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This is my (early) comparison of the Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 vs. v2, which was introduced in 2022.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The main difference between Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 and v2 is that v2 has higher resistance and three new features. WiFi, ERG Easy Ramp, and Odometer. It’s also more expensive than v1.
KICKR Bike v2 is probably not worth paying more for most people, as the improvements are marginal. Unfortunately, unless you find v1 second-hand, you have no other choice, as it was discontinued.
Let’s check out the details.
Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 vs. v2
The differences between Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 and v2 are the same as those between KICKR v5 and v6. The v2 offers WiFi connectivity, an ERG Easy Ramp feature, and an odometer.
Oh, and one more: the resistance increased from 2200W to 2500W. Both generations look the same.
I summarized the technical specifications of both trainers in the following table.
| Feature | Wahoo KICKR Bike v1 | Wahoo KICKR Bike v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 2200W | 2500W |
| Gradient simulation | 20% | 20% |
| Entire bike tilt | ✅ | ✅ |
| Decline simulation | -15% | -15% |
| Power accuracy | ±1% | ±1% |
| Auto zero | ✅ | ✅ |
| Virtual shifting | ✅ | ✅ |
| ERG Easy Ramp | ❌ | ✅ |
| Odometer | ❌ | ✅ |
| Power required | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flywheel | 13lb / 5.9kg | 13lb / 5.9kg |
| Crank lengths | 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175mm | 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5 and 175mm |
| Adjustable fit | Stack, reach, setback, saddle height, frame height | Stack, reach, setback, saddle height, frame height |
| Metrics | Speed, distance, power, cadence | Speed, distance, power, cadence |
| Connectivity | ANT+ FEC, Bluetooth (v2: WiFi) | ANT+ FEC, Bluetooth, WiFi |
| Weight | 93 lb 42 kg | 93 lb 42 kg |
| Weight limit | 250 lb 113 kg | 250 lb 113 kg |
| Buy (USA) | discontinued | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
| Buy (UK, EU) | discontinued | n/a |
As you can see from the table above, v2 offers ‘only’ 4 improvements:
- Increased resistance to 2500W
- WiFi connectivity
- ERG Easy Ramp
- Odometer
Let’s talk about the last three for a second.
WiFi Connectivity
The 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity ensures automatic firmware updates (so you don’t have to update the bike manually).
It’s also good news for Apple TV users. Apple TV limits Bluetooth connections to 2 devices only (including the trainer).
So, for example, you have one slot left for a heart rate monitor. The WiFi connectivity frees up the Bluetooth slots for additional accessories.
You will also appreciate it if you experience Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity issues (due to interference).
However, if your current KICKR Bike v1 connects without issues, you can stick with it.
TIP: See how the KICKR Bike v2 differs from the KICKR Shift.
ERG Easy Ramp
ERG Easy Ramp is a handy feature when you use ERG mode often.
You know that feeling when you have to stop pedaling when doing an interval in ERG mode, for example, because somebody is ringing.
Then, you want to start pedaling again, but it’s almost impossible because of the resistance.
The ERG Easy Ramp increases the resistance gradually over 10 seconds, so you can get back to training easily.
Odometer
The Odometer measures the number of physical wheel revolutions. So, when you buy a second-hand KICKR v2, you can ask the previous owner to show you the kilometers ridden.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com
These features raise a question:
Is the KICKR v2 worth over v1?
You can read this KICKR Bike v1 review and learn that it belongs among the best smart bikes.
Unfortunately, I haven’t got my hands on the KICKR v2 (yet). But I think the minor improvements of the v2 won’t be worth the increased price for most people.
Additionally, v1 is often heavily discounted, so you can get it for a good price. In many aspects, I also believe the Wahoo KICKR Bike is still better than the Tacx NEO Bike Plus (which was recently introduced).
See this comparison of the Tacx NEO Bike and NEO Bike Plus for more info.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Summary
KICKR v2 is worth buying if you can appreciate its new features. Especially the WiFi connectivity and ERG Easy Ramp.
WiFi connectivity ensures a more stable connection and allows Apple TV users to connect to more devices because its Bluetooth connection is limited to 2 devices only.
The ERG Easy Ramp is handy when you do many ERG mode training. It will ramp up the resistance gradually when you stop pedaling mid-interval.
The Odometer is useful, but I don’t think it should be a deciding factor. And finally, the increased resistance from 2200W to 2500W is irrelevant to 99.9% of people.
KICKR Bike v1 still belongs among the best smart bikes on the market, especially with the heavy Black Friday discounts.
So, which will you buy? V1 or v2? Let me know in the comments.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com
