Updates to Wahoo's trainer and smart bike improve Zwift integration
Wahoo has updated the Kickr Core, with the new version 2 offering Wi-Fi connectivity as well as a range of other enhancements. There are upgrades too for the Kickr Bike, with the Pro model including on-trainer controllers for Zwift and a Fizik saddle.
The UK price for the Kickr Core 2 is £499.99 and for the Kickr Bike Pro is £3,499.99.
Wahoo says that its upgrades to the Kickr Core are the first in the seven years since launch. The new Kickr Core 2 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, so there are more device connection options and the faster data speeds over BLE or ANT+ that are already a feature of the Kickr and Kickr Move.
This also allows the Core 2 to support Race Mode, as with its more expensive trainers, and new functionality allows you to use the trainer as a bridge from a heart rate monitor to your training app, so there's less setup needed. There are new LEDs to make setup easier too, so you can see when the trainer is connected and ready to ride, and to provide easier diagnostics.
A new design for the trainer's legs allows quicker assembly and provides increased stability.
Wahoo will offer the Kickr Core 2 ready-installed with either an 11-speed cassette or Zwift Cog and Click virtual shifting included in the price.
The Kickr Core 2 is priced at £499.99 / $549.99 / €549.99, an increase from £449.99 for the original Core, although that trainer is currently discounted on Wahoo's site to £359.99.
Continuing Wahoo's collaboration with Zwift, the Kickr Core 2 will also be sold as part of the Zwift Ride modular trainer, with the Wi-Fi and heart rate bridging, paired with firmware and Zwift Companion app updates offering easier connectivity, particularly when running Zwift on Apple TV.
Zwift Ride gets a price decrease too, at least in the UK and Europe, where the price drops by £100 or €100, bringing the UK price down to £1,099.99. US tariffs mean that the US price remains the same as previously, although shipping costs do decrease for US purchasers.
Wahoo's flagship indoor bike gets an upgrade with the launch of the Kickr Bike Pro.
Wahoo has redesigned its shifters on the Pro, so that you can access features on Zwift from the trainer, rather than having to interact with a separate tablet or device. In this, the new design mirrors the new Zwift Click controllers launched by Zwift last week.
Wahoo has also upgraded the touchpoints from the original Kickr Bike, adding a Fizik Aliante R5 saddle and Fizik Solocush bar tape, which is wrapped around a newly designed ergonomic handlebar, which it says is purpose-designed for indoor riding.
Other features carried over from the original Kickr Bike include tilting to simulate climbs and descents, a motor so you can freewheel when going down, configurable virtual shifting and easy adjustability.
The Kickr Bike Pro is priced at £3,499.99 / $3,999 / €3,999.99, up from £3,199.99 for the original Kickr Bike.