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Wahoo KICKR Bike is among the most popular smart bikes.
I found one of its owners and asked whether she regretted this purchase. Yes, I interviewed a woman because I think a woman’s perspective can provide us with valuable insights.
So, in this Wahoo KICKR Bike review, you learn about its pros, cons, and other things you should consider before you decide to spend your money on it.
KEY TAKEAWAY
KICKR Bike has one unique feature: the tilt of an entire bike. Apart from that, it offers Shimano-like shifting, fit and shifting customization, etc. Most other features, like the resistance, accuracy, or gradient simulation, are similar to competitors. On the other hand, it has no tablet or laptop holder or a place to put your snacks.
NOTE: Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 was discontinued and replaced with the KICKR Bike v2. You will learn more in my KICKR Bike v1 vs. v2 comparison. In 2023, Wahoo also introduced the Wahoo KICKR Bike Shift. Read this article to see how it differs from KICKR Bike 2.
You can learn more about interviewee Irena here.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Summary
Here is a summary of the main features of the Wahoo KICKR Bike.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Main Features
- Maximum resistance: 2200W
- Gradient/decline simulation: 20%/not specified
- Power accuracy: ±1%
- Adjustable fit: Stack, reach, setback, saddle height, frame height
- Connectivity: ANT+ FEC, Bluetooth
- Power required: Yes
Wahoo KICKR Bike Pros & Cons
Together with Irena, we highlighted the Wahoo KICKR Bike’s pros & cons below.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Pros
- Can tilt based on gradient (unlike Tacx NEO Bike)
- Fully adjustable fit (including bike’s height)
- Adjustable gears
- Virtual/electronic gears
- Shifting is intuitive and customizable (Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo)
- Quiet
- Realistic road feel
- Five crank lengths (from 165 to 175mm)
Wahoo KICKR Bike Cons
- No tablet or laptop mount
- No place to put snacks, gels
- No integrated fans (compared to Tacx NEO Bike)
- Small integrated display, providing information about your power, speed, cadence, etc.
- The seatpost / frame can rub the inner side of your thighs
Experience with Wahoo KICKR Bike
What convinced you to buy the Wahoo KICKR Bike and not one of its alternatives?
I’m not a technical type, and I knew from the beginning that if I wanted a trainer, I wanted one that didn’t require the rear wheel to be removed, etc.
I use a trainer all year round and would hate to change it constantly. Of course, I could get a bike that would only be used for the trainer, but I also rejected that option.
At the beginning of my indoor riding, I had a trainer that was more like a spinning bike, specifically the Life Fitness IC7.
It was very important for me that the trainer was as accurate as possible and compatible with apps like Zwift and ROUVY, which the Life Fitness bike did super well.
What it didn’t do was have a more customizable fit that would be identical to my bike’s.
I also wanted a sturdy and high-quality trainer that accurately measures and simulates the feeling of real riding and where you can choose the shifting type (Shimano x SRAM).
Wahoo KICKR Bike fulfilled all my wishes.
How long did it take you to build it?
It took a little longer than the promised 10 minutes, about 1 hour.
How often do you use it?
I use it almost every day in winter. In summer, of course, much less – only in bad weather or later in the evening, when it’s too late for training outside, and I don’t want to go out in the dark.
Do you think Wahoo KICKR Bike is better than a combination of a bike and a bike trainer?
I don’t think that the Wahoo KICKR Bike is better than the combination of your bike and a trainer. I think this is individual for each person.
I was clear right away that I didn’t want to put my road bike in the trainer. I also didn’t want to buy another bike that would fit in the trainer.
As a woman, it was also technically easier for me to have a fixed trainer, which I didn’t have to adjust, change, etc.
TIP: Learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of smart bike trainers vs. smart bikes.
What do you like the most about Wahoo KICKR Bike?
For serving me so faithfully without failure (laugh).
Is there anything you don’t like about Wahoo KICKR Bike?
In all the reviews online, it’s said that the Wahoo KICKR Bike is very quiet. The first time I rode it, I thought it was broken, so I stopped pedaling immediately.
Gradually I realized that this sound was fine and normal… I still haven’t gotten used to it, and when I don’t have headphones on or music playing, I feel like the trainer is pretty loud. I guess I had different expectations.
Did you do any accuracy tests?
Wahoo KICKR Bike promises ±1% accuracy. However, I did not do any comparison tests to verify this claim.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Alternatives
Wahoo KICKR Bike has the following alternatives.
- Tacx NEO Bike (read this Tacx NEO Bike review for more info) or check out my comparison of the KICKR Bike vs. NEO Bike.
- Stages SB20 (read this Stages SB20 review for more info)
- Wattbike ATOM
Summary
Irena, would you recommend buying the Wahoo KICKR Bike?
Absolutely yes.
About Irena
I used to ride a bike like most of us as a little kid. In my school-age years, my bike served as a means of transport to a stable 6km away, where I rode horses.
After graduation, I moved to a bigger city, started working, and rode my bike occasionally.
I took part in various cross-country races and hiked in the mountains. There was no thought of a bike.
This changed in the spring of 2019. My boyfriend and I came up with a cycling trip around Berlin (we have been living in Germany for over 10 years).
I owned only an older MTB, and my boyfriend bought an older but already carbon road bike…
After two days of chasing him on the road, we decided to swap bikes for a day. It was love at first ‘ride.’ Since then, I have had a problem with space in the cellar, haha.
