Wahoo Kickr V6 direct drive smart trainer review - is the update worth the extra spend?

The Wahoo Kickr has continuously ranked as one of the best direct drive smart trainers your money can buy. Can its latest developments keep it at the head of the pack?

Image shows the Wahoo Kickr V6
(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

Wahoo has added a couple of features to the high end Kickr that yet again will improve the indoor training experience: WiFi offers a faster and more stable connection (if your router is up to it) and the ERG ramp setting prevents you becoming ground down in a power tussle if you dare slack off the pedals during an effort. This is all on top of the 2,200W max output, -10 to +20% simulated grade and +/- 1% power accuracy of the electromagnetic resisted smart trainer. But like the top models across different brands, this all comes at a price that you may not be willing to pay, especially given the price and performance of older or less high-end models.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great feel and capability

  • +

    WiFi improves speed and stability of connection

  • +

    Easy set up

  • +

    Automatic calibration and firmware updated

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Connectivity is still not guaranteed, including with Wahoo's own apps

  • -

    Expense

  • -

    May need to buy an additional cassette / freewheel so compatible with your bike

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Over the last few months there seems to have been an almost constant release of updated indoor smart bikes and trainers to see us through our winter. I set out to see how the latest version of the Wahoo Kickr direct drive smart trainer fares amongst our best turbo trainers and whether it keeps its reputation as one of the best high-end models on the market.

Wahoo Kickr V6: construction

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