43 Year Old Buys A Wahoo KICKR and…? (My Long Term Review)

This is my review of the Wahoo KICKR indoor smart trainer.
I bought the KICKR V5/2020, which is currently ON SALE (wahoofitness.com/devices/indo.... The new V6/2022 (just released) has an identical ride experience, but has a few extra tech features (notably wi-fi - which I haven't missed).
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
🦙 Wahoo KICKR V6/2022 (newest one): wahoofitness.com/devices/indo...
🐑 Wahoo KICKR V5/2020 (my one; still amazing): wahoofitness.com/devices/indo...
👍🏻 MY CYCLING GEAR 🐐 A handy list of the tech, tools and clothing I use and recommend: www.sportivecyclist.com/cycli...
📖 WANT TO READ RATHER THAN WATCH? ✍🏻 Here is the blog post version: www.sportivecyclist.com/wahoo...
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🏆 READ MY BLOG: Sportive Cyclist is a blog and KZbin channel that provides entertainment, inspiration and advice (hot tips!) for enthusiastic social and mildly competitive road cyclists. 🦩 Check it out at: www.sportivecyclist.com/
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[@Sportivecyclist]

Check out the Wahoo Black Friday sale prices - with quite a big discount on the KICKR: bit.ly/47L2qZE (my affiliate link so I might get a small % - you pay the same)

[@jefferycampbell2243]

I'm a 65 yr old daily road rider and based on my previous experience with wheel-on dumb trainers I had zero interest (actually negative interest) in smart trainers or virtual riding. Then my daughter bought me a Kickr for Christmas and I felt obligated to at least try it. By spring I was looking for excuses to continue Zwifting and delay heading outdoors. I still prefer riding outdoors while the weather is nice, but come winter I have to confess that I'm a pain cave pervert.

[@billr7056]

Ride on Jeffery!

[@s0012823]

Ride On!

[@StellaHulliet]

Hey there! As a 65-year-old daily road rider who was initially skeptical of smart trainers and virtual riding, I totally get where you're coming from. But let me tell you, the experience of using the Wahoo KICKR changed my perspective entirely. That's why I'm so excited to share with you a new project called the freebeat Morph 2-in-1 eBike. It's an eBike that can be used both outdoors and indoors, and get this - it can be charged when you're using it indoors! This feature alone adds such convenience and versatility. Definitely worth checking out, especially if you're also a fan of Zwifting in the winter. Happy riding!

[@Afraidwyre]

Been going through reviews of the Wahoo Kicker V5 / V6 lately, and this is the single best, albeit hilariously absurd video I've watched. Well done sir!

[@georgeberger9546]

One of the best-and certainly funniest-KZbin videos I’ve ever seen. I’m a 59-year old cyclist with about a year on my V5 KICKR, and agree with absolutely everything you said…save, maybe, the parts about the sexy dance. Nobody can unsee that. 😉 In any case, thank you for an informative and entertaining video review!

[@itsjustfaith]

I forgot i was here to learn about the kickr and got carried away with your delivery. 😂 You are amazing. Truly enjoyed watching this video.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks Faith. I do my best! Did you get a Kickr?

[@skinwalker_]

I wish I had a fraction of your humor. Great video

[@Didyoureallythinkaboutit]

Ok, I just had to pause the video and thank you for the chuckle. You giggled me. Thanks. I’m 61 born in 61, and my new Trek Domane SL 6 is gonna feel sweeeet on this trainer. Oh the guns are pumping.

[@jimbrittain402]

I cannot imagine a situation in which I would buy a smart trainer, but I look forward to your videos because I love your delivery style. Thanks.

[@benbeelerfitness2595]

I enjoyed every second of this video! That was EXACTLY the review I was looking for!

[@r.massattack4052]

I'm currently using a dumb trainer with Wahoo Cadence and Speed sensors and am having a ton of fun on Zwift. THANK YOU for this review because I am looking at a smart trainer so I can have accurate readings and getting the most out of my training. I'm leaning towards the Zwift smart trainer coming out in a few weeks but I don't mind spending the money on a tried and true trainer like your showing. Great Video

[@K114LED]

love the review mate, great personality I was in stitches at times.

[@finmac5548]

Literally laughed out loud watching this😂…..Looking for an indoor trainer and enjoyed this review far more than any other I’ve watched…..informative and entertaining……brilliantly done mate! Subbed! 🫡👍

[@johngardner1898]

I love my Kickr 5 which I use exclusively on Zwift. I have had three different cassettes mounted (9, 11, and now a 12) on it successfully. I also bought the wahoo fan and the kickr climb. All expensive, all work reliably as advertised.

[@jah0963]

Having just bought a Kickr core, after resisting the insistence of the misses to buy one, I’m a full on pain cave convert. I don’t subscribe to many channels, find myself going down rabbit holes, but subscribed here instantly and for the first time hit the notification bell. Your videos are entertaining and informative plus honest. Great combo. FYI, would like to hear your take on why Zwift to Wahoo X (RGT & SYSTM). In my quick comparison after my Kickr purchase, much prefer Wahoo X.

[@heinrichkleist3473]

Great video! So hilarious whilst also being informative.

[@kalmirza2564]

Great video, lovely jubbly sense of humour. I just set up my Smart Kickr (got the WiFi version). Looks like I need to get Zwift. Been hearing good things about it and your vid just pushed me over the edge (don’t push me cuz I’m close the edge and all that). Thx again! Subscribed too!

[@dblissmn]

Subscribed for the selfie at 1:03! Very useful review.

[@jsalman1955]

The best! Hilarious and informative. Bravo!

[@eeriklilles9323]

Love your approach and info

[@MandyH1972]

You got yourself a new subscriber on the strength of this video.

[@jeromed9750]

Wow! I chose the Kickr for the exact same 3 reasons! Ahah! Amazing video!

[@pearseryan154]

Ok great insight into the Wahoo trainer, like the funny/ sarcastic vibe, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the sexy dance moves, I washed my eyes several times but still the image returns, great vids though thanks

[@sqd8r]

Got to say, you got me on the why - I'm at an elite level - bit. Great review.

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thanks. I try 😀👍🏻🦙

[@michaelangelofrancis]

Fantastic diction and content. Would like to congratulate you on how clearly you speak. And you have a pleasant voice. God bless you abundantly

[@borissamaru6496]

Nice fun human review. Thank you

[@victoraguilar7632]

Loved the humor!! 😂

[@sachgopaul8665]

Bought mine two 2 weeks ago, thanks to a price drop. tested it once, and found no issues. for now i am still riding outdoors , until the canadian weather permits, then i’ll go full time on indoor training! as a first timer on a smart trainer , i find your video very encouraging!

[@fincity1964]

Thanks for the video!

[@jmluisdeoliveiramore]

Great rollers at a great price. Easy to assemble fun to ride

[@jimbojet8728]

A great vid. I’m about to buy a Kickr, the V6 I think, why not? Thank you

[@normcook9335]

Walnut-cracking leg spurts. That's not one I've heard before ... lol. Thanks for review ... I bought the Kickr Core and waiting for it to arrive. Still pleasant enough in Vancouver to ride outside thought (Sept 2023).

[@ryansteiger6960]

Thank you for the video 👍

[@jamesmallory2149]

Nice! I got a Kickr Core on Xmas sale last year and have been very happy with it. Very quiet and quite sufficient for my needs. I'm using RGT (now owned by Wahoo) since it's the only simulator that will run on my Chromebook. Way more fun than riding rollers like I used to, or being out in the rain...

[@ivanyhtang]

Zwift seems to work fine on my Chromebook. Maybe it works better on other devices but I haven't seen any big problems yet with a kickr connecting via bluetooth

[@jamesmallory2149]

The playstore tells me that Zwift isn't compatible with my device, so I can't even try it. It's a relatively new Chromebook (I bought it new this year) so I'm not sure how you're managing.

[@ivanyhtang]

@@jamesmallory2149 not a tech expert here but I had assumed Chromebooks wouldn't run zwift after some online reading. However when I tried, it worked so I was pleasantly surprised. I use a Google Slate (at least a couple years old now) and I could download zwift from the play store. Not sure if it makes it a difference given that the hardware is a Google product.

[@zituado]

Winter has come here now, so i will get this one.

[@christinacooper3954]

Very funny but informative thanks

[@icklegrangeplombier8051]

You had me at 'leg guns'😂😂😂

[@snafujag100]

Had two Cores. Both failed with the same sensor problem. Saris H2 for a year now. No issues.

[@311engineering]

British people be like, wot core, awesome review mate. Just kidding, light, humorous, and the meat and potatoes of a review. I’m a long time cyclist only now at 60, will be buying the kicker. Thank you and keep dancing my friend. Cheers TTFN.

[@eterlizzi]

Delivery is on point! I imagine u might have broadcast experience?

[@Sportivecyclist]

Ha ha. Only on the youtubez

[@Peakabike]

Was thinking just yesterday that there hadn't been any of your entertaining videos recently! Turns out I've been looking at upgrading my Snap to the V5 thanks to the recent price drop. Can't really justify the cost though especially since I use my old trusty 90s bike that gets sweat poured on it, not sure I want to submit my recent carbon bike to that treatment...

[@Sportivecyclist]

Yes it’s at a good price now. Glad to bring you hopefully another entertaining video…

[@Peakabike]

Definitely! Looking forward to the next one.

[@rhuggins573]

LOL, very entertaining!

[@SuperOrcy]

I love my kickr core and zwift. its literally set up in the shed, so there is zero activation energy to get on and ride. the weather is always about the same. and I can go as hard as I want, and dont have to worry about getting home if I run out of energy half way through a ride. also, there are less dickheads in cars trying to run me over. it literally wins on all fronts except "the great outdoors"

[@RealMTBAddict]

Literally? Wow

[@paulnepo3935]

Always love your witty comments and videos! Sounds like you bought this before Zwift made their Zwift Hub announcement. Would you have considered the Zwift Hub if you knew about it?

[@KDMeowmmy]

The v5 looks easy to set up with the app. How does the v6 compare to the v5? How is the wi-fi beneficial over the v5?

[@Whflynn3]

I am currently using a wheel on dumb trainer and am trying to figure out if I want a Wahoo Kicker or the new Zwift hub. That not withstanding, what table are you using? I really like that it has power outlets built in.

[@DJCJ999]

Given that my road bike spends the winter hung-up on my garage ceiling while I drive to a cross-trainer machine in the local gym.. there's a lot to like about the purchasing of a bike trainer..

[@SuchtFaktorHoch10]

@10:23 Came for the review, stayed for the entertainment. "The moment Kate Bush kicks in: PELVIC THRUST"

[@IdolOracle]

I've just bought a refurbished Core and it was great for a ride or two, before giving me loads of connectivity issues. The good news is that Wahoo support have so far been good and fast, and it looks like I have a faulty unit and will get a new one within a week or so. I'll update any comments when that's all said and done, but so far I'm pleased I went for a trusted and known product instead of taking a gamble on the new Zwift Hub when that comes out in a week or two

[@rodcosta2345]

Hey mate great video - what table is that in front of your trainer?

[@Sportivecyclist]

It’s the Lifeline trainer desk. There is a bit more detail on it in my Pain Cave tour video. I like it

[@rodcosta2345]

@@Sportivecyclist Awesome, thanks!

[@GeorgeAllen]

Not sure you are talking bollocks, those leg guns really are something to witness...🤣

[@Sportivecyclist]

Thank you

[@isthatujeebus]

Love it! 🤣

[@basploeg]

great video thank you im looking in to buying one myself, i have one question tho, do you need a ant+ dongle? cheers!

[@Sportivecyclist]

No. I use Bluetooth to connect the KICKR to my ipad, which is where I run Zwift. I just checked and I was also able to connect it to my computer via Bluetooth. You'd only need an ANT+ dongle if you plan to connect it directly to an older computer without Bluetooth. Even then I *think* you can connect via the Zwift companion app on your phone (though I understand this can have dropouts).

[@basploeg]

Thanks good to know, the v6 kickr also has wifi, I am overthinking which one to choose the core or the kickr. But now maybe best to save some money on the core.

[@savewhiteshark]

Hi interesting video, is the WAHOO KICKR V.5/2018 able to connect to internet via WI-FI? it also include a power-meter in ?

[@fabioslink5867]

Hi, do you buy it against tacx neo 2? I’m undecided the things i like is the feeling which kickr seeems to have.

[@55linka]

first video of yours I watched. I wonder if you have ever been fitted onto your bike? Your seat seems low and your position stretched out...of course you might be doing it as a preference but I noticed so maybe it will be useful...

[@lomicwind]

Do you have to shift gears on a home trainer ? If not, is there a recommended ratio between the front plate and the rear cog ?

[@Sportivecyclist]

You do if you’re free riding or in a race, as the resistance will be governed by the terrain and drafting. For ERG mode, you don’t change gear and the training changes resistance in line with the prescribed workout. I don’t know the recommended ratio but you want to minimise the stress on the chain. So that definitely means you want to align the choice of rear cog so it’s as straight in line with the front chain ring as possible. I always have it in the smaller front chain ring as well because i think I read somewhere that this is best practice in erg mode. I guess generally there are fewer strains on the drivetrain in this case as everything is under less tension.

[@lomicwind]

@@Sportivecyclist Thanks a lot ! Can't use a fixie (or an old bike with a poor derailleur) then. Except if you limit yourself to ERG mode, but I think it must be frustrating to not benefit from everything Zwift has to offer.

[@MrTheSkiper]

Can I get info of bike size and info about lenght of (back end of kicker and front end of your table)? I would like to know if setup fit in my room :).

[@MoD_Master_Of_Disaster_]

Incl decent viewing distance to tv, take approx 2,8 / 3m in account

[@MrTmmyh]

How would the sound be in a small cardboard box of a student appartment? I'd love to do some morning rides before class, but I would prefer not to wake up all the neighbours

[@benoittheminerandgamer]

What ANT+ dongle you use? Can we have a link to buy it?

[@Sportivecyclist]

Sure, it was this one: amzn.to/3EPGzEV

[@dperreno]

About the kickr moving on the mat - it appears that actually the mat was moving on the floor, while the kickr was not moving on the mat. This seems to be more of a mat issue than a kickr issue. Just my observation.

[@Sportivecyclist]

That could be true Doug. I will try to keep an eye in future on this.

[@dperreno]

@@Sportivecyclist Oh, I forgot to add that I am quite jealous of your Kickr. It has been added to my X-mas list!

[@Jaaskelainen1993]

5:35 can anyone explain the dongle needed for connection. Thinking of getting one of these.

[@Sportivecyclist]

This is only to connect it to my PC. You can connect the kickr to other devices (iPad, Apple TV) via their native Bluetooth connections. Or directly to a bike computer eg Garmin edge via ANT+

[@Jaaskelainen1993]

@@Sportivecyclist can I use zwift via my phone and connect to a normal smart TV?

[@SensuAudica]

Great video, buying one straight away. Go to work on my pelvic thrust! Oh and have a sub will ya!

[@redben9046]

You didn't say how much is your ftp right now ?

[@RealMTBAddict]

1.2

[@mrcrowleyoz]

There are many videos of defective wahoo trainers,,, may look for other alternatives

[@austinhull8331]

pքɾօʍօʂʍ 🎶

[@lakersmaster]

pelvic thrust, lols

[@aw7945]

Still sitting slightly to high m8

[@Sportivecyclist]

this is to accommodate my unusually shaped gonards.

[@RealMTBAddict]

"43 year old." That has no bearing on the quality of the trainer. You think 43 is old or something? Cry me a river.

[@Sportivecyclist]

No one clicks on a video titled ‘Wahoo KICKR quality’ though.

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@Sportivecyclist plenty of people do