Wahoo Kickr Core: A Normal Person's Review

I've been thinking about getting a Wahoo Kickr for some time now and trying to work out "do I need a smart trainer". I've looked at the Kickr Core, the Kickr Smart, rollers, and various TacX options for smart trainers, but I also had a lot of simple questions like "will a smart trainer tkae up too much space". Eventually I commited, so see how I feel about it, and let me know if there are any questions you have abut smart trainers.
#kickr #wahookickrreview #smarttrainer
Subscribe to keep up to date and check out the rest of my videos through my channels and playlists. For more of my photography and writing, please check out my website at littletipple.com or follow me @little_tipple on instagram.

[@jasonlikesokinawa]

I love this Normal Person's review. I have seen all of the techy reviews, and I understand the lingo, but this review was refreshing and very convincing. Thank you kind sir.

[@RPA1999]

Thank you for your honest review. Love every aspect you cover. I'm waiting for my Wahoo Kickr core this week. Looking forward to it.

[@oling2812]

Super accessible and straightforward review. Thanks very much :)

[@timothylyons7399]

Superb video!! Loved it and all the info I wanted as a indoor cycling noob on a budget. I’ll be ordering one soon!

[@hdashg]

This is like a close knowledgeable friend giving you the lowdown without any influencer BS - no peddling any fancy unnecessary crap. Thanks mate

[@LittleTipple]

I appreciate that, thank you so much!

[@mchammer5442]

I just got one secondhand a few days ago. Can't wait for it to arrive :)

[@PITMASTERX]

Great review, really helpt with desicion

[@borissamaru6496]

Thanks. Lovely, practical review. Very helpful. 👍🙂

[@jackfryer3617]

Awesome vid. Just a quick one sweat damages carbon frames and components. The towel you mentioned that goes from seat to handlebars is to protect the frame more than anything. Keep riding biss

[@JaredLucas]

A large C-clamp might be a viable handle option if you have some handy. If you can drill holes anywhere in the thing, many more options become available

[@williamcooper9753]

I bought one 9 mos ago and love it. Every other morning zwifting an hour in the garage with my coffee, electrolytes, banana and some rock and roll. Sweet. Don’t overlook the kicker snap. It is just as quiet and smooth. Fan required. HDMI from your device to a big screen recommended.

[@virginiascurti5036]

Kickr Snap has compatibility issues with mountain bikes does not support boost spacing plus you need to buy at least one sensor if not both, throw in a work mat and an adapters and your talking you might have spent the money on the Core.

[@miazga82]

loved you video. I think I wil get one also. I was thinking about it already for 2 years, same as you :)

[@LittleTipple]

Go for it! let me know how you get on!

[@joefagan9335]

Great review - just what I was looking for 👍

[@zey7974]

thanks, cycle regularly and some days just wish i had a way to do to indoors on those bad days.

[@poloreacts27]

Great review!

[@chones_]

This was a *fantastic* review. I'd listen to you review any tech product. Subbed.

[@LittleTipple]

Thanks for the sub!

[@PeterSdrolias]

My Kickr plus TrainerRoad have literally transformed how well I ride in the summer! Total game changer!

[@neilbeacher17]

Nice review with a focus on real world concerns - thanks. Two questions if you don’t mind? 1. Have you had to mess around much with the gear cable tension swapping between outdoor bike use and putting it on the trainer? 2. When you paired external sensors up up like HRM, cadence sensor maybe? - did you do that through Wahoo or Zwift app? Thanks again

[@gorviv529]

Very helpful and encouraging. Thank you.

[@LittleTipple]

Did you decide to get one…? How’re you getting on…?

[@gorviv529]

@@LittleTipple Yes, I did. Took me months to make room in my basement to put the setup in. Was an absolute pain in the backside to put together, but eventually did (even had a mobile bike repair person come in to look at an issue with the chain). It's set up, but got frustrated trying to sync with the Wahoo app (specifically where they ask you to "calmly" pedal up to 23 miles per hour). Tried several times over two days to do, but couldn't. Got frustrated and now it's collecting dust. Need to lose weight through other means before trying it out again.

[@vazthespursguy]

Great review, it would be interesting to get a current update? How are you finding it?

[@amosb1452]

Great review.

[@ASSEENBYSB]

great review

[@lomicwind]

I am tempted to get one, but not sure I'll be motivated to use it. I'll go through winter this year to see how much it lowers my monthly mileage (first season of "serious" cycling). Thanks for the "normal person's review" that's really interesting.

[@casualuserish]

You don’t cycle as much in the winter, I was sceptical but just picked up a kickr snap, and it really is awesome

[@fifalianajoyride]

I was a skeptical for a couple years but i finally got one. I am in canada.... from November to April, no outside ride, but I am a triathlete so, I need to be fit as soon as the season starts. It's ridiculously awesome to start the season fit and ready... I was afraid that I would hate it, and that I would not be motivated to use it... I mainly use zwift... and honestly zwift on my computer and KZbin on my tablet make rides very enjoyable.

[@lomicwind]

@@fifalianajoyride I can ride all year long, winter is not cold (compared to Canada, temperature rarely goes below zero C° and if it does, the weather is very nice), it may rain regularly but if motivated you can ride when it is not raining. It is only a motivation issue ^_^

[@yijuntey]

I'm looking to buy a wahoo kickr for myself too since it rains quite a lot here in singapore. The price of this is not bad but my only concern was how much i would rlly use it after i buy it, and im not rlly that knowledgable in bike assembly/dissasembly so i dont know if i would go through the fuss of disassembling my back wheel every time i'm going to use the kickr. this video was really helpful though, thanks!

[@francisearley4313]

I love mine and tide it multiple times a week. It is hot here in the desert and this is a good alternative. I hated my mag trainer, it ate tires and was a pain to ride longer than 15 minutes.

[@virginiascurti5036]

Yea thats another reason for a direct drive although they sell trainer tires these days that made to be more durable.

[@virginiascurti5036]

Liked everything I heard just ordered one from Amazon for Primer Day for $425, unfortunately I have a weight of 2-4 weeks Amazon because they did not have enough in stock and after the Prime Day say instead of shipping out the date suddenly changed for when they are available, Amazon customer service sucks anymore. I just got a gravel bike and I mountain bike but summer and winter can be a bit harsh and the treadmill just does not do it for me as intensive of an exercise compared to the bikes and I lose conditioning using it instead of biking.

[@virginiascurti5036]

I can see a musical instrument in the background how did the "It will make too much noise", question ever pop into your head?

[@pirminborer625]

I get quite a lot of vibrations trough my bike, especially at higher speeds. Do you have the same issue?

[@JavSherKA]

thank you! question, did you do the full frontal test and if so, what gear did you start on? Do you run on ERG mode or have a specific level you use

[@Andrii_Dovbenko]

Great review. Currently waiting for my kickr core, when it will be delivered to Ukrainian.

[@julesnfriends]

Nice review thank you, well filmed. I can see you have an apple TV, I would need to pair this to a normal 32"smart TV, you wouldn't happen to know the best method of connection with the Core would you? Happy winter cycling...

[@LittleTipple]

I mean, I do have an Apple TV, but it wasn’t featured in this video at all, or any other video either, so not sure how you saw that! I actually use the tv to watch Netflix, and use Zwift on the iPad in front of me - sorry that’s not much help! I wish you luck though, and let me know how you get on!

[@julesnfriends]

Of course yes sorry, bike shop said connect the Core to an Apple TV, I saw yours on your right shoulder at 1.30s and leapt to conclusion. I like the TV thing, it's hard to find out how to connect it to a smart TV. I'll let you know, Core is on the way - subscribed.

[@rogersheppard2587]

What FREE options are there for just tracking distance, speed and power? I don't want a Zwift subscription to just track this so does this product come with free access to an app to track these items and/or just take a basic virtual ride?

[@randibechtel879]

How do you know what type of stuff that you needed to order from Amazon? I am I’m sure I don’t quite understand.

[@rhenceocampo3253]

Yes

[@katelynblack7851]

Helpful review. I think I’ll go for it. The Amazon cassette is still holding up?

[@milesian1]

It was a cassette tool, not the cassette itself.

[@Number-id8ld]

Do you need to buy a casette or does it come with one?

[@benpit2762]

Thanks it’s helpful, I still haven’t decided yet… I am hesitating between the Snap and the Core. Seriously how long does it take to remove your wheel and attach it to the trainer? Thanks

[@velogoo]

go for the core if you can afford it, with wheel on I’d suggest using a spare wheel/tyre anyway to avoid wear on main tyre.

[@paginini]

The wheel removal is so quick n easy.. trust me n wheel on will wears quick n takes more space the most expensive one is eay easier to carry. N heavy flyweel makes a more organic feel.

[@williamcooper9753]

I have a Kickr and a Snap. Neither one is a hassle to put the bike on. Both are quiet and smooth. Once your ridding you won’t know the difference. The snap is a bargain. Also, these things wear out. Wahoo backs up their product but be aware they won’t last forever.

[@benpit2762]

@@williamcooper9753 Thanks appreciate the feedback!

[@mister_ray]

Big price cuts on smart trainers this season. I leave an older bike permanently on my Elite Justo smart trainer.

[@chrishohe7155]

Do you have to re-index every time you switch from bike to trainer? Thanks

[@sleepdeprived9181]

You should since they are not always spaced the same. I don’t do it though since i dont got time for that. I just pick the gear that grinds less. Ideally you should have a dedicated bike for it that you do not have to remove on and off.

[@bernarddoyle8174]

What did you pay for that model?

[@joefagan9335]

Are you still using it?

[@jamesclemons9284]

Is there a certain weight limit with this trainer. I'm 225lbs and I don't know if this will be an issue for the trainer

[@GoGogurt]

300lb you'll be good

[@jababijamovi5088]

I think max weight is like 125-130kg? Something like that. With 225lbs i think ur in that line.

[@jenniferfry7153]

What about pet hair? I have two cats and a dog. Can it be covered maybe with a towel?

[@LittleTipple]

what're you worried about with pet hair? I keep mine under my desk next to the dogs bed, and have never had an issue with dog hair causing any problems. You could keep it covered with a towel whilst not in use maybe?

[@BugMonsters]

Did your bike need indexing after putting it on?

[@LittleTipple]

I didn't index it, as all the gears worked, but definitely noticed the lower gear doesn't sound as clean as when I'm on the road - it would probably help if i indexed it, but then would need to redo it for riding outside - might think about it over the winter though...

[@craighamilton1299]

FulGaz is fun on the Wahoo - not at all boring.

[@rogeriosantos321]

Arrived as expected with all parts intact, also included two hex keys for assembly. kzbin.infoUgkxwOUUBdw8-88Iu4QnQS7q6b2NwZkHiYVl Had to adjust mine slightly to fit my bike, this was easy enough with instructions. I bought it to train with my track bike and found it to have resistance similar to climbing a slight gradient. Takes a while to learn to balance but there is plenty of guidance to help on the internet. Edit: There was more resistance at lower speeds because of the number of contact points but at higher speeds it is much easier as you don’t have to contend with drag.

[@TheKillerman3333]

if i get this i need a new bike, something with 8 cogs on the back end becuase all my bikes are 21 speed not 24 speed, including my road bike.

[@LittleTipple]

So you should just be able to get a 7 cog gear set for the turbo, you don't need a new bike - you may need to get a spacer for them, but the idea of these is they should fit every bike. Don't quote me on that, but i'm 90% sure.

[@TheKillerman3333]

@@LittleTipple i had a chat with my mechanic, and i need a whole new bike for the kickr core, or at least a new gear shifter.

[@jcmx2222]

You bougth your bike in wich year? I have an Allez 2014 and im not sure if its going to fit with the kickr core

[@LittleTipple]

i can check the frame and see if it has any date on it, but it was probably 2013/2014, if not earlier, and it fits well. hope that helps.

[@texicon]

Sweat bands!!!

[@casualuserish]

The smart trainer increases the resistance (I believe via an electro magnet), so that the energy needed to overcome the resistance is higher, simulating a climb The high intensity workouts are good because you can go really deep over a short period, say after work, or between meetings. I find that I can push myself harder in 30 mins than I can for a 3 hour ride. I hope these deep intervals are improving my climbing and endurance abilities.

[@augiedonkers5668]

A Normal Actor´s Review