Wahoo KICKR CORE Zwift One Review // Virtual Shifting on a KICKR!

[@Andy171152]

Today I bought a 2nd hand Wahoo Kickr core (2021) and had also purchased yesterday a Zwift Click on its own from Zwift UK. Updating the Kickr firmware via the Wahoo app was simplicity itself on my Samsung A34 and the Zwift Click was identified with the Zwift companion app. My Wahoo cadence sensor was also picked up. I used my Shimano 10/34 Cassette on the Kickr and lined up a mid gear with my 50 tooth crank gear. Immediately on starting Zwift on my Lenovo laptop everything worked perfectly including my Garmin heart rate monitor. I was expecting some hassle with the connections but it didn't happen! The riding sensation with the virtual shifting is superb and the whole system is silent! If you have a Kickr Core buy the Zwift Click and transform your indoor cycling experience.

[@chawley52]

Hmmm....I swapped my 1x11 gravel bike setup for the Zwift Cog Upgrade kit, and my experience has been very satisfactory. Having the extra gears with closer ratio spacing is great for me (~1 - 1.2 W/kg, 80-90 rpm), and I found the cog to be as quiet or quieter than my 11-speed cassette (waxed chain and spot on alignment). Thanks for your review and all the great info!

[@therealpinkyskull]

I’m gonna buy this ASAP, I’m still using the first gen kickr that I’ve had for 8 years lol. The first Gen Kickr refuses to die but it’s inaccurate and now I can use any of my bikes on this hub.

[@johanferreira1727]

Thanks for the review. I watched it as I also experienced the zwift cog making some amplified noise especially at higher cadence with low power output. Good to know it’s not bad alignment on my part.

[@rikmo777]

Damn, you actually answered all my questions :D Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Happy to help. Thanks!

[@kovie9162]

Also, since you don't really need the Hub One hub/cog device for virtual shifting, just a wireless controller and a firmware update, it actually makes sense for people who regularly also use other virtual riding platforms and not just Zwift to stick with their existing cassette when using virtual shifting in Zwift. This way they can still shift normally on the other platforms, at least until they offer virtual shifting too, at which point there's really no reason to keep regular cassettes installed on a trainer that does virtual shifting. You also don't need the Hub One hub/cog device for multi-bike households so long as you're only looking to ride in Zwift with virtual shifting, and at most will have to trim the driveline when swapping bikes, as you only need to be on one cog in VS mode.

[@garyharmon5386]

Thank you for your quick reply. I will watch it again

[@roberttyszko6138]

So Des, let me get this straight. I can buy the click accessory, pair it with my Kickr Core , update its firmware and just ride with virtual shifting? Like, why would I buy a kicker bike? I guess Zwift wouldn’t care

[@feliciano2189]

Thank you very much for the review. When you compared the noise between 11speed cassette and zwift cog, the derailleur seems to be not placed similarly. Could it be that the bigger noise (when using the cog) come from friction between the chain and the rear cage derailleur? Thanks!

[@madyogi6164]

6:57 It's far away from silent. Chain rubs while passing across derailleur pulleys? Too long for the setup? It's also bit noisy with the cassette. Idea itself of that single cog wheel is pretty clever.

[@Inserico]

Thanks for the review. Your recording of the sound really peeked my interest. So to reduce the noise, is it possible to swap out the original sprocket for one that matches your chain, like if you have an 11spd cassette usually, take a similar sized sprocket from that cassette and swap it into the unit instead?

[@DesFit]

Yup! You could really just run a matched cassette and just not shift the gears on your bike

[@Inserico]

Perfect, thank you!

[@akeccunkaq]

Is it possible to use it with another software than Zwift ? For instance with MyWoosh ?

[@BS-ze1sw]

Hi , if I buy Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One can I use cassette in the future ?

[@coralsaddiction4598]

Yes. You can just replace the Zwift hub with a cassette.

[@kovie9162]

Just to make sure, in virtual shifting as you shift up or down, the resistance gets harder or easier but the virtual speed also gets faster or slower, proportionately, so you get the exact same effect that actual gear shifting would give you and in terms of feel it's effectively the same, right? Also, any idea why a freehub is part of the Hub One mechanism and it isn't just a one cog "cassette" with equal sized spacers on either side that you could could swap out for a regular cassette? Because Wahoo and Zwift are saying that you can't upgrade a Core the way you can upgrade a Hub to be a One, because it involves swapping out the actual freehub, which makes no sense.

[@StephenGair]

Your video was very helpful. I am having issues with the connection between the Wahoo Core and the Clickr in that it is not changing gears. I am not seeing what gear I am in on the screen.

[@garyharmon5386]

I have got to buy a new Kickr because my $1300 Kickr is worn out. I am going to buy the Core but I do not want the Hub. My question is will virtual shifting work with a cassette if you leave it in the middle gear.once you download the firmware

[@DesFit]

Yes, details about that in the video

[@DFlo780]

I asked this on Shanes channel as well and hope either one of ya could answer this for me... "random question for ya... So I don't use zwift for indoor rides, i just use my Garmin Edge 1040 to do indoor training rides. Will the "click" pair with the edge in order to gear change on virtual rides or is this hardware only compatible with zwift for the time being? Thanks, love the content!"

[@DesFit]

The Click talks to the Zwift app. Thanks!

[@MatthewMcKenna-b4i]

If I just wanted to virtual shift but keep my bike on its cassette, would you recommend buying the Zwift Play or just Zwift Virtual Shifter?

[@maxceresini]

looks great, thanks for the review. Does the virtual shift work with any other app or with zwift only?

[@DesFit]

Zwift only, at least at the moment. No word on compatibility with other platforms.

[@grega9220]

So my take on Zwift ONE vs CORE is basically: single cog vs cassette and zwift click vs manual. As for ERG mode with something like TR, both options work the same, correct?

[@archery570]

Do you need the cog with the Kickr V6 in order to virtually shift, or can you use just the zwift play/click?

[@mariussipas4933]

Can u use 12 speed cassette?

[@The1cemann]

Does it take your weight into consideration when simulating hills?

[@jmvdigital]

I want virtual shifting so bad! Zwift, please bring this to the Tacx Neo! 🙏

[@galenkehler]

Tacx please provide it for the trainer irrespective of platform

[@jmvdigital]

@@galenkehler Won't happen. At least not for a while. Tacx would need it's own handlebar shift hardware for this to work. It's far more likely that Zwift will implement first.

[@katesmiles4208]

Me too 😊

[@bryanhartman2469]

I can use my Zwift controller with my current cassette to change gears?!?!?

[@DesFit]

With the KICKR Core with a software update to the Core

[@bryanhartman2469]

@@DesFitawesome. Thanks. I’ll have to give it a try.

[@demmaikseingropp]

@@DesFit i have that setup. Zwift Play and Kickr Core have newest Updates. But no option for virtual shifting in the settings. Do you do you know why?

[@MarcraM82]

Do you think this virtual cog wears out the chain more?

[@iAmModulaR]

Could you use a single speed bike with this?

[@kojie333]

Will they update it to work with the kickr v6?

[@MrChadLedford]

That seems to be what they are saying

[@dougiemann3429]

Does this mean we can use it on single speeds?

[@dennisobrien2653]

what's the range of rear gears - I'm using a 11-34T what's this one do please ?

[@euthiestamos9731]

Please help: 1)The hub one is rated for between 19°F and 77°F. Is this comparable with all trainers? 2) while using hub one, and the click, erroneous speed values are reported to my Garmin head unit of over 100 miles an hour. does the kicker core one have this problem as well?

[@PedroPrego]

Why cant wahoo launch these bundles with the higher end kickr v5 or v6?

[@mitchleblanc]

Exactly. I don't understand the Kickr Core being pushed everywhere.

[@talonsprem8765]

Can the 14T cog be replaced with 12 or 13?

[@DesFit]

In theory, any gear size but it won't necessarily change the gear ratio since Zwift adjusts the gear ratio via software to the trainer.

[@epidemicsound]

🎶 track? It’s *Habits* by *Duckmaw* - and yes we are THRILLED to be your trusted provider. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l32oXpp8qM2JoKM // Epidemic Sound

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@Asaya911]

thank you for this

[@alanposner4991]

Great review! The hub is disappointingly noisy.

[@Alwaysunderablanket]

Do you know whether the Zwift Click will be available WITHOUT the cog for those of us happy to use the full drive train?

[@jmvdigital]

You don't need to use the cog.

[@Alwaysunderablanket]

Yes I’m aware of that 😂 but I’d rather not pay for it either

[@jmvdigital]

@@Alwaysunderablanket Oh gotcha. Buy the Play controllers instead. Much more useful anyway.

[@Alwaysunderablanket]

@@jmvdigital thanks I might give them a try. Only hesitation is when I ride indoors I rarely use the drops. Too old for that 💩, as they say!! So the click seemed like a neat option up on the bars near the stem. But I agree the Play comes with some added bells and whistles. Decisions decisions 🤔

[@jmvdigital]

@@Alwaysunderablanket You don't need to use the drops! The controllers are actually designed to work best on top of the hoods. You have to be on the hoods to reach the various top buttons. From the drops you can only reach the large steering/shifting paddles.

[@alejandrozuniga5875]

I wonder if this could work with a Tacx Flux 2 or only with a Wahoo?

[@DesFit]

Only with wahoo at the moment

[@alejandrozuniga5875]

@@DesFit 🙃😞😞 thanks

[@aneczka2114]

it better come to my Kickr

[@Chader9]

Per the DC Rainmaker article: - "what about other KICKR trainers? Wahoo/Zwift say that very shortly you’ll see firmware updates for the KICKR V6 (2022), and KICKR MOVE (2023) trainers released. Additionally, Wahoo is also working on the KICKR V4 (2018), KICKR V5 (2020) firmware, but that won’t quite be as quick. Again, this is all just using Zwift Play or Click, with your existing cassette and new firmware."

[@tassfilm]

I will definitely not be upgrading my Kickr to the hub. Increase in noise is significant.

[@pauldarlington9157]

Does anyone know if it will work with other SMART interactive systems so your not locked into a subscription after 12 months.

[@Bjustis2222]

Yes it is

[@rajavidhun]

If I just want to use the click with my casette for virtual shifting on my 11 speed what is a good place to leave the front and back gears ?

[@DesFit]

Small chainring on a 2X, middle chainring on a 3X. And then the most optimal cog in the back for the best chainline.

[@rajavidhun]

I just bought and returned Zwift Hub one because of hardware issues and replaced it with a Kickr CORE 11 speed. Good to know I can still just buy a zwift click and do virtual shifting and the noise info very useful @@DesFit

[@MaxwellORoark]

Why are you in the little ring?

[@DesFit]

That’s what is recommended (and also the best chain line)

[@DanKla91]

Seems u have got a faulty kickr core. it makes some high pitch noise all the time. But my new one did this also and some additional things. I got the 3 units now and they all do almost the same annoying sound with some differences. Wahoo says its normal. In many older videos u cant literally hear anyhting. But there are also tons of known probs with this trainer published. I guess Wahoo just gave up with this product. I went for the Zwift Hub One even its discontionued. U cant hear anything except the chain. Its just a little less stable because of the lower weight.

[@kaidean]

If you only need the clicker or play controllers, why can't they just update the companion app and let us use it without buying more plastic kit? Surely that would make sense. Maybe make it an in-app purchase or something. Better still, make it purchasable with drops!

[@DesFit]

Do you mean having virtual shifting in the Companion app itself without the Click or Play? The Cog isn't necessary, just a Click or Play controller plus a software update to the Core.

[@kaidean]

@@DesFit Exactly, it makes sense to me to be able to just use the companion app to shift without the need (and cost) of buying the upgrade kit for my Kickr. I am unlikely to buy the upgrade kit as I currenly only use one bike on my trainer but I am interested in trying out the virtual shifting capability of the Hub One. I think making it a reward for completeting something like the four horsemen on Zwift would be motivating for people (for me it would anyway!).

[@ErickMoreno]

I can't use my cell phone when it is covered in sweat. I can't imagine this working fine.

[@kaidean]

@@ErickMorenofair point, I manage but I can see it could be a problem. I still think it should be an option

[@kovie9162]

I thought about that but one, it's not currently possible in the app, per Zwift/Wahoo, and two, I realized that it would be really awkward and annoying to shift from a phone while cycling, even if it's mounted to the bars. You really do need dedicated buttons for that. What would be really nice is paddle controllers or buttons that go on top of your physical shifter to make virtual shifting feel even more realistic.

[@mariopejovic]

And I bought Hub One few weeks ago :( Kickr Core it seems better in every way, but Hub One has one slight advantage, at least for bigger riders. Stated max rider weight for Hub is 120kg, for Core is 113. Since I'm around 110ish, it gives me some solace that Hub has more wiggle room. Great video as usual, Des!

[@HaraldHagenmüller]

I'm in the same boat. Got mine 14 days ago. Contacted Zwift support today, because I don't want to have a 2 week old trainer that got discontinued all of a sudden.

[@mariopejovic]

problem for me is that Zwift doesn't deliver to my country. So I had to order to friends address in Germany and find someone willing to drive it to me for over a 1.000 kilometers. so, send it back is not so easy :(

[@eddiejensen3369]

You also have 10hz which the Core does not have.

[@mariopejovic]

true. but doubt that will make a difference to me, with my weight, not sure will I race at all :) I use Zwift to get back some fitness. but fair point. cheers

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Looks like zwift and wahoo settled things 😂

[@DesFit]

Yup, late last year when they settled the legal disputes

[@thisstuschannel]

I am sure this was the settlement...

[@ericclark7860]

Can you use the zwift click to shift if I am controlling my kickr v6 with my garmin edge?

[@marcing7684]

Sounds like a worn-out drivetrain

[@DesFit]

Actually a fairly new chain within 500 miles or so

[@richbutler5815]

Surely with the mismatched cog at the rear it would destroy a chain in half the time??

[@jonsopher6766]

Looking good, drop your heal. Just kidding.

[@Dangling_Carrot]

I have the kickr 6 called zwift they said it would work it does not even fit it will be more than a firmware update someone needs to get facts right

[@darinsteele7091]

they never released the cog yet for the kikr 6...

[@mossioz6963]

Can I use the virtual shifting o LEVEL (basic) mode? Meaning when doing my own workout.