selection of directions when you come to junctions (a possible good use for the Campy buttons)?
There's no support within Zwift for the additional buttons on the Kickr Bike. It's up to Zwift to work with Wahoo to implement this functionality.
I'm thinking of buying the wahoo bike or wahoo climb and core. What do you recommend? The kickr bike has many problems? And for training, which is better? I will train about 2 hours a day.thank you
Entirely your call. I hope my reviews allow you to make a more informed decision.
While watching this video, I had 4 commercial breaks, 3 for "Peloton". Funny.
hahah! The best part of that is a very very small amount of their $ goes to me. Peloton are paying ME for videos on competing products. I love this. (just don't be persuaded to go down that route...) ;)
Thanks for the information here and in your podcast with Ray.... Do you connect to a computer just like a Kickr trainer? Do all the other controls (shifting, tilt, braking) put more demands on the computer?
The Kickr BIKE is identical to a smart trainer, so there's no difference there at all. The shifting/tilt/etc are all handled by the bike direct. We're still waiting for more software integration with the buttons and things.... it's already been months.... :/
Very interested in this. How is the Q Factor? Great review as always Shane!
150mm
Perfect! That is what I was hoping it would be 😁. Cheers!
I recently had issues with Power Smoothing (from the Wahoo app) and TrainerRoad, where the resistance on the Kickr Bike felt like a pulsating resistance, especially during cadences under 90RPM. The second I turned off Power Smoothing in the Wahoo app, the ERG workouts on TrainerRoad felt significantly more smooth.
Maybe something worth revisiting to see what is going on, if you manage to replicate it.
I turned Power Smoothing on and off during the TrainerRoad ERG workout and felt the difference immediately. Got the Kickr Bike V1 with latest firmware :)
I saw that post over on the TR forum. Not something I encountered, however I always switch off ERG power smoothing.
Any comparison ( relative to price ) with a kickr trainer or kickr core?
Great review Shane... will it connect to 2 devices at once ? I used Zwift to the control the trainer but Garmin for recording my workout and training plan, both on ANT+
Yes, it can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, like the KICKRs, since a recent firmware update.
Ahhh.... maybe. With only ANT+ FE-C at the moment it'd need to be in 'passive' mode on one of them to ensure it didn't get confused with who's controlling it. If they add ANT+ Power/etc in the future it's a non issue. Recording with two devices shouldn't be a thing in 2019. Metrics should sync up between services/vendors/etc (but I'm well aware they don't)
Shane Miller - GPLama Thanks Shane, the reason I use 2 is Zwift to control the trainer but Garmin Watch for training stats, these stats only exist on the devices themselves today, such as training effect, loading a workout into Garmin connect will not calculate all the stats, Tacx Neo will connect to both at once, so watch is just recording HR and Power
@@ScottYarosh Thanks Scott
Thanks very much Shane such good review, if you have time to answer one question would be grateful. Is it possible to have 54 or 55 crank tooth in the front ? Thanks very much :)
See my video on the gearing setup. You can configure a 70 on the front if you like! Epic dinner plate.
Shane Miller - GPLama hahaha 55 will be enough for me, thanks again Shane, you legend 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Great video, very informative, thanks.
Push come to shove Shane, do you prefer the neo bike or the wahoo bike and do you personally own one or do you use a standard neo
Kickr Bike. I just can't go past the Di2 style levers it has.
automatic tilt angel on my kickr bike does not work when I ride the Zwift. Are there any settings?
Hi Shane, I have just purchased a wahoo Bike, actually its my second as the first one had a loud noise from the flywheel. The problem I have is that I can’t tighten the bars at all, on my first bike it took a while of re tightening the quick release lever and after a week it was tight enough to stop dropping. The replacement bike however wouldn’t tighten at all, eventually the quick release bolt snapped. I have now replaced it with a 6mm bolt tighten it as tight as possible without the bars in and I can still slide the bar stem back in with very slight interference. How did you get on with yours. Many thanks Dave
No issues with the bars on the unit here. It's something I've seen raised a few times recently. One for Wahoo Support to address.
@@gplama many thanks Shane, I am awaiting a reply from them cheers
I hope you are somehow compensated for these amazing reviews (the good and the bad) by these Vendors! They will get more word of mouth from the Lama Lab then any traditional advertisement because the viewers are those who WANT to see the content, and not forced to :)
These videos have done well on UA-cam in the grand scheme of things (by 'grand' I mean me, and a few cameras). Views/clicks/comments/etc all contribute to this channel ticking along for UA-cam revenue.
For touching-test take a Track Sprinter.
Hi Shane! I got the KickR Bike several weeks back and I’m loving it so far! The shifting, fit, and gradient changes make this this bike amazing. I have seen several comments on various videos that complain about the KickR bike having several technical issues/structural issues. Have you had any of these issues and if so, has Wahoo support been helping with fixing the problem?
No issues other than a few creaks that was solved by a little grease on the two rear leg joints.