Coach Overview: Wahoo V6 KICKR (And It is On SALE!)

• Most Energy Output: 2200 Watts
• Most Simulated Grade: 20%
• Minimal Simulated Grade: -10%
• Product Weight: 47 lb / 22 kg
• Drivetrain: Belt Drive
• Resistance Kind: Electromagnetic
• Energy Accuracy: +/-1%
• Connectivity: ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Direct Join
• Cassette: Consists of 11-speed with 11-28 ratio
• Hub Varieties: 130/135mm QR, 12×142, and 12×148 Via Axle
• Adapters: Consists of 130/135mm QR adapter & hub spacer, 12×142/148 adapter & hub spacer, 1.8mm cassette spacer
• Most Rider Weight: 250 lb / 113 kg

As an alternative of your rear wheel, the pulley (1) drives the 16 pound (7.3 kg) flywheel that gives highway really feel that’s housed in (2) together with the resistance unit that adjusts the facility load whereas using

What’s new

If you happen to learn my evaluate of the KICKR Axis, you’ll be aware that the above specs are just about a carbon copy. So when it comes to precise efficiency, you’ll be able to anticipate extra of the identical. That’s not a nasty factor as a result of regardless that there’s all the time room for enchancment, the KICKR is a good instance of a “don’t repair what ain’t damaged” product.

Which one is the brand new KICKR and which one is the outdated one?

That mentioned, Wahoo has added just a few new issues:

The primary is WiFi connectivity, which has a number of advantages:

• Vital will increase in information switch pace and stability vs Bluetooth and ANT+ (Wahoo claims it delivers your on-screen stats over 65% quicker than earlier than, however I’ve no technique to measure or verify)
• With out the reliance on numerous {hardware} layers, similar to Bluetooth and ANT+ chips, WiFi additionally solves the problems of drop-outs
• WiFi will increase connectivity throughout a number of gadgets, e.g., telephones, tablets and different digital gadgets
• Computerized firmware updates

I’ve to confess that I by no means skilled any points with my non-WiFi KICKR Axis using within the solitude of my basement, however if you happen to trip in a crowded Bluetooth atmosphere (like an residence constructing the place I’m now dwelling a “double life” splitting my time between Babylon on the Potomac and our home within the South Carolina low nation), you’re extra prone to discover a distinction with WiFi. After all, it’s nonetheless potential to lose your WiFi sign and Wahoo has an answer for that if it’s an issue. You should purchase their KICKR Direct Join accent that means that you can join on to your router.

Plug the jack into the KICKR and an ethernet twine out of your router into the port for a hardwired connection

The second new factor is ERG Straightforward Ramp. Not that any of us would cease whereas using up one thing like Alpe du Zwift, Ventop, Innsbruck KOM, or the dreaded Radio Tower Climb in Zwift, however if you happen to did after which tried to begin again up once more, you’d be beginning beneath the complete resistance energy load on the coach of simulated gravity for the incline. As an alternative of instant-on, ERG Straightforward Ramp “eases” you again as much as the prescribed energy and offers you time (about 10 seconds) to re-build your cadence slightly than forcing you to place out all these watts directly (like a deadlift solely pedalling).  The same state of affairs is that if it’s a must to cease in the midst of an interval since you forgot your water bottle or to show your fan on — once more, not that any of us would ever try this. In both case, your knees will thanks.

Lastly, the brand new KICKR v6 has a built-in odometer to trace what number of miles you’ve ridden. This actually isn’t for coaching functions. Somewhat, it’s that will help you maintain observe of what number of miles you may have in your chain and cassette for upkeep functions, i.e., lube, substitute. Figuring out what number of miles are in your KICKR may also come in useful if you happen to ever resolve to promote.

The lifetime odometer is accessed by way of the Wahoo app

What’s within the field?

Clearly, there’s the KICKR itself, which comes pre-assembled with a Sunrace 11-28T 11-speed cassette already put in and the Axis toes (designed to permit the bike to rock and sway when pedaling in order that the sensation is extra like the true expertise of using a motorcycle) already mounted. There are three measurement Axis toes:

• Small – for skinny runts like me (0-140 lbs / 0-63 kg)
• Medium – for the center a part of the bell curve (141-180 lbs / 63-81 kg)
• Giant – for the “fats bastard” crew (181+ lbs / 64+ kg)

Notice: The Wahoo handbook says that the medium measurement Axis toes come pre-installed however my KICKR had the right measurement for me small ones already on.

Axis toes give the KICKR some left-right rocking motion

After which there’s all the opposite stuff.

Clockwise from far left: Completely different measurement Axis toes, energy brick and rope, thru-axle adapters, XDR adaptor, skewer and QR wheel spacer, disc brake pad spacer, 10-speed cassette spacer

Establishing the KICKR

If you happen to trip an “quaint” bike with a QR skewer rear wheel and 11-speed Shimano/SRAM cassette, the KICKR is nice to exit of the field. Arrange is simple peasy: simply set the wheel measurement, unfold the legs out, stage the toes, and mount your bike.

The KICKR isn’t only for die onerous roadies

Push down on the blue button to unlock and unfold the legs

Voila!

However for my disc brake Colnago V3, I had a pair further steps. First, I swapped out the 11-28T cassette for an 11-30T since that’s what I trip on the highway. Not troublesome and simply as simple as altering a cassette on a wheel.

11-30T for this senior citizen

Second, I needed to swap the QR and 130mm rear axle spacers for the 142mm via axle adapters. Pretty simple and easy. I’ll let footage do a lot of the speaking.

Drive facet via axle adapter

Non-drive facet via axle adapter

Don’t overlook to insert the disc brake pad spacer!

Nearly able to trip!

Connecting your KICKR

You want the Wahoo app in your telephone to attach the KICKR for using. Plug the KICKR in and open the app. I’ll let footage do the speaking.

Connecting the KICKR to the Wahoo Health App

Connecting the KICKR to WiFi community

If you happen to’re arrange consists of only a sensible coach, you’re mainly able to trip. However since I acquired each the KICKR CLIMB and KICKR HEADWIND, I nonetheless had some “work” to do.

KICKR CLIMB – $699.99

For many who need as a lot realism as potential using indoors on Zwift, RGT, or every other suitable app that simulates gradient, the KICKR CLIMB will tilt your bike up or all the way down to match.

Specs per Wahoo:

• Max Incline: 20%
• Appropriate Trainers: Wahoo Sensible Trainers (KICKR, KICKR CORE, and KICKR SNAP) 2017 Version and newer
• Metrics: Present Grade
• Dimensions: 25.75″ H x 5.1″ W x 7″ L
• Supported Hubs: QR, 12×100, 15×100, 15×110
• Max Consumer Weight: 250lbs // 114 kg

Along with the CLIMB unit, you get an influence brick with energy twine plus an assortment of adapters to mount both a QR or via axle entrance wheel

You probably have a motorcycle with QR skewers, eradicating the entrance wheel and clamping the fork to the CLIMB is a reasonably simple course of (sort of like a wheel change). However when you have via axles, it takes just a few steps.

Able to climb!

You may manually increase or decrease the CLIMB with the distant, however for the 2 to work in live performance to react to grade adjustments whereas digital using that you must pair the CLIMB with the KICKR.

Maintain the center mode button (inexperienced circle) till the middle LED (purple arrow) flashes quickly. When the middle LED flashes twice slowly and turns into strong, the CLIMB is paired with the KICKR and can obtain gradient adjustments when utilizing suitable apps.

Degree

Full-tilt +20% boogie

Tremendous tuck -10%

KICKR HEADWIND – $299.99

Yeah … I do know … three massive appears a bit extravagant for a fan. However if you happen to’re simply beginning out with an indoor using arrange, don’t have already got a fan, and really feel like splurging …

The KICKR HEADWIND is a smartfan purpose-built for indoor biking. The focused air move sample is designed with a bike owner’s physique in thoughts. Tech specs, per Wahoo:

• Motor Spec: 120v 60hz
• Dimensions (leg tucked): 16″L x 12″W x 19″H
• Dimensions (leg prolonged): 18″L x 12″W x 19″H
• Weight: 12 lb
• Max Fan Pace: 30 mph/48 kph
• Wi-fi Software program Updates: Sure
• Connectivity:
  • Bluetooth – Pair to telephone to manage the fan pace by way of app
  • ANT+ – Pair to hurry sensor, coronary heart price monitor, or sensible coach to manage fan pace

There are Bluetooth followers you’ll be able to management whereas using you can purchase on Amazon (and elsewhere), however what makes the HEADWIND totally different is that fan pace will be linked to both coronary heart price or using pace.

Use the arrow controls to regulate fan pace manually

Or when paired to the center price monitor (I do know chest strap displays are extra correct, however I take advantage of the Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL wrist watch) or KICKR, the HEADWIND will regulate fan pace both to coronary heart price or digital using pace

The HEADWIND isn’t meant to be a “quiet” fan, but it surely isn’t any noisier than most different indoor ground followers. Left: The fan at its lowest pace setting. Proper: The fan at its highest pace setting. (NOTE: These measurements have been taken sitting on the bike so the noise stage you’ll hear whereas using).

Using the Wahoo KICKR Ecosystem

Using the KICKR isn’t any totally different than using every other sensible coach. However when you have a KICKER linked to a CLIMB and/or HEADWIND, it is best to use the Wahoo app to ensure they’re all related earlier than you begin using. And don’t overlook to unlock the CLIMB for it to have the ability to transfer up and down (both manually or in response to incline adjustments).

Push and launch the button (inexperienced) to toggle between locked (purple) and unlocked (yellow)

Journey-wise, the brand new KICKR v6 isn’t totally different than the earlier KICKR Axis. However that’s a great factor as a result of it rides the way in which you need an indoor sensible coach to trip. So on the danger of repeating myself;

The trip itself is what you’ll anticipate on a sensible coach. The 16 pound flywheel supplies glorious trip really feel. The resistance unit adjustments the load (up or down) to a prescribed energy stage or to simulate gradient – and people adjustments are comparatively clean.

One other factor to recollect is that you simply don’t want pace, energy, or cadence sensors as a result of the KICKR itself transmits pace and energy information and calculates cadence. Nonetheless, there may be the choice to make use of your bike’s energy meter for energy measurement/management. That is theoretically extra correct, however my expertise with the KICKR v6 was the identical because the KICKR Axis:

How correct is energy and cadence? I can’t confirm Wahoo’s specs. However I can let you know that I’ve a 4iiii Precision left-side crank arm energy meter that calculates energy output from my left leg and easily doubles it for whole energy output. When using The Sufferfest (a little bit extra later), the cadence on The Sufferfest (calculated from the KICKR) and the cadence on my Roam (transmitted from the 4iiii energy meter) have been principally spot on and any variance was virtually all the time inside 1-2 rpms of one another. The variation in energy (once they weren’t the identical) was extra like 3-5 watts, with an occasional wider fluctuation. Variations in energy output may very well be as a result of totally different energy averaging measurement (my Roam does 3 second averaging and I don’t know for The Sufferfest). For the kind of using I do, shut sufficient for presidency work. They usually’re each both comparatively correct or comparatively inaccurate to kind of the identical diploma. If nothing else, it tells me that I’ve a comparatively balanced pedal stoke.

Notice: I didn’t verify variations in energy measurement utilizing my Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO pedals, that are theoretically extra correct than my 4iiii energy meter. However given how shut the 4iiii energy meter was, I didn’t really feel like I actually wanted to. OK … I admit … I used to be simply too lazy to swap pedals between bikes.

What’s totally different is the ERG Straightforward Ramp. I purposely stopped on a few of the steeper (7-8% grade) uphill sections using the RGT‘s Pienza route (Wahoo acquired RGT Biking in April 2022 and the digital using app — similar to Zwift — is now a part of the Wahoo X coaching subscription that additionally consists of what was The Sufferfest that Wahoo acquired in July 2019). As an alternative of getting to place out xxx watts instantly,  the ERG Straightforward Ramp allowed me to extra simply and easily spin again as much as energy. It is a welcomed occasion the place digital actuality doesn’t mimic IRL.

The CLIMB provides a unique dimension to digital using. The transition from stage to up or down is comparatively clean and pretty instantaneous with the simulation you’re using (in my case, RGT). Along with the elevated resistance of climbing, tilting the bike up creates extra of a sensation of climbing. It’s most noticeable when the gradient adjustments, however as soon as I used to be on a climb and if the gradient was regular and never too steep (~5 p.c), I didn’t all the time really feel the impact of the bike being tilted up, i.e., not stage. (In distinction, I observed and will really feel virtually any down tilt.) I feel this can be a type of artificialities of using indoors on a video simulation. The bike could also be tilting up however the video display screen (in my case, a 60 inch TV) is stationary. Consequently, it’s not the identical as trying up the climb like I’d in the true world. However nearer to and above 10 p.c, I may positively really feel the bodily distinction between the bike being stage and tilted up.

I’ve to confess that I used to be a little bit bit skeptical concerning the HEADWIND fan. I imply .. a fan is a fan, proper? Nevertheless it’s a type of #marginalgains. Positioned on the proper place in entrance of my bike, the HEADWIND directed air move the place I wanted it. If it was a “handbook solely” fan, I’d in all probability trip it on the #3 pace. Nevertheless it’s “sensible” and if you happen to’re going to spend that a lot $$$, why use it it “dumb” mode. For me, syncing the fan to using pace didn’t make a lot sense. The place I needed the fan most was when climbing after I wasn’t going very quick. So syncing it to coronary heart price meant that the fan kicked in additional the tougher I labored (based mostly on coronary heart price). If I had one product enchancment suggestion, it will be to sync the fan to energy output solely as a result of I feel it’s a greater correlation than coronary heart price.

Flamme rouge!

Prepared for winter

As I write this, I’m on the point of head all the way down to SC for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The climate down there may be temperate sufficient that I’ll nonetheless be capable to trip outside (and we’ve simply reviewed have the KICKR ROLLR if it’s a must to trip indoors). However after I return to Babylon on the Potomac, will probably be chilly sufficient that my outside using shall be restricted to lower than frigid weekends. So like numerous others within the northern hemisphere, I’ll be on the mercy of a sensible coach telling me what number of watts to trip. There’s a sado-masochistic a part of me that’s trying ahead to doing that on the brand new KICKR with the CLIMB and HEADWIND.

My life behind bars

If you happen to’re available in the market for a sensible coach, the brand new Wahoo KICKR v6 is the evolution of a product with a confirmed observe report that’s been available on the market from the start — so ought to positively be in your buying radar. However what makes Wahoo totally different than different corporations within the sensible coach enterprise is the ecosystem they’ve constructed for indoor coaching. You probably have the $$$ to splurge, the KICKER CLIMB makes indoor using a little bit extra attention-grabbing and fascinating. And the KICKER HEADWIND places out greater than sufficient windspeed and positively has the “tech” issue going for it. The one factor I didn’t get within the Wahoo ecosystem was the KICKR DESK as a result of I don’t want it since I’m utilizing a big display screen TV for using within the pixels. However you may need to take into account it if you happen to’re utilizing a laptop computer or pill (NOTE: the KICKR HEADWIND is sized to suit beneath the KICKR DESK). Within the courageous new world of distant teleworking, you can rationalize the associated fee by additionally utilizing it as a get up desk.

Full Monty Wahoo

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