Given the 2999.99 price tag, this seems like a pretty glaring omission, I'd be shocked if Wahoo didn't add this in the next generation of the product. Customize the KICKR BIKE with your favorite saddle, bars, and pedals to dial in the perfect setup. If you're using a pedal with a longer axle, such as Garmin Vector 3's, you'll need to use a spacer to stop the pedal spindle rubbing the body of the bike. Get these vital cycling metrics on your indoor ride on the KICKR BIKE without connecting any extra sensors. Adjusting my saddle height to 13cm in the app, a message warned me that I'd only get to -10% on the gradient adjuster. The control unit on the KICKR BIKE contains an lock/unlock button, which allows you to turn on and off the physical tilt control of an app while still allowing the app to control the resistence. Works with popular training apps, including Zwift, The Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad. The virtual shifting technology of the KICKR BIKE is programmable so you are able to match the exact gear ratios, including the number of speeds and cassette tooth count, and group set from the leading manufacturers SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo. KICKR BIKE has a unique combination of a 13lb flywheel and enhanced motor that offer unrivaled accuracy, responsiveness, and realism while training indoors. The motor itself is extremely quiet - emitting a similar level of hum to a standard turbo trainer. An ANT+ FE-C connection allows the KICKR BIKE to be controlled from any FE-C enabled device or application. The Wahoo Kickr Bike is one of the new breed of indoor bikes which set their sights firmly at the dedicated cyclist market. You can then set up your preferred braking and shifting preference. Typically I found the P2s gave lower readings during endurance efforts, but both were within range of zones set by my coach. The bike offers easy adjustment, to ensure riders can perfectly mimic their bike set-up, as well as gradient adjustments via the in-built Kickr Climb feature (from -15% to +20%) and a realistic ride feel. The at home exercise bike with seemingly endless adjustability - at a price. Adjusting the rear feet (a bit like popping a napkin under a chair leg) made no difference. This means that changes in resistance are much quicker - which is better when mimicking the hills of Zwift as well as reacting during sprint sessions. However, remember that my test unit might well be an ex-show model. Visit our corporate site. The Kickr bike utilises a 5.9kg electromagnetic flywheel to provide the realistic ride feel. I set mine up to mirror Shimano's system and they worked perfectly. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. Whilst we're on the topic, the Q-factor is 150mm - 10mm narrower than the Wattbike Atom, taking it slightly closer to the feel of an average road bike. ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities allow it to connect to both smartphones and GPS devices simultaneously or separately. Doing this locks the system, so it can't be controlled by apps like Zwift. I found some of the adjustment levers quite stiff - particularly the reach. The KICKR BIKE simulates grade changes in real-time both with changes in resistence and in physically raising and lowering the bike to match ascents of up to 20% and decents of -15%. Pulling the brakes makes it much harder to pedal. The price hike over the competition is quite substantial, those shelling out this much cash will want perfection. To unlock it - meaning platforms can adjust gradient automatically - simply press the grey button on the outside of the display box for 3 seconds. Choose from either professional bike fit measurements, taking a photo to measure your bike, or enter body measurements so you are able to personalize the fit to mirror the exact geometry of your outdoor bike. Before we dive in, it's worth noting that we have a page dedicated to the best exercise bikes and smart indoor bikes (opens in new tab)for home workouts that will allow you to compare all the top models on offer at the moment. Your email address will not be published. Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional journalist by trade, having begun her career working for a local newspaper, where highlights included interviewing a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theatre owner), as well as 'the one about the stolen chickens'. Race Director Marion Rousse confirms the organisers ASO are considering other changes for 2023, including the possibility of a time trial, Huge crowds, excellent organisation, a good route and plenty of press attention, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is a huge step for the womens sport, Tour de France Femmes: unmatchable Annemiek van Vleuten wins final stage and the overall title. Wahoo has built in a reassuring 'clunk' when you shift between gears, which adds to the natural ride feel. KICKR BIKE is not only a smart bike its a training machine that blurs the line between virtual and reality. KICKR BIKE seamlessly integrates with other Wahoo products and easily pairs to your ELEMNT GPS bike computer, smartphone, tablet, or PC. Be the first to know about sales, promotions and much more, Unit 6, Stand 517, West WingAmatole CrescentN4 Gateway Industrial ParkWillow Park ManorPretoria, Be the first to review Wahoo KICKR Bike. KICKR BIKE supports up to three simultaneous Bluetooth connections for a trouble-tree start to your workout. The display itself is located on the right side of the top tube and shows you what gear you're in, plus percentage gradient as it adjusts. Michelle is on maternity leave from July 8 2022, until April 2023. Firstly, the bikes aren't identical - so that'll explain some difference. Electromagnetic resistance means that adjustments to the motor happen instantly - as opposed to magnets physically moving towards and away from the flywheel to adjust the braking force. The ride feel is incredibly natural. Also, those on the smaller end may not be able to enjoy the full range of the downward tilt. I could move the bike around quite easily - despite its 42kg heft - thanks to the wheels at the rear of the bike. All three use an electromagnetic resistance system and cater for 2200 watts+. KICKR HEADWIND brings innovative climate control to your indoor training experience. Michelle is a road racer who also enjoys track riding and the occasional time trial, though dabbles in off-road riding too (either on a mountain bike, or a 'gravel bike'). A combined electromagnetic flywheel and motor allow for quick braking to create a precise feel while shifting and while riding downhill. I'm still not sure the descent feature has any physiological benefit, but it's good fun. Our test model arrived ready-built, being a media sample shipped (we assume) from appearance at a show or from testing with another title. As studies have shown, 'trueness' (and thus comparison to other power meters) is another topic and power meter brands, models and units within one model class will read slightly differently. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you would like to get additional information about any of our products, please contact us here. She joined CW as an 'SEO Analyst', but couldn't keep her nose out of journalism and in the spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of Tech Editor before her latest appointment as Digital Editor. It is possible to use a different seatpost, which is handy if more than one person is using the bike. Previous to joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Resetting this fixed the issue. Cycling Weekly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The specced bars are 40cm (centre to centre) but the shifters do come off as per a normal pair so you could swap these if required. This refers to how accurate the power meter is to itself - so 250 watts on my Wahoo Kickr Bike test unit should read anywhere between 247 and 252 watts at any given time. The in-built motor meant that if I got off when hooked up to Zwift - on a flat surface of descent - the pedals would keep turning for a few seconds which was a slightly odd thing to see. Simply submit a request here and we'll get back to you. I tested the Kickr with my PowerTap P2 pedals fitted. A Wahoo Kickr turbo trainer would set you back 999.99, and a Climb 499 - leaving you 1500 leftover to buy a dedicated turbo bike. The max resistance on offer is 2200 Watts. Whilst initially I thought the Climb feature was a bit of a gimmick, ramping up over 15 per cent my body was forced to work as it would out the saddle on a real climb - so I can see a lot of real world crossover here. After several hours of frustration, I finally noted that the standover height lever wasn't adequately clicked into place. Tacx also uses an electromagnetic system, and Wattbike adopted the tech in its latest Atom. Enter measurements from a bike fit (Retl, Trek Precision or Guru), Take a photo of a bike that fits well and mark out key points. Shipping Dimensions: 54 x 14 x 35 (1350 x 340 x 880 mm), Resistance Type: Electromagnetic and enhanced motor, Wireless Software Updates: Yes, via the Wahoo Fitness app, Device Compatibility: iOS, Android, PC (Mac and Windows), User Height Range: 5 feet (152 cm) to 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm), Power Requirements: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 2.5A Max, Flywheel Weight: 13 lbs plus enhanced motor, Crank Arm Lengths: 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, and 175. During training sessions, I tend to switch ERG mode off, and changing the resistance via the shifters worked well. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Connect the KICKR BIKE to any ELEMNT Bike Computer to relive rides or perform planned workouts. The adjustable shifters are excellent, as is the ride quality. There's also the comparison to the traditional option to consider. The balanced, belt driven motor on KICKR BIKE combines years of engineering knowledge to create a virtually silent riding experience. Using KICKRs legendary flywheel technology, the KICKR BIKE creates unparalleled responsiveness and power accuracy of +/- 1%. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. There was deviation between the two - comparing a 55 minute session recorded on both, the Wahoo average power is 3.9% higher whilst the max power is 3.5% higher on the P2 data. LED display indicates gear selection and grade percentage, so you can get information with just a quick glance during your ride. Heres why you can trust us. The left set of measurements are based on Retl fit data, the right has been estimated by the Wahoo app from a bike photo. However, for a family with several adult height riders wanting to hop on, the Kickr Bike option starts to make a lot more sense. The saddle height discrepancy is greater than it should be, though. The Wahoo Fitness app will guide you through an easy set-up of the five points of adjustability on the KICKR BIKE. For more details on which apps are compatible with the KICKR BIKE, download our in-depth KICKR app comparison chart. I don't trust my chubby fingers as much as I do the 'Zin' machine used at a Retl fit, so I'd advise new users to use bike fit measurements if they have them available. KICKR BIKE supports 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175mm crank lengths, Customize the KICKR BIKE shifting controls to match shifters from the leading manufacturers SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, platforms such as Zwift don't yet support braking, so though the Kickr Bike is 'future ready' (in case this feature becomes part of the Zwift racing tactics) you wouldn't want to use them just yet! The set up process is made possible via the Wahoo app. This year's list contains 78 items which scored a 9 or 10/10 with our tech team - this gear is the best of the best, and has received the Cycling Weekly stamp of approval. Proven power accuracy that provides our most accurate power measurement of +/- 1% and generates up to 2200W. Wahoo has priced its bike at 2999.99. So I can't talk about the build process. That's rather a lot higher than competitors - the Tacx Neo at 2299.99 and the Wattbike Atom - now 1899.99, (in its new model) up from the 10/10 scoring outgoing model at 1599. The Kickr bike does however offer you an experience like no other with its custom shifters and the Climb gradient feature. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Pair to your KICKR BIKE and as your speed or heart rate increases, so will the fan speed. I had hoped this would allow me to reach max power numbers comparable to those outside, but alas this was not the case - my max indoor power was no different to that achieved on a standard turbo trainer with my bike fitted. When connected to your smartphone, tablet or computer, KICKR BIKE automatically sets your resistance via your favorite app or software. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Replicate your outdoor bike down to the exact gearing configuration by selecting the number of speeds and cassette tooth count. It won't have had the same life as a customer model which has spent its days in a loving home. Real-time grade changes will match ascents of up to 20% and descents of -15% while allowing you to maintain speed and truly replicate the sensation of riding outdoors. This was a simple job, completed with an Allen key. It provides the most realistic ride feel especially when using virtual riding/training platforms like Zwift, The Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad. Our simple and intuitive Wahoo Fitness app offers guided instructions on how to set-up the KICKR BIKE and personalize the fit to mirror the geometry of your outdoor bike using 3 options professional fit, measure my bike, and measure my body. Crank length can be anything from 165cm to 175. All rights reserved. Cycling Weekly is supported by its audience. I found my cadence was quicker than when using my own bike attached to a turbo trainer. Wahoo told me this was to avoid automatic adjustments resulting in "the cat's tail getting caught in the mechanism." I did however need to remove the legs to carry the Kickr up the stairs. Adjust the fit of the KICKR BIKE with easy access quick-release levers across 5 points stack, reach, setback, saddle height, and frame height. A digital display clearly communicates both gearing and grade so you always know where you are during every stage of the ride. Its robust steel and aluminum construction will withstand the hardest rides even if your legs dont. This didn't really bother me or leave any marks - I've had far worse with protruding cables on standard bikes. She is passionate about supporting grassroots women's racing and founded the women's road race team 1904rt. With its Kickr Bike, Wahoo has really broken new ground. The Wahoo Kickr has a promised power meter accuracy range of +/- 1%. You can adjust the gradient via the buttons on top of the shifter. Using the 'bike photo' option, you need to mark the position of the centre of the crankset and handlebars via placing a marker on the screen on your phone. The top tube is quite wide. The Wahoo Kickr Bike was selected for an Editor's Choice award (opens in new tab) in 2020. To set up fit, you can do one of the following - with the options listed in order of expected accuracy: The app then spits out simple instructions which are easy to follow using the ruler markers on the bike. Testing options one and two, I got similar but not identical readings. KICKR BIKE continuously offers accurate power and doesnt require a calibration procedure. Resistance and climbing gradient adjustments in ERG mode were quick and effective. As with all Wahoo smart trainers, KICKR BIKE is compatible with the most popular training apps, such as The Sufferfest, Zwift, TrainerRoad and more. Robust aluminum and steel construction ensures the KICKR BIKE will withstand years of heavy abuse. For this bike, Wahoo developed its own shifters, and they're seriously neat. For that reason, the lack of device holder and stickiness in some adjustments (on our second hand test model) do need addressing. The KICKR BIKE flywheel and enhanced motor is an innovative technology that emulates the power and inertia experienced during outdoor riding. The bike can adjust to fit riders between 5ft (152cm) and 6ft4 (192cm), so it won't be suitable for a family unit with people outside of that range. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. First I thought it was the unit being uneven on my rickety floorboards. This makes sense in a way - if you jump off your bike at 30kph it keeps moving, too. Seven woman teams a possibility at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, I feel my legs a bit less when I hear the crowd, riders react to the Tour de France crowds, Tour de France Femmes: unmatchable Van Vleuten wins final stage and the overall title, best exercise bikes and smart indoor bikes, 'trueness' (and thus comparison to other power meters), Exclusive interviews, fitness tips and product reviews, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. Being female with fairly wide hips, I've always wondered if I'd be better off adjusting my pedal spindle to go wider - but some might like the familiarity on offer here. The KICKR BIKE can also be customized with your own handlebars, pedals, and saddle. KICKR BIKE offers unprecedented innovations such as integrated grade changes, customizable gearing, and simulated shifting to create the most powerful, personalized, and realistic indoor training experience. No other exercise bike offers the gradient adjustments we have here, and this makes indoor cycling both more fun and more realistic, potentially having a greater transfer out on the road. Clearly, I couldn't even dream of exceeding this, but sprinting out the saddle I had a strong and sturdy base to work against. The Kickr Bike offers ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, and I could always find it within the sensors on my Garmin, on Zwift and when making adjustments in the app on my phone. During the first easy sessions this wasn't an issue, but I did find when really pounding the pedals my thigh would contact it. Rather unfortunately, there's nowhere to place a phone or tablet. Early on, I did notice some creaking.