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After the introduction of Saris H4 last week, we have a new trainer to look forward to. This is because Wahoo introduced an updated version of their KICKR v5.
In this article, I summarize what’s new and if you should buy the latest generation. I have already tested the V5, so I will share my experience with it, too.
KEY TAKEAWAY
If you already have Wahoo KICKR v5 (or another high-end smart bike trainer), I don’t think you should upgrade. KICKR v6 only adds WiFi, ERG Mode Easy Ramp, and Odometer. However, if you don’t have a smart bike trainer yet, I can recommend KICKR. I consider it a golden standard because of its accuracy, ride feel, reliability, and practicality. Feel free to buy it here or continue reading for more info.
NOTE: KICKR v5 was discontinued.
Wahoo KICKR v5 vs. v6
The main difference between Wahoo KICKR v5 and v6 is that v6 offers WiFi connectivity, an ERG Easy Ramp feature, and an odometer.
Design-wise, there is no difference except for the connectivity icons and LEDs.
I summarized the technical specifications of both trainers in the following table.
| Feature | KICKR v5 | KICKR v6 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 2200W | 2200W |
| Gradient simulation | 20% | 20% |
| Power accuracy | ±1% | ±1% |
| Noisiness | Same | Same |
| Virtual shifting | No | Yes |
| Auto zero | Yes | Yes |
| Power required | Yes | Yes |
| Flywheel | 16Â lb (7.26Â kg) | 16Â lb (7.26Â kg) |
| Connectivity | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Direct Connect | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Direct Connect |
| 12-speed cassette support | Yes | Yes |
| Cassette included | Yes | Yes |
| ERG Easy Ramp | No | Yes |
| Odometer | No | Yes |
| Weight | 47 lb (21.3 kg) | 47 lb (21.3 kg) |
| Buy (USA) | discontinued | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
| Buy (UK) | discontinued | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) |
| More info | Read review | Read comparison |
As you can see from the table above, v6 offers 3 improvements:
- WiFi connectivity
- ERG Easy Ramp
- Odometer
WiFi Connectivity
The 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity ensures automatic firmware updates (so you don’t have to update the trainer 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 v5 connects without issues, you can stick with it.
ERG Easy Ramp
ERG Easy Ramp is a handy feature for riding in ERG mode. Do 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 v6, you can ask the previous owner to show you the kilometers ridden.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
These features raise a question:
Is the KICKR v6 worth over v5?
I reviewed KICKR v5 recently. My impressions are positive, and I recommend this trainer to anyone who wants to step up their indoor cycling game.
Unfortunately, I haven’t got my hands on the KICKR v6 (yet). But I think these additional features are not worth $1,199 when you can get the v5 for about $200 less unless you take advantage of the new features.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
Summary
KICKR v6 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.
KICKR v5 still belongs to the best smart bike trainers on the market, but it was (unfortunately) discontinued. However, you may buy it second-hand.
So, which one do you choose? V5 or V6? Let me know in the comments.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
You may know that the V5 will not work with virtual shifting effectively making it incompatible with the new Zwift bike set up.
Hi Sean,
Yes, I know. But good point, I added this info to the table. 🙂
Thank you.
– Petr