Wahoo Smart Trainer Buyers Guide
As the winter clouds move in, now is the perfect time to invest in a new Wahoo Smart trainer. The Wahoo line provides options for every type of rider, from an entry-level smart trainer, all the way up to a fully adaptable trainer bike for the ultimate in-house studio. Three different Wahoo trainers stand out depending on intended use and price range: the Wahoo Kickr Snap, the Kickr Core and The Kickr Move. These three will all connect to Zwift, or whatever third party training app you use, along with a variation of other smart trainer features.
*If you are planning on using an ebike on any of these trainers, you must make sure the motor is off as it is on the trainer, and that the bike and rider do not exceed the 250 lbs system weight limit.
THE KICKR SNAP
The Wahoo Kickr Snap is the most basic smart trainer on this list. With a wheel-on design, this trainer allows easy mounting, without the need for any shifting adjustment. The trainer records speed, power, and distance, allowing integration with your head unit, or Zwift software. This trainer simulates up to a 12% grade, limited by the maximum resistance the trainer offers. If you are just looking for a way to stay active on the bike during the cold winter months, this is a perfect option.
*Make sure your bike is compatible with the trainer before purchase. Bikes like the BMC Teammachine SLR, with aero dropouts, will not be compatible with the Wahoo Kickr Snap, and require a wheel-off trainer.
THE KICKR CORE
The Kickr Core is Wahoo's most economical wheel-off trainer. At just $499, this trainer is equipped with everything you need to boost your training to the next level, without some of the expensive added options of the other trainers in the line. With resistance up to 1800 watts and up to an 16% grade, this trainer provides a platform that most day-to-day cyclists can use to stay in shape. Included in the box with this trainer is everything you need to set up bikes with quick-realeases, or thru axles with 142 and 148mm spacing. This trainer is accurate to a 2% margin of error, providing reliable power, cadence, speed, and distance data. Like with all wheel-off trainers, make sure to factor in the cost of a cassette when going about the buying process.
THE KICKR MOVE
The KICKR Move is the perfect trainer for the diehard cyclists who are ready to train throughout the winter. The movement in the trainer provides a more natural ride feel, limiting the ‘trainer bad habits’ that you pick up when you are riding a static platform. This trainer allows for up to 20% grades and resistance to 2200 watts. One quality feature from this trainer is the ERG Easy Ramp, allowing you to pause your effort, and then gradually get back into it, rather than requiring a leg-busting effort to get back up to speed. With Wahoo Race mode, riders are able to boost their Wi-Fi connection to the trainer, allowing seamless integration with Zwift, ensuring that a slow connection will never ruin your trainer races. This is the most accurate trainer in the lineup, with a 1% margin of error.
ACCESSORIES
Each trainer in this list is compatible with any of the accessories in the Wahoo ecosystem. The Kickr Climb will pair with your bike to provide accurate ramps as you hit the climbs. The rocker bottom integrates seamlessly with the Kickr Move, ensuring that the whole system can move as you ride. The Kickr Headwind fan is the perfect fan for riding on the trainer. The quiet, smart fan will integrate seamlessly with your Wahoo system, even connecting to your heart rate monitor to increase the fan as your effort increases. The fan will also integrate with Zwift adjusting the fan depending on speed and gradient.
WRAPPING UP
Wahoo provides a complete line of trainers for every cyclist out there. While there are a few more trainers on offer than these three, these are the favorites of the shop. If you have any additional questions, or need help getting your trainer set up, feel free to swing by the shop or contact us through the website to get all the help you need.