Zwift virtual shifting on Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One: details and ride impressions

The new Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One smart trainer uses Zwift’s virtual shifting for broad compatibility with 8- to 12-speed bikes on the established Wahoo Kickr Core platform.
This product means a few things: a truce of sorts between two companies who were legally battling last year, but perhaps more important to you, a $600/600 euro smart trainer that works with most any bike without having to swap cassettes.
It also marks the end of the very short life of Zwift’s foray into hardware with the Zwift Hub One smart trainer on which the Click shifter and Cog cassette for virtual shifting were introduced, and which kick-started the Wahoo suit for patent infringement.
In this video I’ll tell you how the Kickr Core Zwift One works, how it compares to the both the outgoing Hub One and the other Kickr smart trainers in Wahoo’s lineup. I’ll share what it feels like to ride, how to set it up, and how its power measurement compares to on-bike power meters. I’ll tell you what I like and don’t like, and also give some feedback on the Zwift Play controllers, which I’ve been using for a few months and which also works with the Kickr Core Zwift One.
I'll tell you who this is good for, and who it’s not good for.
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[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Hi all. Some answer to some of your questions below. -Can I buy the Cog/Click separately? As of now yes but Cog/Click upgrade kit sold on Zwift.com is only compatible with the Zwift Hub trainers. Upgrade kit for Wahoo is coming but there is no official date. -Can I convert an existing Core? You can access virtual shifting on existing Core with the firmware update and Play Controllers, but there is not a Cog/Click upgrade kit for Core available at this time. -Can I convert an existing Kickr? As of now, now, but it seems likely to come in the future.

[@roberthenri9945]

Let me start by complimenting you on your relatively unbiased content. I also have a couple of question and a comment: First questions is how well if, at all, will the Zwift equipment work with alternative training apps like Rouvy, etc. and does all the std and optional clickers work with these app? Second, will this allow you train your real world shifting skills?And to add a little perspective/ comment, I did own a Kicker Core but quickly ditched it in favor of a Tacx Neo. I was lucky to be able to try the two back to back and my bike shop let me trade-in/ upgrade to the Neo. Aside from the Neo being noticeably quieter and smoother than the Wahoo (something more apparent when tested together), it was night and day more stable - which for a big and powerful guy means a hell of a lot!!! I'm 6'3" 100kg and can hit 1400+ watts, but the latter is just not practical or safe on the Wahoo. The Waboo trainer was jumping around like crazy during sprints and any serious side to side motion would almost put me on my ass. It just did not allow me to mimic real riding or train efficiently. IMHO maybe Zwift hub ok for novices and the mechanically challenged, and the underlying Wahoo family is best suited for small riders or those only doing low intensity and/or steady efforts. BTW I even tried adding weights to the Wahoo base, but that was a exercise in futility. The Tacx did cost more but it ticked all the boxes and was worth the money, although had I not used both machines I might not have no known what I was missing. This point may be an idea for a testing episode😂

[@milkman2591]

I just got one and it’s pretty awesome, can swap between all bikes without worrying about cassettes

[@therealpinkyskull]

My 8 year old kickr gen1 that refuses to die is gonna have to finally be retired for the hub version. Can’t wait to be able to put my other bikes on this.

[@f2st1]

Can you convert regular Kicker Core to use Zwift cog?

[@AJHillis]

Yes. Just update the firmware on your existing Core.

[@user-pk4en6ih2l]

@@AJHillisso all you need is to buy the zwift cog and click?

[@ErickMoreno]

You don't even need to buy the cog. You can buy the Zwift Play controls and keep your regular cassette.

[@proffate]

Indeed, I use virtual shifting with a regular cassette so I can modify my pedaling dynamics during non ERG mode Zwift riding such as racing. Smaller physical gear ratio paired with higher virtual gear uses slightly different muscles/yields a different feel as compared to big physical/small virtual.

[@alejandro.a.m]

@@proffate Why does he say that cog/click upgrade is only available for the zwift hub and not yet for the Core ?? I think it’s available, no??

[@jaehwanlee8431]

That Lauf Uthald 👀Do I see a review in the near future?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Riding it in Arizona right now.

[@iamnicoalfonso]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Looking forward to this review.

[@schadenfreude1057]

Regarding the instability of the KICKR Core, I came across a random post on Reddit where the poster found that turning the legs around provided a lot more stability. I.e. turn the rear one so the logo faces inwards and the front leg so the logo also faces inwards. I tried this and not only is it more stable, but I find it has improved my comfort on the bike. My KICKR Core is a couple of years old, so I’m not sure if this is something addressed in this version

[@Gledii]

hi. did you test the virtual shifting with a regular cassette? on high gears, i have a strong vibration and im wondering if now by using virtual gear, i can stay on a lighter gear but use the virtual to shift and eventually have less vibration as on small cogs

[@christophrcolon]

Great video! I think I'm going to pick one up but I have a question for you... If I get the trainer with the casette will I still have to shift virtually or will I be able to shift from the bike? Thanks!

[@jesuscruz836]

Ben, I have a question. You obviously are building up, breaking down and are traveling with a large number bicycles. What are your top tool recommendations? Yes, I noticed the unique looking tools you used to take off and put on the cog. Thanks in advance.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I could do a video on this. 🤜🤛

[@docalvin15]

Can i convert the hardware ie zwift hub of my wahoo kickr core to this one? Do they sell it separately?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Not yet. See above.

[@DDGB08]

Great review

[@adamgaisser1875]

I've been riding a smart trainer for the past 3 years. In the winter months I ride on the trainer 5 to 6 days a week. I am not a racer and use the trainer to stay in biking shape all winter long. I use the Zwift companion app on my phone to control direction and power ups within the game (no sweat on my laptop). I feel having the same exact gearing (cassette + chainrings) as your outdoor bike is important. This way the bike feels similar when riding indoors. Based on this I see no need for the single hub and the Zwift shifter. I don't want to have to relearn shifting using the shift device. I would rather shift just as I do outdoors on the road. If I was looking to get into a smart trainer I think this is a good option but go with the cassette version and match the cassette to what is on your bike. Getting a year of Zwift for free is also a nice perk of this option. I also use Rouvy as an alternative to Zwift. Sometimes the video game feel of Zwift gets old. Thanks for the great review Ben.

[@lawlerskeetz]

It takes a very short amount of time to get used to a different gearing, as someone who rides multiple different bikes you barely even notice it

[@jpa2825]

My turbo bike is Shimano shifter and my outdoor e-bike (Domane+ 2019) is SRAM. Seems like this would solve the hassle of switching back & forth.

[@KevinGreeneGaucho]

Which buttons and/or levers do you use on the Zwift Play Controllers? (Not the Zwift Click)

[@brandon9023]

Quick, and perhaps stupid, question. Can a person set a single speed up on this without a derailleur or does it need a chain tensioner of some sort?

[@Chader9]

You need a method to tension the chain at the very least. And keep in mind that you must have at least a 130mm QR style axle frame since that is the smallest these trainers fit.

[@brandon9023]

Thanks @@Chader9

[@hornav]

YES!

[@mossioz6963]

Does the virtual shifting work on a regular workout (train based on your own plan)?

[@mihaiturdean5757]

Could you use the shifting in other apps besides Zwift?

[@lpeter1172]

Not yet, maybe later

[@thodpa]

Odd question: I’m a die hard ERG Moder on a Tacx Neo 2T with HG freehub body. Can I use this Zwift cog/cassette in lieu of a regular Shimano 9 speed QR cassette, or is the interface specific to the wahoo trainer fh body in some way?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

For now at least, you need a Wahoo trainer. Not for the mechanical interface, but for the firmware so it will work with the Click shifter.

[@thodpa]

Yeah totally get that - but if I have no interest in the click shifter and I don’t Zwift (I TR!) can I just use this “cassette” as a cassette replacement ?

[@90041hood]

How does it compare to the Zwift Hub that it is replacing? I got the Hub and wondering if I should switch.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Pretty darn similar.

[@biketrybe7071]

Thanks, Ben. Is the hub compatible with the Kickr Power?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Not yet, but I bet that it will be.

[@RafsanChowdhuryYork]

Heya! do you think this will work with a Triban RC120?

[@josep9599]

Yes

[@thedownunderverse]

One could use this without a rear derailleur, right? Like just with a 1x front chainring… say if we have a spare bike frameset lying around

[@ErickMoreno]

That's what I do. 1x with a rear chain tensioner. I don't even have any derailleur in my Zwift bike.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@ErickMoreno what does a rear chain tensioner look like? I thought they were specific to horizontal dropouts

[@BS-ze1sw]

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

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yes you can.

[@kadenlindsey358]

I just bought the zwift hub one this morning and the wahoo kickr one wasnt on the site, should i cancel my order and get the wahoo???

[@Girrafffe]

I'm in the same boat wondering that....

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You know, that might not be a bad idea. I would hope Zwift would honor product care well into the future, but the fact is they are no longer in the hardware game while Wahoo still is. Do with that info what you will.

[@samuel8590]

Looks like you have to purchase as a bundle on their website.

[@jimryan6168]

Need one for wahoo SYSTM

[@kodiakrider7612]

Does it work with on HG cassettes or XDR as well?

[@Chader9]

HG cassette only.

[@branthayenga3967]

No footage of you on your daughter's 7 speed bike? 😉

[@dzezydzerk]

do not recommend cog! very noisy at least with my tiagra set. i put regular cassette and is much much better.

[@CaribbeanCyclist]

Remove the plastic lock ring

[@BLITZKRIEG1]

never understood why people destroy their bikes on these silly indoor trainers 😂😂

[@BS-ze1sw]

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

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yes, you can. There is a Shimano freehub underneath, and you can also buy a SRAM driver.