When comparing the KICKR CORE to the Tacx Flux, the CORE is clearly the better trainer, providing higher simulated grade, more power output and accuracy. A direct-drive trainer’s fly wheel helps improve ride quality and real-road feel. The most obvious difference is the look of the unit. To help riders decide between the KICKR and the KICKR CORE, we spoke with the folks at Wahoo on the differences, similarities and the cool features to look into with the two indoor smart trainers. Posted by Tom Crandall | Sep 4, 2018 | Cycling, Trainers | 7 |. (YES, the Wahoo SNAP 2017 is also compatible…but some folks just want a direct drive unit). Observation: The new CORE option will definitely be appealing to those that were looking at the Wahoo KICKR CLIMB, which is finally shipping, but didn’t want to fork over $1199 price tag for the KICKR. Is the wahoo kickr v5 worth the extra money ? Many people wanted a direct drive wheel-off trainer, but didn’t want to spend $1199 or more for one. Both the Wahoo Kickr and Tacx Neo offer a fairly realistic ride, with high wattage powers, good accuracy and convincing slopes and inclines. Just interested in finding out why this is occurring. I would be glad to send you some FIT files. ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities allow it to connect to both smartphones and GPS devices simultaneously or separately. Durable enough to withstand even the most intense training regimens and boasting connectivity to more software options . But that was before I found that the difference only exists when TrainerRoad is controlling the Kickr. Though some 3rd party apps like Zwift can perform spindowns, Wahoo always recommends using the Wahoo Fitness app for best results. ALWAYS OUT FRONT. I then asked Wahoo owners why they chose the KICKR over the NEO and the number one answer was trainer PRICE. Once the legs are attached, all that is required is to connect the power cable and you are off to the races. Every elite athlete knows that the challenge of being out front is staying out front. Power mismatch -- Wahoo Kickr vs Stages Cranks. That sets the load to 250 watts. The trainer doesn’t come with a specific KICKR carrying handle, so you’re left guessing as to how to carry it. The KICKR Core does NOT come with a cadence sensor or cassette. The maximum resistance with this trainer is 2000 watts, meaning that you can really exercise your leg muscles against the bike. Another issue that came up had to do with trainer weight. What I am having trouble with is understanding why (and hopefully fixing) there is a much bigger power difference when TrainerRoad is controlling the trainer. I would make sure that you don’t have a difference in power in resistance mode on TR too. However, I do find that things are more consistent if I do a spindown with a 10 minute warmup, and only a 10 minute warmup, and do this repeatedly. To understand the Core you sort of have to take a step back and view Wahoo Fitness’s 2017 KICKR lineup. The KICKR Core does work with both the KICKR Climb and KICKR Headwind. FIT files recorded from the Kickr and the cranks for the same ride. Even though... Trainer Reviews Elite Direto XR Hands-On Review. I had a similar experience with my kickr, I thought my ftp was testing considerably high. Both trainers have done extremely well in the last two years at the $899 price point, easily undercutting Wahoo’s flagship KICKR and likely taking a chunk of of Wahoo’s sales. report. Thanks! You will need to add legs to the trainer using the supplied bolts (2 for each leg). Tacx recently dropped the price of the Flux to $799 and also announced the Tacx Flux 2 ($899-$949 – exact price TBD). Mine have a similar minor difference normally, which is actually expected because of where each gets its power. Wahoo KICKR Core 12 LB Fly Wheel One of the main differences between the KICKR and the KICKR Core beyond appearance is a 16 lb fly wheel vs a 12 lb fly wheel. I am also doing these comparisons during very steady intervals where I am trying to hold steady power and cadence. The trainer will also need a cassette, since no cassette is supplied. By doing so, Wahoo’s new Core design dropped the trainer’s maximum simulated grade (16% down from 20%) and power output (1800 Watts down from 2200 Watts). I’d be interested to see your LEFT/RIGHT power split from the Stages up against the Kickr. I assume you would need the files for the same ride from both Zwift and TrainerRoad? Most KICKR users said priced played a big part in their decision to purchase a KICKR ($1199) over a Neo ($1599). When riding the trainer, if you start coasting and stop pedaling you will hear the freehub (click click click) sound that occurs just like out on the road when your coasting. Worst case scenario, my stages reads a bit higher, so I can assure myself that if I did a certain interval inside I can do it outside with the skewed power reading since it’s actually a bit easier. I also double checked this with the Wahoo team at Interbike. A practically new Wahoo Kickr Core 2020 with Shimano 105 cassette (11-34). Comparisons between the Elite Direto and Tacx Flux, Drive Side Adapter for 130mm and 135mm Quick Release, Reversible hub spacer for 130mm and 135mm Quick Release, Drive Side Adapter for 12×142 and 12×148 Thru Axle, Pairs with iOS Android PC (Mac and Windows). Im also thinking a new core will be revised in 2021 in which it would decrease the value much quicker than the kickr v5 2020. When you register your KICKR Core in the Wahoo Fitness app, you’ll receive these awesome offers from our partners: NO. KICKR. If I do an hour workout, and then spindown for the next week, forget it. At low power levels (<100 watts) they are pretty close, but as the power increases, they don’t track anymore. As far as I know the power readings on most trainers in Erg mode are smoothed quite a bit, which washes out fluctuations that you can still see on your Stages power meter. Click to find out if your bike is compatible. Using Powermatch leads to choppy intervals, especially shorter ones, where things are hunting for the right power figure. I brought this up with Wahoo and they felt it was the difference between road and trainer riding, not an accuracy issue. You cannot go wrong with either, but I would definitely recommend the Kickr. I then asked NEO owners why they selected the NEO specifically over the KICKR and the number one answer was TRAINER NOISE LEVEL. You’re having a similar experience to me however my H2 trainer initially reads lower than my LS Stages, then about 20 minutes in they track similarly. Use the included AC power adapter to connect the trainer to a standard 120v wall outlet. I did a little sound review of the KICKR Core at this year’s 2018 Interbike. The new Wahoo KICKR is available to buy at Wahoo for a recommended retail price of £999.99/$1,200. Meet Arsenal, the Smart Camera Assistant Review (2018). It’s slightly less nifty (feature wise) than the Kickr but is still a … Blockquote and they then decided that their advertised accuracy claims were actually precision claims and as long as i got consistent (albeit incorrect) power readings from the wahoo i was fine. Any cheaper alternatives with automatic resistance etc? KICKR CORE. The largest issue, and note I’m on a Kickr V1 (aka 2014), is that spindowns vary quite a bit. My money would be on the Core. The packaging weight was 22KG or 49lbs and had a Made in China label. Wahoo did an amazing job with the KICKR Core Trainer. This only occurs when I am using TrainerRoad to set the power levels and control the Kickr (in ERG mode). Outside test was done with a powertap wheel. Wahoo Kickr V5 2020 Power Turbo Trainer - Latest Model WFBKTR12 0: Condition: New other (see details) Ended: 05 Jan, 2021 13:20:10 GMT. Your email address will not be published. At first I was quite unhappy about this. For more details on which apps are compatible with the KICKR download our in-depth KICKR app comparison chart. 0. I suspect that smart trainer (and power meter, to a lesser degree) accuracy claims are significantly exaggerated, as they are difficult for users to test. 3 Comments. Best Cycling Trainer In It's Class This is important because the bigger the flywheel the more inertia and more realistic the road feel.In comparison, the Kickr Core has a flywheel weight of 5.4kg, which is a similar size to 2016 and 2017 Kickr Smart units. Nothing changes. I do find the KICKR easier to transport because of it’s handle, but it is heavier, so it’s sort of a wash. Many NEO owners said they would probably have gone with the KICKR if it had been more quite, but chose the Tacx trainer instead. I’m also pairing to zwift and TR the same way you are. Close. Will need to buy a new cassette if I get the Core which means the price difference is only $400 CAD. Overall Wahoo did an amazing job and the KICKR Core will make a lot of cyclists very happy. An ANT+ FE-C connection allows the KICKR CORE to be controlled from any FE-C enabled device or application. 13 comments. Yeah, the trainer power will change as it warms up. Wahoo kickr v5 2020 vs Wahoo Kickr Core 2018. So if you were buying a trainer today would you go for the KICKR Core or the KICKR 2017? I plan on asking the folks at Wahoo how the CORE trainer should be carried when I go to Interbike. YES. Latest model WFBKTR120. Again Wahoo seems to have nailed it with the CORE, shaving 7 lbs off and making it a bit more portable. The changes from those efforts were made as running changes into the KICKR 2018/CORE and roughly peaked (change-wise) around a year ago (Summer 2019). Tom is the Editor-in-chief of GearMashers.com, 10KstepsDaily.com, EndTheTrendNow.com, AntiqueOutings.com, MiniatureReview.blogspot.com and a few other publications, he began racing in college while getting an Information Resource Management degree at George Mason University. Enhanced power accuracy to provide accurate power measurement and generate up to 1800 watts. For those living in apartments, this whine was a deal breaker and often was the key decision to purchase a less noisy NEO over the KICKR. 2018 is the first iteration of the KICKR Core. The 2020 Wahoo KICKR was announced at the right time when indoor cycling is ever so popular due to … For your needs, the box I circled must not have the trainer connected. The new KICKR CORE shares a host of tech from the KICKR 2018 - so much so, it is actually easier to deal with the differences first. I assume you would need the files for the same ride from both Zwift and TrainerRoad? The KICKR Core arrived boxed in a shipping box. Wahoo KICKR review (2020) TL;DR: Wahoo managed to improve on its already excellent KICKR smart trainer and not only made it more precise but also more realistic to ride thanks to the new AXIS feet. The actual trainer weighs around 40lbs. If you would prefer to pair with another cassette, I’m happy to remove the current one and provide without. Review An assessment or critique of a service, product, or … Getting the Realistic Ride Feel. donbikes. I will showcase what you can expect to get when you order the KICKR Core and why it rocks. Add Comment. Select a stable, level surface with sufficient room for trainer and bike. I contacted Wahoo support about this. YES. Meanwhile, with the Wahoo KICKR (and KICKR CORE/SNAPv2) you can add their $600 CLIMB accessory, which simulates climbing by lifting the front of your bike up. by purchasing something from our Amazon Affiliate links below. The Core can use a 9, 10 or 11 speed cassette. Wahoo Fitness is a tech-fitness company that specializes in indoor bike trainers, GPS bike computers, heart rate monitors, apps, and sensors for cyclists, runners, and fitness enthusiasts. It certainly isn’t going to wake the neighbors. For starters, the new compressing AXIS feet system is more flexible and allows for up to 5% more motion, and is quieter on hardwood floors. September 28, 2020. Where the Tacx Flux might have a slight edge is on overall trainer weight. This might lower the value of a direct drive trainer (but hey you got erg mode). using the same proven flywheel technology and advanced algorithms pioneered by Wahoo's other legendary trainers. Yes, it’s still variable, but variable around a fairly constant level on each power meter – with the Kickr offset to a lower reading. Make of it what you will, but I always use a power meter now to control my Kickr. THE ESSENTIAL INDOOR SMART TRAINER. When comparing the new Wahoo Fitness KICKR to the KICKR Core you can immediately see the difference between the two. Attach the legs by inserting the included bolts through the bottom of the trainer leg assemblies, then secure them using the included nuts and hex wrench tool on the opposing side. Introduced at Eurobike, Wahoo Fitness launched the all new Wahoo KICKR CORE Trainer. Here are some of the main differences between the KICKR and the KICKR Core. So, I have a similar problem with mine. If so why ? Before doing that, I thought I would post here to see if anyone here has experienced this. Some people felt the actual trainer (KICKR) was a bit on the heavy side and wanted something a little lighter. The good news, at least for most cyclists is Max Simulated Grades of 16% and Max Power Output of 1800 watts are more than enough to punish them on the trainer. ignore the Kickr power reading and use Assomia as the power source for all cases. You can find out more about Wahoo and the KICKR Core on Wahoo’s website (https://www.wahoofitness.com/). As noted on the box, the trainer doesn’t include a cassette or cassette lockring. The KICKR Core is a direct drive trainer. Works with popular training apps such as Zwift and TrainerRoad. The Wahoo Kickr has an accuracy of +/-2% that provides a true workout experience. Without a doubt, 2019 was … Another complaint Wahoo had to contend with was price point. When you receive the KICKR Core, you will be required to attach the legs to the trainer, but don’t worry, Wahoo provides the bolts, nuts and a L-Shaped Hex Tool to get the job done quickly. Please Shop Our Store. Wahoo Kickr Core vs Wahoo Kickr 2020. They advised contacting TrainerRoad to see if this has been reported as an issue by a number of users. Then considering I’m mainly ride outside and to keep my power consistent I just This year Wahoo Fitness expanded their range of trainers by adding a 2nd wheel-off direct drive trainer to the KICKR lineup known as the KICKR Core. One of the main negatives to buying a Wahoo KICKR wheel-off trainer had to do with noise volume or more specifically the whine the trainer would make when riding. They replied that since the problem only occurs when using TrainerRoad, then the issue may be with TrainerRoad. It’s pretty cool in a geeky way, albeit without a ton of specific training value. SHOP. Both the KICKR and the KICKR CORE are known for giving cyclists a realistic ride feel courtesy of the trainers’ heavyweight flywheels. A direct-drive trainer’s fly wheel helps improve ride quality and real-road feel. That’s a necessity for TrainerRoad to have total control of the trainer. I got a chance to hang with the Wahoo team at Interbike this year and did a little sound review of the Core. I don’t know why this would only happen on erg mode on TR. Both Kickr and Kickr Core have flywheel, however, they weigh different. I compared it to an outdoor ftp test and the difference was ~20%. The KICKR Core flywheel is 12 lbs. Wahoo says there’s no changes quality-wise between a KICKR 2018 produced more recently (such as early this year) and the KICKR V5/2020. At low power levels (<100 watts) they are pretty close, but as the power increases, they don’t track anymore. in : Cycling, Gym, KICKR, KICKR BIKE, KICKR CORE, KICKR SNAP, The Sufferfest. KICKR CORE is the latest Wahoo Smart Trainer that delivers a realistic, accurate, and quiet training experience. A present the Core is an all-around great trainer and thus far I am really pleased with how it performs. TR/Zwift/etc doesn’t matter what controls it. Welcome to hell. A spindown is recommended every 2 weeks or after transporting your KICKR to a new location. Wahoo KICKR20 – Improved Road Feel. The fold out legs of the KICKR are replaced with two horizontal legs. YES. That’s not a figure I … Most people use trainers indoors where surfaces are usually level. The KICKR Core includes a bunch of hardware including a rear axil skewer, 4 bolts for the legs, and adapters for those who have different bike setups. With the Release of the KICKR Core, Wahoo has shored up a mid range trainer line that competes nicely with Elite Direto and Tacx Flux. At around 200 watts, the difference can be 10% or more, with the Kickr always reading higher. Retain packaging for future storage or transport. Required fields are marked *. Also, as the workout progresses, power variations are pretty bad. The Kickr trainer is much heavier ad weighs 7.25 kgs while the Kickr Core trainer is comparatively lightweight at 5.4 kg. Close. Hopefully the Wahoo team will tackle trainer accuracy to make it even more accurate. Even if you don’t see something you want, just click on one of the links and buy something else. Lastly the trainer doesn’t have the ability to adjust to uneven surfaces, which to me isn’t a big deal. When connected to your device it automatically sets your resistance via your favorite app or software. hide . Wahoo Kickr V5 Smart Turbo Trainer. What makes this trainer really good is it's build quality and quite noise level when riding. Built to live up to its legendary namesake, KICKR CORE Smart Trainer delivers a realistic, accurate and quiet indoor ride. GoPro Hero 8 Black Rumors – Must Have Functionali... ELITE INTRODUCES THE TUO & DIRETO X @ EUROBIKE - 2019, ERG Mode (Smart Trainers Make You Suffer), survey from both Wahoo Users and Tacx Neo users, 60 Days FREE of The Sufferfest Training Center, Wolf Whistle | Cycling Bells and Whistles, Wahoo Kickr Core Review Roundup | Zwift Insider, Top 10 Urethane Dumbbells Review | 2021 | Best Comparison Chart, Insta360 One R 1-Inch edition in-Depth Review, Balanced body Allegro 2 Reformer 2021 Review, Wahoo KICKR Smart Electric Trainer Review, Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild Recovery Mix Review (2018). That said, I haven’t had a chance to test the KICKR Climb with the KICKR Core yet. It does however contain 1.8mm cassette spacer for use with 9 and 10 speed cassettes. I have Zwift getting power from the Kickr and TrainerRoad getting power from the Stages pedals using PowerMatch. As an added bonus both the new KICKR and the KICKR Core can be integrated with Wahoo’s KICKR headwind (A headwind fan unit that works in conjunction with the KICKR trainers). The KICKR flywheel is innovative and proven technology emulates the power and inertia experienced during outdoor riding. This review is broken down into several sections including. As an added bonus for Wahoo, the KICKR CORE easily competes with both Elite and Tacx trainers on price. Two of the most popular are: Indoor cycling at home—using a trainer or smart bike—in conjunction with a training app. Tried spin down more, calibrate…etc. Unlike your screen shot, however, the “Power Source” and “Cadence” are checked. Observation: In test rides when I was pushing over 400 watts, the trainer felt very stable and secure, maybe even more so than my 2017 KICKR. Another issue pertains to accuracy. Not sure if the Kickr 2020 being 2 years newer will … For that money you could buy a Wahoo Bolt and still be very happy with the CORE. The new KICKR features 12×142 and 12×148 thru axle compatibility in addition to standard 130/135mm quick release. share. Yep, that’s correct. 2. Inside the box Wahoo includes the Wahoo KIKCR Core bike trainer plus. You will need to add the two legs that are provided, plus add a cassette. That is probably the most noise the trainer actually makes, which in fact is not much noise at all. This report presents clear evidence, based on robust data, that power readings derived from dual sided cycling power meters using Shimano cranks, does not provide consistent levels of accuracy as s…. What could we do to take the choice of champions to another … I purchased the Wahoo Kickr Core as I was new to cycling, didn't want to fork out for a Kickr or Neo, but also didn't want and wheel on trainer either. Page 1 of 2 - Wahoo Kickr vs Kickr Core - posted in Product Reviews: Afternoon all, Opinions please regarding the Wahoo Kickr 4 vs the Kickr Core? Building on the success of the previous DIRETO smart bike trainers, Elite continues to make small... Trainer Reviews Wahoo KICKR Smart Bike Review. Tom has been writing about photography, cycling, running and fitness since 1988, covering everything from the product reviews to the latest in fitness trends. So i borrowed a quarg crank and compared it to the powertap output and they were within 2%. SHOP. Sounds like the same experience I had with both Wahoo and Stages when I first asked them both about the power level differences. When comparing the Tacx NEO to the Wahoo KICKR (2017 or earlier models), there is a noticeable high-pitch whine noise coming from the KICKR’s fly wheel. I have been very impressed with the unit. Wahoo kickr v5 2020 vs Wahoo Kickr Core 2018. I hope this helps! Thank you. I have power smoothing off and both are set to give 3 sec power. Other than the $300 cheaper price, The CORE uses a lot of the same technology and hardware in the Wahoo KICKR Direct drive trainer but with a smaller flywheel, less max power, and less max grade. Now here’s the interesting part. Get these vital cycling metrics on your indoor ride. It’s essentially the same as the 2017 KICKR as far as performance goes, but it is more quiet. 9,102. You mentioned the CORE was a little more difficult to transport. We will get credit for whatever you purchase for the next 24 hours. When comparing the KICKR CORE to the Elite Directo, the CORE is clearly the better trainer, providing higher simulated grade, more power output and takes up less space. That there is the recipe for a perfect indoor trainer for everyone. Wahoo Fitness specializes in indoor bike trainers, GPS bike computers, cycling sensors & heart rate monitors designed to optimize your cycling training.