I’ve been training with a Wahoo Kickr Core for a couple of years now, and I see no good reason to upgrade or change to another brand. It’s great value – incredible right now as an Amazon Prime Day deal – compact, accurate, unobtrusive and reliable. Yes, it’s Wahoo’s entry-level model, but I’m an enthusiast on a sensible budget, not a pro with unlimited funds, so it meets my needs perfectly and then some.
Its bigger, more expensive brother, the Kickr V6, may have a larger, heavier flywheel that carries more momentum, but you know what? The Kickr Core’s ride feel is more than good enough. Its lighter weight also makes it easier to move around the house – the last thing I want to do after a tough training session is struggle tidying my smart trainer away.
Chiefly, the Kickr Core is about half the price of a Kickr, and our best smart trainer overall.
So, what’s missing? Which features are lacking? Well, nothing really. The power maxes out at 1,800 watts, but unless I train like an absolute demon, I can’t imagine that troubling me any time soon. After all, many pros struggle to generate that kind of power.
Accuracy is excellent at ± 2%, which falls well within the requirements for racing on platforms such as Zwift, and the Kickr Core is widely compatible across all major apps, including MyWhoosh, Bkool and Rouvy. I’ve mostly been using Zwift and have found that ERG and SIM modes provide a reliable and realistic ride experience.
Will it work with your bike? Almost certainly. Kickr Core is compatible with most road, gravel or mountain bikes, provided that the frame fits 24", 650c, 700c, 26", 27.5", 29" wheels. You have the option to purchase Wahoo 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, or 12-speed cassettes separately, or you can simply use the cassette that came with your bike.
With support for ANT+, Bluetooth, and ANT+ FE-C, you can get set up quickly and easily on a variety of devices, from smartphones and tablets to Apple TV.
Specs
- Maximum Power Output: 1800 Watts
- Maximum Simulated Grade: 16%
- Minimum Simulated Grade: -10%
- Product Weight: 40 lb / 18 kg
- Drivetrain: Belt Drive
- Resistance Type: Electromagnetic
- Power Accuracy: +/-2%
- Connectivity: ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, and up to three Bluetooth Connections
- KICKR CORE smart trainer can be used with your own cassette, or you can purchase one from Wahoo.
- Hub Types: 130/135mm QR, 12x142, and 12x148 Thru Axle
- Adapters: Includes 130/135mm QR adapter & hub spacer, 12x142/148 adapter & hub spacer, 1.8mm cassette spacer
- Maximum Rider Weight: 250 lb / 113 kg
