Wahoo turbo trainers - the perfect turbo trainers for real Wahooligans!

Share this post

Indoor training is the best way to continue enjoying cycling during the winter season, all while improving your performance. This way, you can still get some of that outdoor feeling, no matter the weather or the lack of light in the evenings. Get started confidently with a Wahoo turbo trainer! Whether you want to exercise early in the morning or want to train without having to think about traffic, Wahoo turbo trainers provide you with a realistic riding feeling as well as great ease of use and seamless integration with your accessories and training software. Wahoo produces Wahoo Smart Bike for real Wahooligans, but Wahoo also offers Direct Drive turbo trainers like the Wahoo Move, Wahoo Kickr V6 and the Wahoo Kickr Core. You could also choose the Wahoo Kickr Rollr. Curious about Wahoo? Then don't hesitate to read this blog!

Which Wahoo turbo trainer is suitable for me?

Which Wahoo turbo trainer is suitable for me?

Wahoo produces various Direct Drive turbo trainers, including the Wahoo Kickr Move, Wahoo Kickr V6 and the Wahoo Kickr Core. A direct drive turbo trainer is a turbo trainer on which you can install your own bike. You have to remove your bike's rear wheel, after which you can fit the bike right on to the trainer. Wahoo also produces Smart Bikes. This is the most advanced type of turbo trainer, and you won't need your bike at all to use a Smart Bike. Last but not least, Wahoo also offers bike rollers for pure ease of use. These are ideal for warming up, for example. Lets start with the Direct Drive turbo trainers.

Why would I choose a Wahoo Direct Drive turbo trainer?

Wahoo's Direct Drive turbo trainers allow you to train on your own road bike, gravel bike or mountain bike. That's rather nice, because your bike is already adapted to your size and preferences. Plus, these turbo trainers are easy to move and they're a lot more affordable than Smart Bikes. Let's start with the entry-level model: the Wahoo Kickr Core.

Wahoo Kickr Core

Maximum power: 1800 Watt
Incline percentage: 16%
Movement: None
Intensity of use: Good

Wahoo's most affordable turbo trainer is the Wahoo Kickr Core. This turbo trainer is simpler than the Kickr V6 and the Kickr Move, but it's the perfect starting point for any cyclist who wants to ride regularly via Zwift!

The Kickr Core scores especially well on stability: you'll have a highly stable cycling experience even while you're standing on your pedals. The Kickr Core comes with feet that you'll have to attach to your turbo trainer yourself. This is a simple job that only takes a few minutes, and most importantly: you'll only have to do it once. That means the feet are fully attached to the turbo trainer, and aren't collapsible like the feet on some other turbo trainers are. As well as being easy to set up, this turbo trainer can also easily be paired with your favorite training programs like Zwift, via ANT+ or Bluetooth.

The deviation in the Kickr Core's power is plus or minus 2 percent. That means the Kickr Core is less precise than Wahoo's two other Direct Drive turbo trainers, which causes there to be some variation in the power you produce. This trainer can mimic inclines up to 16%, which means it can't simulate the steepest, 20% inclines. But that doesn't mean this turbo trainer can't simulate most inclines just fine! Do note: this trainer doesn't come with a cassette. You'll have to buy one yourself and install it on your Wahoo Kickr Core.

Wahoo Kickr V6

Maximum power: 2200 Watt
Incline percentage: 20%
Movement: Average
Intensity of use: Better

The Wahoo Kickr V6 is the successor of the V4 and V5. With its excellent construction quality and extremely silent cycling experience, this turbo trainer is definitely worth considering. Especially if you're a cyclist who expects the very best. The V6 doesn't look all that different from the V4 and V5, but a number of small improvements have been made to its interior.

The Wahoo Kickr V6 has a maximum power of 2200 watt, and can simulate a maximum incline percentage of 20%, which distinguishes it from the Kickr Core. You'll be able to tackle every possible incline! Its main improvement, aside from being able to connect via Bluetooth or ANT+, is its integrated WiFi support. Wahoo states that data transfer is faster this way, so you'll have a more stable experience while training indoors. You'll never have connectivity issues while training indoors again, assuming you have a stable WiFi connection in your home, garage or apartment.

The Wahoo Kickr V6 is equipped with foam feet, so you'll feel a slight lateral movement while you're cycling. You'll get that real outdoor cycling feeling even more. The Kickr V6 comes with an 11-speed Shimano cassette. You might have to adjust the V6 depending on your bike's components. A number of freehub bodies are available to enable you to install your bike on the Kickr V6 if your bike has a SRAM or Campaganolo cassette.

Wahoo Kickr Move

Maximum power: 2200 Watt
Incline percentage: 20%
Movement: High
Intensity of use: Best

The Wahoo Kickr Move has a lot of specifications in common with the Wahoo Kickr V6, like a maximum power of 2200 watt and a maximum incline percentage of 20%. Plus, this turbo trainer also has a precision deviation of 1%, so your power and cadence will always be recorded very precisely. And yet the Kickr Move is just a little better than the V6. But in which way is the Kickr Move an improvement over the V6?

As the name implies, this turbo trainer's discerning factor is its mobility. Since its drivetrain and flywheel are positioned along a central axis, this turbo trainer can move forwards and backwards. This movement results in a realistic cycling feeling, especially while you're in the saddle. This movement won't hinder you while getting on and off your bike, either: the turbo trainer comes with a physical button on its middle foot, which locks its movement. When you're on your bike, you can simply press this button with your left foot so you can safely get off your turbo trainer. Plus, the Kickr Move allows for some slight lateral movement, which will make a sprint feel more realistic. This feeling is more realistic on the Move than on the Kickr V6.

The Kickr Move also has its advantages in terms of technology. Like the Kickr V6, the Kickr Move can connect over Bluetooth and ANT+ as well as over WiFi. This allows for automatic firmware updates (a nice bonus!) and ensures a better, more reactive experience in digital training programs like Zwift.

Adjusting the settings of the Wahoo Kickr Move is very simple, which suits the ease-of-use of this brand. The only disadvantage is that the Kickr Move is very heavy, as it weighs almost 30 kilograms. But that's because this turbo trainer is of great quality! Plus, its feet are collapsable. The Kickr Move comes with a Shimano 11-speed cassette. Do take note of any adjustments you may have to make to your bike, to be able to install it on this turbo trainer.

Why should I choose a Wahoo Smart Bike?

Wahoo Smart Bikes are the ultimate form of indoor training. A major advantage of a Smart Bike is that your actual bike won't wear down, because you won't have to use it. That saves you wear on your cassette, chain and drivetrain. Plus, a smart bike is an all-in-one solution, often with the best specs, like the highest power, the highest maximum incline percentage, and the most realistic cycling feeling. That way you'll be able to handle every sprint and climb! Let's start with the Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift.

Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift

Maximum power: 2200 Watt
Incline percentage: 20%
Movement: High
Intensity of use: Best

The Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift isn't a Direct Drive trainer: it's a smart bike. The major advantage is that this smart bike can be adapted to the riding position you always take on on your bike! There are a lot of ways to adapt a smart bike to your geometry, so it'll take you some time. For example, you can easily change the height of your saddle, the distance to your handlebars and your cranks. The Wahoo app will help you: it comes with a calculating system to help you find the perfect riding position!

Plus, Wahoo claims the Kickr Bike Shift has a maximum power of 2200 watt, and an incline percentage of a maximum of 20%. Unless you're a first-rate sprinter who needs the 2500 watts of the more expensive Kickr Bike V2, these specs are probably more than enough. This Smart Bike is also very quiet, so you'll barely be bothered by any turbo trainer noise. This Kickr Bike Shift allows you to virtually alter your gear ratios and different types of shifting systems (like Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo) via the Wahoo app. You can choose the amount of sprockets on the front and back, just like the configuration on your own bike.

Wahoo Kickr Bike V2

Maximum power: 2500 watt
Incline percentage: 20%
Movement: High
Intensity of use: Best

And now Wahoo's flagship product: the Wahoo Kickr Bike V2. This is the ultimate turbo trainer, which will make indoor cycling an unforgettable experience. This Smart Bike is more expensive than the Kickr Bike Shift, but also comes with more advantages for the real avid indoor cyclist. But what are the real advantages of the Wahoo Kickr Bike V2?

The KICKR Bike V2 has a system in which the flywheel is driven forward, so it'll truly feel like you're going downhill. If you stop pedalling, the flywheel will keep on turning, just like during a real descent. This is called descent simulation. On the KICKR Bike SHIFT, on the other hand, the flywheel will stop gradually, as though you're riding on flat terrain. Plus, the Kickr Bike V2 has a physical descent simulation functionality: this smart bike can tilt forwards and backwards to simulate in-game inclines.

Plus, the Kickr Bike V2 can physically tilt forwards and backwards when simulating hills, which provides an impressively realistic experience. You'll have to turn this functionality on manually before every ride. If you're looking for totally immersive training sessions, this tilting feature could be a very important part of your cycling experience. It'll add an extra dimension to your rides, especially when you're training for the hills!

Why would I choose a Wahoo bike roller?

Bike rollers are pure ease of use. Simply put your bike on the bike roller and you can start your indoor training session immediately. As Wahoo's bike roller supports both Bluetooth and ANT+, you'll enjoy every advantage.

Wahoo Kickr Rollr

Maximum power: 1500 Watt
Incline percentage: 10%
Movement: None
Intensity of use: Good

Put your rear wheel on the bike roller, attach your front wheel to the holder and you're ready to go. That means you won't have to remove your rear wheel when using the Wahoo Kickr Rollr. Plus, like other turbo trainers, you can connect this Kickr Rollr to training software like Zwift. The Wahoo Kickr Rollr will measure your speed and distance, but you'll need an external power sensor to measure your power and cadence. You could consider purchasing the Wahoo Speedplay Powrlink Zero pedals, which will enable you to train with power and cadence data. Compared to Direct Drive turbo trainers and Smart Bike, this bike roller can simulate a lower incline percentage of at most 10%.

How can I improve my indoor bike training experience even more?

After choosing your favourite trainer, it's smart to start thinking about some handy accessories. Of course the most important thing you'll need to train indoors is your turbo turbo trainer, but the right accessories truly make the difference between a good and a great training session.

Wahoo Kickr Headwind

You can get very sweaty during your indoor training sessions. Wahoo has come up with a solution: the Wahoo Kickr Headwind. This Wahoo fan produces a powerful airflow of more than 30 km/h, adapted to the riding position of real road cyclists. This way, your entire body stays cool and you won't sweat as much while you're cycling. You can even connect the Kickr Headwind to your turbo trainer, heart rate monitor or speed sensor, so that the airflow becomes faster as your training session becomes more intense!

Wahoo Kickr Trainer Mat

Alright, now that you've cooled down it's time to start thinking about a proper trainer mat. The Wahoo Kickr Trainer Mat, first of all, ensures good damping. Plus, this mat provides soundproofing, which is especially nice for your neighbours, right? This mat is anti-slip, too, so you won't slip away if you have to stand on your pedals! To top it all, this mat is waterproof, so you'll protect your nice floor and it won't matter how much you'll sweat.

Wahoo Kickr Indoor Cycling Desk

Once your turbo trainer is set up on your training mat, you can start thinking about where you'll put your laptop or other device, so you can start training with software like Zwift. You'll have a perfect spot for your device with the Wahoo Kickr Indoor Cycling Desk! This desk is adjustable and has an anti-slip surface, so you can also store your water bottle, towel and smartphone on it. This way, you can easily take a drink while you're exercising, or grab your towel to wipe away some sweat. How convenient!

Wahoo heart rate monitor: Trackr HR and Trickr Fit

Wahoo Tickr Fit — Wahoo's Tickr Fit simply fits around your upper arm and lasts for up to 30 training hours!

And last but not least, of course you can't do without a heart rate monitor. A proper heart rate monitor will measure your heart rate and calorie usage precisely. The Wahoo Trackr HR is designed to be worn around your chest, while the Wahoo Trickr Fit simply fits around your upper arm. Both heart rate monitors can connect over ANT+ and Bluetooth. Convenient, because all Wahoo turbo trainers support Bluetooth and ANT+.

An overview of all Wahoo turbo trainers

Easily compare all Wahoo turbo trainers with each other with the table below. Are you ready to find the perfect Wahoo turbo trainer in no time?

	Wahoo Kickr Bike V2	Wahoo Kickr Bike Shift	Wahoo Kickr Move	Wahoo Kickr V6	Wahoo Kickr Core	Wahoo Kickr Rollr
Trainer type	Smart Bike	Smart Bike	Direct Drive turbo trainer	Direct Drive turbo trainer	Direct Drive turbo trainer	Bike roller
Compatible with Zwift	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maximum power	2500 watt	2200 watt	2200 watt	2200 watt	1800 watt	1500 watt
Maximum incline	20%	20%	20%	20%	16%	10%
Movement	High	High	High	Average	None	None
Data transfer	Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi	Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi	Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi	Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi	Bluetooth, ANT+	Bluetooth, ANT+
Descent simulation	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Physical incline simulation	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Power precision	± 1%	± 1%	± 1%	± 1%	± 2%	± 1%
Cassette included	N/A*	N/A*	Yes	Yes	No	N/A*

* The Kickr Bike V2 and Kickr Bike Shift are Smart Bikes, which means they don't need a cassette. The Kickr Rollr is a bike roller, which your bike is placed directly on top of, so you won't need an extra cassette.

How do I install my Wahoo turbo trainer, and how do I connect it with training programs like Zwift?

When purchasing a Wahoo turbo trainer, it's important to know how to install it. Luckily, our Wahoo turbo trainer instruction video will help you out! In this video we'll explain how to fit your bike on a Wahoo turbo trainer. We use the most popular trainer: a Wahoo Direct Drive trainer. And your setup won't truly be complete without a Wahoo bike computer! Use it as a display on your turbo trainer and you'll see how fast you're going in the blink of an eye. And the best thing of all? All you'll have to do is pedal!

With a Wahoo bike computer you'll always get real-time insights into your speed and performance.

Have a look at all Wahoo products

Wahoo turbo trainers - the perfect turbo trainers for real Wahooligans!

Contents

Wahoo Direct Drive turbo trainers:

Wahoo Smart Bikes:

Wahoo bike rollers:

Wahoo turbo trainer accessories:

Overview of all Wahoo turbo trainer:

Which Wahoo turbo trainer is suitable for me?