Wahoo launches cheaper Kickr, plus trainer-controlled fan
£699 / $899 Kickr Core direct-drive smart trainer debuts with Kickr Headwind smart fan
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Wahoo’s Kickr revolutionized indoor training, but the power-measuring smart trainer that works with third-party apps to control resistance is cost-prohibitive for many. Now, Wahoo has a £699 / $899 Kickr Core that uses the same technology and flywheel but with a different leg configuration.
The company also has a new category of product: the smart fan, with the speed determined by your effort level (heart rate, power or speed, via ANT+).
Wahoo Kickr Core
To get the cost down to £699 / $899, which puts it in competition with the Tacx Flux Smart and Elite Direto, Wahoo opted for a fixed-leg frame, and forewent the cassette that comes with the regular Kickr. (The cassette, in our experience, is not high quality anyway.)
The Kickr Core has a claimed +/-2% power accuracy, with a max resistance of 1,800w and a max simulated gradient of 16%.
It works with quick-release and thru-axle frames.
Wahoo Kickr Headwind
In addition to the Kickr Climb, Wahoo created an indoor product that simulated climbs and descents. With the Kickr Headwind, Wahoo has a fan that can simulate riding wind speed.
A new category for the bike world, the Kickr Headwind can blow up to 30mph / 48kph, with fan speed controlled by your effort level, measured in speed, power or heart rate. You can also control it manually to one of four speeds – but you don’t need to spend £199 / $249 for a fan that does that.
Unlike the Climb that is Kickr-specific, the Headwind works with any trainer.
The Kickr Headwind will be shipping later this month.
Other Wahoo products for 2018: Kickr Climb, original Kickr updates
Speaking of the Climb, Wahoo said the gradient simulator will begin shipping later this month.
The original Kickr received a few updates, including a claimed reduction in sound and a slight repositioning of the handle to better accommodate all disc bikes.
Authors
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
