After all of the issues with my 2018 Kickr's (yes plural because of replacements) I wouldn't even consider something more complicated like this. My Tacx Neo that replaced my Kickr and Climb has been bombproof to date. Always appreciate the quality of your reviews though, DCR. Keept it up!
I bought one and have had it for a month and I'm looking to return it. My main beef is the creaking and clicking coming from the frame and the fact that the heel of my right shoe knocks against the "chain guard". My shoe size is 44 (10 1/2) and the crankarm length is set at 172.5. (It is impossible for me to use 175.) The bike works well using ZWIFT and the automatic gradient changes are pretty cool but it doesn't reflect good value for the money spent in my opinion. The Wahoo KICKR seems to be the main focus for the company which of course is exactly what one would expect given current trends and its price point.
Nice review. I'm sure there's an audience out there for this, but for $3500, I'd rather just buy a new middle level bike and put it on my existing Kickr.
Wahoo makes great stuff, but imho this price point is really high for what you are getting. $2500 would be a lot more reasonable to many consumers. At $3500 I would expect a lot more wow factor tech, like maybe multiple memory settings for sizing multiple users(like a high end drivers seat), and maybe a nice high end display with integrated fans(eliminate the need for a pc or a tv for Zwifting) For now Im sticking with my Tacx Neo.
great job with the preview. they did a good job with the bike. simple and to the point. price is way to high but my guess is it will come down right after the first batch of early adopters.. looking forward to your comparison review.
I'm still using a Kickr mark 1, this is what I've been waiting for. If the only way I can fit in 4-5 sessions a week is by training indoors, you might as well do it in style. Won't be able to upgrade the road bike any time soon though!
What are those wires hanging from the handlebars? Are they for shifting? Can't help but feel they should either be wireless like eTap or at least internally routed for the money.
1. How many Bluetooth channels does the bike need to connect to Apple TV? 2. Why are the cables outside the handlebar? Please integrate that. 3. It looks like a bit of a swing during the sprint.
1) Just one - it's supports the new multiperipheral 2) I agree 3) The ground was uneven - we tried to fix some bricks and such under the mat, but it's imperfect.
Teo question. 1. When use the Zwift automatic the wheel measure the power that we are puting on the wheel? 2. When you make a rute on zwift the system automatic make heavy the wheel when you arrive to uphill? Thanks. Nice video. Pedro
5 min in the video and Wow i love this bike! (Caveat I haven't heard the price yet!). The adjustabilty, the gearing possibilities (i could test out different cassettes on different climbs for tue most efficient for me) are the biggest turn ons for me. The climbing is ok, the motor on downhills makes it realistic.. The biggest concern would be long-term durability for the cost. Would be nice The neo doesn't do anything for me, i was hoping the atom but vaporware... ..ok heard the price in the end. 2500 would be a winner, maybe 2k without the climbing feature, 3k is that limit most will dare not cross but 3.5k really narrows the market. I'd check that it flexed alot on that bottom pivot during sprinting. Resistance to rust?
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
Yes having the gear display down there is bad, normally I have a towel over the handlebars (guess most have) this means that you cannot see the display at all.
Watched yours and GPLama's reviews, Interesting concept, and a step up, More than that though, are we seeing the resistance unit for the next Kickr (v5)? A more neo-like electromagnetic unit with braking and downhill momentum, and integrated cadence. Certainly feels they're going in that direction.
More than anything, it demonstrates the confidence in the inside trainer market and that’s got to be good news as the software like Zwift and Sufferfest can only get better too as the market grows. I wonder how long it will be before you can buy a Wahoo Pod that comes with air con, sound proofing, 180 degree curved screen and smart lighting systems.
My question is around use for multiple users. My wife and I will split the use of the bike evenly, I'm a dedicated cyclist using Zwift and TrainerRoad she'll be using more for spin classes. We're far off in sizing so adjustments will need to be done for weight, and size regularly. TACX, Wahoo or Stages?
However doesn`t look too durable. I wish Wahoo would sort their Kickr issues before trying to convince people that they can manage something bigger and more complicated.
great review DC :) curious what cycling shoes you are using there? And, would you personally choose this KICKr over the the competitor StagesBike SB20 or are you worried like others say about the longevity and durability, thx for the video.
Thanks for the good Video! I`m 1,96m and i need a Saddle high of 85,5cm. For my size: Would you get the Wahoo KICKE Bike ore the Stages Bike SB20? Thanks.
@@cuy50 Yeah, I got my first fitness bike for under $600 - but then had to get a helmet, bottle cages/bottles, locks...spare tube, inflation kit, patch kit, tire levers, damn $80 multi-tool...had to put that all in a saddle bag...put on some fenders, back pannier rack, got some back panniers to go on that rack, oh yeah, top tube bag...then I got some clipless peddles so I had to get shoes and cleats for those...then I picked up a thule rooftop bike carrier (thank god I already had the thule roof rack for my xc skis)...and most recently I picked up my first Garmin device (fitness/GPS/heart monitor wrist watch) to which I'll be adding Garmin speed and cadence sensors when I pick up my next bike (topstone 105 alloy) - eventually hoping to get some power meter pedals on there. All that and I live in Canada where I can only ride about 5 to 6 months of the year. Could have just dumped $3500 into this trainer and rode year round - although I do love the feel/sound of the wind when riding.
@@HeatherSpoonheim when I started cycling two and half years ago, it was just a $2000 carbon bike. Now I've spent about 6000 CAD in total for cycling. Clipless pedal, shoes, winter jerseys, power meter, everything costs a fortune. If one wants to go to sportive abroad or become somewhat competitive, that would be a whole new level of expense.
This looks like such a dream. Just out of curiosity do they list the minimum height it's fitted for? Because I'm a shortie (161cm) and I have a hard time finding roadbikes that fit well, so I was wondering how small can they make this?
Build and ride quality seem to be super good but I would find it hard to justify the cost. You could pick up a normal Kickr and also a pretty rad extra bike (gravel or cx or something you dont have) to have mounted to it all the time which you could then take out and use when you feel like it. Struggling to see a true benefit of these units.
Hi DC. Thanks for posting this. I did have a Kickr+climb and when manually adjusting gradient when riding in Zwift (non erg training), it added resistance as expected. I just bought a K-Bike. Changing the gradient via the buttons on the hoods doesn't appear to add resistance as expected (and like the Kickr climb - you demoed this in one of your vids). Was that your experience too?
Glad I didn't wait to purchase a used direct-drive Wahoo trainer this month; figured it'd have to be something over-the-top coming out or a small reliability change to their existing equipment. Looks neat but $3500 is way out of my budget for a trainer.
Thx for the video Ray. I have Kickr Bike and I’m experiencing a “knocking sound” from the flywheel. Could it be the same problem as with the Kickr 2018? Is there also a key fix option? I have lodged a ticket and waiting for response from local distributors here in SA. Thx
And you didnt show any climbing on Zwift... It doesnt look stable when you sprint and I hope the climb hydraulics is durable. Dont wanna want it to break while climbing
"Limited Warranty Wahoo Fitness warrants products to be free from defects in material and workmanship, under normal use, for one year from the date of original purchase." :).
@@Dcrainmaker awesome - thank you! I'd also love to know if you think we'll see a Wattbike update any time soon - with the disappointing new Tacx showing I am hoping others will up their game...
@@Dcrainmaker ugh. Sorry to hear. Luckily I got the V2 as an accidental upgrade so I’m less worried about FOMO. Now I'm more interested to hear if you’re seeing any accuracy or other issues with it! Mine is a bit odd in that it fails to put out anything more than ~100W in everything up to small ring (1) and 5th gear on the "cassette" in Zwift. Not sure if that's normal or not.
Hi, does this have a rubber drivebelt? I can't find any information relating to this. I would like to know, please if it does and if so, when does it require replacing, is it available to the public (readily available) and is it the same as same as the Kickr toothed belt? Thank you.
Hi, any possibility to manually adjust resistance? In case I do not wish to ride using an app, just ride and manage cadence and resistance on my own training parameters. Also, if I manually configure incline 10%, will the bike incline automatically or will just simulate the new resistance? and one more, if I may:) how adjustable is the handlebar for the vertical, how much can it be raised?
You mentioned the wattbike ATOM, but it's still not available in the U.S., (nor is the TACX as it's still on manufacturing delay.) So the Wahoo could potentially be first to market here state side. If I'm wrong and you can get the wattbike anywhere here, let me know people!
Hey Ray, have you ever heard of the kickr bike just dying? I mean, no led lights...nothing. And I have double checked the brick, and it's fine. I have contacted wahoo, but was curious if you ever heard of that happening. Thanks, man.
I have a magnetic spin bike. My problem arises after pairing my Wahoo sensors with Zwift. Not sure if you use Zwift, but let me ask anyways: During the Zwift setup, when you get to the page where they ask to "select your trainer," there is no option for the metal plated flywheel bikes like mine. What does one do/select then?
You keep mentioning the Tacx bike...did it ever see the light of day? Last I checked it was around a year past it's "release date" with no communication from Tacx on what was going on.
I wonder why the cranks continue to move during free-wheeling? Belt driven? And braking...its is wireless or is there a cable routed to it, and if so, then easily fixed/replaced?
With that price point I'd expect a lifetime warranty. I think at some point they will figure out how to incorporate a rocking motion when out of the saddle. At that time and with proper warranty I'd consider pulling the trigger. Thx for the video.
@@Dcrainmaker That seems like a worthwhile feature for Wahoo to develop at this premium price point. It would give them that all-in-one combo of road surface feel along with angle adjustment from the Climb and better justify the higher cost. Especially since it makes sense for the next new (2020?) Kickr to adopt this same resistance unit.
A couple disagreements from a new Kickr Bike owner. Go to 8:50 in the video and look at how much the head tube bobs up and down. This occurs near constantly during my shorter harder rides, seated. I was able to "fix" it with a pole underneath the head tube (I don't use the the tilt). And for my first, and only, test of the tilt, I chose a new Rouvy route that I didn't realize contained a 19% slope. I was eating the handlebars, unable to pull hard on them in a totally unnatural position, and the front of the bike was literally rising off the floor. In a word: terrible. Nevertheless, with my pole fix, the bike is pretty fantastic and remains my first choice.
looks a lot more of a tider / cleaner situation than my kicker and climb and while I would like it it's not worth shelling out for it while my existing set up works.
Exactly my thoughts. I have a Kickr and Climb, and clearly this is neater, but considering I already have the Kickr and Climb, clearly no point in spending that much to get this bike. Would be nice not having to put a bike on and off the trainer a lot, but not worth it for me. If I didn't have a Kickr and a Climb, I might have considered it.
All this sprinting position is quite inneficient unless you are on a race going explode mode for a few sec. Gains are minimal in rpm vs watts produced from the stress on the pedals are 3-4x more. RPM dictates the speed you get for a given ratio.
