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This article explains the differences between Wahoo KICKR (v6), Wahoo KICKR MOVE, and Wahoo CORE smart bike trainers.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Wahoo KICKR is considered a gold standard in smart trainers thanks to its accuracy, reliability, and high-end specs (2200W resistance, 20% gradient simulation, and ±1% accuracy).
Wahoo KICKR MOVE is the same as KICKR, but has fore and aft movement and is more expensive.
Wahoo CORE is the most affordable, providing lower specs than KICKR but still capable enough for most people who want to start with indoor cycling. Remember, though, the cassette is not included.
Wahoo KICKR vs. MOVE vs. CORE
The main difference between Wahoo KICKR, MOVE, and CORE is that MOVE offers fore-and-aft movement for added riding comfort and realism. But it’s more expensive than KICKR. KICKR and MOVE also provide higher resistance than CORE (2200W vs. 1800W), higher accuracy (±1 vs. ±2%), steeper gradient simulation (20 vs. 16%), and a few other features. These include an ERG Easy Ramp, an odometer, and WiFi.
Design-wise, they differ as well. See the following images.
I summarized the technical specifications of all trainers in the following table.
| Feature | KICKR v6 | KICKR MOVE | KICKR CORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 2200W | 2200W | 1800W |
| Gradient simulation | 20% | 20% | 16% |
| Power accuracy | ±1% | ±1% | ±2% |
| Noisiness | Same | Same | Same |
| Auto zero | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flywheel | 16Â lb (7.26Â kg) | 16Â lb (7.26Â kg) | 12Â lb (5.45Â kg) |
| Connectivity | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Direct Connect | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, WiFi, Bluetooth, Direct Connect | ANT+, ANT+ FE-C, Bluetooth, Direct Connect |
| Fore-aft movement | No | Yes | No |
| Side-to-side movement¹ | Yes | Yes | No |
| 12-speed cassette support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cassette included | Yes | Yes | No |
| ERG Easy Ramp | Yes | Yes | No |
| Odometer | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | 47 lb (21.3 kg) | 47 lb (21.3 kg) | 40 lb (18 kg) |
| Buy (USA) | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) | Check Price Check Price (competitivecyclist.com) |
| Buy (UK) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) | Check Price (tredz.co.uk) |
¹The AXIS feet side-to-side movement is relatively limited.
I haven’t tried KICKR MOVE yet, but I believe it will increase my riding comfort. Trainers without movement are the worst. They put excessive pressure on your intimate parts. That’s why rocker plates are so popular.
You can also watch the following video introducing KICKR MOVE.
Except for the fore-and-aft movement, KICKR and KICKR MOVE also offer side-to-side movement thanks to the AXIS feet.
I use KICKR for indoor training, and this movement is limited. Don’t expect a rocker plate level of tilt. But it’s better than no tilt at all.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Resistance and Accuracy
KICKR and KICKR MOVE provide higher maximum resistance (2200W vs. 1800W) thanks to a larger flywheel, 16 lb vs. 12 lb (7.26 kg vs. 5.45 kg). Honestly, even the 1800W is enough for most people. My maximum peak power doesn’t exceed 1000W.
The difference is in the ride feel. The CORE may feel less realistic. But you would have to ride the trainers side by side.
Depending on your fitness goals, accuracy might be more important. But the 1% difference is easy to forget. The following table shows the watt differences at different power outputs and accuracy levels.
| Accuracy | 250W | 500W | 1000W | 2000W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1% | 247.5-252.5 | 495-505 | 990-1010 | 1980-2020 |
| 2% | 245-255 | 490-510 | 980-1020 | 1960-2040 |
| 3% | 242.5-257.5 | 485-515 | 970-1030 | 1940-2060 |
| 4% | 240-260 | 480-520 | 960-1040 | 1920-2080 |
| 5% | 237.5-262.5 | 475-525 | 950-1050 | 1900-2100 |
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 signal interference).
ERG Easy Ramp
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 MOVE, you can ask the previous owner to show you the kilometers ridden.
Practicality
The Wahoo KICKR is, in my opinion, the most practical trainer of the three. This is mainly due to its weight, foldability, and carry handle. You’ll especially appreciate this if you don’t have a permanent training area.
With the Wahoo KICKR CORE, the downside is that you can’t fold its legs. So you have to disassemble it during the off-season so it doesn’t take up as much space.
The least practical is the KICKR MOVE. It is the heaviest and takes up the most space.
Summary
KICKR CORE offers the best value for your buck. Wahoo recently lowered its price to $649 and bundled it with a one-year Zwift membership (worth ~$180).
The question is: Is the KICKR worth almost double the price of CORE? Will you appreciate the higher accuracy, better foldability, limited side-to-side tilt, and slightly better ride feel?
The KICKR MOVE is a response to the popularity of rocker plates and the Tacx NEO 2T with NEO Plates, which I’ve already tried and reviewed.
The fore-and-aft motion will indeed add a new dimension to your indoor workout. However, the $300 price difference is not worth it to me. What about you? Let me know in the comments below.
If you decide to buy one of the compared trainers, please consider using the links below. It’s the best way to support Cyclists Hub and won’t cost you anything extra.
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com and tredz.co.uk
Also available at competitivecyclist.com, amazon.com, and tredz.co.uk
Saying the Kickr Move is the least practical because it’s heavy doesn’t really jive with most people’s setups. How many people are moving their trainer around? People who use their trainers set them up in a dedicated spot and ride.
The move is the most comfortable turn key trainer made by far. It does that with a considerably smaller footprint than a rocker board or any other motion system.
I went from a static wheel on trainer to the Move and can’t be happier with my new setup, maybe I’m biased.
Is $300 worth it? Absolutely, I’m comfortable, not tripping over a big stupid rocker board, didn’t spend $600 on a compatible rocker board/motion plate and it was turn key set up in minutes. People are spending $6-10k on bikes now (not me, my whips are circa 2010). The $300 into this trainer is nothing to me when it allows me to ride 200+ mile weeks and climbing.
Hi Sean,
Thanks for sharing your experience. For example, I have to move my trainer before every ride, so I wrote the pros and cons from my perspective. But you pointed out an interesting question. I will probably create a poll to find out.
Objectively, it is the least practical (in terms of portability). In terms of comfort, you are right. 🙂 Although I have not tried it yet, I believe it’s the most comfortable of these three. 🙂
– Petr
I have a 2023 BMC Teammachine SLR 01 – 12 SPEED – IS THIS COMPATIBLE WITH THE WAHOO KICKR CORE SMART TRAINER?
Hi Aaron,
It should be, but I recommend double-checking this directly with BMC and also asking them if their warranty covers any potential damage on the trainer. You can read more info about this here.
– Petr